Inari Finland is a remote, tranquil and beautiful natural setting in Finnish Lapland. There are attractions year-round but I personally think the best time to visit Inari is in the winter.
Inari, Finland in the Winter
For winter travel try Finnish Lapland, to experience sub-zero temperatures, long winter nights, and perhaps see the Northern Lights. Northern Finland or Finnmark has no shortage of ski resorts and holiday villages, but to get a feel of the real Lapland, not the tourist-type resorts like Saariselka, go to Inari.
What is Inari, Finland?
Inari is a small community on the shores of Lake Inari, 300km above the Arctic Circle, with a population of 7,000. You will feel like you are isolated from the world, and in winter even more so. Although remote, this corner of Finland is accessible by flying from Helsinki to Rovaniemi, (Santa’s home) and from there a short flight to Ivalo and a 50km bus or car ride to Inari. If you’ve ever wanted to get away from civilization and isolate yourself for a while, this is the place. The serene location is perfect for a quiet, peaceful vacation. In summer you have two months of virtual non-stop sunshine under the midnight sun and in winter the sun only rises for a few hours a day. Winter is the perfect time to see the Northern Lights in Finland.
Inari, the village is in the Municipality of Inari, the largest municipality in Finland. The culture of the Inari Municipality is so diverse it has four official languages – Finnish, Inari Sami, Skolt Sami, and Northern Sami. If you’re not looking for solitude then there are plenty of ski resorts in the Inari Municipality.
The Sami People of Finland
Inari is the heart of Lapland and the heart of the Sami culture in Finland. The Sami people are the indigenous people of Lapland. In Inari Finland, you’ll find many exciting attractions related to Sami culture.
What to See and Do in Inari, Finland?
Tour Inari – Take a private tour of Inari attractions – see Ukonsaari Island, a small but tall, mystical island in Inari Lake, sacred to the Sami people. In summer take a boat excursion to the island and in winter take a snowmobile tour across the ice-covered lake to the island. See one of the oldest churches in the area, Pielpejarvi Wilderness Church; visit a reindeer farm and more.
Snow-Mobile Tour – Ride out onto the frozen lake and through the snow-covered landscape.
Ice-Fishing – As part of an extensive day tour include a stop to fish through a hole in the ice-covered lake. Then you’ll be taken to a small hut to cook and eat the fish.
Siida Center – A modern museum dedicated to the Sami culture.
Sajos – See the Sami Parliament building of Finland. Take a guided tour of the parliament weekdays at noon.
Reindeer Farm Petri Matteus – Visit a reindeer farm, learn about the animals, and take a ride in a reindeer -pulled sled.
Traditional Sauna and Ice Swimming – At the Fell Centre Kiilopaa you can indulge in a smoke sauna experience and then dip in the freezing water.
Dog Sled/Husky Safari – “Drive” your own sled drawn across the snow by husky dogs.
Skiing – Saariselka is probably the best place to ski in Inari, Finland unless you opt to go cross-country skiing. You can take a cross-country ski tour with a private guide.
Snowshoeing/Cross country Hiking – Use that funny tennis-racket looking things on your feet to walk across the snow. Kevo Strict Nature Reserve and Lemmenjoki National Park are two of the most popular places for snowshoeing and cross-country hiking in Inari, Finland.
Where to Stay in Inari?
Inari has several B&Bs; two hotels and a holiday camp. Hotel Inari is in the heart of the village and has a lively pub and restaurant with a warm atmosphere. The hotel is right on the edge of the lake. Holiday Village Inari is also on the water’s edge and offers 17 cabins – some with a sauna, some with a fireplace, and some that have direct access to the lake. Some fo their cabins have glass ceilings so you can look for the Northern Lights. When I was in Inari I stayed at Hotel Kultahovi. Just a short walk from the city center it is a classy place. Some of the rooms have their own sauna and private access to the lake-side. The hotel has an excellent restaurant.
My Visit to Inari, Finland
I can honestly say that my visit to Inari was one of the best trips I’ve had. I often imagine going there for a full winter to huddle up in one of the wooden cabins and write that novel I’ve been meaning to get around to! I was in Inari for the Skabmagovat Film Festival, a festival of films made by indigenous people from around the world. This annual Inari Film Festival will take place on 28-31 January 2021. You can find more ideas about what to do in Finland here.
[…] There is also a Sami film festival in Guovdageaidnu, Lapland. While in Inari you might like to try ice fishing. Web site: Film festival […]