Discover Inari

Inari brings together the Juutuanjoki River, Lake Inari and Sámi cultural heritage as central themes of a stay. The Juutuanjoki flows through the village and is well known among fly fishers. From the village, views open out over Lake Inari, whose shores are mostly undeveloped. Sajos is on the banks of the Juutuanjoki, where the river flows into the lake.

Sámi culture and architectural history

Sajos is the centre of Sámi self-government in Finland. Guided tours of the building cover its architecture, rooms and how they are used. They also provide insight into the Sámi and the Sámi Parliament of Finland, including its role, responsibilities and goals. Sajos therefore focuses on the institution’s significance.

The Siida Open-Air Museum presents Sámi cultural heritage, architectural history and traditional livelihoods. Visitors can see around 50 buildings and structures there. Guided tours of Siida also cover Inari’s 10,000-year history. All guided tours of Siida must be booked in advance. Those interested in different perspectives on the culture can find topics related to institutions and architecture at Sajos, while Siida also showcases buildings and traditional livelihoods.

Trails and landscape

The trail lengths offer a concrete comparison: the Open-Air Museum’s trail network is about 800 metres long and shaped like a reindeer herder’s lasso. The trail is accessible to wheelchairs and strollers in summer and autumn. From Inari, a 9-kilometre hiking trail leads to Otsamotunturi. From there, views extend over Lake Inari and as far as the fells of Lemmenjoki.

On the water

A cruise on Lake Inari departs from beside Siida in Inari and circles Ukonsaari. On the return journey, it follows an old postal route and passes cemetery islands with old wooden crosses. Ukonsaari is an ancient Sámi sacrificial site and one of Finland’s most valuable and well-known archaeological monuments. Check the current cruise dates before planning your trip.

A paddling route also leads to a place steeped in history: from Inari harbour, paddling seven kilometres takes you to the Pielpajärvi Wilderness Church. It was once an old centre of Inari. Built in 1760, the church is one of the oldest buildings in Northern Lapland.

Lunch and getting there

Café Čaiju serves lunch in the centre of Inari. It endeavours to use ingredients from Finnish Lapland whenever possible. Coaches run daily between Rovaniemi and Inari. Check the timetable before departure so you can plan your journey accordingly.

The wider Inari area

About 50 kilometres west of Inari, Lemmenjoki lies on the edge of Lemmenjoki National Park. Boat trips in the river valley take visitors to the Ravadasköngäs waterfall. Lemmenjoki is therefore a regional destination outside Inari village and can be distinguished from the village’s places and activities when planning your trip.

Discover more destinations: Salla, Sodankylä, Sirkkakoski, Nuorgam, Peurasuvanto, Sirkka, Ivalo, Nellim

For the main travel overview: Lapland.