Looking to see what activities are available in Saariselkä? In this guide, I walk you through the best things to do in Saariselkä – and explain when each activity is available, how to book, and what to expect in each season.
Contents
- About Saariselkä
- Weather in Saariselkä
- Best Activities in Saariselkä
- Go on a Husky Safari
- Visit a Reindeer Farm
- Skiing in Saariselkä (Finnish Lapland’s Northernmost Ski Resort)
- Ride the Longest Toboggan Run in Finland
- See the Northern Lights
- Snowmobile Safaris
- Ice Karting in Saariselkä
- Search for Santa (Private Santa Experiences)
- Bowling & Escape Room
- Traditional Finnish Smoke Sauna & Ice River Plunge
- Ice Fishing
- Fat Biking
- Hiking in Saariselkä
- Hiking With Huskies
- Aurora Kota Campfires (Cook Sausages Under the Lights)
- Visit Inari (Easy Day Trip from Saariselkä)
- Berry Picking
- Restaurants & Places to Eat
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When we visited Saariselkä in early November, we found it surprisingly tricky to find reliable information online, especially for autumn. So I’ve created this helpful guide covering winter, spring, summer and autumn activities in Saariselkä to make your planning easier.
About Saariselkä
Saariselkä is a small, friendly village deep in Finnish Lapland, home to the northernmost ski resort in Finland. Because of its location above the Arctic Circle, early snowfall is common, and with very minimal light pollution, you’ve got a real chance of seeing the Northern Lights.
The village itself has around 300 residents, which gives it a cosy, authentic feel – but it gets busier over winter. We found the locals incredibly friendly, happily sharing stories about their lives in Lapland.
In winter, Saariselkä is all about skiing, tobogganing, husky sledding, reindeer rides and searching for Santa.
Year round, Saariselkä offers beautiful landscapes for hiking, biking, traditional Finnish saunas and cosy restaurants.
Weather in Saariselkä
As you would imagine, many of the activities in Saariselkä are weather dependent – mostly counting on deep snow. But there are lots of fun things to do – year round.
Spring (March to May)
- Snow is usually deepest in March and typically starts to thaw around late April gradually disappearing by the end of May.
- Days are longer leading up to the midnight sun in late May.
- Conditions are bright and sunny perfect for snowy activities and ice fishing.
Summer (June -August)
- The landscape is green.
- Days are long with the midnight sun peaking in June.
- Weather is perfect for hiking, biking and lakeside camping.
Autumn (September – November)
- Days become shorter and the temperatures fall.
- Autumn can be a complete mixture of weather – cloud, rain, frost and even snow.
- As the evenings get darker, it’s the season to spot the Northern Lights.
During our stay we had frost, clear skies to see the Northern Lights and then snow.
Winter (December – April)
- December brings polar night, when the sun doesn’t rise.
- Days are short but bathed in magical blue light.
- Temperatures can plunge to -20°C.
- Snow gets deep – creating perfect conditions for husky safaris, reindeer rides, snowmobiling and skiing.
As daylight gradually increases, the snowy landscape offers gorgeous pink colours as the sun rises and sets.
Best Activities in Saariselkä
Go on a Husky Safari (Sarriselkä)
Available: usually late November-April (buggy rides Oct-Nov if snow is too light)
A husky safari through the wilderness is a top bucket list item for most people visiting Lapland.
What we didn’t realise is that for this activity to take place, the snow must be compacted at least 30 cm deep. However, luckily this might not stop you having a ride in November or December because before the snow falls, the dogs are trained by pulling buggies – and you can take part. So as long as the temperatures are low – you can still have a fantastic husky safari experience before the deep snow.
This was the highlight of our trip. We had an hour ride through the forests, with the owner chatting to us about the dogs – how they train them, and their daily life. Afterwards we warmed up in a cosy hut with a fire, hot berry juice, and cuddles with two excitable husky puppies.
It was a wonderful experience and I would highly recommend. We booked through the Northern Lights Village.
👉 See similar experiences on Get Your Guide.
Visit a Reindeer Farm in Saariselkä
Available: late November-April for sleigh rides (depending on snow conditions), year round for visits.
While you’re in Lapland you’ll see lots of reindeer. They literally wander across the roads including the main highways. The reindeer are all owned by herders, mainly indigenous Sámi but although they are domesticated, they are free to roam most of the year. You’ll notice them wearing collars.
Reindeer are an integral part of Sámi culture and are used for everything from meat and clothing to crafts and transportation.
If you’d like to visit the reindeer or have a reindeer sleigh ride.
You can:
- Meet and feed the reindeer
- Join a traditional reindeer sleigh ride
- Learn about Sámi life and herding traditions
These experiences are easy to book through Get Your Guide, your hotel, or Northern Lights Village.
Skiing in Saariselkä (Finnish Lapland’s Northernmost Ski Resort)
Season: late November – April (varies with snowfall)
The Saariselkä Ski Resort usually opens from late November to early December, depending on snow conditions. When we visited, they were busily making snow at the top.
Saariselkä is known more for its excellent cross-country skiing, with over 200 km of well-maintained trails, but there are also:
- 6–7 downhill slopes
- Beginner areas
- A snow park
- Ski schools
- Equipment hire in the village
It’s ideal for families, beginners, or anyone combining skiing with other activities.
Ride the Longest Toboggan Run in Finland
Season: usually December – April
Saariselkä is home to Finland’s longest toboggan (sledge) run, stretching 1.2 km from Kaunispää Fell into the village.
The toboggan route usually opens in December, once the snow base is thick and safe. It’s fast, fun and suitable for pretty much all ages.
Sadly it hadn’t opened yet during our visit, but it’s one of the first things on our list for next time.
👉 See tickets and lift passes here.
See the Northern Lights
Aurora season: September to April (best October -March)
We were thinking we’d have to stay up very late to see the Northern Lights but actually we were very lucky to see a magnificent display above our cabin at 6 in the evening. My daughter signed up to My Aurora Forecast app and it was extremely accurate.
If you have a car:
- Check the KP index on My Aurora Forecast app
- Drive somewhere dark (Kaunispää is a great spot)
- Look up and wait
You can also book guided Northern Lights tours from just about anywhere in the village.
👉 See Northern Lights Tours on Get Your Guide.
Snowmobile Safaris
Season: mid-November-April (snow dependent).
Snowmobile tours usually start mid-November to December, depending on snow depth. You’ll see ski-doo trails throughout the village.
You can choose:
- A short 1–2 hour safari
- A Northern Lights snowmobile tour
- A full-day wilderness adventure
You need a full driving licence to drive the snowmobile, but children can ride in a heated sled pulled behind the guide.
👉 See Snowmobile Tours on Get Your Guide.
Ice Karting in Saariselkä
Season: December-April Ages: usually from 15-16+ to drive
Ice karting is like real-life Mario Kart on ice – and honestly looks hilarious.
The track normally operates from December to April and is suitable for adults and teens (usually 15–16+ to drive).
You race on a proper ice track, drifting around corners while trying to beat your family. Great fun on a non-ski day.
👉 Buy Ice Karting tickets on Get Your Guide
Search for Santa (Private Santa Experiences)
Season: mid-November-December
There isn’t a free Santa grotto in Saariselkä, but there are some absolutely magical paid experiences.
The most special (and expensive) is the private Santa search:
- Travel through the forest by snowmobile sleigh
- Arrive at Santa’s hidden cabin
- Decorate gingerbread cookies with the elves
- Enjoy hot drinks by the fire
- Meet Santa in a cosy log cabin setting
- Feed his reindeer and enjoy a short sleigh ride
A more affordable alternative is a Dinner with Santa, hosted in selected hotels and restaurants – just check reviews first, as some are much better than others.
👉 See Santa Experience at Northern Lights Village
Bowling & Escape Room
Available: year round.
Perfect for an Après ski activity, Saariselkä has an excellent bowling alley. We found the alley to be one of the best we’ve ever played on – perfectly straight! There is a also an Escape Room, which is fun for older kids, teens and adults.
👉 Book Bowling & Escape Room on Get Your Guide
Traditional Finnish Smoke Sauna & Ice River Plunge
Location: Kiilopää Fell Centre Season: year round
A short drive from Saariselkä, you’ll find Kiilopää Fell Centre, which offers a range of hiking trails though the Urho Kekkonen National Park and also a traditional ice-river and Finnish smoke sauna experience.
We were both excited and a little nervous to try this out because none of us had ever plunged ourselves into ice cold water before but we actually loved it.
We changed into our swim suits in the facilities before nervously entering the water.
I won’t lie, the water is absolutely freezing and it feels almost painful as you exit the water. But after you’ve warmed up in the smoke sauna and start to sweat – you actually welcome another dip in the freezing water. I literally waded in and quickly exited! But my daughter actually managed a few minutes. She said it was mind over matter.
Sessions are either 1.5 hrs or 2.5 hrs. We only lasted 30 minutes but we were all really glad we gave it a go and I would happily do it again. Afterwards my skin was glowing and I felt really refreshed and energised – I can see why the Finns love it so much.
👉 You can book your place on their website. See details.
Ice Fishing
Available: from December to April, depending on lake conditions.
You’ll head onto a frozen lake with a guide, drill a hole through the ice, and try your luck catching Arctic char or trout. Often combined with hot juice and sausages by the fire.
👉 See Ice Fishing Experiences on Get Your Guide
Fat Biking
Season: Winter: fat bikes on snow. Summer / Autumn: regular mountain bikes.
Winter fat bikes have big chunky tyres, letting you cycle on packed snow trails.
In summer and autumn, you can rent regular mountain bikes for forest trails and National Park routes.
A great option for teens and families.
👉 See Fat Bike Tours on Get Your Guide
Hiking in Saariselkä
Season: year-round. Snowshoeing replaces hiking in deep winter.
Saariselkä is surrounded by Urho Kekkonen National Park, one of the most beautiful areas in Lapland.
Popular trails include:
- Iisakkipää Fell (short but steep, great views)
- Kiilopää Fell (stunning in all seasons)
- The River Trail to Laanila
- Ruijanpolku Trail (longer day hike)
Perfect in spring, summer and autumn – though snowshoeing is possible in winter too.
Hiking With Huskies
Season: June – October (no snow).
In summer and autumn some husky farms offer guided husky hikes, where the dogs wear a harness and lead you through the forest.
A brilliant alternative to husky sledding when there’s no snow.
👉 See Options on Get Your Guide
Aurora Kota Campfires (Cook Sausages Under the Lights)
Season: September – April.
Spend an evening in a kota hut – a traditional Lappish shelter with a fire inside. You can cook sausages over the fire and drink hot chocolate. Step outside to watch for the Northern Lights.
A lovely, relaxed evening activity.
🗺️ Google Maps Location for a Aurora Day hut
Visit Inari (Easy Day Trip from Saariselkä)
Season: year-round (best May-September).
Inari is around 1 hour’s drive from Saariselkä and worth the trip if you have a car.
Top things to see:
- Siida Museum – Finland’s best Sámi culture and Arctic nature museum
- Inari Village & Lake – peaceful, scenic, very authentic
- Sámi Handicraft Shops – beautiful traditional crafts
- Pielpajärvi Wilderness Church – a scenic hike
If you’re interested in the cultural side of Inari Saariselkä, this is the best place to learn.
Berry Picking
Season: late summer and early autumn.
Lapland forests are filled with bilberries, cloudberries and lingonberries.Under Finland’s Everyman’s Right, you can pick berries freely. Just bring a small container and wander the forest trails.
Restaurants & Places to Eat
Saariselkä has a handful of cosy restaurants serving lappish soups, reindeer dishes, salmon, pizza and casual meals and cafe treats. Even the shopping centre has a cosy bistro and cafe with a fireplace bar.
A few favourites to try:
- Petronella – Lapland dishes with a modern twist
- Restaurant Kaunispää – amazing hilltop views
- Teerenpyrö – cosy pub atmosphere
- Anne’s Garden Grill – casual and good value
Our absolute favourite was Laanilan Kievari – the food and service was exceptional.
I hope this guide helps you plan an unforgettable trip to Saariselkä, whether you’re visiting for snowy adventures or peaceful summer hikes. If you found this useful, feel free to save it for later, share it with your travel buddies, or explore more of my DIY travel guides for Lapland and beyond. And if you’d like extra tips, itineraries and freebies straight to your inbox, make sure you join my newsletter – I’d love to help you plan your next adventure.
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