2025 Saariselka Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in July)

Friends! The Qingming Festival holiday is coming soon. Do you want to experience a unique Nordic trip? Icebreaker cruises, husky sledding, VR aurora chasing, skiing in Levi, and the icy-hot experience of a seaside sauna—this guide will take you on a 7-day adventure through multiple Nordic countries, with something new every day! Multiple Nordic countries, rich in history and stunning scenery! 🏰Denmark has a fairytale atmosphere, and Copenhagen is picturesque; 🌲Sweden has vast forests and unique folk customs; 🏔️Norway's fjords are magnificent, and the natural scenery is unparalleled. Don't miss out! 🚩Suggested Itinerary: A Magical Journey Through Multiple Nordic Countries Day 1：🛫Fly to Helsinki Depart for Helsinki. Upon arrival, enjoy a private transfer service. A thoughtful arrangement to kick off your journey! Day 2：Helsinki City Tour Sibelius Park -> Temppeliaukio Church -> Helsinki Cathedral -> Uspenski Cathedral. Experience the charm of a Nordic metropolis. In the evening, experience Kotiharjun Sauna, and enjoy the unique sauna culture. Day 3：Icebreaker Adventure Board the Polar Explorer Icebreaker and Sampo Icebreaker, venture into the ice castle, wear a special "crawfish suit" and float on the icy sea, and experience an extraordinary ice and snow adventure! Day 4：Visit Santa Claus Village Visit the magical Santa Claus Village, cross the Arctic Circle line, visit the Arktikum Museum, and delve into the mysteries of the Arctic. Day 5：Husky and Reindeer Sledding Embark on a husky sledding tour, let the adorable huskies lead you across the snowy landscape, and experience the beauty of the north. Day 6：Levi Ski Resort Head to Levi Ski Resort, enjoy 3 hours of professional ski instruction on the shores of Lake Inari, and experience the thrill of winter sports. Day 7：🛬Return Trip End your pleasant Nordic trip. Based on your flight schedule, a private transfer will take you to the airport, allowing you to return home with wonderful memories. Must-See Attractions: 🎅Santa Claus Village: A fairytale-like wooden complex. Visit in winter to participate in aurora viewing activities and witness the brilliant colors of the night sky. There are also plenty of Christmas-themed activities waiting for you! ⛪Temppeliaukio Church: This church resembles a landed flying saucer. The unique interior decoration and rock walls are impressive. 💒Helsinki Cathedral: With its green dome and white walls, this iconic cathedral is elegant and majestic. Travel Checklist: 🧳 Essentials for Your Multi-Country Nordic Tour! 📘 Documents: Passport, visa, ID card (bring copies too!), and passport photos. 🔌 Electronics: A plug adapter is essential, as Nordic outlets may be different. Don't forget your charger and power bank! 📱 Communication: Purchase a SIM card in advance. Smooth internet access is crucial for a fun trip. 👔 Clothing: It's still cold in March in the Nordic countries. Pack warm coats, down jackets, thick sweaters, and windproof and waterproof shoes. 🎒 Personal Items: Wallet, hand warmers, commonly used medications, and an umbrella or raincoat for unexpected weather. 💄 Toiletries: Nordic hotels may not provide them, so bring your own towels, toothbrush, and shampoo for convenience. After experiencing the fairytale world of the Nordic countries, we hope you'll fall in love with this land too. Don't forget to like + save, 💖and share the beauty of the Nordic countries with more friends!

| Let me share my experience of successfully chasing the aurora! I saw the aurora four times in Lapland on December 4, 5, 8, and 9, 2024. I was so lucky! I took some amazing photos, and I'll share a guide on how to take photos of the aurora later. 📍🌈Location & Time: ⚡12.4 (Aurora Tour) Saariselka-Inari, north of Nellim. I understand this place is a secret base for local aurora tours. ⚡12.4-12.5 Early Morning Northern Light Village, Saariselka. We stayed in an aurora cabin, and we saw the aurora in the resort. ⚡12.8 Northern Light Ranch, Levi. A travel resort in the same series as the previous glass cabin. We played at the husky farm during the day, and when we received an aurora alert at night, we went straight there, away from the light pollution in Levi. ⚡12.9 Near Levi Design Hotel. We also received an alert at night. But since we saw the aurora late yesterday, we didn't go out and saw the aurora with the naked eye in the dark woods near the hotel. 🈯The aurora apps we used are -Northern Lights Alert (black and green) -Aurora (black and purple) But‼️these apps are not visible to the naked eye. We frequently saw the aurora this week, and there are some commonalities. 1️⃣-You can see many stars on a clear day. 2️⃣-The sun must be completely set during the polar night. Go out after 8 pm. 3️⃣-Stay away from light sources such as houses and roads, 5-10 km is enough. The resorts in Lapland, Finland, are small towns and resorts with no skyscrapers. 4️⃣-The aurora appeared in the northern sky on these four days. Special Note⚡📳On December 4, the first day, the aurora app did not alert us. The hotel staff was also not optimistic. The weather forecast was cloudy, but there were many stars in the sky in Saariselka that day! 👉Since we had no experience and were afraid we wouldn't have another chance, we signed up for a €149 aurora tour at 5 pm. We were very lucky. When we gathered at 7:45 pm, there was already a faint green light over the hotel resort, and there were many stars in the sky! So we sped up and went north with the group. SO, the weather is clear, the direction is north, and the aurora is north of the Arctic Circle. Then wait for a grand magnetic storm!

| How to chase the Aurora? Receive this ultimate guide to chasing light. As soon as 9🈷️ is over, the aurora season🌌 in Northern Europe is about to begin again Can you see the aurora during the 8️⃣-month long aurora season? When is the best time to see the aurora❓ I hope this 🈯️Nan can clear the obstacles for your light-chasing journey - 🤔Where can I see the Aurora? Aurora can only be seen in areas near the two poles in the world 🌟Iceland, Norway, Sweden, Finland, Greenland, Canada, Alaska, and Russia are all areas in the northern hemisphere where aurora can often be seen. . 🔸Finland 👉🏻Inari: There is a very famous Finnish saying in Inari, the fire of the fox🦊. This so-called fire of the fox is the representative term of the aurora. 👉🏻Saariselkä: It is a small town in Finland with only 350 residents. One of the great advantages of enjoying the aurora here is that you can stay in the Aurora Glass House, 🌌 deeply feel the shock of the aurora! . 🔸Norway 👉🏻Tromso North Cape: The promontory on Mager Island in the North Cape District of northern Norway - 💕North Cape is an excellent place to enjoy the aurora 👉🏻Lofoten Islands: It may be the place on this planet that is extremely close to fairyland. It is a place that lovers of landscape photography📸 cannot avoid in their lifetime. . 🔸Sweden 👉🏻Kiruna Abisko: The Northern Lights Sky Station in Abisko is a famous aurora observation point in Sweden. 🔥Whether you are a serious aurora enthusiast or a friend who is watching the aurora for the first time, you cannot miss it✨ . 🔸Iceland 👉🏻Iceland is the only country in the world whose entire territory is within the aurora belt🌟 👉🏻Black sand beach: The black sand beach in the town of Vik on the south coast of Iceland🕶️ is one of the best places to watch the aurora. 👉🏻Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon: 🌊Aurora and lake are good photography materials 👉🏻Straw Hat Mountain: Snæfellsnes Peninsula is a recognized photography destination in Iceland. The most famous one is Straw Hat Mountain, where many Icelandic blockbusters were filmed📸 - 🤗Weather and conditions for viewing the Aurora ✅The darker and clearer the sky, the greater the chance of seeing it ✅Remember to check the weather forecast before departure ✅The best observation time is from 11pm to 2am the next morning ✅Aurora Kp value: The greater the Kp value, the greater the probability of seeing the aurora. - 🧳What do you need to bring to see the Aurora? 1. Extra thick warm clothing. Includes hat, gloves🧤, waterproof jacket, thermal underwear and boots🥾 2. Professional photography equipment. In most cases, aurora cannot be photographed with mobile phones 3. Power bank: Lithium batteries consume power quickly in low temperature environments. Camera parties need to prepare at least two batteries🔋 4. Toiletries 🪥, generally not provided by hotels 5. Conversion plug🔌

It's a special feeling to have a real white Christmas in Finland at Christmas🥰 It was great to see the Northern Lights and stay at the famous glass house hotel in Finland

A couple of years ago I had seen a few of my favorite content creators go on a photography trip to the northern part of Finland 🇫🇮 , also known as Lapland. This area which is part of the Arctic Circle, is known for its winter wonderland vibes and breathtaking sceneries expanding on vast areas. ❄️ This winter, I finally made it happen. I didn’t believe it could exceed my already very high expectations. But it did. I am going to share my best shots from this Lapland trip this week. Here is the first few from the Northern Lights Village, a beautiful property we stayed at in Saariselkä. Make sure to follow along 😇

Saariselkä is well-known as a prime location to witness the aurora borealis✨. In addition to aurora viewing, visitors can enjoy activities like cross-country skiing and dog sledding❄️. This area is also rich in the culture of the indigenous Sámi people, offering opportunities to experience their traditions and customs. Nearby, you'll find the popular Urho Kekkonen National Park. The best time to see the Northern Lights is from September to April✨. Although it's extremely cold❄️, the crisp air and the pristine beauty of the snow are breathtakingly stunning.

Our stay at Santa’s Hotel Tunturi was nothing short of magical! Nestled in the heart of Saariselkä, Lapland, this hotel offers the perfect blend of comfort, adventure, and a true winter wonderland experience. From the moment we arrived, we were welcomed by the warm and friendly staff, who made sure our stay was special. The cozy accommodation had a strong heater to keep us warm, making it the perfect retreat after a day in the snow. This hotel is in a fantastic location for Northern Lights hunting. We were lucky enough to witness the breathtaking aurora right outside the hotel, but for an even more spectacular view, we took a 15-minute scenic walk up a nearby path—and it was absolutely worth it! At the top, we were rewarded with a stunning panoramic view, and I was fortunate to see the aurora dance across the sky, making the walk truly unforgettable. The breakfast buffet had a great selection to start the day, but be sure to collect your breakfast coupon from the reception at check-in, as you will need to choose a designated time slot. The festive and cozy atmosphere throughout the hotel added to the Lapland magic. Overall, Santa’s Hotel Tunturi provided an enchanting and unforgettable experience. Whether you’re visiting as a couple or with family, this is the perfect place to soak in the magic of Lapland. #Saariselkä

It's really the best. Friendly people, convenient accommodation, delicious and new food, activities that you can't experience if you're not in Finland, etc. It's a place you should visit at least once in your life, no, a place you should visit before you die. I never regretted the money I paid, and I never once thought that way. I'm taking home a really happy experience!!

The wind whipped at our faces as we huddled together, shivering under a sky stubbornly refusing to reveal its secrets. Another night, another failed attempt to witness the elusive aurora borealis. Disappointment gnawed at us, a familiar ache after countless hours spent scanning the heavens. Then, a collective gasp. A faint shimmer, almost imperceptible at first, appeared on the horizon. Hope surged through us, a wave of adrenaline replacing the chill. Slowly, tentatively, the sky ignited. Emerald ribbons danced across the canvas. Hours of longing, of shivering in the cold, of battling skepticism, had finally culminated in this breathtaking spectacle. We witnessed a celestial ballet, a testament to the enduring power of perseverance. #europetrip

Nordic fans! Travel to multiple countries in 5 days with this super practical guide! Essential routes and must-see attractions, all in one article! Save it and start your dream trip now! -- 🛣️ Travel route: Day 1: Arrive in Kirkenes and start your trip to Norway! 🎉 Day 2: Kirkenes -> Saariselkä, visit the king crab hunting sanctuary in the Arctic Ocean and enjoy the delicious king crab. Day 3: Saariselkä -> Kakslauttanen, stay in the unique Kelo-Glass Igloo Suite and watch the aurora in comfort. Day 4: Saariselkä Ski & Sport Resort -> Santa Claus Village, experience winter sports and a fairytale atmosphere. Day 5: Head to Helsinki, explore this medieval fairytale city known as the crossroads of Europe, and end this unforgettable journey. -- Some tips: 🍽️ Food: Nordic seafood is great, don't miss the pickled salmon and herring potatoes, and the creamy fish soup~ ❄️ December climate: Nordic winters are cold, remember to wear warm coats and waterproof pants to enjoy the snowy scenery! ✈️ Airport transportation: Nordic airports have convenient transportation, with trains and buses to choose from. Download the ticketing app in advance for more convenience~ 💳 Payment: Credit cards are a must, mobile payments are also OK, and it's best to use cash less. 📸 Photography: Nordic scenery is beautiful, remember to bring a camera to capture the beautiful moments! 👟 Walking: Non-slip shoes are a good choice for winter, so you don't have to worry about walking on ice. 💊 Medicine: Bring headache and stomach medicine with you just in case. 🌨️ Polar night: There is a polar night in the Nordic countries in December, plan your itinerary in advance and enjoy a unique experience! -- Unlock the Nordic countries and discover the endless adventures waiting for you! Click on the homepage and explore your dream trip to the Nordic countries!

Nordic fans, listen up! Here's a super useful guide to 5 days of travel in the Nordics! The best routes and must-see attractions, all in one article! Start your dream trip now! -- The Nordics are located in Northern Europe and include Denmark🏰, Norway🌲, and other countries. They have a rich history and unique regional style. The Nordics are often called a fairy tale world, famous for their dreamlike castles and magnificent fjords. -- 🛣️Itinerary: Day 1: 🌟【Kirkenes】Start your trip to Norway! Day 2: Kirkenes - Saariselkä | Visit the king crab hunting grounds of the Arctic Ocean and enjoy a delicious feast🦀. Day 3: Saariselkä - Kakslauttanen | Stay in a unique Kelo-Glass Igloo and watch the aurora in comfort✨. Day 4: Saariselkä Ski & Sport Resort - Santa Claus Village | Experience the fun of skiing and visit Santa Claus from the fairy tales🎅. Day 5: Return from Helsinki | Explore the medieval fairy tale city and end your unforgettable trip🎉. -- Tips: 🛍️ Price of specialties: Prices are high in the Nordics, and handicrafts and designer goods are expensive. We recommend budgeting in advance. 💶 Exchange rate: The exchange rate between Nordic currencies and the RMB fluctuates. We recommend exchanging currency in advance or using a credit card. ⏰ Time difference: There is a large time difference between the Nordics and China. Remember to adjust your time and stay in good shape. 📇 Visa information: Visas are required for many Nordic countries. Apply in advance to avoid delaying your trip. -- Walk every inch of the Nordics and experience every bit of its charm. Don't hesitate! Take this guide and start your dream trip to the Nordics!

🇫🇮 Aurora Collection Resort Finland ❄️ A luxurious box house on a snowy mountain, soak in a jacuzzi and watch the northern lights and sleep while watching the panoramic mountain view on Saariselka Mountain A famous ski resort town in Finland I must say that this accommodation has a great view, you can see the northern lights clearly all night long 💫 📍 Aurora Collection Saariselkä IG - paigunna #Let's go #auroracollectionresort #finland #luxuryhotel #luxuryhotel #luxuryresort #travelgoals

#luxuryhotels #christmastrip #freehotelstay Excellent service, food, and staff. We did the Passion for Lapland and enjoyed dog sledding, a reindeer experience, snowmobiling through a beautiful winter wonderland, and hunting for the Northern Lights which we did find! Our accommodations were clean, warm, and comfortable. The hotel was within a short walk of a ski area and toboggan run. So much fun! One of the best trips my wife and I have taken. The friendly and helpful staff and tour guides made our stay even better. Highly recommend this hotel! Great location, beautiful surrounding atmosphere, great staff. Most friendly and helpful receptionist and staff ever, lovely and great first impression of hotel. Everything about the hotel was exceptional. It was clean, stylish, roomy with excellent service in where we had dinner. Food was good and great value for money and service was attentive and efficient. Room itself was well equipped and comfortable. I was very pleased with my stay. I

#EuropeanTravel This is the most popular place in Ivalo, Holiday Inn Saariselka. We couldn't see the Northern Lights at the first Kilopah, so we came to Saariselka for the second time. Here, we booked a snowmobile Northern Lights tour at a place called Huskin & Co. It's located across from Holiday, and there's a husky dog ​​sitting right in front of it, so it's easy to find. 😃 And one of the foods you must try when you come to Finland is reindeer meat. We had reindeer burgers and reindeer pasta. There was a reason why I had to try it ㅎㅎ The nearby pub is also open until 2am, so there were more things to do in Sariselka than I thought. If you come during the day, There are various tours such as husky sled snowmobile riding, so I recommend trying them. The aurora tour here was a failure 😭 Husky & Co. Snowmobile Aurora Tour 150 euros per person (about 213,000 won) Including winter clothes, gloves, masks, and shoes Anne's garden Grill & Cafe Opening hours 13:00 ~22:00 Reindeer burger + pasta + 2 beers 53.3 euros (about 76,000 won) Pub panimo Opening hours 15:00~02:00 2 beers 17 euros (about 24,000 won) #Nordic travel #Nordic independent travel #European travel #Aurora tour #Finland travel #Finland independent travel #Winter travel #Finland travel destination recommendation #Ho-cation

Hello :-) I went to Northern Europe to see the Aurora, which I wanted to see the most when Corona is over. Since I prepared it suddenly, the airfare was expensive and I was busy looking for accommodations and tours, but I was excited because it was my first trip in a long time and I might be able to see the Aurora. I was going from Incheon to Helsinki via Paris, but after a long flight, I took another flight to the Ivalo area, went further north, and took a bus to Rovaniemi, and then flew back to Helsinki. Since the goal was the Aurora, I booked a place to stay in Nilopā National Park to see it directly in Ivalo, but it failed because there were too many clouds ㅠㅠ But the place was really pretty! And I moved to Sariselka and applied for a snowmobile tour, but failed again because of the clouds ㅠㅠ And I moved to the long-awaited Rovaniemi and met a Korean aurora tour guide who I had a hard time finding in Korea and successfully saw the aurora 😆 I had a really, really unforgettable trip :-) And I went to Santa Village in Rovaniemi and it was so cute. There were a lot of people with elementary school childrenㅎ If you go, be sure to try the salmon steak :-) #Aurora#Sariselka #KilopaNationalPark#AuroraTour#NordicTravel#WinterWinter#Rovaniemi

Kakslauttanen Resort is definitely a blessing for this trip. It was originally intended to experience a glass house for one night. As a result, after the dinner, the character broke out and Aurora appeared quietly. The Northern Lights danced across the air, like a colorful movement, lasting more than an hour. As we watched, we sang and cheered, and this spectacular and magical beauty can only be realized with our own eyes! No regrets in this trip ^^