Saariselkä: Northern Lights Tour to Lake Inari & Dinner

Key Points

• Authentic Arctic Experience: Travel in a snowmobile-pulled sleigh and enjoy the pristine wilderness of Lake Inari.
• Northern Lights Viewing: The tour offers a good chance to see the Aurora Borealis in a peaceful lakeside setting.
• Local Cuisine: Feast on a home-made dinner featuring local fish or reindeer, with vegetarian options available.
• Meet Reindeers: Visitors have the opportunity to meet and feed friendly reindeer during the evening.
• Small Group Atmosphere: Limited to 12 participants, ensuring a personal and engaging experience.
• Flexible Booking: Cancel up to 24 hours in advance with a full refund and options to reserve now, pay later.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Saariselkä: Northern Lights Tour to Lake Inari & Dinner Overview

This 5-hour tour in Lapland, Finland, offers a genuine chance to experience the magic of the Northern Lights in a quiet, natural setting. Priced at $210 per person, the experience is designed for travelers seeking an authentic Arctic adventure with cozy touches like a home-made dinner in a traditional Lappish teepee. The tour is ideal for those who appreciate a small-group environment and are comfortable with winter outdoor activities.

The journey begins with hotel pick-up in Saariselkä and includes warm thermal clothing and shoes for comfort during the cold Arctic night. A local guide leads visitors into the wilderness, ensuring a safe and informative experience. While the tour emphasizes a relaxed pace, participants should be prepared for outdoor winter conditions and limited mobility options.

Exploring Lake Inari’s Frozen Beauty by Snowmobile Sled

Traveling in a snowmobile-pulled sleigh is one of the highlights of this tour. The sleigh, covered with reindeer hide for warmth, glides through the frozen lakeside landscape of Lake Inari, a site renowned for its tranquil beauty and excellent northern lights viewing opportunities. The ride takes place in the evening, offering a peaceful journey into the wilderness where silence and snow create a stunning backdrop.

This ride is not only a scenic experience but also an excellent way to connect with the natural environment. It’s suitable for most participants, though those with mobility concerns should consider the outdoor nature of the activity. The guide’s commentary enhances the experience, sharing insights about the local landscape and Sami culture.

Northern Lights in the Wilderness: Perfect Viewing Conditions

The tour’s primary goal is witnessing the Northern Lights in a location far from city lights, on Lake Inari. The quietness of the frozen lake provides a prime setting for Aurora viewing. The guide will advise on the best chances to see the lights, but as with all Aurora tours, sightings depend on weather and solar activity.

Guests are encouraged to be patient, as the Aurora can appear at any time during the evening. The small group size enhances the chance for a comfortable viewing experience, and the natural surroundings mean there’s minimal light pollution, making for excellent photos if you have your camera ready.

Visiting the Sami Village on a Remote Island

A key feature of this tour is the visit to an authentic Sami island, home to a traditional wooden cottage and Lappish teepees. Owners Tina and Tapio run this small, family-operated business, offering guests a glimpse into Sami life. The island is accessible by sleigh and provides a personal connection to local culture.

During the visit, visitors can meet and feed reindeer, which are an integral part of Sami traditions. The Sami guides share stories about their daily life, making this stop a meaningful addition to the Arctic adventure. The island setting adds to the sense of seclusion and authenticity, with the chance to experience traditional Sami accommodations.

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Cozy Dinner in a Lappish Teepee

After exploring the wilderness, guests gather in a Lappish teepee around an open campfire. The home-made dinner is prepared by the guide, featuring local fish or reindeer, with a vegetarian option upon request. The warm meal, accompanied by hot drinks, offers comfort after the outdoor activities.

The dinner setting emphasizes a rustic, authentic atmosphere, allowing visitors to relax and enjoy the peaceful surroundings. The fire adds warmth and ambiance, making the meal a memorable highlight of the tour.

Meeting and Feeding Reindeer

Throughout the evening, there are opportunities to interact with friendly reindeer. This close-up experience is a favorite part of the trip, giving a chance to feed the reindeer and learn about their role in Sami culture. The reindeer are calm and accustomed to visitors, making this a gentle, engaging activity.

This interaction provides insight into the traditional Sami livelihood, with guides offering stories and information about reindeer husbandry. It’s an enriching experience suitable for all ages, although children should be supervised.

Practical Details: Group Size, Logistics, and Accessibility

This small-group tour is limited to 12 participants, ensuring a more intimate experience. The pickup and drop-off service includes hotel transportation within Saariselkä. The tour begins with a briefing and fitting of thermal clothing and shoes, which are included in the price.

While the tour involves outdoor elements like sleigh rides and walking in winter conditions, it is not designed for children under 7 years or people over 95 years. Participants should dress warmly and be prepared for cold outdoor environments. The live guide speaks English, providing clear explanations and storytelling throughout the evening.

Cancellation and Booking Flexibility

Booking this tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, providing peace of mind in case plans change. The option to reserve now and pay later adds flexibility, allowing travelers to confirm their participation without immediate payment.

The duration of around 5 hours includes travel time, outdoor activities, and the dinner experience, making it a well-paced evening outing.

Comparing Similar Arctic Experiences in Saariselkä

This tour stands out for its combination of snowmobile sleigh ride, reindeer interaction, and traditional dinner, all set in a remote lakeside environment. It shares similarities with other Saariselkä adventures like Northern Lights reindeer sledding or snowmobile safaris, but the focus on authentic Sami culture and a cozy dinner distinguishes it.

The emphasis on small group size and personalized guidance enhances the experience compared to larger tours. Guests looking for a relaxed, culturally rich Arctic night will find this tour particularly appealing.

Final Thoughts: Is This Tour Right for You?

This Northern Lights tour at Lake Inari offers a full evening of Arctic magic—from sleigh rides and reindeer encounters to a warm meal in a traditional setting. The authentic Sami element and peaceful lakeside location make it a memorable choice for those seeking a genuine Finnish experience.

While the price of $210 reflects the personalized approach and inclusions, travelers should be aware of the outdoor nature of the activities and the limited mobility considerations. This tour is best suited for adventurers who enjoy outdoor winter activities and cultural encounters.

The experience provides a well-rounded glimpse into Lapland’s wilderness and traditions, with a high likelihood of catching the Northern Lights if the weather cooperates. It makes for a warm, engaging, and scenic Arctic evening.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the tour price?
The price covers hotel pick-up and drop-off in Saariselkä, a snowmobile sleigh ride, thermal clothing and shoes, the opportunity to meet and feed reindeer, a home-made dinner with hot drinks, and the services of a local guide.

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 5 hours, including transportation, outdoor activities, and dinner.

Is the Northern Lights guaranteed to be visible?
There is no guarantee, as Aurora visibility depends on weather and solar activity. However, the location offers a good chance to see the Northern Lights.

What age is suitable for participants?
The tour is not suitable for children under 7 years or for people over 95 years because of outdoor conditions and physical activity involved.

What should I wear for the tour?
Participants are provided with thermal clothing and shoes, but it’s recommended to wear additional warm layers suitable for winter outdoors.

Can I cancel my booking?
Yes, the tour allows free cancellation up to 24 hours before the scheduled start.

Is vegetarian food available?
Yes, a vegetarian option is available upon request for the dinner.

Who leads the tour?
A local guide leads the experience, sharing insights about the environment, Sami culture, and the Northern Lights.

Where does the tour take place?
The main locations include the frozen lakeside of Lake Inari and a Sami island with traditional accommodations.

What makes this tour different from other Saariselkä northern lights tours?
Its focus on authentic Sami culture, reindeer feeding, and a cozy dinner in a traditional teepee set it apart from more general Aurora hunts or snowmobile safaris.

This detailed review highlights the unique blend of outdoor adventure, cultural insight, and cozy dining that makes this Saariselkä Northern Lights Tour to Lake Inari & Dinner a memorable Arctic experience.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby