3 Days in Saariselkä: Finnish Lapland Aurora Escape
Saariselkä is Finnish Lapland's best-kept secret for northern lights. This fell resort village sits at 480m elevation in the heart of Urho Kekkonen National Park — Finland's largest protected area — with minimal light pollution and dark skies that rival anywhere in the country. With an aurora score of 8/10, glass igloo accommodations, and hundreds of kilometres of snowmobile trails, Saariselkä offers a more authentic wilderness alternative to busy Rovaniemi.
Best months: October through March, with November through February offering the most darkness.
What makes it special: Unlike Rovaniemi's tourist-attraction feel, Saariselkä is a genuine wilderness resort. The elevated fell position means exceptionally dark skies, and the national park provides a vast frozen landscape for snowmobiling, skiing, and aurora hunting. Glass igloos here feel like you're sleeping in the actual wilderness — because you are.
Day 1: Arrival & Fell Village Discovery
Afternoon: Arrive in Saariselkä
Fly into Ivalo Airport (IVL) — 30 minutes south of Saariselkä, connected via Helsinki with Finnair. A pre-booked shuttle or taxi brings you to the resort.
Settle into your accommodation and explore the village centre. Saariselkä is compact — a cluster of hotels, restaurants, and activity providers along a single main road, surrounded by fells and forest. The atmosphere is immediately different from a city — quiet, snowy, and wild.
Late Afternoon: Kaunispää Fell
Walk or take the shuttle up to Kaunispää, the fell above the village (438m). In winter, the panoramic views over the snowy Lapland landscape are stunning. There's a small café at the top. This elevated position is also one of the best aurora viewpoints — the 360° horizon and zero light pollution make it exceptional.
Evening: First Aurora Watch
Saariselkä's greatest advantage is its darkness. Step outside your accommodation after dinner and look up — on clear nights, the aurora is visible right from the village. For the best viewing, walk 10 minutes away from the resort lights or head to the Kaunispää fell viewpoint.
If you want a guided experience, join a northern lights snowshoe hike — guides lead you into the national park with headlamps, stopping at prime viewpoints with hot berry juice and campfire snacks.
Cost: €60–90 per person.
Day 2: Full Wilderness Day
Morning: Snowmobile Safari
Saariselkä is Finland's snowmobile capital. Trails extend for hundreds of kilometres through Urho Kekkonen National Park, passing frozen rivers, dense boreal forest, and open fell landscapes. Book a half-day snowmobile safari (3–4 hours) for an exhilarating ride through genuine wilderness.
The feeling of racing across a frozen lake with nothing but snow and forest in every direction is pure freedom.
Cost: €140–200 per person.
Afternoon: Husky or Reindeer Safari
Continue the Arctic experiences with a husky sledding safari (2 hours, €120–160). The dogs are eager and powerful — you'll mush your own team through silent forests.
Or choose a reindeer safari (1.5–2 hours, €70–110) for a calmer experience. Meet the reindeer, take a sled ride, and learn about the Sámi herding culture that continues in this region.
Evening: Glass Igloo Night & Sauna
Tonight, sleep in a glass igloo. Saariselkä has several glass igloo accommodations (Star Arctic Hotel, Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort, and Muotka Wilderness Lodge). Lie in your heated glass pod as the northern lights dance directly overhead. Most igloos have an aurora alarm that wakes you when the lights appear.
Before bed, experience a traditional Finnish sauna. Many accommodations have their own, or book a lakeside smoke sauna for the authentic experience. A cold-water plunge (or snow roll) between sauna rounds is mandatory — terrifying and exhilarating.
Day 3: National Park & Departure
Morning: Cross-Country Skiing or Ice Fishing
Saariselkä's cross-country ski trails are maintained to an exceptionally high standard — some of the best in Finland. Rent equipment from the village and ski through the national park's frozen forests. Trails range from gentle loops to serious fell climbs.
Alternatively, try ice fishing on a frozen lake in the national park (€60–90). Drill through the ice and fish for Arctic char in total silence, followed by a campfire-cooked lunch.
Late Morning: Village Spa & Departure Prep
Relax at the Holiday Club Saariselkä spa — heated pools, saunas, and water slides (good for families). The warmth after days of Arctic outdoor activities is deeply appreciated.
Pick up Finnish souvenirs — puukko knives (traditional Finnish knives), Lapland reindeer leather goods, and Finnish chocolate.
Afternoon: Departure
Take the shuttle to Ivalo Airport for your Helsinki connection.
Budget Breakdown
| Category | Budget | Mid-Range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | £40–60/night (cabin/guesthouse) | £80–140/night (hotel) | £200–500/night (glass igloo) |
| Food | £20–30/day | £40–65/day | £80–140/day |
| Activities | £60–90/tour | £120–200/tour | £250–400/private tour |
| Transport | £10–20/day | £30–50/day | £60+/day |
| Daily Total | £130–200 | £270–455 | £590–1,040 |
Where to Stay
Budget: Saariselkä Inn
Clean, simple rooms in the village centre. From €50 (~£42)/night.Mid-Range: Santa's Hotel Tunturi
The village's main hotel with restaurant, spa, and activity desk. From €100 (~£84)/night.Luxury: Star Arctic Hotel Glass Igloos
Premium glass igloos on a hillside with panoramic aurora views. Each igloo has a motorised bed that adjusts for the best sky viewing angle. From €350 (~£295)/night.Getting There
- By air: Finnair from Helsinki to Ivalo (1.5h). Shuttle from Ivalo to Saariselkä (30 min).
- By bus: Long-distance buses from Rovaniemi (4 hours). Budget option but slow.
- By car: Rent from Ivalo Airport. Useful but not essential — most activities include pickup.
What to Pack
- Heavy thermal layers (expect -15 to -30°C)
- Insulated down jacket rated to -30°C
- Snow pants and waterproof outer shell
- Arctic-rated boots (-30°C or below)
- Balaclava/face covering for snowmobile safaris
- Swimsuit (for sauna and glass igloo hot tubs)
- Multiple pairs of warm gloves
- Camera + tripod
- Hand/toe warmers in bulk
FAQ
How does Saariselkä compare to Rovaniemi?
Saariselkä scores higher for aurora (8 vs 7) thanks to darker skies and elevated position. Rovaniemi has Santa Claus Village, more restaurants, and easier flights. Saariselkä feels like genuine wilderness; Rovaniemi feels like a tourist town. For serious aurora watching, Saariselkä wins.Is there enough to do for 3 days?
Yes — snowmobile safaris, husky/reindeer experiences, skiing, ice fishing, sauna, and the national park fill 3 days comfortably. Saariselkä is about quality wilderness experiences, not quantity of attractions.How dark are the skies?
Exceptionally dark. The elevated fell position (480m) and minimal light pollution give Saariselkä some of the darkest skies in Finland. On clear nights, the Milky Way is vivid and the aurora is visible in every direction.Can I visit Urho Kekkonen National Park independently?
Yes — marked trails are accessible from the village. In winter, snowshoe or cross-country ski on maintained trails. For deeper wilderness exploration, hire a guide. The park is vast (2,550 km²) and genuinely wild.Is Saariselkä good for families?
Excellent. The Holiday Club spa has water slides, reindeer/husky safaris are family-friendly, and glass igloo stays are magical for children. Less crowded than Rovaniemi, which is a plus with kids.Explore the full Saariselkä destination guide for more activities and planning tips.