Urban sprawl and development led to many of Finland’s oldest and proudest public saunas closing their doors, only to be replaced with yet more monotonous apartment blocks.

Today, that trend is reversing. In part due to international interest, saunas are making a comeback, with new public saunas popping up across the capital. For a country of just 5.4 million people, Finland now has 3.3 million saunas – more than one for every two Finns.

With so many saunas to try, Loyly definitely stands out thanks to its traditional-style smoke sauna, and focus on environmental sustainability.

For one, it’s the only sauna in Finland that has been accredited by the Forest Stewardship Council, which certifies all wood is sourced from responsibly-managed forests.

All electricity used on site is from wind and solar sources, while the restaurant deals largely in locally-sourced produce.

Saunas

Loyly has two large public saunas, along with private rooms ideal for groups.

The Smoke Sauna

The authentic Finnish experience. Traditional Finnish saunas have always been created by burning generous amounts of wood on a large stove in the center of the room. The smoke is then ventilated out, and the remaining heat used by bathers to stay warm.

Once in decline due to the expertise required to manage, smoke saunas are nonetheless widely considered by Finns to be superior to more modern alternatives.

See for yourself at Loyly’s 18 square meter smoke sauna, which accommodates up to 20 people at a time. Their sauna is well-prepared, and clients are usually a roughly even mix of locals and foreigners.

The sauna itself opens out onto the Baltic, meaning you can take a dip in the frosty waters when the heat gets too much. This is a mixed gender sauna, and because of this the use of bathing suits or a towel is required.

Wood-Fired Sauna

The more modern wood-fired sauna is slightly more spacey, at 22 square meters. Nonetheless, it still seats just 20 people at a time, making it somewhat more comfortable for anyone who appreciates their personal space. Unlike the smoke sauna, this one relies on venting and burning aromatic dried birch wood.

Like the smoke sauna, bathers can jump straight from the wood-fired sauna into the Baltic for a refreshing hit of cold.

It is also a mixed gender sauna in Helsinki, and use of a swimsuit or towel is required too.

Private Saunas

Up to twelve people can fit in Loyly’s private saunas, which come with a private shower and access to both the sea and eating areas.

At the time of writing, the cost was 300-400 euros per two hour visit, depending on whether you book during the week or weekend. For the steep price, you get privacy that’s perfect for group events, which also make these the only nude mixed gender saunas in Helsinki- if the group chooses to do so. 

Other Services

While you can’t bring your own, Loyly does have beverages and light snacks available for bathers. For something more substantial, the on-site restaurant is focused on seafood, and has a particularly good brunch menu. Don’t pass by the elk meatballs.

Location

Loyly Sauna is located in the seaside neighborhood of Hernesaari. Once an industrial hub just outside Helsinki, Hernesaari has since become absorbed into the capital – but not without consequences.

De-industrialization left the area without an identity a generation ago, though concerted efforts by the Helsinki government have seen Hernesaari flourishing again as a residential area with an upmarket hipster touch.

The nearby cruise harbor has likewise brought renewed interest to the once-industrial region, which is today one of the most dynamic corners of Helsinki. Here, sleek yachts dock in front of reclaimed waterside factories, juxtaposing Helsinki’s industrial past with swish modernity.

Understanding Finland Nude Saunas

Finland nude saunas are an essential part of Finnish culture, offering a unique and deeply rooted tradition that promotes both relaxation and social connection. In Finland, saunas are often enjoyed without clothing, a practice that reflects the country’s open-minded and nature-oriented lifestyle. Whether in private homes, lakeside cottages, or public sauna facilities, going nude is not only common—it's expected. This natural approach to wellness allows people to fully unwind, detox, and experience the authentic spirit of Finnish sauna bathing.

What makes Finland nude saunas especially unique is the respect and etiquette that come with the experience. Nudity is seen as normal and non-sexual, creating a judgment-free space where everyone can feel comfortable. Many visitors find that participating in a nude sauna in Finland is not only invigorating but also eye-opening, offering a deeper understanding of Finnish customs and values. For anyone exploring Finnish wellness traditions or seeking an unforgettable cultural experience, visiting a nude sauna in Finland is a must.

But first things first: Finnish public nude saunas in spas and swimming halls are gender separated. This means that while the same swimming hall or sauna is open to both genders, they will not be in the sauna at the same time. Public saunas by the lake tend to be mixed, but everyone wears swimming suits. There is, however, one exception, which you can learn more about here.

Thus if you were hoping to find something like in the picture above, keep dreaming. You won’t. If you want to learn more about what to expect in a Finnish sauna continue reading, otherwise you may want to read about other things I learned while visiting Finland.

Yrjönkatu Swimming Hall

I looked online for a public mixed sauna in Helsinki that would offer the quintessential experience during my visit; I’m not much of a fan of saunas but nonetheless wanted to see what the big deal is here anyhow.

Unlike in most places, public saunas in Finland are not just about heat and humidity, but are more of  a social event where strangers and friends come together to discuss whatever is relevant or not at the time.

My search didn’t yield too many options and I opted for the Yrjönkatu Swimming Hall, a public bath house in the center of Helsinki that opened in 1928 and for decades was the only indoor swimming pool in the city.

Anticipating a possible fee for borrowing a towel I grabbed one from my hotel and walked to the hall,  and after some trouble found it hidden in a little alley- I expected to find a big sign which apparently does not exist.

Drop Your Inhibitions- and Clothes

Once I found it I stepped into an old, dark wooden room- it did not even feel right. But I then saw a booth, and proceeded with the standard routine: pay 4 € (saved one because I had my own towel), walked to locker number 88, got rid of my clothes, placed the key-bracelet on my ankle and decided to go to the sauna first. 

Yrjönkatu Swimming Hall is a mixed gender nude sauna, but there’s a different schedule for each gender. As I made my way to the sauna I realized that unlike what I had expected, all swimmers were by themselves and not socializing, swimming back and forth in their lanes- butt naked.

The sauna was a  little bit of the same. There are two saunas, one slightly hotter than the other, and each had about 5 -8 males sweating and letting time go by, no discussions or friendly conversations as I had been told is the norm.

After about ten minutes I went to the pool and swam a few laps, and made my way back to the sauna. I repeated the process two or three times, and after about 30 minutes later I had had enough; I currently live in the tropics and preferred the cold weather outside than the steam in the hall.

I've come to consider this part of the world my favorite frozen playground anywhere (Inari is one perhaps my favorite town, just 25 minutes from Saariselka), and I'll tell you how to get to Saariselka Finland and share a few tips to make the most of your travel to this winter playground.

Where is Saariselka?

Saariselka is a small village located in the Inari municipality of Finnish Lapland, 30km from Finland’s northernmost airport, Ivalo, and nearly 1000km away from the capital city of Helsinki.

It lies in a valley and is essentially a collection of pretty hotels and holiday cottages, but is also a great spot for experiencing unique and all-year-round activities in the great outdoors.

Weather in Saariselka

Temperature in Saariselka can change drastically so the best advice I could give is to prepare for all types of weather. It is definitely much more pleasant compared to other parts of the world at the same latitude, but dressing with the right materials for each season is imperative.

As it is situated north of the Arctic Circle it does get cold in Saariselka during winter, but not in the way you might think. This is because winters are dry and don’t feel piercing thanks to the lack of high winds. 

That being said, there’s no reason to stay indoors; simply layering with warm winter gear will be enough.

Between December and mid-January may seem like an idyllically festive time to be in Saariselka and Northern Lapland, but with the sun nudging above the horizon for just a few hours each day, you’ll be limited on the number of things you can actually do.

If you want to get the most of the fresh white season, I’d recommend you to coming between February and March, when the weather will warm up nicely, even though there’s still plenty of snow. There are long hours of sunshine and the light effect is magnified by the white snow.

During summer, the sun doesn’t set at all and temperatures are regularly around 64°F (18°C) and 49°F (9°C) at night.

Summertime ends in early September, when the Ruska period of changing colours commences. This is also a marvelous season for hiking and observing the Northern Lights, which can be seen from late August until the end of April.

Things to do in Saariselka

As small as Saariselka may be, activities in Saariselka are plenty and for everyone. Most of them are of course outdoor related, but perhaps surprisingly some of them are indoor too.

Skiing in Saariselka Finland

Saariselka is considered one of the most popular ski resorts in Finland, and for good reason. It boasts 200km of well-maintained, partly illuminated cross-country ski tracks suiting all skill levels, fun sledging hills, guided treks, and 15 beautiful slopes of varying difficulty.

The ski season in this part of Santa’s Lapland is guaranteed to last from November to May. The natural snow in Saariselka is of excellent quality, but if your travel is all about the winter activities, I’d recommend you come after the polar night, when there’s enough light to have longer day tours.

During our visit I had the chance of try cross-country skiing for the first time and slide down the alpine slopes. My time there was limited so I set myself to skiing about 7km.

The Saariselka Ski Resort has 7 km of slopes, 5 lifts, and plenty more km for cross country skiing. You can buy lift tickets and get more details of the resort in Saariselka's Skiing official website.

I thought I’d get bored soon, but after getting some pointers from a local lady I was well on my way and enjoying an exhilarating ride in one of Europe’s most picturesque regions.  

Ice fishing Saariselka

Scandinavians (really) love ice-fishing, and with the north of Finland filled with big, beautiful lakes it's a great and pleasant activity for the winter months. 

After the snowmobile ride to the lake you'll have a great chance of catching some local fish while you learn about Finnish culture. I highly recommend you to take this tour as it makes for a memorable experience. 

Northern Lights Saariselka

This is the reason why most people travel so far north, me included. During my first night in Saariselka I was very excited and hoping to be able to photograph the idyllic Northern Lights, since I couldn't do so when I had visited the area 5 years before because my camera froze.

Around 11pm I made my way to a nearby bridge and waited for the lights to do their thing. The best time to catch the aurora is usually between 10pm and 2am, and even though I waited until 3am I wasn't lucky.

It was a real shame but I learned a few things that might be helpful in your aurora hunting:

1. Stick around for at least 3 nights to maximize your chances of seeing the lights.
2. If you don't fancy chasing the aurora by your own or are unsure about how to do it, joining an organized northern lights tour Saariselka is the best option.

Unfortunately, we went just one week later after high season, when the glass-roofed igloos were not open. But spent a night instead in one of the wonderful wood cabins the Igloo Hotel also has.

What to do in Saariselka Finland with Kids

Toboggan Saariselka – it 's for grownups too!

If you're still wandering what to do in Saariselka during your visit, you should think on slide down the longest toboggan run in Northern Europe, seriously. It starts from the summit of Kuanispaa fell and is one of the most popular activities in Saariselka, especially when travelling with kids.

If you can find your way to the top, the ride would be free of charge. But if you're going with young kids, the convenience of using the chairlift might be the best option.

The winter park ticket costs 25 euros, which includes a two hours pass for the chairlift and toboggans.

The 1,800m long toboggan run has three tracks to choose from:

The red track has a couple of turns of moderate difficulty. The blue track is gentler but you can still achieve decent speeds on it. Finally, the green track is the easiest and more suitable for small children. Get more details here.

Holiday Club's Angry Birds Theme Park

I spent one night at the Holiday Club Resort, one of the many hotels in Saariselka. Apart from comfortable rooms and a fantastic buffet breakfast, there's an Angry Birds Theme Park! 

Built for the younger members of the family, this indoor park will sure keep your little ones busy for hours, and is free for hotel guests.

Visit Santa in Saariselka - Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort

We also visited Santa Resort Saariselka, a winter theme park where families can meet Santa Claus in person and get a chance to take pictures with him.

You'll be greeted by his elves, who will guide you to Santa's cozy and beautiful crafted home.

Here you can watch reindeer walk freely, try gold panning, drink a cup of hot chocolate or simply enjoy great family time.

How to go to Saariselka

Saariselka does not have an airport, so visitors usually come here after visiting one of the nearby towns. You can also fly into Ivalo and make your way here by bus or car.

Ivalo to Saariselka

Getting to Saariselka from Ivalo is very easy. The village of Ivalo is the region’s administrative and commercial hub, therefore, it counts with reliable transportation and several bus connections to most of Lapland’s towns.

But if you’re flying to Ivalo airport, which is located 11km southwest from the village, you’ll find bus services and taxis upon arriving. You can also reserve a hire car to pick you up on arrival or ask you accommodation representative to greet you at the airport.

Airport buses leave after each scheduled flight and cost approximately 10 euros per passenger (kids under 11 years pay the half) – no pre-booking is needed.

The short journey takes around 25 minutes and gives you a great opportunity to spot the local wildlife along the way.

Helsinki to Saariselka

Each domestic flight includes a reliable bus connection to Saariselka and there’s no pre-booking needed. If you’re travelling with young kids or simply want to make the most of your time in Saariselka you should take the plane instead of the overnight train.

Helsinki to Saariselka by Car:

You can easily drive to Saariselka by following the National Road Four (E75), which travels through Finland and connect southern cities with the vast area of Northern Lapland.

Again, you’ll have to stand long periods in a car seat, but if you want to manage things by your own and enjoy long trips this is the best option for you.

Inari to Saariselka

The village of Inari is located 56km away from Saariselka, consequently there’s a direct bus departing from Hotel Inari and arriving at Saariselka bus station. Services depart twice daily and the journey takes about 1h 30m. You can also drive through the E75 roadway or catch a taxi, which cost around $140 - $160 and takes 1h.

Rovaniemi to Saariselka

There’s a few ways of getting to Saariselka from the arctic village of Rovaniemi:

Bus Rovaniemi Saariselka:

There are several daily connections departing from Rovaniemi’s Bus Terminal Station to Saariselka. The cost is about $45 - $50 and the journey takes 3h 30m.

There’s no need to book in advance. Buses don’t get full most of the time and there are no online discounts on buses going to north. But you can do it if you wish.

To see prices and timetables visit the English version of the official bus website

Rovaniemi to Saariselka by Car:

You can rent a car or bring your own to Rovaniemi in a car-carrier train, and then drive the 270km to Saariselka. Lapland’s roads are in good condition and there’s virtually no traffic.

However, you should be aware of reindeer and moose crossing at any time of the year as there are few thousand collisions because of them on a yearly basis.

Kittila to Saariselka

Kittila locates about 135km away from Saariselka. Unfortunately, there’s no direct bus between them. You could go either via Sodankyla or Rovaniemi, and then take a final bus connection to Suoponkitie station in Saariselka. 

The journey -including transfers- is approx. 8h 30m.

The quickest way to reach Saariselka from Kittila is by taxi, which costs roughly $270, but you may be able to bargain a bit and get a better price. For that kind of cost, you might as well hire a car and drive for 2h 45m.

Accommodation in Saariselka

Whether you prefer to sleep under a duvet or a star-filled sky, you're spoiled for choice when looking for accommodation in Saariselkä. These are our top recommendations depending on the type of trip you're doing:

Conclusion

Are there enough things to do in Saariselka that make this town worth visiting despite its small size? You bet.

I recommend you to visit this part of Santas Lapland in winter, when you can enjoy all the outdoor activities there are available. I've been here two times, and consider Lapland my favorite frozen playground in the world!

FAQ’s

Plan Your Saariselka Trip

Just look at how far North Inari is, much more than you really think, and  yet despite being in the land of the Aurora Borealis, the Sami people, the continuous sub-zero temperatures and the days with no light, Inari in the Finnish Lapland is a unique place not only in Finland, but in the world. 

I’ve been here twice, and after this second trip I feel confident and comfortable enough to call Inari and the surrounding areas my favorite frozen playground in the world because of it’s beauty, wealth of things to do, and the magical atmosphere.

Why? In a nutshell I love the outdoor activities, the uniqueness of the area, the food, and the feeling of exploration despite all being actually rather convenient. 

But keep reading, adn I'll share with you the details...and some great tips.

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About Inari Finland

The idyllic village of Inari brings together a range of modern services and fantastic activities, and is the perfect getaway for exploring the authentic culture of Northern Sami people at Finnish Lapland. Keep reading and discover why you should plan a visit to this beautiful arctic town.

Where is Inari?

Nestled between the spacious forests of the Urho Kekkoken National Park and Lapland’s largest lake, Lake Inari, lies Finland’s largest and sparsely populated municipality: Inari-Saariselkä (Inari Sami: Aanar).

It attracts far fewer visitors than the resort towns further south, but it features a serene vibe and genuine Lapland’s hospitality that invite visitors to slow down and enjoy all the natural wonders it has to offer.

Inari Finland Weather

Inari has a chilly and humid climate, with severely cold winters and cool summers. It is also among the driest locations in Finland, especially during winter months where the average precipitation total is less than a half of the amount received by Southern Finland.

Due to the polar night, winter is usually extremely cold. Be prepared for temperatures dropping to as low as -30°C. There are not many shopping options in Inari for warm clothing, so I’d recommend you to arrive with adequate clothing and layers.

There’s midnight sun from late May to late July and the average summertime temperature is only around 17°C. However, there are some days where temperature could be well above 20°C, so expect the unexpected and have at least some warm layers if visiting in summer.

How to Get to Inari Finland

Inari is far away in the North yet very well connected to the world through flights, train and the country’s key north-south European route (E75 highway). The quickest way to get here is by plane though.

You can easily reach Ivalo International Airport by a domestic flight from Helsinki. During winter peak season there are also connections from most European cities, not to mention the numerous charter flights. Buses, taxis and car rental services are available upon arriving.

But if you don’t mind long trips and want to get through some of the most beautiful scenery, you should first take the train to Rovaniemi and then catch a bus to Inari Village.

You can also take a bus from Helsinki, but it’s a 15 hours trip.

Should you want to avoid both air and road travel, you can also take an overnight train from Finland’s capital city. Check the Finland Railways website

Inari Finland Map

Inari Finland Northern Lights

Inari is about 265km (165mi) north of the Arctic Circle, right under the aurora oval, which makes it one of the best places in the world to see the Northern Lights.

Actually, is not uncommon to witness these dancing lights up to 200 times in a single year.

Why Visit Lapland Inari?

While the Finnish Lapland covers a HUGE region (100,367km2 to be precise), the small arctic town of Inari is where you’ll find the authentic culture of Northern Lapland.

Here, travelers can have a firsthand introduction into the nomadic lifestyle of Finland’s Sami indigenous people, and enjoy outdoor pursuits amid Lapland’s sweeping landscapes.

There are several reasons why you shouldn’t miss Europe’s northernmost holiday town.

It is a very accessible Nordic destination:

Finland is remarkably close to other European nations. Compared to travelling the North American arctic, getting to Ivalo Airport/Inari Village is very easy, just less than one and a half hour away from the capital city, Helsinki.

There are also excellent and reliable bus connections between Inari and Rovaniemi, where the “real” Santa Claus actually lives (I took the picture above there).

It offers state-of-the-art tourism facilities:

Despite being nestled so far north and deep into the Arctic Circle, Inari offers a wide range of modern & world-class tourist amenities: comfortable hotels and cabins, excellent restaurants, wilderness safaris, aurora tours and a very informative museum about local nature and Sami's cultural heritage.

Finland Inari is much more than just aurora displays:

Inari is the best and most affordable way of exploring the arctic, even if you don’t happen to see the Northern Lights.

You can take part in everything from husky safaris and reindeer sleigh tours, to river cruises and ice-fishing trips. 

You can also discover miles of hiking trails and spot arctic wildlife at Lemmenjoki National Park.

But if you’re not an outdoor enthusiast, you can always browse art exhibitions, wander the several artisan shops available and watch concerts at Sajos, Inari’s cultural centre and home of the Sami Parliament Hall. Whether you’re looking for culture or adventure, Inari has it all!

Inari Lapland Finland - Local Sights

• Lake Inarijärvi: third largest and second deepest lake in Finland. It features 3,318 islands.
• Ukonsaari Island: The 30 meters high rocky Island is an essential part of the cultural heritage and considered sacred to the Sami people, which should be respected by all visitors on the Lake Inari.
• Pielpajärvi wilderness church: Built in 1760, it is one of the oldest buildings in Finnish Lapland. It was in use until the end of the 19^th century and nowadays is one of the most visited cultural places in Inari.
• Sajos - Sami Cultural Centre: administrative and cultural centre of the Finnish Sámi people. It is the home of Sámi parliament, and it also works as a congress center and meeting venue.
• Siida Museum: Nature Centre of Northern Lapland and home of the permanent exhibition of Sámi culture. This museum focuses on explaining  the once nomadic Sami culture and their way of life learning not only about them but about life in this part of the world too. Without it being too big I found it very entertaining the two times I have visited it, and is probably one of my favorite museums in the world.

Savor Traditional Lappish Food

Lappish people are proud of their food and tend to think that visitors might find it a bit dull because they don’t add sauces and spices to it, arguing that they like the fresh flavor the food already has.

I have a similar approach to food, and was pleased to see that the natural unpolluted surroundings produced excellent ingredients resulting in mouthwatering dishes.

From grilled arctic char, to reindeer stews and soups the food in Lapland has a character of its own that should not be missed by anyone.

In case you want to know, my favorite dish was Reindeer Stew with Mashed Potatoes and Lingonberries.

Inari Finland Things to do

Summer

Summertime gives a myriad opportunities to explore and experience Northern Sami culture.

Grab a paddle and travel around the vast wilderness of Lake Inari in your own canoe or stand on the bow of a catamaran cruiser as it carries you across the lake to the sacred Island of Ukonsaari.

However, I did not see them the second time I was there. I was last in this part of the world during early May, a time of the year when the sky no longer gets completely dark, and therefor for the Northern Lights to be visible they magnetic activity of the Earth has to be at one of its high peaks, which did not happen.

In fact, it was at some of its lowest in the past few weeks.

Yet while I did not see them this time I did see them when I visited Inari the previous time, early in October a few years before, and it is one of the best things to do in Inari as it is one of the best places in the world where to see them (I also got to see the auroras in Abisko,  Sweden).

Try Ice Fishing

I never thought I would try ice fishing. I mean, what’s the point? Sitting in the middle of a frozen lake, cold wind blowing in your face, staring at a hole through which you can’t see anything waiting for a dumb fish to bite the bait, right? Wrong!

As I learned on this trip ice fishing is not all about catching a fish, but about enjoying the outdoors, observing the snow covered treed, breathing fresh air and commenting with other ice fishing aficionados whatever suits your fancy.

Despite there being plenty of snow and temperatures not as cold during early May this time of the year also marks the end of the winter season, and most of the safari operators close.

I was surprised about this, as the conditions are still quite good, yet for some reason tourists stop coming at this time of the year and only return a few months later during the summer months.

Seeing that remaining open is not profitable for the operators, all they can do is close.

At least I was able to see the huskies…

Snowmobiling

Same thing applies. The winter season begins in October and lasts until the end of April, and once again I learned that the snowmobiling safari operators had closed for the season though there were many people using them privately.

I had never tried cross country skiing and wanted to see how challenging it actually is, allowing myself one hour to skit around 3.6 km to a nearby village and back in one hour.

After getting a few pointers from a local lady who saw me making a fool of myself trying to get on track I made it (barley) and was able to take some pictures along the way as the scenery was superb.

From there I walked to the downhill slopes (around 20 minutes) , got the gear and was enjoying the ski resort which I had pretty much for myself, speeding down the hill with perfect snow conditions.

Explore authentic arctic wilderness and cross frozen lakes via a husky-drawn dog sled. You can also march out onto the frozen waters and try your luck at ice fishing. Options are endless!

Choosing where to stay in Inari might prove to be a little bit more difficult to what you expected. Not because of the lack of options, but because they very different and you'll only be here a few days (probably).

Do you want a unique sleeping adventure? Comfort? Views? These are our top recommendations ( I slept at Hotel Inari and in a traditional wood cabin while here).

Situated just five minutes’ drive from Inari Village, this hotel is the ideal starting point to immerse yourself into Sami culture. Sleep in a glass-roofed aurora cabin, a log cabin or a wilderness room with Lappish-inspired decoration.

It also offers a range of arctic activities and panoramic views onto the Lake Inari from a Lappish themed restaurant.

Hotel Inari provides comfortable and clean accommodation with great restaurant and bar facilities. It is located in the heart of Inari Village, close to all services and points of interest, including the Siida Museum.

This is a fantastic place to watch the Aurora skies and explore all that Inari Finland has to offer.

Hotel Kultahovi Inari Finland

Located on the banks of the river Juutuanjoki, this family-run hotel offers a great combination of quality, comfort and location. It has been recently refurbished with historical design, honoring their long 80 years of business.

You can choose between the traditional Kultahovi Hotel with its many stories and the modern River Hotel, where you can enjoy the luxury of your own sauna and stunning river views from a private balcony.

Both venues feature a fresh, Scandinavian style and offer a real taste of Lapland, Inari and Northern Life.

The in-house restaurant is renowned for its superb cuisine, using locally sourced ingredients to celebrate Lapland’s variety of flavors; additional dinning is available in the Juutua Lounge & Bar. This hotel is the perfect basecamp to explore Inari and its many attractions.

Holliday Village Inari (Lomakyla Inari):

Ideally situated just five minutes’ walk outside the town centre yet right on the shores of the lake, is Holliday Village Inari. It is comprised by 27 cozy cabins and 5 spacious aurora huts, which are far away from light pollution and offer a great view of the Northern sky.

 If you’re luck you’ll be able to see the Northern Lights directly from your own bed.

This is not luxury accommodation but has a good price performance. It’s quite basic, but perfect for the location and feels a part of the beautiful landscape, much more than a traditional hotel.

Moreover, the staff is very friendly and can help you with almost all the activities you’d like to book.

Lake Inari Mobile Cabins:

These adapted mobile cabins offer one of the most special overnight experiences in Finnish Lapland.

They’re moved every evening by snowmobile ride to the Lake Inari ice, where your comfy bed gives you great chances of seeing the mystical Northern Lights.

Back in the base camp you can join several winter activities, enjoy tasty meals or relax at the famous sauna.

What to Bring to Inari and Lapland

Your Finland packing list- or more specifically- Finland packing list will depend on what time of the year you are visiting.

During the summer months temperatures are pleasant during the day, but as soon as the sun starts to set you will need at least a sweater and maybe even a jacket. 

With this in mind I recommend you bring:

In summer:

In winter:

And if you're traveling with young kids or toddlers:

Conclusion

As you've seen my introduction about all the things that can be done this far up north in the world were not exaggerated. Inari does have many activities to be enjoyed both in winter and summer, though winter is probably the time of the year you would enjoy it most.

One thing I forgot to mention is...bring your camera! Taking pictures of the northern lights is not easy but totally worth it, and with so much outdoor time to enjoy you'll have superb memories.

Plan Your Inari Trip

Somehow my second visit to Finland's Lapland had started off as a Finland ice fishing trip (here's a basic guide to fishing)

A Quick Overview of Inari- Saariselka Region in Lapland

Ivalo is the second largest town in Finnish Lapland,  a huge expanse of land covering the North of Finland  and also the North of Sweden and Finland.  This is a land of contrasts, with densely populated forests covered by snow during the winter months spotted by scattered lakes that remain frozen  for a good part of the year.

Ice fishing, cross country skiing, trekking, downhill skiing, husky safaris, snowmobile safaris , hunting, and admiring the northern lights are all actively practiced in Lapland, even becoming part of the daily life of local residents, mainly the Sami.

Ivalo is the second largest town in Finnish Lapland,  a huge expanse of land covering the North of Finland  and also the North of Sweden and Finland.  

This is a land of contrasts, with densely populated forests covered by snow during the winter months spotted by scattered lakes that remain frozen  for a good part of the year. 

Finland Ice Fishing in Lapland: My Experience

Back to the ice fishing. The empty road meandered between snow covered hills, lakes and patches of forests, a beautiful landscape I was enjoying every bit of after not being here – or anywhere similar- for quite some time. It was  around -5 C (quite warm considering how cold Finnish winters get) , and it was snowing lightly.

At some point Micca drove off the main road to park the car and gave me the warm clothes I’d be using to stay warm: a snowmobiling overall, some rubber boots and a small backpack, while he carried the other a fishing line and an orange hole driller. I left  my new backpack with all my gear but the camera in the car, thankfully.

“We’re a little but late” Micca commented casually, “but this is fishing so we might just be lucky”. We stepped into the ice and snow covered lake and walked to a spot not too close but not too far from where other contestants were placed: my ice fishing in Finland adventure was about to start. 

Micca opened the backpack and pulled the gear we would be needing to practice a sport I had really never given a second thought, but I was excited. It could have been the landscape, but the prospect of being lucky and actually fishing something was catching up.

“This is how you do it”. He grabbed the ice drill and effortlessly drilled  a whole through the ice layer which  he estimated to be about 40 cm deep. When done, he pulled the fishing rods, and these turned out to be my first surprise, as ice fishing rods are not more than 40 cm long, and made of plastic.

He then grabbed the hook, placed a fake worm as bait, and let the line sink through the hole.

Setting up the spot is not very difficult, and drilling the hole is easier than what you might think

“Once you notice that the line has reached the bottom of the lake you then recover about half a meter, lock the rod, and wait. Not very difficult is it? Now you do it”.

And so I followed the same steps I had seen him do, drilling the hole in the ice, then grabbing the rod, placing the bait, sinking the line into the water and recovering about half a meter when it reached the bottom.

So far so good, all I had to do now was to wait for a fish (perhaps a rainbow trout, a perch or some other fish common in the many national parks in Finland) to swim by and bite.

But it never happened. We were there for about 45 minutes more, speaking about his life in Lapland and  Finland and the outdoor activities to enjoy, as well as some techniques on Finland ice fishing.

As seasoned pros we switched locations 3 times within the next hour and a half, and just five minutes before the time over horn blast at 4 pm a fish bit- but not our line. Instead, it was that of a lady who had decided to place herself just 5 meters from us.

I'm not sure if I was happy for her or jealous thinking that would she not be there it could have bit my line. Imagine that, a first timer getting a good catch!

With the ice fishing contest over all participants headed to the podium area, where the catches were to be weighed and trophies given. I learned there that the catch of the day weighed a whopping 2.3 kg (around 4.7 lbs), second place weighed 1.6 and the rest were in the 400- 600 gram range.

There were several categories in the contest depending on age and gender, but if there were a few things that stood out to me were  that most participants were not particularly young, about half of them (if not more) were solo females, and that Finnish people eat their hot dogs without bread.

It was then that I noticed quite a few of the participants munching the sausages while smoking, another habit that I found surprising considering the natural environment these people live in.

Happy about having tried ice fishing ( I had just been fishing under ice!) disappointed about not having won anything, I followed Micca back to the car thinking about what it could have been but never was.

But it was right then that out of the corner of my eye I saw the frozen lake and hundreds of birch trees that conform these forests of the Finish Lapland, and came to the realization that ice fishing is not all about bringing a fresh catch home but about being part of the magical environment this part of Finland is proud to have, and if only for a few hours, I had been luck enough to be part of it.

Top Finland Ice Fishing Destination

While ice fishing in the south of Finland is possible during the winter months, the best locations are certainly in Lapland, up in the further north. The snow season is longer, temperatures are lower, the water is clean, human population is very low, and on the contrary there are plenty of fish, namely rainbow trout and perch.

Ice Fishing Rovaniemi

Rovaniemi is the official capital of Lapland in Finland, and also the home of Santa Claus. This modern city is also considered the hub to Lapland, and odds are you'll find yourself here at one point in time or another- which can be smart.

Ice fishing in Rovaniemi is of course also possible and there are some great tours that offer different options. The best are:

Rovaniemi Guided Ice Fishing Experience -   A local guide will take you to a great place where to set up camp, fish and cook your catch.

Rovaniemi ice fishing and snowmobile safari combo - A full day of adventure that will take you to the snow covered countryside and enjoy life outdoors.

Rovaniemi snow shoeing and ice fishing tour - Master the art of snow showing and then satisfy your hunger by eating your own catch!

All these tours are perfect for beginners or fishing experts who want to have everything taken care of, except the adventure.

This said, you can enjoy ice fishing pretty much anywhere, with Inari, Levi, Saariselka and Ivalo being the other most popular destinations that also offer many other great winter activities.