Exploring the stunning landscapes of Finnish Lapland is an unforgettable experience, and this Northern Lights tour from Saariselkä promises an evening of enchantment. Guests will embark on a thrilling snowmobile-pulled sleigh ride, seeing the serene Arctic beauty before indulging in a traditional Finnish BBQ dinner. But the true highlight of the evening? Witnessing the captivating Aurora Borealis, a natural phenomenon that showcases the wonders of this remote region. With a small group size and experienced guides, this tour offers an intimate and exclusive glimpse into the magic of the North.

This experience made our list of the 2 Best Dinner Experiences In Saariselka.

Good To Know

From Saariselkä: Northern Lights Tour to Lake Inari, Including Dinner - Good To Know

  • Small-group Northern Lights tour from Saariselkä to Lake Inari, limited to 10 participants for a personalized experience.
  • Includes a snowmobile-pulled sleigh ride through the Arctic landscape and a traditional Finnish BBQ dinner by the campfire.
  • Tour offers the opportunity to witness the Aurora Borealis from the shores of Lake Inari, a prime location for Northern Lights viewing.
  • Participants should be prepared for cold temperatures and potential cloudy weather conditions, which may affect Northern Lights visibility.
  • The tour is not wheelchair accessible and is not recommended for individuals with back issues or serious medical conditions.

Tour Overview

From Saariselkä: Northern Lights Tour to Lake Inari, Including Dinner - Tour Overview

The 5-hour Northern Lights tour to Lake Inari from Saariselkää offers travelers a unique opportunity to experience the Arctic wilderness.

This small-group tour, limited to 10 participants, provides a personalized experience. Guests will embark on a snowmobile-pulled sleigh ride through the stunning landscape, keeping vigil for the mesmerizing Aurora Borealis.

The evening concludes with a traditional Finnish BBQ dinner by the campfire, featuring sausages, homemade reindeer or salmon soup, and tempting dessert options.

Itinerary and Pickup

From Saariselkä: Northern Lights Tour to Lake Inari, Including Dinner - Itinerary and Pickup

Central Saariselkä serves as the pickup point for this tour.

From there, guests are transported to Ivalo where they’ll fit into their thermal gear, ensuring they’re prepared for the cold temperatures.

The journey then begins with a snowmobile-pulled sleigh ride through the Arctic wilderness, heading towards the prime Northern Lights viewing area of Lake Inari.

This scenic ride offers participants a chance to enjoy the stunning Arctic landscape before arriving at their destination, where they’ll keep vigil for the mesmerizing Aurora Borealis display.

Snowmobile Sleigh Ride

Following the snowmobile transfer from Saariselkä, participants embark on a scenic sleigh ride through the Arctic wilderness towards Lake Inari. The sleigh, pulled by a snowmobile, provides a comfortable and immersive journey.

Duration Distance Highlights
Approx. 30 minutes 10 km Snowy landscapes, frozen lakes, and snow-covered forests

The sleigh ride offers a unique opportunity to experience the serene beauty of the Finnish Lapland. Guests can admire the stunning scenery while staying warm and cozy, preparing for the Northern Lights viewing ahead.

Dinner at Lake Inari

Upon reaching Lake Inari, participants gather around a warm campfire for a traditional Finnish dinner.

The menu features homemade reindeer or salmon soup, served with hearty bread. Grilled sausages provide a tasty main course, while blueberry cake or mousse offer a sweet finish. Vegetarian options are available upon request.

The meal is a comforting respite from the cold, providing fuel and sustenance before the group embarks on their Northern Lights vigil.

The shared dining experience allows travelers to bond over the unique flavors of Lapland and recharge for the next phase of the adventure.

Northern Lights Viewing

From Saariselkä: Northern Lights Tour to Lake Inari, Including Dinner - Northern Lights Viewing

After the warming dinner, the group gathers their thermal gear and heads to the shores of Lake Inari, a prime location for Northern Lights viewing.

The participants take up positions along the shoreline and on a nearby small island, ready to witness the ethereal dance of the Aurora Borealis. While the weather conditions are chilly, with the potential for cloudy skies, the group remains hopeful.

Some are rewarded with awe-inspiring displays of the Northern Lights, while others face the challenge of less-than-ideal visibility. Regardless, the experience offers a unique opportunity to connect with the natural wonders of the Arctic wilderness.

Weather and Visibility

From Saariselkä: Northern Lights Tour to Lake Inari, Including Dinner - Weather and Visibility

The weather conditions during the NorthernIghts tours can be challenging, with the possibility of cloudy skies affecting the visibility of the Aurora Borealis.

Participants should be prepared for cold temperatures, as the tours take place in the Arctic wilderness.

While some guests have successfully witnessed the mesmerizing Northern Lights, others have faced difficulties due to the unpredictable weather.

It’s important to keep in mind that the Northern Lights are a natural phenomenon, and their appearance is subject to various environmental factors.

Participants are advised to have realistic expectations and be open to the possibility of not seeing the Aurora, as the weather can be the deciding factor in the tour’s success.

Accessibility and Dietary Needs

The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible and isn’t recommended for individuals with back issues, pregnancy, or serious medical conditions.

However, the small group size of 10 participants maximum ensures a more personalized experience.

Vegetarian options are available upon request, catering to dietary needs.

The traditional Finnish BBQ sausages, homemade reindeer or salmon soup, and dessert options like blueberry cake or mousse provide a taste of local cuisine.

While the cold temperatures during the Northern Lights viewing vigil may pose challenges, the overall feedback from previous participants has been positive, with many praising the quality of the food and the expertise of the guides.

Reviews and Ratings

Based on the information provided, the Northern Lights tour to Lake Inari has received an overall rating of 4.5 out of 26 reviews. Guests have praised the quality of the guides, the delicious food, and the overall experience. However, some have complained about the cold temperatures and unsuccessful sightings of the Northern Lights, which can be affected by weather conditions. The tour offers a small-group format, allowing for a more personalized experience, but it’s not recommended for those with accessibility concerns or serious medical conditions.

Positive Feedback Negative Feedback
Knowledgeable guides Cold temperatures
Delicious traditional cuisine Unsuccessful Northern Lights sightings
Intimate group experience Weather-dependent visibility

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Typical Group Size for This Tour?

The tour has a small group size, limited to a maximum of 10 participants, in order to provide a personalized and intimate experience for guests.

How Much Advance Notice Is Required for Dietary Requests?

Dietary requests should be made in advance, as the tour provider needs time to accommodate vegetarian options. Participants are advised to communicate any dietary needs when booking the tour for a seamless experience.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for Participants?

There are no age restrictions for participants on this Northern Lights tour. The tour is suitable for all ages, though it’s not recommended for those with serious medical conditions or accessibility needs.

Can I Bring My Own Camera Equipment?

Participants are welcome to bring their own camera equipment on the tour. However, the tour provider recommends using a tripod or sturdy mount to capture the best photos of the Northern Lights.

Is This Tour Suitable for Solo Travelers?

The Northern Lights tour to Lake Inari is suitable for solo travelers looking for a small-group experience. The personalized format and maximum group size of 10 make it an ideal option for those exploring the Arctic wilderness independently.

The Sum Up

This Northern Lights tour from Saariselkä to Lake Inari promises an unforgettable experience. You’ll enjoy a thrilling snowmobile-pulled sleigh ride, a traditional Finnish dinner, and the chance to witness the stunning Aurora Borealis. With a small group size and a prime viewing location, this adventure offers the perfect opportunity to learn about the magic of Finnish Lapland.