About Saariselka
Saariselkä sits among the fells and forests of north-east Finnish Lapland and is one of the most versatile destinations in our Finland programme. The compact resort gives you restaurants, shops and skiing within easy reach, but it takes very little time to leave the lights behind and reach the surrounding wilderness.
That balance is what makes Saariselkä so appealing. It works particularly well for travellers who want plenty to do without sacrificing the snowy landscapes and dark skies that make this part of Finland such a rewarding place to search for the Aurora.
Our most popular base here is Northern Lights Village Saariselkä, around 1 km from the centre and known for its glass-roofed Aurora Cabins and broad choice of Arctic activities. The newer Wilderness Hotel Saariselkä offers a quieter alternative further into the surrounding landscape, while Jávri Lodge provides a much smaller-scale option for travellers looking for something more intimate.
Winter Days and Aurora Nights
Saariselkä may be known as a ski resort, but many of our favourite experiences take place beyond the village. Winter days can include husky sledding, snowmobiling, reindeer encounters, snowshoeing, ice fishing and skiing, while autumn offers a quieter way to experience the region before deep winter arrives.
After dark, attention turns to the sky. Guided Aurora hunts can take you away from artificial light by vehicle, snowmobile or on foot, depending on your chosen holiday. Some experiences also include photography guidance, giving you a better chance of coming home with something more useful than a collection of blurry green blobs.
Because Saariselkä has such a broad range of holidays, you can choose how structured you want your stay to be, from activity-packed programmes to tailor-made breaks where you set the pace.
Where to Stay in Saariselkä
Northern Lights Village Saariselkä
Northern Lights Village Saariselkä is our most established and most popular base in the area.
Set around 1 km from Saariselkä village, it is close enough to walk into the resort but far enough from the strongest lights to retain a much more Arctic feel. The ski slopes can also be reached by shuttle or on foot.
Its Aurora Cabins are the real showstopper here. Each has a north-facing, half-glass roof above the sleeping area, designed so you can keep watching the sky without leaving the warmth of your cabin. The glass is heated too, so snowfall can be cleared without you heading outside in your pyjamas.
The Village is also particularly easy for families and first-time visitors because so much happens on site. There is a central restaurant and bar, an on-site reindeer paddock, and many snowmobile, Aurora, and other activities begin directly from the property.
There are also Polar Sky Suites higher on Kaunispää Hill, combining glass-roofed accommodation with panoramic views across the surrounding fells and forests.
Best for: first-time Lapland visitors, families, couples, glass-roofed accommodation and travellers who want plenty of activities close at hand.
Wilderness Hotel Saariselkä
The new Wilderness Hotel Saariselkä gives us a very different option in the same area.
Opened in December 2025, the hotel sits further into the surrounding wilderness and has been designed for travellers who want more space, privacy and comfort while still being within easy reach of Saariselkä.
Accommodation includes Arctic Sky Suites with panoramic windows, fireplaces and private saunas, alongside Arctic Sky Villas, standalone log cabins with private saunas and outdoor hot tubs.
The activity programme is every bit as strong as the accommodation. Current holidays include husky sledding, snowmobiling, snowshoeing, Aurora Camps and guided Northern Lights hunts, with some itineraries also taking guests to an old gold mine in the surrounding wilderness.
Best for: couples, adults, upgraded accommodation, private saunas and travellers who want a quieter wilderness feel than Northern Lights Village.
Jávri Lodge
For something smaller and more exclusive, Jávri Lodge offers a completely different style of stay.
With just 13 rooms, the lodge is intimate and design-led, with original log walls, Scandinavian interiors and locally sourced and recycled materials. Rooms range from Cosy Doubles to larger Spacy Doubles and four Sky View Double rooms, where floor-to-ceiling glass looks out across the surrounding landscape.
The entire lodge can also be booked exclusively for private groups or special occasions.
Jávri is very much the niche option in our Saariselkä range rather than the main event, but for the right traveller it offers something the larger properties do not.
Best for: couples, special occasions, small-scale luxury and travellers who prefer a more intimate stay.
