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Learn more about Saariselka
Northern lights dance above this Lapland village where reindeer safaris and husky sledding create unforgettable winter adventures. Warm up in traditional smoke saunas before skiing pristine trails or visiting Santa's Resort Kakslauttanen nearby for glass igloos.
Top reviews in Saariselka
Gáldu Hotel & Spa
Gáldu Hotel & SpaSaariselkä
10/10 Excellent
Gáldu Hotel and Spa is an idyllic spot for a truly relaxing getaway. The food was incredible, and although the location is slightly remote, it hardly matters when the hotel’s facilities are of such a high standard.
Breakfast was next level — a beautifully presented buffet with plenty of choice, alongside freshly prepared hot options. The spa was also a fantastic experience, clearly well maintained and thoughtfully managed.
What really stood out was the staff. Everyone was warm, welcoming, and...
Gáldu Hotel and Spa is an idyllic spot for a truly relaxing getaway. The food was incredible, and although the location is slightly remote, it hardly matters when the hotel’s facilities are of such a high standard.
Breakfast was next level — a beautifully presented buffet with plenty of choice, alongside freshly prepared hot options. The spa was also a fantastic experience, clearly well maintained and thoughtfully managed.
What really stood out was the staff. Everyone was warm, welcoming, and...
Gail
Wilderness Hotel Kieppi
Wilderness Hotel KieppiSaariselkä
10/10 Excellent
Activities, staff, great room
Activities, staff, great room
Rik
Star Arctic Hotel & Activities
Star Arctic Hotel & ActivitiesSaariselka
10/10 Excellent
Such a great stay!
Such a great stay!
Leslie
Holiday Club Saariselkä Superior Apartments
Holiday Club Saariselkä Superior ApartmentsSaariselka
10/10 Excellent
Perfect location for everything you’d need in saariselka. We stayed in a superior apartment which was fab. Great size for 2 adults and 2 children, with own sauna and drying cabinet which was well used! The apartment was well equipped with essentials such as soap, toilet roll, tea towel etc. cannot fault the apartment at all!
Perfect location for everything you’d need in saariselka. We stayed in a superior apartment which was fab. Great size for 2 adults and 2 children, with own sauna and drying cabinet which was well used! The apartment was well equipped with essentials such as soap, toilet roll, tea towel etc. cannot fault the apartment at all!
Sarah
Wilderness Hotel Muotka & Igloos
Wilderness Hotel Muotka & IgloosSodankyla
10/10 Excellent
Probably the best hotel / resort I've ever stayed in. We splurged for the Igloo and saw the Northern lights through the glass ceiling on our second night. Food was outstanding, especially considering it was a buffet, but you'd never know it. Staff were all incredible, super friendly, helpful and just some of the kindest people I've met. Will absolutely be back!
Probably the best hotel / resort I've ever stayed in. We splurged for the Igloo and saw the Northern lights through the glass ceiling on our second night. Food was outstanding, especially considering it was a buffet, but you'd never know it. Staff were all incredible, super friendly, helpful and just some of the kindest people I've met. Will absolutely be back!
Kariel
Aurora Village Ivalo
Aurora Village IvaloInari
10/10 Excellent
Activities and room were excellent
Activities and room were excellent
Rik
Kuukkeli Log Houses Teerenpesä - Superior Suite A49
Kuukkeli Log Houses Teerenpesä - Superior Suite A49Saariselka
10/10 Excellent
Beautiful cabin, and the Christmas tree and decoration was a lovely touch. The cabin is perfectly located in the centre of Saariselka next to the Holiday Club Resort (where all of our booked excursions picked up from) and by the bus stop for the airport bus. Everything we needed was within a 5 minute walk. As the back and sides are surrounded by trees and pathways, looking out the window was like staying out in seclusion in the woods, it made for beautiful photos. The deck outside behind the...
Beautiful cabin, and the Christmas tree and decoration was a lovely touch. The cabin is perfectly located in the centre of Saariselka next to the Holiday Club Resort (where all of our booked excursions picked up from) and by the bus stop for the airport bus. Everything we needed was within a 5 minute walk. As the back and sides are surrounded by trees and pathways, looking out the window was like staying out in seclusion in the woods, it made for beautiful photos. The deck outside behind the...
Anonymous traveller
Holiday Club Saariselkä Apartments
Holiday Club Saariselkä ApartmentsSaariselka
10/10 Excellent
Lovely place very close to centre of town...easy access to nearby locations for aurora sighting..
Lovely place very close to centre of town...easy access to nearby locations for aurora sighting..
Anonymous traveller
Northern Lights Village Saariselkä
Northern Lights Village SaariselkäSaariselka
10/10 Excellent
Great place really well run. Super helpful and friendly staff.
We stayed 5 nights in Feb 2023 in cabin 17, which was great. Cabins 1 to 20 are at the northern most edge of the resort, so you have nice views north of trees and the aurora, and not looking at the backs of more cabins.
Top tip, there is a path not shown on the map from opposite cabin 17 direct to reception.
First morning we went to reception and arranged activities for every day with the super helpful staff there – snowmobiling,...
Great place really well run. Super helpful and friendly staff.
We stayed 5 nights in Feb 2023 in cabin 17, which was great. Cabins 1 to 20 are at the northern most edge of the resort, so you have nice views north of trees and the aurora, and not looking at the backs of more cabins.
Top tip, there is a path not shown on the map from opposite cabin 17 direct to reception.
First morning we went to reception and arranged activities for every day with the super helpful staff there – snowmobiling,...
Paul
Kuukkeli Log Houses Aurora Resort
Kuukkeli Log Houses Aurora ResortSaariselka
10/10 Excellent
Excellent living space, shared lounge area, shared Sauna and pool areas. Wonderful external surroundings, cross country ski lanes. Jonni and Anna very helpful.
Only negative was cleanliness /food left in room kitchette shelving, storage etc and generally need updating.
Will be back😎
Excellent living space, shared lounge area, shared Sauna and pool areas. Wonderful external surroundings, cross country ski lanes. Jonni and Anna very helpful.
Only negative was cleanliness /food left in room kitchette shelving, storage etc and generally need updating.
Will be back😎
Harjagbir
Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort
Kakslauttanen Arctic ResortSodankyla
10/10 Excellent
Good remote location, tucked away place but the nearest town is only 10km. A lot of fun activities to do if you book in advance at reception, friendly staff and everyone speaks good English so easy to understand the local culture and communicate with people around. We had a great experience and would recommend this place.
Good remote location, tucked away place but the nearest town is only 10km. A lot of fun activities to do if you book in advance at reception, friendly staff and everyone speaks good English so easy to understand the local culture and communicate with people around. We had a great experience and would recommend this place.
Anonymous traveller
Hotelli Ivalo
Hotelli IvaloInari
10/10 Excellent
Close to the small but modern Ivalo airport. Easy walking distance to shops, restaurants and bus station from where you can take a bus to Saariselka ski resort, which cost about 10 euros. The hotel is situated by a fabulous river and nature.
You can book some amazing excursions from the hotel's ClubNord department. Extremely friendly and helpful staff.
Close to the small but modern Ivalo airport. Easy walking distance to shops, restaurants and bus station from where you can take a bus to Saariselka ski resort, which cost about 10 euros. The hotel is situated by a fabulous river and nature.
You can book some amazing excursions from the hotel's ClubNord department. Extremely friendly and helpful staff.
Barry
Tankavaara Gold Village
Tankavaara Gold VillageSodankyla
10/10 Excellent
All good
All good
Maya
Kuukkeli Apartments Hirvas
Kuukkeli Apartments HirvasSaariselka
8/10 Good
An excellent traditional log cabin on a quiet road in central Saariselkä. Very roomy for our family of 3. Great facilities for a comfortable stay. Well equipped kitchen, very roomy lounge with log burning fire. Own sauna and spacious shower facilities. Beds a bit soft for me and whilst many tea cups, could do with more mugs.
Pay attention to the key collection at the Kuukkeli shopping centre. The Post Office during the week office hours or cafe otherwise.
Great location to make full use...
An excellent traditional log cabin on a quiet road in central Saariselkä. Very roomy for our family of 3. Great facilities for a comfortable stay. Well equipped kitchen, very roomy lounge with log burning fire. Own sauna and spacious shower facilities. Beds a bit soft for me and whilst many tea cups, could do with more mugs.
Pay attention to the key collection at the Kuukkeli shopping centre. The Post Office during the week office hours or cafe otherwise.
Great location to make full use...
Anonymous traveller
Frequently Asked Questions
What's it like to stay at an apartment in Saariselka?
You can choose from 67 apartments in Saariselka for your trip. During your trip to the area, you can visit the ski slopes.
Are you thinking about an apartment instead of a traditional hotel?
An apartment is often more spacious than a traditional hotel room and comes with a kitchen, so you can cook some of your meals. Apartments are ideal for families who want the conveniences of home, and also for couples looking for something with a more local feel.
How many apartments are there in Saariselka?
Expedia has 67 apartments to book in Saariselka.
What will the weather be like in Saariselka?
Although weather is just one factor, it can really affect your travel plans, especially if you are planning a longer stay in Saariselka. The hottest months are usually July and August, with an average temperature of 11°C, while the coldest months are January and February, with an average of -9°C. Average annual precipitation for Saariselka is 592 mm.
What are the must-see places to visit in Saariselka?
Saariselka is known for its ski slopes. Urho Kekkonen National Park and Ruijanpolku are a couple of lovely local spots to enjoy the outdoors, whereas family-friendly attractions include Kaunispään Tower. Saariselkä Sport Resort and Saariselkä Ski Resort are other places to visit while you're in town.
What's the best way to get to and around Saariselka?
Knowing a bit about the transportation options can save you time when you get to your destination. Fly into Ivalo (IVL), which is located 12.9 mi (20.7 km) from the city centre. If you'd like to venture out around the area, consider renting a car to explore more sights.