Ivalo – Discover two cultures and the captivating wilderness of Lapland

Ivalo is known as the centre of Inari municipality. In the surrounding Inari-Saariselkä tourist area, you will get to know traditional Lapland and Sámi culture as well as the legacy of the gold rush. Feel how the history of the area is intertwined with the present and test your skills in gold panning or on a sleigh ride. We listed a few tips on how to make your holiday in Ivalo unforgettable. 

Lake Inari 

One of the most stunning destinations in Ivalo is Finland's third largest lake, Lake Inarijärvi, also known as the Sámi Sea. This lake has 3,000 islands, the most famous being the towering Ukonsaari, which is an ancient sacred place for the Sámi people. During the summer season, you can admire the island from a boat, while in the winter time, you can hop on a snowmobile. However, it’s good to note going on the island is prohibited.

Lake Inarijärvi invites you to calm down in the midst of breathtaking scenery. On the shores of many islands, there are huts and lean-tos, by which you can rest and have a relaxing lunch break during your kayaking and skiing trips. And if you’re into fishing, try catching local delicacies whitefish, trout and the grayling from the shores of the lake.

In the fall, take the northern lights cruise, where you can get enchanted by the dance of the Aurora Borealis against the calm lake. Guided winter activities include everything between snowmobile safaris and ice fishing.

Looking for a stay with touch a luxury? Book an accommodation from the adult-only boutique hotel Wilderness Hotel Nangu on the southern shore of the lake. In addition to the idyllic log rooms, you can spend a night in the memorable Aurora Huts, which open a beautiful panoramic view over the lake.

Lemmenjoki National Park 

The largest national park in Finland, Lemmenjoki National Park, located southwest of Inari, is known for its beautiful river valley, decorated with ancient pine forests. Jump on a riverboat and travel through the 70-kilometre-long Lemmenjoki river that leads you through the Maarestunturi and Viipustunturi fells to the picturesque Ravadas Falls, which are one of the most spectacular waterfalls in Lapland. Get to know the Sámi way of life at the old reindeer farm on the grounds of Kaapin Jouni or try gold panning on guided trips to a genuine gold claim. 

There are 60 kilometres of marked hiking trails in the wilderness of Lemmenjoki. Adventure through the pine forest on the 4.5-kilometre long Lemmenjoki nature trail or travel to Morgamojan Kultala, the centre of Lemmenjoki gold diggers, on the 26.5-kilometre ring trail of Ravadasjärvi.

Sámi Museum and Nature Centre Siida 

The main cultural attraction in Inari is Siida, which serves as the Sámi Museum and the Nature Center of Upper Lapland. In Siida, you can familiarise yourself with the history and culture of the Sámi people, the only indigenous people in the European Union, as well as the development of their modern identity. The centre offers also information about the arctic nature of the area and hiking and mountain biking trails. 

The architecturally captivating Sámi Cultural Center Sajos is the heart of the Sámi culture and the largest conference and event centre in Northern Lapland. Inside the building, you will find the Finnish Sámi Parliament, the Sámi education centre, the Sámi archive and the Sámi library. Don’t forget to stop by the Sámi handicrafts shop Duodji Shop. 

Restaurant Aanaar 

Visit an award-winning restaurant Anaar, in Hotel Kultahovi in the centre of Inari. The dishes are inspired by the nature of Lapland, so get ready to taste the best ingredients from the local nature, from cloudberry to spruce beer, whitefish, reindeer and lichen.

Saariselkä tourist resort 

On the side of Urho Kekkonen National Park, is located Saariselkä, a compact and versatile tourist resort in the middle of Lapland's charming fell landscape. With more than 200 kilometres of ski tracks, Saariselkä is a true skier's paradise. The slopes of the two fells treat skiers of all levels. Feel the thrill of speed on Finland's longest toboggan slope, which is illuminated by magnificent aurora lights. 

In summer, numerous nature trails invite walkers to enjoy the wilderness. Wander along the marked routes from the mystic pine forests all the way beyond the tree line. Visit the world's largest smoke sauna at Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort, which is internationally known for its glass igloos and wilderness-inspired log cabins. The services of this arctic fairy-tale world are all-encompassing, from reindeer and husky safaris to day trips in nearby nature.

Tankavaara Gold Village 

Tankavaara Gold Village is one of Lapland's most fascinating tourist attractions. In Tankavaara, you can experience a real gold fever while panning gold nuggets in the gold panning area and get to know the international history of gold mining. There are several activities available during the golden holiday, from reindeer feeding to snowmobiling and snowshoe hiking. In the authentic gold prospectors’ cabins, you can enjoy the atmosphere of the gold rush all year round.

Step into the story of the Arctic

In Ivalo, the rhythm of life slows to the pace of nature. Here, under the shimmering northern lights and beside the still waters of Lake Inari, you’ll find more than just a destination – you’ll discover a feeling. A connection to the land, to ancient cultures, and to the quiet magic only Lapland can offer. Whether you're chasing the midnight sun or the glow of the aurora, Ivalo invites you to breathe deeply, explore freely, and return home with stories etched in snow and starlight.

Finnair flies from Helsinki to Ivalo one to four times daily, depending on the season.