Is a driving license needed to drive a snowmobile? Can I drive with my national driving license?

Each person driving a snowmobile must be at least 18 years of age and must hold a valid driving license. A class B license for driving cars is valid for snowmobiling too. National driving licenses, including ones from non-European countries, are also accepted.

What happens if one person of my group is sick and we want to cancel our activity?

Normal cancellation policy applies when illness has been mentioned as a reason for cancellation. We recommend you get a travel insurance when travelling to Finland.

How can I book a safari in Lapland with Safartica?

All of our safaris are possible to book directly from our website at minimum 24 hours prior to safari departure. Choose your travel dates, preferred safaris from the selection and your holiday destination – and follow the instructions. Remember to inform the ages of your children and possible allergies/illnesses/special diets/pregnancy, so that we can take care of you the best possible way. You can also send us an email if you need help choosing the adventures!

Kindly note that all reservations must be paid in advance to be confirmed; therefore, booking over the phone is not possible. If you do not manage to book online, please send us an email at:

Rovaniemi: safartica@safartica.com
Levi: levi@safartica.com
Ylläs: yllas@safartica.com
Saariselkä: saariselka@safartica.com

I want to make a last-minute booking, is it possible?

If you are making a booking in less than 24 hours, please contact us by email or visit our offices to book on the spot.

Please send us an email or call us:

Rovaniemi: safartica@safartica.com / +358 16 311 485
Levi: levi@safartica.com / +358 40 660 8571
Ylläs: yllas@safartica.com / +358 40 502 6458
Saariselkä: saariselka@safartica.com / +358 40 838 8285

Kindly note that all reservations must be paid in advance to be confirmed.

Is thermal clothing included in your safaris?

Yes, each participant will be provided the necessary clothing and equipment before the start of the safari:

WINTER: thermal overall, winter boots, woollen socks, gloves, scarf. For snowmobile programs balaclava and helmet.
AUTUMN: thermal overall, winter boots, woollen socks, gloves, scarf.
SUMMER: rain coats, rubber boots, woollen socks

Available sizes:
Thermal overalls: children 86-164 cm, adults 44-70 (men’s size)
Winter boots: EU 23-52

Your own clothing, which can be worn under the overall, should be thin but warm and comfortable. We recommend you read our tips on how to dress in Lapland in the section below.

In Rovaniemi, you can also rent thermal clothing for the whole duration of your stay here on our website.

Does Safartica offer any discounts?

We offer discounts on our website when booking some selected activities together (you can see the offer when booking, before you go to the checkout). If you wish to book 3 or more activities, you can contact our front desk at safartica@safartica.com and get 10% off your reservation (valid for new bookings only, it’s not possible to apply the discount after payment).

We occasionally run special campaigns and offer discounts for a limited time. Follow us on social media and stay up to date with all our offers!

Can I leave my luggage or my belongings at your office for the time of the safari?

Sure, if you are our customer you can leave your luggage and your personal belongings at our office free of charge. Please, note that Safartica is not responsible for any loss or damage to your belongings. We recommend you take a small backpack or handbag with your valuables with you.

Do I need to have the driving license with me when I drive a snowmobile?

You need to have a proof of your driving license with you. A picture, paper or digital copy of driving license are also accepted. Police will patrol time to time also in snowmobile tracks and may ask to see your driving license. Most often the police will also check the alcohol levels with a breath test.

Can my child sit with me on snowmobile safaris?

In snowmobile safaris children 4-12 years old are usually seated in a sledge behind the guide’s snowmobile. We recommend one of the parents to sit with a small child in the sledge for the child’s comfort and safety. Due to safety reasons, infants 0-3 years cannot join on snowmobile safaris.

Everyone seated on the snowmobile must be at least 140 cm tall and capable of sitting safely on the vehicle. If the child of 13 or 14 years old is less than 140 cm , they will be seated in the sledge.

If a child over 140 cm wishes to sit in a snowmobile as a passenger, a full adult price will be charged (according to availability).

We do not recommend long snowmobile safaris for children less than 12 years old.

What happens if I booked a safari and there is no snow?

Safartica reserves the right to change the timetables or contents of the activities due to unfavourable weather conditions. If it is not possible to adapt the programme, the activity will be cancelled and a full refund will be provided to the customer.

Refunds are always done with the same method as the original payment. If you have paid your booking with VISA credit card, the refunded sum is transferred to the same credit card. According to the law, there is no possibility to refund money to different location. Kindly note that refund procedure may take up to 10 working days in total.

Do I get to drive the sled on husky safaris?

In Ylläs and Levi, all our husky tours are self-driven. You will have a quick stop during during which you can swap drivers, if you wish.

In Rovaniemi, our shorter tours are driven by a husky musher. This information is specified in the “includes” section of the activity description. Tours with a 3-km or longer husky rides are always self-driven.

Can I join with my family in the same sled in husky and reindeer safaris?

Depending on the size of your group, the guides will decide on the spot how to divide you between the sleds. This cannot be confirmed in advance, as it depends on the size of the sleds, the passengers’ weight, and the snow and weather conditions.

Normally, a reindeer sleigh can accommodate 2 adults or 1 adult and 1 child. On self-driven husky tours, the sleds usually fit 2 adults (one driving) and 1 child, depending on the child’s size. On short husky rides driven by a musher, the sleds are larger and can accommodate up to 2 adults and 2 children.

How to dress up in Lapland? How should I dress my children for winter?

– Dress in layers. Use many thin, warm layers rather than a few thick layers. It will insulate better and allow you to strip off some layers if the temperature climbs. Staying dry is the top priority.

– When wearing layers, better to wear clothing that is not too tight. Loose clothing helps to trap a layer of warm air between the fabric and your body, which acts as insulation to keep you warm.

– Add a first layer consisting of a comfortably light fabric that will remove the sweat away from your body. Avoid pure cotton, linen, or other similar materials, however, because these fabrics retain moisture and will chill you down. The best material is synthetic fiber.

– Next layer should be a knit sweater, sweatshirt or fleece. This layer is to keep you warm. Also, a warm tracking suit will do or the latest trend of one piece overalls.

– Wear thick socks, preferably layering one thin pair with one or two thicker ones. Use socks made of 100% wool or wool blends for a better insulation, and avoid cotton socks in cold temperatures.

– Thin under gloves (best material is fleece).

– Also, remember to pack a good moisturizer with you as the cold air can dry your skin and lips.

Children should be dressed the same way as adults: remember the layers and warm, long, underwear. As long as the children keep on moving, they will be warm in same weather as the adults. Smallest children such as babies and toddlers should be protected with more layers, as they do not move as much.

Important: before booking your safari, please consider if 2-5 hours outside in winter conditions is suitable for your child.

How do I get to Rovaniemi?

Rovaniemi is located in Finnish Lapland. The city is about 800 km up north from Finland’s capital city Helsinki, but it is still easily accessible! Here are our & Visit Rovaniemi’s tips for your journey.

By plane – Flight connections all year round
– Finnair flies to Rovaniemi all year round from Helsinki Airport.
– Finnair operates direct flights daily between Rovaniemi and Helsinki.
– Norwegian flies to Rovaniemi all year round from Helsinki Airport.
Norwegian operates direct flights between Rovaniemi and Helsinki.

– Ryanair flies to Rovaniemi all year round from Milan Bergamo.
Ryanair operates direct flights between Rovaniemi and Milan Bergamo year-round. Starting from April 2026, the direct flights will be operated on Mondays and Fridays until the end of October. Flight schedule for winter 2026-2027 will be operated between 25th of October 2026 and 27th March 2027 on Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Between 21st of December 2026 and 3rd of January 2027 on every day of the week!

Winter flight connections to Rovaniemi
– EasyJet: London (Gatwick), Manchester, Bristol, Milan, Edinburgh, London (Luton), Paris, Birmingham, Berlin, Lyon, Belfast and London (Southend)
– Ryanair: London, Dublin, Brussels, Liverpool, Milan, Paris, Shannon, Birmingham, Bristol and Manchester
– Turkish Airlines: Istanbul
– Iberia: Madrid
– Eurowings: Düsseldorf, Berlin, Hamburg and Prague
– KLM: Amsterdam
– Austrian Airlines: Vienna
– Vueling: Barcelona
– Finnair: Helsinki, Tromsø and Paris
– Air France: Paris
– Transavia: Paris
– Norwegian: Munich, London, Barcelona and Helsinki
– Edelweiss: Zurich
– SAS: Copenhagen
– Lufthansa: Frankfurt and Munich
– LOT: Warsaw
– British Airways: London (Gatwick)
– SunExpress: Izmir

By train
Another easy option is train. There are direct trains running between Helsinki and Rovaniemi.

If you’re coming to Finland by plane, take a train from Helsinki-Vantaa Airport to Tikkurila and transfer to a long-distance train towards Rovaniemi. All trains are operated by state company VR.

The easiest is to buy the tickets beforehand from VR’s own website, but you can also find ticket machines and personnel who can help you with the purchase.

Rovaniemi train station is about 1,5 km away from the city centre. To reach the city or your accommodation, you can book our pick-up, take a 15-minute-walk, hop on the bus (bus number 8) or take a taxi by downloading Taksi Rovaniemi app or Uber.

By bus
Buses might be the most reliable way of travelling in Finland – they usually operate on time, no matter how the weather is. There are several bus operators in Finland, for example Matkahuolto and Onnibus, and you can take a bus even further north to, e.g. Levi and Ylläs.

Matkahuolto bus tickets can be purchased directly on their website or at the bus station. There are also direct connections from Helsinki airport to Rovaniemi. The bus station (Matkahuolto Rovaniemi) is about 1 km away from city centre. Again, you can book our pick-up, walk (about 15 minutes), hop on the bus, or take a taxi to reach the city.

By Car
If you have more time and are comfortable with driving abroad, you may also take a road-trip through Finland.

In summer, the driving time from Helsinki to Rovaniemi is about 10 hours (without breaks). During winter the speed limits are lower and travel-time is noticeably longer, but you should be prepared for changing weather conditions all year round.

You can find information about road conditions on Liikenne Tilanne website. And beware: there might be reindeer on your way!

How do I get from Rovaniemi airport to the city centre?

The Airport Bus has multiple stops in the city centre. You just need to check the time table on their website The bus stops as well at the bus and train station and Santa Claus Village.

There are also local taxis available in front of the airport, which might be the fastest way to reach your accommodation. You may also book a taxi by downloading Taksi Rovaniemi app or Uber.

What to do in Rovaniemi?

Rovaniemi is a great destination if you want to experience the magic of Lapland, Arctic adventures and the home of Santa Claus. In winter, you can visit Santa Claus Village, meet reindeer, enjoy husky and reindeer safaris, go snowmobiling or head out to hunt for the Northern Lights. And the best part? You can meet Santa Claus at Santa Claus Village all year round, even in summer!

But there is much more to discover beyond Santa Claus! Explore the surrounding Arctic forests and frozen landscapes, go snowshoeing or enjoy a peaceful walk in nature. You can also discover local culture and art at Arktikum, which explores Arctic life and Lapland, and Korundi House of Culture, home to the Rovaniemi Art Museum and a concert hall.

As the largest city in Finnish Lapland, Rovaniemi offers a wide range of restaurants, cafés, shops and cultural events throughout the year. From concerts and exhibitions to seasonal events and festivals, there is always more to discover. It’s a great place to combine Arctic adventures with the convenience and services of a city.

In summer and autumn, Rovaniemi offers plenty of opportunities for hiking, canoeing, river activities and exploring the colourful Arctic nature. Whether you’re looking for outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, city life or a chance to meet Santa Claus, Rovaniemi offers something for every kind of traveller throughout the year.

Does Safartica provide accommodation in Rovaniemi?

Yes, you can book your accommodation with us at Vaattunki Wilderness Resort or Ounasvaara Lakituvat Chalets.

Where is Safartica office located in Rovaniemi? Is there a free parking available?

Our office is located in the city centre of Rovaniemi, in Koskikatu 9. Unfortunately, there is no free parking available. You may park your car in the streets nearby the office, but remember to pay your parking ticket by using the parking machines. You can pay by card or by using the app EasyPark.

When does the first snow start in Rovaniemi?

The first snow usually arrives in late October. However, this early snowfall may melt away before winter settles in. A more permanent snow cover typically arrives in November, although the timing varies from year to year. If you’re hoping to enjoy snowy landscapes and winter activities, late November onwards is generally a better time to plan your visit. Keep in mind that weather conditions can vary, so snow is never guaranteed on a specific date.

Can I see the northern lights in Rovaniemi?

Yes, you can! However, the Northern Lights are a natural phenomenon, and their visibility depends on cloud coverage and solar activity. It’s always best to chase auroras away from the light pollution, so we recommend you find a spot far from the city lights. A very popular place in town to see the northern lights is by the Arktikum museum.

Safartica also arranges tours to hunt Auroras. These options are usually the best if you want to maximise your chances in case of less favourable weather conditions, as you travel outside the city of Rovaniemi chasing clear skies.

Want to know more about your chances to see the Auroras during your holiday in Finland? Read our blog post here!

How do I get to Levi?

Levi is located in Finnish Lapland, in the municipality of Kittilä, about 170 km north of the Arctic Circle. The closest airport is Kittilä Airport, located only around 15 km from Levi, making the destination easy to reach from Finland and several European cities. Here are our for your journey.

By plane – Kittilä Airport

Kittilä Airport is the closest airport to Levi and the easiest way to reach the resort. The airport is only about 15 km from Levi, and the journey takes around 15–20 minutes by airport bus, taxi or pre-booked transfer.

Finnair operates direct flights between Helsinki and Kittilä all year round.

During the winter season, Kittilä Airport has direct connections from several European cities.

For winter 2026–2027, direct flights to Kittilä are available from Amsterdam, Berlin, Brussels, Düsseldorf, Frankfurt, London Gatwick, London Luton, Manchester, Milan, Munich, Paris, Vienna and Zürich.

From Kittilä Airport, you can continue to Levi by airport bus, taxi or pre-booked transfer. The airport bus operates in connection with arriving and departing flights.

Flight routes and schedules vary depending on the season, so we recommend checking the latest connections directly with the airlines before booking your trip.

By bus – Rovaniemi to Levi

If you are already in Rovaniemi, travelling by bus is an easy way to reach Levi. Rovaniemi is around 170 km from Levi, and the journey takes approximately 2–2.5 hours, depending on the service.

There are bus connections between Rovaniemi and Levi, making it possible to combine a visit to Rovaniemi with a stay in Levi.

If you arrive at Rovaniemi Airport, check the available connections carefully, as long-distance buses to Levi generally depart from Rovaniemi city rather than directly from the airport.

Bus tickets and up-to-date timetables can be checked through Matkahuolto.

By train + bus

Levi does not have its own train station, but you can easily combine a train journey with a bus.

The closest railway station is Kolari, approximately 80 km from Levi. During the winter season, night trains operate from southern Finland to Kolari, with connecting buses taking you onwards to Levi.

Another option is to take a train to Rovaniemi and continue your journey to Levi by bus. This can be a convenient choice if you are travelling from Helsinki or elsewhere in southern Finland.

All trains in Finland are operated by state-owned company VR. The easiest option is to buy your train tickets beforehand from VR’s own website.

By car

Levi is easy to reach by car from Rovaniemi, Kittilä and other destinations in Finnish Lapland. From Rovaniemi, the drive to Levi takes approximately 2 hours.

Travelling by car is also a convenient option if you are planning a multi-destination Lapland holiday and want to combine Levi with destinations such as Rovaniemi, Ylläs or Saariselkä.

What to do in Levi?

Levi is a great destination if you enjoy skiing, outdoor adventures and a lively atmosphere. In winter, you can hit the slopes or join snowmobile, husky and reindeer safaris, go snowshoeing or try your luck at hunting for the Northern Lights.

Levi is also known for its lively nightlife, with a good selection of bars, pubs, restaurants and nightclubs. The resort has a vibrant après-ski and party scene, especially during the winter season.

There is plenty to see beyond the activities, too. Relax in a spa, enjoy Finnish sauna, take the Levi Gondola up the fell for panoramic views or explore the surrounding Pallas-Yllästunturi National Park. In summer and autumn, Levi is also a great base for hiking, cycling, mountain biking and enjoying the colourful Arctic nature.

How to dress up in Lapland? How should I dress my children for winter?

– Dress in layers. Use many thin, warm layers rather than a few thick layers. It will insulate better and allow you to strip off some layers if the temperature climbs. Staying dry is the top priority.

– When wearing layers, better to wear clothing that is not too tight. Loose clothing helps to trap a layer of warm air between the fabric and your body, which acts as insulation to keep you warm.

– Add a first layer consisting of a comfortably light fabric that will remove the sweat away from your body. Avoid pure cotton, linen, or other similar materials, however, because these fabrics retain moisture and will chill you down. The best material is synthetic fiber.

– Next layer should be a knit sweater, sweatshirt or fleece. This layer is to keep you warm. Also, a warm tracking suit will do or the latest trend of one piece overalls.

– Wear thick socks, preferably layering one thin pair with one or two thicker ones. Use socks made of 100% wool or wool blends for a better insulation, and avoid cotton socks in cold temperatures.

– Thin under gloves (best material is fleece).

– Also, remember to pack a good moisturizer with you as the cold air can dry your skin and lips.

Children should be dressed the same way as adults: remember the layers and warm, long, underwear. As long as the children keep on moving, they will be warm in same weather as the adults. Smallest children such as babies and toddlers should be protected with more layers, as they do not move as much.

Important: before booking your safari, please consider if 2-5 hours outside in winter conditions is suitable for your child.

Where is Safartica office located in Levi and where can I park my car?

Safartica Levi office is located in Hiihtäjänkuja 10, right in the city centre. If you are coming by car, you can park by the Zero Point free of charge (please, note that the parking might be full) or at Sokos Hotel paying parking. Please plan ahead so you don’t arrive late.

Does Safartica provide accommodation in Levi?

We don’t have our own accommodation in Levi, but we can arrange accommodation through our trusted partners for larger groups. For individual travellers, we currently don’t offer accommodation services in this destination.

Does Safartica provide accommodation in Ylläs?

Yes, we provide accommodation in Ylläsjärvi, at Hotel Ylläsrinne and Ylläsrinne Deluxe.

Where is Safartica office located in Ylläs?

Safartica Office in Ylläs is located at Hotel Ylläsrinne, in Hotellintie 6, Ylläsjärvi. This is also the starting point of our safaris.
Our safaris are open to everyone. Pick-up service from the main accommodation in Ylläsjärvi area is included when booking activities with us.

What to do in Ylläs?

Ylläs is a great destination if you enjoy skiing, cross-country skiing, hiking and peaceful Arctic nature. In winter, you can explore the snowy fell landscapes on snowmobiles, husky and reindeer safaris, go snowshoeing or head out to hunt for the Northern Lights.

Ylläs is especially well known for its extensive cross-country skiing network and fell scenery, making it an excellent destination for those who want to enjoy Lapland’s nature at their own pace. The area is also part of Pallas-Yllästunturi National Park, where you can explore beautiful trails and landscapes in every season.

For a more relaxing experience, enjoy the Finnish sauna tradition, visit the SnowVillage in Kittilä, discover cosy cafes in the villages of Äkäslompolo and Ylläsjärvi. In summer and autumn, Ylläs transforms into a hiking and cycling destination, with trails leading through forests, fells and the colourful Arctic landscape.

How do I get to Ylläs?

Ylläs is located in Finnish Lapland, around 150 km north of Rovaniemi. The destination consists of two villages on opposite sides of Ylläs Fell: Ylläsjärvi and Äkäslompolo. The closest airport is Kittilä Airport, while Kolari is the nearest railway station. Here are our tips for your journey.

By plane – Kittilä Airport to Ylläs

Kittilä Airport is the closest airport to Ylläs, located around 40 km from Ylläsjärvi and 50 km from Äkäslompolo. During the winter season, the airport has direct connections from Helsinki and several European cities.

Finnair operates direct flights between Helsinki and Kittilä all year round.

During winter, Kittilä Airport has direct connections from several European cities, including Amsterdam, Berlin, Brussels, Düsseldorf, Frankfurt, London, Manchester, Milan, Munich, Paris, Vienna and Zürich.

From Kittilä Airport, you can continue to Ylläs by airport bus, taxi or pre-booked transfer.

Airport buses operate to both Ylläsjärvi and Äkäslompolo, with services coordinated with flight arrivals and departures. Flight routes and schedules vary depending on the season, so we recommend checking the latest connections before booking your trip.

By bus – Rovaniemi to Ylläs

If you are already in Rovaniemi, travelling by bus is a convenient way to reach Ylläs. There are bus connections from Rovaniemi to both Ylläsjärvi and Äkäslompolo, with the journey taking approximately 2.5–3 hours depending on the service.

Bus tickets and timetables can be checked through Matkahuolto and local bus operators.

By train + bus – Kolari to Ylläs

Ylläs does not have its own railway station, but Kolari railway station is the closest station, located approximately 35 km from Äkäslompolo and 40 km from Ylläsjärvi.

During the winter season, night trains operate from southern Finland to Kolari. From Kolari railway station, you can continue to Ylläs by connecting bus, taxi or pre-booked transfer.

Another option is to take a train to Rovaniemi and continue to Ylläs by bus. All trains in Finland are operated by state-owned company VR. The easiest option is to buy your train tickets beforehand from VR’s own website.

By car

Ylläs is easy to reach by car from Rovaniemi, Kittilä and other destinations in Finnish Lapland. The drive from Rovaniemi to Ylläs takes approximately 2–2.5 hours, depending on whether you are travelling to Ylläsjärvi or Äkäslompolo.

Travelling by car is also a convenient option if you are planning a multi-destination Lapland holiday and want to combine Ylläs with destinations such as Rovaniemi, Levi or Saariselkä.

How to dress up in Lapland? How should I dress my children for winter?

– Dress in layers. Use many thin, warm layers rather than a few thick layers. It will insulate better and allow you to strip off some layers if the temperature climbs. Staying dry is the top priority.

– When wearing layers, better to wear clothing that is not too tight. Loose clothing helps to trap a layer of warm air between the fabric and your body, which acts as insulation to keep you warm.

– Add a first layer consisting of a comfortably light fabric that will remove the sweat away from your body. Avoid pure cotton, linen, or other similar materials, however, because these fabrics retain moisture and will chill you down. The best material is synthetic fiber.

– Next layer should be a knit sweater, sweatshirt or fleece. This layer is to keep you warm. Also, a warm tracking suit will do or the latest trend of one piece overalls.

– Wear thick socks, preferably layering one thin pair with one or two thicker ones. Use socks made of 100% wool or wool blends for a better insulation, and avoid cotton socks in cold temperatures.

– Thin under gloves (best material is fleece).

– Also, remember to pack a good moisturizer with you as the cold air can dry your skin and lips.

Children should be dressed the same way as adults: remember the layers and warm, long, underwear. As long as the children keep on moving, they will be warm in same weather as the adults. Smallest children such as babies and toddlers should be protected with more layers, as they do not move as much.

Important: before booking your safari, please consider if 2-5 hours outside in winter conditions is suitable for your child.

Does Safartica provide accommodation in Saariselkä?

We don’t have our own accommodation in Saariselkä, but we can arrange accommodation through our trusted partners for larger groups. For individual travellers, we currently don’t offer accommodation services in this destination.

What to do in Saariselkä?

Saariselkä is a great destination if you enjoy outdoor adventures, peaceful Arctic nature and fell landscapes. In winter, you can explore the snowy wilderness on snowmobile or reindeer safaris, go skiing, snowshoeing or head out to hunt for the Northern Lights.

Saariselkä is especially known for its beautiful fell scenery and easy access to Urho Kekkonen National Park, making it an excellent destination for those who want to explore Lapland’s nature. You can hike through the surrounding wilderness, enjoy panoramic views from the fells or discover the area’s trails at your own pace.

There is plenty to enjoy beyond the winter season, too. In summer and autumn, Saariselkä is a wonderful base for hiking, cycling and exploring the colourful Arctic landscape. Whether you’re looking for an active adventure or a peaceful escape into nature, Saariselkä offers plenty of ways to experience Finnish Lapland.

How do I get to Safartica office in Saariselkä?

Our office in Saariselkä is located in the city center, in Lutontie 16, 99830 Saariselkä.

If you are staying outside of Saariselkä city center, you can call a taxi to get to our office. Alternatively, you may take the Matkahuolto bus or the Ski Bus to get to the city. Pick-up and drop-off at selected hotels are included in our safaris; for some farther accommodations, the service is provided for an extra fee.

From Ivalo, you can take a taxi or a bus either from the airport directly or from the Ivalo bus station, which usually offers more connections. To get to Saariselkä city center, you should get off to the Holiday Club bus stop, that is only 450 m from our office.

How do I get to Saariselkä?

Saariselkä is located in northern Finnish Lapland, about 250 km north of Rovaniemi and only around 25 km from Ivalo Airport. The resort is easy to reach by plane, bus or car, with good connections from Finland and several European cities. Here are our & Lapland North’s tips for your journey.

By plane – Ivalo Airport

Ivalo Airport is the closest airport to Saariselkä and the easiest way to reach the resort. The airport is located about 25 km from Saariselkä, and the journey takes around 25–30 minutes by bus, taxi or pre-booked transfer.

Finnair operates flights between Helsinki and Ivalo all year round.

During the winter season, Ivalo Airport has direct connections from several European cities.

For winter 2026–2027, direct flights to Ivalo are available from Amsterdam, Düsseldorf, Frankfurt, London Gatwick, Munich, Paris (Orly), Vienna and Zürich, in addition to Helsinki. There are also direct connections from Kirkenes, Norway.

From Ivalo Airport, you can continue to Saariselkä by airport bus, taxi or pre-booked transfer.

Flight routes and schedules vary depending on the season, so we recommend checking the latest connections directly with the airlines before booking your trip.

By bus – Rovaniemi to Saariselkä

If you are already in Rovaniemi, travelling by bus is one of the easiest ways to reach Saariselkä. There are regular bus connections between Rovaniemi and Saariselkä, with the journey taking approximately 3–4 hours depending on the service.

There are also bus connections from Rovaniemi Airport to Saariselkä, making this a convenient option if you fly to Rovaniemi instead of Ivalo.

Bus tickets and timetables can be checked and purchased through Matkahuolto and other local bus operators.

By train + bus

Saariselkä does not have a train station, but you can easily combine a train journey with a bus.

If you’re travelling from Helsinki or elsewhere in southern Finland, take a train to Rovaniemi and continue north by bus to Saariselkä. Rovaniemi is the closest major railway connection to Saariselkä.

All trains in Finland are operated by state-owned company VR. The easiest option is to buy your train tickets beforehand from VR’s own website.

From Rovaniemi, you can continue your journey to Saariselkä by bus. This is a convenient option if you would like to combine a train journey through Finland with a visit to northern Lapland.

By car

Saariselkä is located along Highway E75, making it easy to reach by car from Rovaniemi and other destinations in Lapland. The drive from Rovaniemi to Saariselkä takes approximately 3 hours.

Travelling by car is also a convenient option if you are planning a multi-destination Lapland holiday and want to combine Saariselkä with destinations such as Rovaniemi, Levi or Ylläs.

You can find information about road conditions on Liikenne Tilanne or Fintraffic website.

How to dress up in Lapland? How should I dress my children for winter?

– Dress in layers. Use many thin, warm layers rather than a few thick layers. It will insulate better and allow you to strip off some layers if the temperature climbs. Staying dry is the top priority.

– When wearing layers, better to wear clothing that is not too tight. Loose clothing helps to trap a layer of warm air between the fabric and your body, which acts as insulation to keep you warm.

– Add a first layer consisting of a comfortably light fabric that will remove the sweat away from your body. Avoid pure cotton, linen, or other similar materials, however, because these fabrics retain moisture and will chill you down. The best material is synthetic fiber.

– Next layer should be a knit sweater, sweatshirt or fleece. This layer is to keep you warm. Also, a warm tracking suit will do or the latest trend of one piece overalls.

– Wear thick socks, preferably layering one thin pair with one or two thicker ones. Use socks made of 100% wool or wool blends for a better insulation, and avoid cotton socks in cold temperatures.

– Thin under gloves (best material is fleece).

– Also, remember to pack a good moisturizer with you as the cold air can dry your skin and lips.

Children should be dressed the same way as adults: remember the layers and warm, long, underwear. As long as the children keep on moving, they will be warm in same weather as the adults. Smallest children such as babies and toddlers should be protected with more layers, as they do not move as much.

Important: before booking your safari, please consider if 2-5 hours outside in winter conditions is suitable for your child.