How to See Reindeer in Finland
Learn everything about reindeer in Finland, from their history to the best spots for viewing these majestic creatures in nature.
Saariselkä is primarily a tourist resort and ski centre. The village is basically just a collection of hotels and activity centres, but there is a reason for that – Saariselkä is one of the most popular places to visit in winter in Finland.
Latitude: 68.2 degrees north
Here’s an overview of some of the best things to see and do in Saariselkä
Urho Kekkonen National Park is one of Finland’s largest and most spectacular wilderness areas, stretching across forests, fells and remote Arctic landscapes. Saariselkä serves as one of the main gateways into the park, making it ideal for hiking, skiing and nature experiences year-round. Visitors can explore marked trails leading through peaceful valleys, open tundra and traditional Sámi reindeer-grazing areas. The park is also one of the best places in Finland to experience silence and untouched wilderness.
Saariselkä Ski & Sport Resort is northern Finland’s northernmost ski resort and a major centre for winter recreation. The resort offers downhill skiing, snowboarding, cross-country skiing and winter hiking routes suitable for all skill levels. During the darker months, illuminated trails and snowy landscapes create a magical Arctic atmosphere. Summer transforms the slopes into hiking and mountain biking terrain with wide views across Lapland.
Located nearby in Inari, Siida is Finland’s national museum of Sámi culture and northern nature. The museum explores the traditions, livelihoods and history of the Indigenous Sámi people through exhibitions, artefacts and outdoor displays. Visitors gain insight into reindeer herding, Arctic survival and life in northern Finland across the centuries. The museum is an essential cultural experience for travellers exploring Lapland.
Kaunispää is one of the best viewpoints in the Saariselkä region and offers panoramic scenery across forests, fells and Arctic wilderness. Visitors can reach the summit by hiking, cycling, skiing or car depending on the season. The views are especially impressive during autumn colours and winter sunsets. It is also a popular location for northern lights viewing during clear nights.
Looking to go for a hike or take part in a unique experience? Here are our recommendations!
Kiilopää is one of the most popular hiking and cross-country skiing areas within Urho Kekkonen National Park. Trails lead through rolling fells, birch forests and wilderness landscapes suitable for both short walks and multi-day adventures. The area also has traditional Finnish smoke saunas and mountain lodges where visitors can relax after outdoor activities. During winter, Kiilopää becomes a major destination for Arctic skiing experiences.
Watch our YouTube videos featuring Saariselkä
Roskilde is one of Denmark’s oldest cities and was one of the country’s most important political and religious centres during the Viking and medieval periods. Its strategic location beside Roskilde Fjord helped establish it as a major trading settlement, while royal and ecclesiastical power brought wealth and influence to the city. By the Middle Ages, Roskilde had become one of Denmark’s leading urban centres.
The city’s importance is reflected in landmarks such as Roskilde Cathedral became the traditional burial site of Danish monarchs. Viking maritime history also remains central to Roskilde’s identity, particularly through the discovery of the Skuldelev ships now displayed at the Viking Ship Museum ships helped reveal important details about Viking trade, warfare and shipbuilding. ugh Copenhagen eventually overtook Roskilde as Denmark’s political centre, the city retained its cultural and historical significance. Today, its medieval heritage, Viking history and modern cultural scene continue to attract visitors from around the world.
Modern Saariselkä is a small Arctic resort village focused heavily on nature-based tourism and outdoor recreation. Despite its remote northern location, the village offers modern accommodation, restaurants and services while remaining surrounded by vast wilderness. Seasonal contrasts strongly shape daily life, with long snowy winters and bright summer nights defining the rhythm of the year.
Winter tourism dominates the local economy, particularly through northern lights experiences, skiing and Arctic safaris. During autumn, visitors arrive to see the colourful ruska season, while summer attracts hikers and cyclists exploring the national park. Outdoor life remains central to both tourism and local culture.
Although tourism is highly important, Saariselkä retains a peaceful atmosphere compared with larger ski destinations elsewhere in Europe. The surrounding landscapes, clean air and sense of remoteness create a strong feeling of escape and connection to nature.
Fly: The nearest airport is Ivalo Airport, located approximately 30 minutes from Saariselkä by road. Seasonal international flights and domestic services connect the region with Helsinki and Europe.
Drive: Saariselkä is located along Finland’s E75 highway connecting northern Lapland with southern Finland and Norway. Winter driving conditions can be snowy and icy for much of the year.
Train: There is no railway station in Saariselkä. Most train travellers arrive via Rovaniemi and continue north by bus or car.
Ferry: No ferry access.
Saariselkä village itself is compact and walkable, especially around hotels, restaurants and ski facilities. Ski buses and tour operators provide transport to outdoor activities and nearby attractions. Rental cars are useful for exploring Inari and the surrounding wilderness areas. During winter, snowmobiles, skis and sleds become important ways of moving through the Arctic landscape.
Cafes & Bakeries
Café Kuukkeli – café and bakery serving coffee, pastries and light meals popular with hikers and skiers.
Restaurants
Laanilan Kievari is located 2.5km south of Saariselkä but is in a wooden hut and serves great Finnish food.
High End & Unique Eats
Petronella is an excellent Finnish restaurant.
Restaurant Aanaar – One of Lapland’s most acclaimed restaurants focusing on Arctic ingredients such as reindeer, fish, mushrooms and wild berries.
Hostels & Camping
B&Bs & Guesthouses
Chains & Mid-Range
Lapland Hotel Riekonlinna is a great hotel in Saariselkä.
Holiday Club Saariselkä Apartments – Self-catering accommodation suitable for hikers, skiers and longer stays.
Santa’s Hotel Tunturi is one of the top hotels in the village. The rooms have saunas inside, and the restaurant is excellent.
High End & Unique Properties
Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort – World-famous Arctic resort known for its glass igloos and northern lights experiences.
Northern Lights Village Saariselkä – Luxury Arctic accommodation featuring aurora cabins and immersive winter wilderness experiences.
Learn everything about reindeer in Finland, from their history to the best spots for viewing these majestic creatures in nature.