Inari
Cultural explorers wanting authentic Sami experiences alongside top-quality aurora viewing
About Inari
Inari is Finland's Sami cultural heartland and one of the most rewarding arctic destinations for those seeking authentic cultural experiences alongside outstanding aurora viewing. The vast Lake Inari — Finland's third largest lake — freezes solid in winter, creating a stunning backdrop for aurora photography and ice-fishing adventures. At nearly 69°N, Inari sits deep within the auroral zone and experiences the polar night from late November to mid-January. The SIIDA museum is one of Europe's finest Sami cultural institutions. Reindeer herding remains a living practice here, and guests can join authentic herding and sledding experiences with Sami families. Inari is noticeably quieter than Rovaniemi and Saariselkä, making it ideal for travellers who prefer genuine encounters over tourist infrastructure.
Best Time to Visit
Monthly Weather & Aurora
| Month | Avg Temp | Dark Hours | Aurora Chance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan★ Best | -16°C | Polar night | High |
| Feb★ Best | -15°C | 18h | High |
| Mar★ Best | -9°C | 11h | High |
| Apr | -2°C | 4h | Low |
| May | +5°C | Midnight sun | — |
| Jun | +12°C | Midnight sun | — |
| Jul | +15°C | Midnight sun | — |
| Aug | +13°C | Midnight sun | — |
| Sep | +6°C | 6h | Med |
| Oct★ Best | -1°C | 13h | High |
| Nov★ Best | -8°C | 20h | High |
| Dec★ Best | -13°C | Polar night | High |
Activities
Getting There
Fly to Ivalo Airport (20min from Inari) via Helsinki (2h). Limited direct European routes. Car hire essential.
Accommodation Highlights
- ✓Wilderness Cabins
- ✓Sami Themed Lodges
- ✓Northern Lights Viewing Huts
Location
Budget Estimator
Based on avg $120/day in Inari. Includes accommodation, food, local transport & one guided tour. Flights not included.
Quick Info
🏨Where to Stay(10)
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Arctic Raja Inn
Sevettijärventie 12245, 99940 Näätämö, Finland
motel
Wilderness Hotel Inari
Inarintie 2, 99870 Inari, Finland
hotel
Wilderness Hotel Nangu
Veskoniementie 1320, 99800 Inari, Finland
hotel
Inari Igloos, Aurora Cabins
Inarintie 2, 99870 Inari, Finland
hotel
Northern Lights Village Saariselkä
Rovaniementie 3222E, 99830 Saariselkä, Finland
resort hotelWilderness Hotel Juutua
Saarikoskentie 2, 99870 Inari, Finland
hotelWilderness Hotel Nellim
Nellimintie 4230, 99860 Nellim, Finland
hotelSuomen Latu Kiilopää/Fell Centre Kiilopää
Kiilopääntie 620, 99830 Saariselkä, Finland
hotelVisit Inari, Hotel Inari
Inarintie 40, 99870 Inari, Finland
hotelVisit Inari, Holiday Village Inari
Inarintie 26, 99870 Inari, Finland
travel agency🍽️Where to Eat(10)
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Ravintola Kuksa
Laanilantie 8, 99830 Inari, Finland
restaurant
Gáldu Restaurant
Viskitie 1, 99830 Saariselkä, Finland
restaurant
Restaurant Čaiju
Menesjärventie 2a, 99870 Inari, Finland
restaurant
Restaurant Aanaar
Saarikoskentie 2, 99870 Inari, Finland
fine dining restaurant
Restaurant Ukko
Inarintie 2, 99870 Inari, Finland
restaurantWilderness Hotel Inari
Inarintie 2, 99870 Inari, Finland
hotelWilderness Hotel Juutua
Saarikoskentie 2, 99870 Inari, Finland
hotelPaPaNa
Inarintie 49, 99870 Inari, Finland
barRestaurant Aurora
Inarintie 40, 99870 Inari, Finland
restaurantRavintola Sarrit
Inarintie 46, 99870 Inari, Finland
restaurant🎯Things to Do(10)
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Taigausko
Terstontie 643 C, 99870 Inari, Finland
point of interest
Nordic Horizon Inari
Inarintie 42A 4, 99800 Inari, Finland
point of interest
Safari By Max
Koppelontie 285, 99800 Inari, Finland
tour agency
Northern Polar Xperience
V.E. Törmäsentie 10 A 4 A 4, 99870 Inari, Finland
point of interest
Inari Fishing, guided ice fishing tours
Nikulanperäntie 41, 99870 Inari, Finland
point of interestArctic Adventures Husky Farm
Veskoniementie 530 560, 99800 Ivalo, Finland
pet boarding serviceVisit Inari - Activities
Inarintie 38, 99800 Inari, Finland
tour agencyVisit Inari Husky Experience
Angelintie 260, 99870 Inari, Finland
point of interestVisit Inari, Safari office
Inarintie 38, 99870 Inari, Finland
point of interestActivity Bookings Saariselkä by Wilderness Hotels
Saariseläntie 10, 99830 Saariselkä, Finland
point of interestNearby Destinations
Saariselkä
Skiers and snowmobilers who want aurora viewing combined with outstanding winter sports
Sodankylä
Aurora enthusiasts who want a scientifically renowned location with genuine Finnish Lapland character
Luosto
Couples and small groups seeking intimate Finnish Lapland aurora experiences away from the crowds
Levi
Skiers and families wanting Lapland winter magic with Finland's best ski facilities
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