Among the snow-covered slopes of the Urho Kekkonen National Park is the northernmost resort in Europe – Saariselkja. Located in fabulous Lapland, this magical corner of the earth is very difficult to call a city, because it is inhabited by only 350 people. Despite the limited scale of the resort, tourist opportunities in Saariselkja are abundant, and most of them are absolutely unique.
First of all, Saariselkja is a real ski oasis, where both professional athletes and amateurs can engage in winter sports. Hundreds of kilometers of magnificent ski slopes, illuminated mountain slopes and a halfpipe for snowboarding await them. Free tourist buses run between hotels and ski lifts, which greatly simplifies the scheme of movement during the holidays.
The long northern winter lasts from October to May at the resort, so ski fans can enjoy their favorite thing almost all year round. To feel the real Lapland,travelers are invited to ride dog and reindeer sleds, as well as admire the northern lights. Not far from Saariselkja there is a Gold Museum and operating mines, where noble metal has been mined since the end of the XIX century.
Even those who are not fond of active sports, Saariselkja will like it. Finnish holidays in Lapland are a real journey into a Christmas fairy tale and an ideal place for a family vacation. The resort has a fairly wide hotel base, and everyone can find a winter corner to their liking:
Northern Lights Village
Under the glass dome
The small hotel offers accommodation in private houses with a glass roof, where guests can enjoy the northern lights and starry skies directly from their own bed. The dome is equipped with thermal glass, so there will be no problems with the temperature in the room. Wooden houses are completely shrouded in home warmth and comfort.
On reindeer sleds
Holidays in Lapland can not be complete without a safari on reindeer! Guests of Northern Lights Village are waiting for a special surprise – its own deer farm right in the hotel. Guests have not only the opportunity to observe and feed the animals, but also to ride a sled. A fascinating trip will not leave indifferent tourists of any age: adults and children are guaranteed to be delighted.
Cozy restaurant
Guests can taste the culinary masterpieces of Lapland and the gifts of the Barents Sea in the restaurant with panoramic windows. And in a secluded corner near the warm fireplace you can enjoy fragrant mulled mulled or hot chocolate on a cold winter evening.
Fedor: “Fantastic needles, very beautiful and comfortable, heated glass is a great feature. Staff friendly.”
Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort
Overnight in a snow hut
The hotel offers all Lapland accommodation options: from glass igloos to wooden chalets with a fireplace. The most daring and curious travelers can spend the night in a real igloo, made entirely of snow.
The largest sauna in the world
Finnish holidays can not pass without an evening in the sauna in the company of old and new friends. It offers six saunas, but the main pride of the hotel is the world’s largest bath, heated in black. And after a thermal procedure, hardened guests can immediately dive into the hole.
Igloo Bar
There are two restaurants on site where you can enjoy Lapland recipes and delicious salmon. A favorite place for travelers is a glass igloo bar, where a pleasant conversation over a glass of strong drink will brighten up the fantastic winter sky and the aurora.
Alexander: “Holiday in Finnish style! You should definitely try.”
Holiday Club Saariselka
In the heart of Saariselkja
An ideal accommodation option for those who want not only to enjoy the fabulous nature, but also at any time to have the opportunity to stroll through the cozy streets, look into souvenir shops and colorful restaurants. The hotel is located in the heart of the resort, which can be completely bypassed in just half an hour.
Tropical SPA
The northernmost SPA center in Europe is located in the Holiday Club Saariselka,which brought wide fame and popularity to this hotel. The list of services of the SPA center includes:
- Massages and relaxing treatments
- Traditional Finnish sauna
- Hot tub
- Indoor swimming pool
Olga: “A wonderful place for a family holiday! I liked absolutely everything, from the rooms to the territory of the hotel. An abundance of entertainment for adults and children, as well as a cozy atmosphere. Lovely spa complex and café.”
Santa’s Hotel Tunturi
Skiing straight from the room
Located on the outskirts of the resort, the hotel is ideal for strolling through the busy streets and at the same time being as close as possible to the ski track. You can start a ski trip through the snow-covered hills of the National Park right at the exit of the room.
Free sauna and family activities
A pleasant addition to the affordable prices for accommodation will be complimentary access to the Finnish sauna, because in many hotels this service comes for an additional fee. For the most sophisticated guests, there are also rooms with a private sauna. Family evening after a busy day is offered to brighten up in the games room, where you can play air hockey or table tennis.
Natalia: “Beautiful rooms, cleanliness, sauna big, clean, there is a ski storage room, you can dry clothes in it.”
Lapland Hotels Riekonlinna
All lapland in one hotel
Lapland is a unique place in the world. This is not only the magical nature of a winter fairy tale, but also an absolutely unique leisure. Staying at the Lapland Hotel, guests will be able to enjoy all the delights of a holiday in Northern Finland:
- Walk through the fabulous streets of Saariselka
- Skiing right at the exit of the hotel
- Snowshoe safaris and sledding
- Traditional Finnish sauna in the hotel
Rest at a high level
The well-known brand is traditionally famous among sophisticated travelers for the amazing service and amenities in each hotel of the chain. Lapland in Saariselka is no exception! It offers comfortable rooms with classic décor and suites with a private sauna. The exquisite Linnansali Restaurant serves Sami tinison delicacies and, in addition to Lapland’s gourmet cuisine, a solid wine list.
Roman: “This is not the first time I have stayed at this hotel. The quality of services is consistently high. Delicious breakfast, friendly staff, optimal room set.”
Saariselkä Kuukkeli Inn
Guest House in Saariselkä
A cosy guest house with a Finnish bath is located within walking distance of the saariselkä tourist centre, and guests can easily start skiing in the National Park just outside the inn.
Economical accommodation
Traditionally, spending the night in a guest house is much cheaper than in a classic hotel. This is a great option for both couples and a large company. Guests have access to a fully equipped self-made kitchen and a shared bathroom.
Sergey: “Cleanliness, comfort, design – everything is at the highest level. The kitchen has everything: any dishes, microwave, coffee maker, blender, electric stove, large refrigerator.”
Fell Centre Kiilopaa
At the entrance to the reserve
Despite the decent distance from the busy center of Saariselkja, the hotel has a significant advantage! The hotel is located just 50 meters from the entrance to the reserve, where the kilometer ski slopes originate.
Complete rest
Fell Centre Kiilopaa offers cosy rooms with views of the snow-covered hills. The hotel invites you to spend time in a warm company in the restaurant Steakhouse Kammi, and enjoy a quiet evening alone with your favorite book in the library with a fireplace.
Sauna in black
A real Finnish tradition is a winter evening in a smoke sauna! This unique experience awaits all guests of fell Centre Kiilopaa. And after visiting the bath in black, you will certainly want to dive into the nearest hole, despite the low temperature outside the window.
Christina: “Hotel near the national park. The room has everything you need, including a kettle and a large table. There is a lot of free parking on site.”
Star Arctic Hotel
Panoramic view from the room
Located on the very top of the Kaunispää hill, the hotel offers views of the Arctic nature from the panoramic window of its own room. On a cloudless night, guests can admire the starry sky and see the northern lights.
Culinary experience
Guests of the hotel can taste Lapland in the restaurant Raunis. Exquisite dishes prepared according to ancient Sama recipes, elegant furnishings and excellent service will not leave indifferent the sophisticated guest. And after dinner, those who wish are invited to take part in wine tasting by the fireplace.
Luxurious sauna
In the traditional Finnish sauna, guests of the hotel can not only warm up after a winter walk, but also enjoy views of the fantastic sunsets and northern landscapes through the panoramic window. After the thermal procedures, an open-air hot tub awaits.
Packages from Star Arctic
For those who want to entrust holiday planning to experienced Finns, the hotel has developed several tourist programs. Packages include not only accommodation, but also a number of top excursions in Lapland:
- Reindeer and dog sled safari
- Overnight in a snow hut in the forest
- Snowmobiling and snowshoeing
- Winter picnic in nature
Fidelis: “Great location to admire the northern lights, the guides are wonderful and welcoming. The hotel was very clean and the staff were very helpful.”
Sielikkö Aurora Log Apartments
Fairytale House
Ideal for those who want to spend their holidays in a private chalet and surrounded by Arctic nature. Right at the exit of the house, the expanses of the National Park open, and ski lifts are located very nearby. At the same time, the center of Saariselkja is only a five-minute drive from the hotel. Guests always have the opportunity to brighten up the evening with a trip to the restaurant and wander around the souvenir shops.
For a large company
Wooden house with authentic interior and skillfully selected furniture is fully equipped for a comfortable stay of a large company of up to eight people. In addition to three bedrooms, the house is equipped with a cozy living room with a fireplace, where spending the evening with loved ones is a pleasure. You can warm up in the winter cold in the private sauna, located right in the chalet.
Sergey: “Very spacious multi-level house, cozy, equipped to the maximum, excellent views.”
Top Star Saariselkä
Overlooking the Northern Lights
The four-star hotel is located on the hillside of Kaunispää, offering stunning views of the mountain slopes of the reserve and the village of Saariselkä. Guests can watch the fantastic scenery without getting out of bed: the rooms are equipped with panoramic windows and a roof made of thermal glass. At night, guests are waiting for a real celestial performance, where the main role is played by the northern lights.
Modern approach
The newest hotel meets the world standards of modern approach to service and equipment of rooms. Guests will find an incredible combination of Scandinavian colors and high-tech design in one composition. Starting from the design of houses and ending with every detail of the interior – everything is decorated at the highest level.
Maya: “The house is just excellent. At the appointed time for check-in came a message with the number of the house and the password from the mini-safe with a key. Most of all I liked the panoramic windows and the bed with remote control.”
Lapland is a true love at first sight and a completely unique place where you want to return again and again. Ski on snow-covered hills, spend the night in a real igloo, fill the harness with deer and admire the northern lights of the night on the flight… Doesn’t that sound like a fairy tale? Without a doubt, the guests of Saariselkja will have a truly magical holiday and warm Finnish hospitality, no matter what option they choose for the night.
