Top 8 Things to Do in Inari, Finland (2026-2027 Guide)

Welcome to Inari. If you ask us, this isn't just another stop in Lapland; it's the very soul of the region. While other places might focus on resorts and ski slopes, Inari offers something deeper—a powerful connection to nature and the living culture of the Sámi people, the only indigenous people of the European Union. This is where the vast, silent wilderness meets millennia of tradition.

Here, far above the Arctic Circle, the air is crisp, the landscapes are immense, and the experiences feel truly genuine. Whether you're standing on the frozen expanse of Lake Inari under a sky dancing with auroras or listening to stories that have been passed down for generations, a visit to Inari is one that stays with you. We're excited to share our favourite things to do in the heart of Sámi homeland.

Immerse Yourself in Sámi Culture at Siida

If you do only one thing in Inari, make it this. The Siida Museum and Nature Centre is, without a doubt, the best introduction to the Sámi culture and the unique nature of Northern Lapland. It's not a stuffy old museum; it’s a vibrant, modern centre that beautifully tells the story of this land and its people. The main indoor exhibition walks you through the Sámi year, explaining how the eight distinct seasons, not just four, shape life here.

Our favourite part is the open-air museum, open during the summer and early autumn. Here, you can walk among traditional dwellings, storehouses, and traps, getting a tangible sense of how people lived in harmony with their surroundings. The new main building, opened in 2022, is a stunning piece of architecture itself. Plan to spend at least 3-4 hours here to do it justice.

• Local Tip: Don't rush through the indoor exhibits. The details about the Sámi languages, the importance of reindeer, and the stunning traditional clothing (gákti) provide crucial context for everything else you'll see in Inari.
• Cost & Hours: As of 2026, adult tickets are around €18. Siida is open year-round, but check their website for specific seasonal hours as they vary.

Explore the Sacred Waters of Lake Inari

Known as Inarijärvi in Finnish and Aanaarjävri in Inari Sámi, this is the “Sámi Sea.” It's the third-largest lake in Finland, dotted with over 3,300 islands. Its character changes dramatically with the seasons. In summer, the sun barely sets, and the best way to experience the lake is by boat. Several operators offer cruises to Ukonsaari (Äijih), an ancient Sámi sacrificial site and a truly powerful place.

In winter, the lake freezes into a vast, white desert. This is when it becomes a playground for snowmobiles, husky sleds, and even cars on designated ice roads. The sheer scale and silence of the frozen lake on a clear, cold day is something you have to experience to understand. Just standing in the middle of it all, with nothing but snow and sky, is a profound experience.

• Honest Trade-off: A summer boat cruise is beautiful, but the weather can be unpredictable. Winter snowmobiling is exhilarating but requires booking a guided tour for safety, which can cost €150-€250 per person for a few hours.

Hunt for the Aurora Borealis in the Arctic Sky

Thanks to its northern latitude and minimal light pollution, Inari is one of the absolute best places in Finland to see the Northern Lights. The season runs from late August to early April, but we find the best chances are often in September-October (when you can see them reflected in the open lake) and February-March (when skies are often clear and snowy).

While you can sometimes see the aurora right from the village, your best bet is to get away from the few lights there are. You can book a guided tour—by car, snowmobile, or even on snowshoes—where a local expert will take you to the best viewing spots. These guides are masters at reading the weather and aurora forecasts.

• Local Tip: Don't just rely on an app. Look north with your own eyes. Often the aurora starts as a faint, greyish cloud that your camera's long exposure will pick up as green long before you do. Be patient and dress in more layers than you think you need. The cold can be intense when you're standing still.

Visit Sajos, the Heart of Sámi Self-Governance

For a deeper look into modern Sámi life, we highly recommend a visit to Sajos. This stunning wooden building on the bank of the river Juutua is the Sámi Parliament of Finland, serving as the cultural and political centre for the Sámi people. It’s not just a government building; it’s a symbol of resilience and cultural preservation.

Guided tours are available on certain days (you must check the schedule and book in advance) and offer fascinating insight into the function of the parliament, the importance of language, and the contemporary issues facing the Sámi community. The architecture itself is meaningful, designed to reflect Sámi symbolism and materials.

• Cost & Booking: A guided tour in 2026 costs around €12. It's essential to book ahead via their website as public tours are not held daily. This is a respectful way to learn about the political side of Sámi life.

Mush with Huskies or Glide with Reindeer

No trip to Lapland is complete without experiencing its most iconic modes of transport. In Inari, you can find ethical operators who clearly care for their animals. A husky safari is a thrilling, noisy, and fast-paced adventure. You’ll be amazed by the dogs' strength and their pure joy in running. A 2-hour safari can cost between €180-€280 per person.

A reindeer sleigh ride is the complete opposite: slow, silent, and meditative. It’s a chance to connect with the animal that is so central to Sámi culture. You’ll glide quietly through the snowy forest, wrapped in warm blankets, listening only to the soft crunch of snow and the occasional click of antlers. This is less about thrill and more about peaceful contemplation.

• Honest Trade-off: Husky sledding is more physically demanding, as you often need to help push the sled up hills. Reindeer rides are very gentle and suitable for all ages and fitness levels. Choose based on the experience you're seeking.

Hike to the Pielpajärvi Wilderness Church

This is a true local gem. Hidden in the forest is the Pielpajärvi Wilderness Church, one of the oldest buildings in Northern Lapland, dating back to 1760. For a long time, it was the centre of life in Inari before the village moved to its current location. Today, it stands as a silent monument in the woods.

Getting there is part of the adventure. A well-marked trail of about 5 km (10 km round trip) leads you from the main road through beautiful pine forest. In summer and autumn, it’s a lovely hike that takes about 3-4 hours. In winter, the trail is accessible by snowshoe, cross-country ski, or even snowmobile. Arriving at the simple, red wooden church in the quiet of the wilderness feels like stepping back in time.

• Local Tip: Pack snacks and water. There are no services at the church, only a wilderness hut and a fire pit nearby where you can rest. In winter, don't underestimate the cold or the effort required to snowshoe the path.

Discover Authentic Sámi Handicrafts (Duodji)

To take a piece of Inari home with you, we suggest seeking out Duodji, traditional Sámi handicrafts. This is more than just souvenirs; it’s an art form with deep cultural roots, made from natural materials like reindeer antler, leather, wood, and silver. Authentic pieces are certified with the “Sámi Duodji” trademark, ensuring they were made by a Sámi artisan.

There are several small shops and studios in and around the village where you can find beautiful items. We recommend visiting the Inari Sámi Shop or the gift shop at Siida, which has a carefully curated selection. Buying certified Duodji directly supports the local artists and helps preserve their craft.

Try Your Luck with Ice Fishing

For a taste of true Lappish patience, try ice fishing on Lake Inari or one of the smaller surrounding lakes. A guide will take you out onto the frozen expanse, help you drill a hole through the thick ice, and set you up with a small rod and bait. Then, you wait.

The real magic of ice fishing isn't necessarily catching a fish (though it’s a bonus if you get a perch or whitefish!). It’s about the silence and the stillness. Sitting on a reindeer hide on the ice, surrounded by the immense white landscape, is a form of meditation. Most tours include hot berry juice and a snack cooked over a fire, which is the perfect way to warm up.

• Cost: A guided 3-4 hour ice fishing trip typically costs between €110 and €160 per person in the 2026-2027 season.

---

Practical Questions for Your Inari Trip

How do I get to Inari? The easiest way is to fly into Ivalo (IVL), the northernmost airport in Finland. From Ivalo, it’s about a 45-minute drive to Inari village. You can take a shuttle bus (which you should book in advance to align with your flight) or a taxi.

What is the best time to visit Inari for Northern Lights? The aurora season is long (late August to early April). For the best combination of dark skies and favourable weather, we recommend September-October and February-March. These months often have more stable, clear weather than the dark and cloudy period of November-December.

Is Inari too cold in winter? Honestly, yes, it can be extremely cold. Temperatures of -20°C to -30°C (-4°F to -22°F) are common. However, it's a dry cold, and with the right gear, it's perfectly manageable. The key is layering: a thermal base layer, a fleece mid-layer, and a high-quality insulated and windproof outer layer. Most tour operators provide heavy-duty outer suits and boots for their activities.

How can I experience Sámi culture respectfully? This is a fantastic and important question. The best way is to engage through official and Sámi-led channels. Visit Siida and Sajos. Buy handicrafts with the official “Sámi Duodji” mark. Choose tour operators who are open about their cultural connections and animal welfare practices. Avoid asking intrusive personal questions or taking photos of people without explicit permission.

How many days do I need in Inari? We recommend at least 3 to 4 full days. This gives you enough time to visit Siida, experience an activity on Lake Inari, have a couple of nights for aurora hunting without feeling rushed, and perhaps fit in a hike or a husky tour. Inari is about slowing down, so don't try to pack too much in.

---

Buddy's Take

For us, Inari is the real Lapland. It’s a place that asks you to listen—to the silence of a frozen lake, the stories of the Sámi people, and the whispers of the wind in the pines. It may not have the vibrant nightlife of Rovaniemi or the sprawling ski resorts of Levi, but what it offers is infinitely more valuable: a chance to connect with something ancient, authentic, and truly wild. If you come here with an open heart and a curious mind, we promise you’ll leave with memories that are as deep and lasting as the Arctic winter.

---

Book your Lapland trip

• ✈️ Fly — Find flights to Rovaniemi and Lapland
• 🚕 Transfer — Book a fixed-price airport taxi
• 🦌 Do — Browse husky, reindeer and aurora tours

Some links on this page are affiliate links. Booking through them costs you nothing extra and helps keep Lapland Buddy free.