Ivalo is known as the “Gateway to the North,” one of the last significant settlements before heading into the farthest reaches of Finland and the municipality of Inari. Land in the charming village on the banks of the Ivalojoki River and explore the rest of the surrounding region. Experience all the natural attractions of Northern Finland from your base in Ivalo, including seeing breathtaking natural phenomena and a variety of winter activities.
Drive around the town center and browse the shops in this compact village. Ivalo serves the rest of the region, so it has several well-stocked groceries stores, banks and the Inari Municipality Building. Pick up reading material in the small library and dine in one of the cafés or restaurants spread around the town.
Take an expedition into the surrounding landscapes, on snowshoe or cross-country skis in winter and on hiking trails in summer. Watch the skies at night for the chance to see the aurora borealis, the northern lights, which burst into life throughout the year in Lapland.
Enjoy a range of ways to travel in winter. Sleigh rides, pulled by huskies or reindeer, offer a typically Lappish way of exploring the snow-covered pine forests. Ride a snowmobile to get around at high speeds.
Relax in summer on the banks of the Ivalojoki River, which runs through the village. Within the bounds of the village you can find a charming river beach. Travel farther afield to reach Lemmenjoki National Park, which is covered in hiking trails, or set out in a kayak along the river.
Drive for half an hour to reach the smaller village of Inari, the home of Siida, a multifaceted attraction dedicated to Sami life. Here, explore the National Museum of Finnish Sami as well as the Nature Center of Metsähallitus.
Ivalo is the home of the farthest north airport in Finland, which welcomes regular flights from Helsinki. Fly here, then rent a car to explore the rest of the region surrounding the village. Wrap up warm if you’re visiting in winter, when the landscape is covered in a thick blanket of snow.
