Inari is a remote area of northern Finland famous for its beauty and mysticism. Located in Lapland, the area is home to the iconic Sámi culture, the oldest in Europe. With its stunning lakes, unspoilt forests and unique wildlife, Inari is a true paradise full of activities, attractions and exciting things to do.
Inari is also a great place to see the northern lights. From late August to March, the sky is filled with a dazzling display of greens, pinks and purples as the northern lights dance across the sky.
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Things to see and do in Inari
Inari is the perfect place for nature lovers, due to the abundance of outdoor activities on offer. Visitors can explore the breathtaking landscapes of the arctic tundra on foot, by canoe or snowmobile. Inari’s numerous lakes offer a variety of fishing and boating experiences, as well as breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and forests.
In addition, during the winter months, Inari offers some of the best skiing and snowmobiling in Finland. Whether you are looking for a quiet getaway or an adrenaline-filled adventure, Inari has something for everyone.
Siida Museum
The Siida Museum in Inari is a unique destination for exploring Sami culture and history. With a range of exhibitions and activities, the museum shows the unique life of the Sami, whose traditional way of life has been deeply tied to the land and nature since the beginning of time.
The museum also provides an insight into the spirituality of the Sami people and their relationship with nature, as well as the daily life and customs of the Sami. The museum also organises workshops, lectures and events to learn more about the culture and history of the Sami people. If you want to learn more about the Sami people and their way of life, be sure to visit the Siida Museum.
Pielpajärvi Wilderness Church
Pielpajärvi Wilderness Church is a beautiful and unique example of traditional Sami architecture. Built in 1759, it is the oldest surviving wooden church in Lapland. It was built using traditional Sami techniques and is made of wood, clay and reindeer antlers.
The church is small and intimate and is surrounded by beautiful scenery. It is situated in an area of pristine natural beauty, and is a popular destination for tourists, hikers and nature lovers. The church is also a popular venue for weddings and christenings, and offers stunning views of the lake and nearby mountains. Visitors can enjoy the atmosphere of the church and the tranquillity of the surrounding nature.
Lake Inari
Lake Inari is the fourth largest lake in Finland and is located in the Inari region of Lapland. It is a large lake, measuring 688 square kilometres, and the largest in the region. It is also the deepest lake in Finland, with a depth of over 200 metres. The lake is home to many species of fish, such as trout, whitefish and burbot. It is also a popular place for fishing, sailing and canoeing.
In winter, the lake often freezes over and activities such as ice fishing and snowmobiling are possible. The lake is a popular tourist spot for its beautiful views, with the surrounding mountains and the midnight sun in summer.
Sami Cultural Center Sajos
The Sami Cultural Center Sajos is a unique place to explore the culture of the Sami people. It is managed by the Inari-Saami Cultural Centre, which was established in 1999 and aims to preserve, develop and promote the culture of the Sami people and the region. The centre includes a museum, auditorium, art gallery, shop, café and library, as well as meeting and conference rooms.
Visitors can learn about the history, culture and traditions of the Sami people through interactive exhibitions, demonstrations and workshops. The centre also offers various activities, such as guided tours, film screenings and musical events. The Sajos Cultural Centre is a great way to discover the culture of the Sámi people and the Inari region.
Lemmenjoki National Park
Lemmenjoki National Park is the country’s largest national park, with more than 1,200 km2 of pristine boreal wilderness. The park is home to an incredible variety of wildlife, including brown bears, wolves, lynx, wolverines, and a wide variety of birds, fish and other species. Visitors can enjoy a wide range of activities such as hiking, cycling, canoeing, fishing and camping.
The park also has a number of cultural attractions, such as old Sami villages, as well as several well-marked trails. There are several accommodation options in the park, ranging from cabins to lodges. All in all, Lemmenjoki National Park is a popular destination for nature lovers, offering a unique and unforgettable experience in the vast Finnish wilderness.
Ukonkivi
Ukonkivi is a large rocky outcrop located near Inari, Finland. It is an important site of Sami culture and a national symbol of Finland. The rock is believed to have been used as a place of offering since the Iron Age, and is associated with the Sami god of thunder, Ukko. The rock is also linked to the annual Sami pilgrimage to the Arctic Ocean, which was an important event in their culture and spiritual life.
Today, the rock is a popular tourist destination and a symbol of Inari’s rich cultural heritage. It is also a symbol of the Sami people’s connection to the land and a reminder of the importance of preserving their culture and traditions. Ukonkivi Island is on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Urho Kekkonen National Park
Urho Kekkonen National Park is an impressive natural area created in 1983 as a tribute to former Finnish President Urho Kekkonen. It covers a total area of 1,865 km² and is the second largest national park in Finland. The park is known for its vast virgin forests and numerous lakes, rivers and bogs.
The park is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including bears, wolverines and wolves, and is a popular destination for birdwatchers, hikers and canoeists. Visitors to the park can explore the diverse landscape and enjoy activities such as fishing and camping. There are also many cultural attractions, such as Sami villages and museums, which houses exhibitions on the history and culture of the indigenous people.
How to get to Inari
Getting to Inari by plane is the most convenient option. Inari is served by Ivalo Airport, located about 30 minutes from the city. There are regular flights from Helsinki, Kuopio and Tampere. From outside Finland, most travellers fly to Helsinki and take a connecting flight to Ivalo.
It’s also possible to travel to Inari by train, although it takes much longer. The nearest station is in Rovaniemi, about 4 hours away by train. From there, visitors can take a bus to Inari. It is also possible to travel by car, but this also takes about 4 hours. Finally, there are no direct boat services to Inari, but you can take a ferry to Helsinki and then a connecting flight or train to Inari.
How to get around the region
Inari has a variety of options for visitors and tourists to get around. The most popular way to get around is by car, as it allows the most freedom and flexibility to explore the region. However, there is also a good public transport system, including buses and taxis.
There are also cycling routes which are well maintained and offer a great way to explore the area. Finally, visitors and tourists can also take advantage of the many footpaths and trails in the area. It’s a great way to take in the beautiful scenery and get some exercise at the same time.
Where to stay in Inari
Located in the northernmost region of Finland, Inari is an ideal place to explore the natural beauty of the Arctic. Accommodation options in Inari range from luxury hotels and resorts to budget hostels and campsites.
For those seeking a luxury experience, Hotel Inari offers guests the highest level of comfort and service. With stunning views of the surrounding area and modern facilities, this hotel is the perfect place for a relaxing stay.
For those looking for something more budget-friendly, the Inari Hostel and Campsite offers a wide range of accommodation, from shared rooms to campsites with basic facilities. For those looking for something in between, Inari Holiday Village offers a variety of cosy cottages and holiday homes to suit any budget.
Where to eat in Inari
Inari is known for its traditional reindeer cuisine and local delicacies. Many of the region’s restaurants are located on the shores of Lake Inari and offer a wide variety of game and fish dishes.
The best restaurants for traditional Inari cuisine are Riekkola, specialising in reindeer dishes such as reindeer stew and roast reindeer; Ravintola Tarralokka, which serves a variety of local dishes such as salmon soup and reindeer burgers; and Kultahippu, known for its reindeer steak and traditional salmon dishes.
For a more modern take on local cuisine, visitors can head to the Sámi Siida and Kaukonen restaurants, which offer a range of contemporary dishes made with local ingredients.
We hope our Inari travel guide will help you prepare for your trip to the city. We invite you to share this article on social media using the buttons below. And if you have any questions, you can use the comments section to ask them.