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The Top Things to See and Do in Inari, Finland

At the Wilderness Hotel in Inari you can even catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights from your igloo's window | Courtesy of Wilderness Hotel Inari / Expedia

Celia Topping

31 August 2021

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Far north in the Arctic Circle lies the town of Inari. It’s one of the best places in Finland to spot the Northern Lights – best seen from a husky ride – as well as visit a reindeer farm, go ice fishing and try snowshoeing.

The small town of Inari is the spiritual home of the Sámi reindeer herders of northern Lapland. Its remote location on the banks of Lapland’s largest lake, Inarijärvi, is the perfect place to discover the ancient culture of the only indigenous people in Europe. It’s still Finland, but being 1,287km (800mi) north of the heady delights of Helsinki, the attractions of Inari are far more low key and embedded within nature.

Sleep in a glass igloo

Courtesy of Wilderness Hotel Inari / Expedia

If there’s one place you want to be in Inari in winter, it’s a glass-roofed igloo during the Northern Lights season. There’s no better observation point from which to encounter the swirling, magical lights, than from inside one of these cosy private pods. Situated almost 322km (200mi) inside the Arctic Circle, you’ve got a pretty good chance of seeing one of nature’s most spectacular displays.

Learn about Sámi culture

Museum

As the ancestral home of the Sámi people, a trip to Inari wouldn’t be complete without a visit to Siida, the state-of-the-art museum of the Sámi. The museum offers a captivating insight into the culture, folklore and history of this ancient community. It comprises both permanent and temporary exhibitions, a splendid craft shop and a good café in which to stop for lunch.

Whiz through the snow on a husky ride

Sports Center

Husky sledding through the forest of Rovaniemi, Lapland, Finland.

There are few things more exhilarating than flying along on a sled pulled by huskies. Make sure you’ve got hold of the reins tightly, because when they go, they really go! There’s not a lot of time to sit back and enjoy the scenery, as you’ll probably be holding on for dear life for most of the ride. But as far as modes of transport go, this has got to be one of our top three.

Visit a reindeer farm

Park

Although reindeer herding is no longer the primary income for the Sámi people, these graceful creatures are still in plentiful supply. Visiting a reindeer farm will bring you closer to the ancient culture and traditions of the region, as well as allow you to learn more about the year-long work reindeers require – from calving and ear marking, to summertime grazing and autumnal rounding up.

See the Sámi parliament in action

Building, Architectural Landmark

Siida Museum for Sami culture, Inari, Lapland, Finland, Europe

The Sámi Cultural Centre Sajos was created to preserve and develop the language, culture and business activities of the Sámi in Finland. The impressive wood-and-glass structure also houses the Sámi Parliament, as well as a library, music archive, a restaurant and superb craft shop. You can take a guided tour of the building and even sit in on one of Parliament’s plenum sessions.

Try ice fishing

Sports Center

FINLAND, INARI: Fisherman on a frozen lake

Drilling a hole in thick ice isn’t the easiest task for a beginner. Follow that by trying to catch a fish on the end of a long line, and you’ll start to wonder how anyone could survive in the remote reaches of Inari. But once you catch a fish, you’ll be hooked! Ice-fishing isn’t for the faint hearted, but it’s as authentic as it gets.

Explore the wilderness by snowshoe

Natural Feature

Urho Kekkonen National Park in Lapland Finland

The beauty of Lapland lies in the deep tranquillity of its snow-bound forests and lakes. To really appreciate the serenity of the wilderness, strap on your snowshoes and traverse across terrain that’s inaccessible by foot or ski. Joining a guided excursion will take you out to some of the most pristine locations in the Inari region, including the stunning Urho Kekkoken National Park.

Go cross-country skiing

Sports Center

cross country skiing near Saariselka Northern Finland

Cross-country skiing is not the easiest of sports to enjoy. It’s really hard work, you fall down a lot and there aren’t even the thrills of downhill skiing to compensate. But, there’s something incredibly peaceful about gliding through the snow-laden landscapes of Inari. Happily, there are no queues, no ski-pass is required and there’s none of the “ski-set attitude”, but you still get to drink mulled wine, or glögi, afterwards.

Race over a frozen lake on a snowmobile

Park, Natural Feature

Snowmobile touristic tour on the frozen lake of Inari, in Lapland, Finland

Speeding across Lake Inari on a snowmobile is the very definition of fun. Your snowmobile safari guide will teach you the basics of driving this essential bit of Arctic kit, before letting you loose on the vast frozen lake. In bad weather, you may prefer the shelter of the forest, but either way, you’ll have a blast.

Catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights

Natural Feature

Person watching a breath-taking display of colorful northern lights on frozen lake Inari, Finland.

Whether you’re standing, freezing your nose off, at -40C (-40F) in the middle of Lake Inari, or snuggled happily in one of the glass-roof igloos, watching the Northern Lights in Lapland is an unforgettable experience. Inari is said to be one of the best places to catch the lights, so book your accommodation early, between September and March, to avoid disappointment.

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The Top Things to See and Do in Inari, Finland

Sleep in a glass igloo

Learn about Sámi culture

Whiz through the snow on a husky ride

Visit a reindeer farm

See the Sámi parliament in action

Try ice fishing

Explore the wilderness by snowshoe

Go cross-country skiing

Race over a frozen lake on a snowmobile

Catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights

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