Lapland's Arctic Wilderness

Lapland's Arctic Wilderness

7 Nights

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Starting Point: Ivalo
Length of route: 450 kilometres
Duration: 7 nights / 8 days
Season: All year
By car: 9 hours
By bike: 35 hours

Whether you arrive by bus, car, or airplane, your adventure can begin in either Saariselkä or Ivalo, offering several convenient starting points. While the route officially ends in Utsjoki, eager travellers can extend their journey by crossing the border into Norway and continuing all the way to the Arctic Ocean.

Saariselkä - 2 nights

Ivalo - 2 nights

Inari - 2 nights

Utsjoki - 1 night

Snowmobiling
Northern Lights
Reindeer and Sami culture
Igloo Hotel
Husky Experiences
Snowshoeing
Jacuzzi and Sauna
Hiking

Overview

This route takes you through the breathtaking landscapes of northern Finnish Lapland, showcasing some of the region's most stunning natural beauty. As you journey along Finland’s most picturesque Tenontie road, you'll pass through untouched wilderness, with pristine rivers and crystal-clear Arctic lakes dotting the scenery.

Northern reaches of Finnish Lapland
Lapland's Arctic wilderness route leads through Finland's largest municipality, Inari, and continues to its northernmost point, Utsjoki, offering travellers an extraordinary journey through one of Finland’s most remarkable rural destinations. This vast region is renowned for its national parks, nature reserves, and pristine rivers and lakes with crystal-clear waters. Stretching from Inari to the Finland-Norway border, the route promises an unforgettable immersion in nature.

Day by Day Itinerary

Day 1 | Saariselkä, Europe’s northernmost outdoor adventure destination

Saariselkä, Europe’s northernmost outdoor resort, offers various year-round activities, accommodations, and services. Enjoy hiking, berry picking, and paddling in summer, and downhill skiing and husky safaris in winter. Despite modern amenities, the pristine wilderness is just a short walk away. Saariselkä is also the gateway to Urho Kekkonen National Park, Finland’s second-largest national park.

Stay for two nights in Saariselkä.

Day 3 | Discover Finland’s first gold rush locations

The village of Ivalo, is the administrative center of Inari. Located beside the Ivalojoki River, famously known as the “Golden River” from Finland’s first gold rush, visitors may still see prospectors panning for gold. Ivalo also offers access to the Hammastunturi Wilderness Area for experienced trekkers and provides a range of activities throughout the year.

Stay for two nights in Ivalo.

Day 5 | Explore Sámi culture and history

The next stop is Inari, the heart of Sámi culture in Finland, located by the scenic Lake Inari. This village is surrounded by breathtaking nature and offers a variety of activities. Key highlights include Lake Inari, Ukko Island, the Sámi Museum & Nature Centre Siida for exploring Sámi traditions and history, the Sámi Cultural Centre Sajos, and the Pielpajärvi wilderness church.

Stay for two nights in Inari.

Day 7 | Drive along Tenontie, scenic route from Karigasniemi to Utsjoki
The journey ends in Utsjoki, Finland’s only Sámi-majority municipality with around 1,000 people and over 10,000 reindeer. Immerse yourself in Sámi culture and explore Utsjoki, Karigasniemi, and Nuorgam. Utsjoki features the longest polar night and midnight sun in Finland. Highlights include the Teno River, Kevo Nature Reserve, Kaldoaivi Wilderness Area, and the Ailigas and Paistunturi fells.

Stay for one night in Utsjoki.

Day 8 | Return to Saariselkä for your onward journey home.

Alternatively head to Helsinki or Tromso to add a city break to your stay.