As the weather in parts of northern Europe, Scandinavia, and Russia turns brutally cold, I am reminded of our unforgettable and relatively recent holiday in Saariselkä, Finland. This trip offered a stark reminder of the current winter chill, bringing back vivid memories.
During our holiday, the average temperature was -18 centigrade (0 Fahrenheit).
To set the scene, Saariselkä is in the Inari-Saariselkä region. It is within the Arctic Circle and is the most northerly ski resort in Finland.
Adding to its unique character, this area is historically inhabited by the Sámi people, an indigenous people found in Norway, Sweden, Finland, and the Murmansk region of Russia.
For our stay, we chose the Holiday Club Saariselkä, which I can thoroughly recommend for ambience and service. The food and beer were superb, and you can see me enjoying a Lapin Kulta beer in the associated photograph.
Saariselkä is a small village, perhaps too quiet for some. You could (in good weather) walk around it in less than two hours. During our winter stay, this walk took much longer.
Continuing our exploration, we visited the Saariselkä Ski Centre. It’s quite a walk, so we opted for the regular bus shuttle service.
Our holiday in Saariselkä was truly memorable, offering the perfect Arctic retreat for those who enjoy spectacular views in rolling countryside.
Our Holiday in Saariselkä – Photo Gallery

















End of our holiday in Saariselkä – Bus ride back to Kittilä Airport
Watch the reindeer on the left side of the road! At 1:50 seconds into the video.
External Links
Holidays in Saariselkä at Inghams. This is not an affiliate link.
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