From Saariselkä: Northern lights tour to Lake Inari, incl. dinner

Seeking an authentic Arctic adventure to witness the Northern Lights? This 5-hour tour from Saariselkä takes you to Lake Inari, a prime Aurora viewing spot, with the chance to enjoy a traditional dinner and interact with reindeer. Priced at $205.20 per person, this small-group experience is limited to 10 participants, ensuring a cozy and personalized outing. The tour departs from Saariselkä, with pickup and drop-off included, and features a snowmobile-pulled sleigh ride, a visit to a family-owned island, and a campfire dinner under the starry sky.

The tour is especially well-suited for those who appreciate a mix of outdoor adventure, cultural insights, and the potential of seeing the Northern Lights. While the experience offers plenty of memorable moments, weather conditions can influence the Aurora sighting, which is beyond the guide’s control. This tour offers a balanced glimpse of Lapland’s wilderness, wildlife, and night sky with the comfort of warm clothing and a small-group atmosphere.

Key Points

• Duration and Price: 5 hours long at $205.20 per person, with pickup and all gear included.
• Unique Transportation: Travel into the Arctic wilderness on a snowmobile-pulled sleigh ride to Lake Inari, one of Finland’s top Aurora spotting locations.
• Cultural and Wildlife Encounters: Visit a small family-owned island to learn about local Lapland life and meet and feed reindeer.
• Dining Experience: Enjoy a delicious dinner made of local fish or reindeer, served around a campfire in a traditional Lappish teepee.
• Small Group Setting: Limited to 10 participants, making the experience intimate and flexible, with plenty of personalized attention.
• Potential for Aurora Viewing: The tour offers the chance to see the Northern Lights from the lake and a small island, although weather conditions can affect visibility.

Meeting Point and Transportation to Ivalo

The tour begins with a pickup from central Saariselkä, where guests are transported by minibus to Ivalo, the departure hub for the wilderness adventure. Once in Ivalo, guests are provided with thermal clothes and shoes, ensuring warmth and comfort against the cold Lapland air. The journey then continues deeper into the Arctic, bypassing light pollution for better Aurora visibility.

The transportation setup emphasizes convenience and comfort, crucial in the cold climate, while the small group size ensures a personal experience. The pickup service is limited to Saariselkä; unfortunately, pickup from Kakslauttanen and Kiilopää areas is not included**.

Snowmobile-Pulled Sledge Ride to Lake Inari

The highlight of the adventure is the snowmobile-driven sledge ride that whisks guests into the wilderness. The covered sleigh, lined with reindeer hide, offers a cozy, authentic experience as you glide through winter woods towards Lake Inari. This part of the trip allows travelers to enjoy the silent beauty of the Arctic landscape while searching for the Aurora.

Guides lead the way through quiet forests, emphasizing the peacefulness of the surroundings. The ride lasts until the group reaches the frozen lake, where the main Aurora viewing and activities take place.

Aurora Viewing from Lake Inari and a Small Island

Once on the frozen lake, guests are encouraged to keep vigil for the Northern Lights. The lake’s dark, open expanse makes it an excellent spot for Aurora sightings, with plenty of space to relax and look up at the night sky. A small island nearby offers a further vantage point, away from any residual light pollution.

Guides are experienced in Arctic conditions and provide tips on best viewing practices. While the guides cannot guarantee the Aurora’s appearance, the chances are good, especially when the weather is clear and cold.

Visiting a Family-Owned Lapland Island

A special feature of this tour is the visit to a small family-owned island. This stop gives a rare glimpse into local Lapland life, away from the typical tourist trail. The islanders share stories about their lifestyle, adding an authentic cultural element to the experience. Guests have the opportunity to meet and feed reindeer, which is both fun and educational, especially for those interested in Sami traditions and Arctic wildlife.

This stop enriches the journey, combining cultural insights with wildlife interaction, making it more than just a hunt for the Northern Lights.

Dinner and Hot Drinks by the Campfire

As night falls, the guided crew prepares a hearty dinner in a traditional Lappish teepee, or lavvu. The meal is made from local ingredients, typically reindeer or fish, served alongside hot drinks. The campfire creates a warm, inviting atmosphere, perfect for sharing stories and relaxing after the sleigh ride.

Guests can also feed the reindeer, which adds an interactive and memorable touch to the evening. The dinner, along with the warm clothing provided, ensures comfort despite the low temperatures.

Reindeer Encounters and Cultural Stories

Throughout the tour, guides share stories about reindeer herding and local Lapland traditions, enhancing the cultural experience. Feeding the reindeer allows for direct contact with these gentle animals, often described as highlights by previous participants.

Guests appreciate the personalized attention from guides like Laura and Tina, who are praised for their knowledge, friendliness, and ability to make the experience enjoyable. Fireworks and special touches are occasionally included, especially during festive periods like New Year’s Eve.

Practical Details and What’s Included

The tour includes pickup and drop-off in Saariselkä, thermal clothes and shoes, the snowmobile sleigh ride, dinner, and reindeer feeding. The small-group size of 10 ensures a relaxed atmosphere and more interaction with the guides.

Additional costs include anything outside the included activities, such as personal souvenirs or extra food. It’s worth noting that pickup from Kakslauttanen and Kiilopää areas is not provided, so plan accordingly.

The tour operates with full flexibility, offering full refunds if canceled 24 hours in advance due to weather or other issues, making it a reliable choice despite the unpredictable Arctic weather.

What Sets This Tour Apart

Unlike larger, more commercial Northern Lights tours, this experience emphasizes personal interactions and culture. The visit to a family-owned island, the chance to feed reindeer, and the intimate group size create a genuine Arctic adventure.

The combination of snowmobile sleigh rides, dinner by fire, and the potential Aurora sightings makes this tour multifaceted. It’s particularly suitable for those who enjoy outdoor activities and want a diverse, immersive experience in Lapland.

Final Thoughts on the Saariselkä Northern Lights Tour

This tour offers a well-rounded Arctic experience, blending adventure, culture, and nature. The small-group format fosters intimacy, and the authentic dinner adds a warm finish to the evening. While Aurora sightings depend on weather conditions, the journey itself is memorable, with highlights like the sled ride, reindeer feeding, and lake views.

Ideal for those seeking a personalized, culturally rich outing, this tour is a great way to explore Lapland’s wilderness and its legendary night skies. It balances adventure and comfort, making it suitable for families and outdoor enthusiasts alike, provided they’re prepared for cold weather.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is pickup included in this tour?
Yes, pickup and drop-off in central Saariselkä are included, making transportation convenient.

Can I see the Northern Lights on this tour?
While the tour offers the best chances by visiting Lake Inari and a small island, sightings depend on weather and aurora activity; they cannot be guaranteed.

What should I wear?
Guests receive thermal clothes and shoes, but it’s recommended to dress warmly with extra layers, especially in temperatures often below -20°C.

Is the dinner suitable for vegetarians?
Vegetarian options are available if advised at the time of booking, with typical dinners made of local fish or reindeer.

What activities are included?
Included activities feature snowmobile-sleigh rides, reindeer feeding, and dinner around the campfire in a traditional teepee.

How many people participate in the tour?
The small group of up to 10 people ensures a more personalized experience and flexible interaction with guides.

What if the weather cancels the tour?
In case of poor weather, the tour can be rescheduled or fully refunded, offering peace of mind for travelers.

Are there any additional costs?
All major activities and gear are included; additional personal expenses are at the guest’s discretion.

How long before the tour should I book?
Most bookings are made about 35 days in advance, reflecting high interest in this Arctic adventure.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, the experience is family-friendly, especially with guides like Tina and Laura making children comfortable and entertained.