Saariselkä
One of the northernmost holiday destinations in Finland. Here are the places we have tried and liked ourselves.
Welcome to the heart of Lapland
Saariselkä Ski & Sport Resort was named Ski Resort of the Year 2025. From the village you can reach the ski trails, slopes and fells on foot or by the ski bus, which loops around the village and runs as far as Kiilopää and Kaunispää.
It’s worth booking activities in advance if there’s something you absolutely want to experience. During the high season, safaris fill up quickly.
The area is actively discussed in the Facebook group SAARISELKÄ. The discussion is in Finnish and English.
Food and drink
Laanilan Kievari
An atmospheric and popular game restaurant. Authentic local Lapland food that people have travelled all the way from Levi to enjoy
. Sauna, ice swimming hole and outdoor hot tub. 1.5 km from the village centre.
Fieno
An Italian-Lappish pizzeria in the heart of the village, Kiveliöntie 1. Stylish interior and upper price range.
Restaurant Kaunis
At the top of Kaunispää. Stunning views and good food. Finland’s longest toboggan run, 1.8 km, starts next door. You can get there on foot along the footpath, by ski lift or by ski bus.
Pirkon Pirtti
Pirkon Pirtti is a traditional à la carte restaurant in Saariselkä, where you can enjoy Lapland’s culinary culture in a warm and relaxed atmosphere. The à la carte menu features, amongst other things, reindeer, fish, soups, vegetarian options, pizzas and desserts.
Kaunis Jorma
Kaunis Jorma is an atmospheric restaurant and pub in Saariselkä, where you can enjoy the laid-back Lapland atmosphere, pub food, a wide selection of drinks and karaoke.
Kieppi
Ravintola Kieppi, opposite the spa, offers northern flavours and a Lappish atmosphere. The completely renovated, stylish restaurant has become very popular. It suits both a quiet dinner and a more casual meal.
Mettäbaari
Mettä Baari is a relaxed stop beside a ski trail in Saariselkä, where you can have something to eat and drink while you are out. It is a good place for a break on a skiing trip or any other day outdoors.
Kaunispään Huippu
At Kaunispään Huippu you can enjoy the best salmon soup in Saariselkä and admire the most impressive fell landscape in Lapland. The longest toboggan run in the Nordic countries also starts next to the restaurant. Do not miss this one: take the ski bus up and a sledge down.
Adventure
Kiilopää
A smoke sauna and winter swimming at Kuurankaltio. You can get there by ski bus or on skis.
Northern Lights Village
A short walk away, behind the Neste station. Meet Santa Claus, a snowmobile track for children, trips to Siida, and husky and snowmobile safaris. Pick-up from your accommodation and warm clothing are included.
Frozen Lake Husky
Short and long husky safaris. Also suitable for young children.
Lapin Luontolomat
The longest-established safari operator in the region. Choose this option if you value small groups and personalised service.
Top Safaris
Reindeer, husky, fat bike, snowmobile and snowshoe safaris. A small family-run business with reasonable prices.
Saariselkä Ski & Sport Resort
Everything you need for skiing: hire, ski lessons and lift passes.
Elsewhere nearby
Siida
The Sámi Museum in Inari, 50 km away. It showcases the culture, history and contemporary life of Europe’s only indigenous people. Bus tours are organised from Northern Lights Village.
Saariselän Porotila
A ten-minute drive south of Saariselkä. A reindeer farm owned by a Sámi family, offering authentic reindeer experiences. Open by advance booking only.
Leksan Poro
Reindeer products straight from the farm. 15 km north of Saariselkä, along the main road. Reindeer meat, antlers and more.
Ski bus
The hop-on hop-off bus runs around the village all day, as far as Kiilopää and Kaunispää. The fare is €6 per day. Timetables and route maps are available on the buses.
Airport transfer
An airport bus to Saariselkä meets every scheduled flight. You will recognise the bus by its Saariselkä sign. The airport bus stop is right next to the Urupää apartments. A ticket costs about 15 euros per person. You do not need to book the trip in advance, and you can pay for the ticket by card.
Reindeer, autumn colours and northern lights
In summer the reindeer lie around during the day and come to graze in front of the terrace in the evening. In August the fells turn to autumn colours, and in the dark season you can see the northern lights without a separate trip, as long as the sky is clear.
The sandy beach of Lake Kelolampi is the only swimming spot in Saariselkä. It is right in front of the Suopunkitie apartments.
The area through the seasons
Stay in the middle of the village
Six apartments within walking distance of the ski trails and restaurants.