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Saariselkä, Finland
Saariselkä, Finland
Nestled in the heart of Finnish Lapland, Saariselkä is Finland's northernmost holiday resort, located approximately 250 km north of the Arctic Circle within the municipality of Inari. Surrounded by the pristine landscapes of the Urho Kekkonen National Park, the region offers vast expanses of fells, boreal forests, and frozen lakes, making it one of the most remarkable natural destinations in northern Europe. Saariselkä has long served as a gateway to Lapland's wilderness and is renowned for its excellent opportunities for cross-country skiing, hiking, snowshoeing, and observing the aurora borealis.
The history of Saariselkä is closely linked to the traditions of the indigenous Saami people, who have inhabited northern Fennoscandia for thousands of years and continue to preserve their rich cultural heritage. During the nineteenth century, the area also attracted prospectors following the Lapland gold rush, traces of which can still be found in the surrounding river valleys. Over the past century, Saariselkä has developed into an internationally recognized destination for winter tourism while maintaining its close connection to the unique Arctic environment and local traditions.
Climate in January
Climate in January
January is the heart of the Arctic winter in Saariselkä. Average daytime temperatures typically range from −10°C to −15°C, while colder periods below −25°C are not uncommon. Snow cover is well established, usually exceeding half a meter, providing ideal conditions for winter activities. Although the sun remains below the horizon only until mid-January, the region experiences the characteristic polar twilight (kaamos) during the first part of the month, when the landscape is illuminated by soft blue and pink hues around midday. As daylight gradually returns, visitors can enjoy several hours of twilight and low-angle sunshine. Long, clear nights and minimal light pollution also make January one of the best times of the year to observe the spectacular Northern Lights.
Northern Lapland, the home of the indigenous Sámi people
Northern Lapland, the home of the indigenous Sámi people
To be completed.
Travel
Travel
Most of us will probably be traveling by airplane, in which case you would be flying to Ivalo Airport (airport code IVL), and most probably with a Finnair flight from the Helsinki International Airport (HEL). Finnair flight calendar shows four HEL-IVL flights for Saturday 9.1. (6:45, 10:50, 16:10, 19:20, 20:55), five for Sunday 10.1. (same as for Saturday, plus 17:35), and three for Monday 11.1. (6:45, 10:50, 16:10).
From the Ivalo airport, there is a 25-min bus connection to Saariselkä. Bus timetable follows the flight schedule, no reservations needed, tickets can be purchased directly from the driver by card or cash, see details at https://www.eskelisen.fi/en/airport-and-railway-station-transfers/
You can also reach Saariselkä by taking train to Rovaniemi train station, and a bus from Rovaniemi to Saariselkä. The train connection from Helsinki to Rovaniemi takes about 8 hours, bus is 4 hours.
Once you are in the Saariselkä village, most of the hotels, cottages, restaurants, and activities are within a walking distance.
Credit: Santa’s Hotel Tunturi
Accommodation
Accommodation
The conference venue and the main accommodation for ELS XXII will be Santa's Hotel Tunturi, located just a few steps away from the entrance to Urho Kekkonen National Park. As the largest hotel complex in Finnish Lapland, the hotel offers a wide selection of accommodation, including standard and superior rooms, suites, and fully equipped apartments suitable for individual participants, families, and groups. The negotiated price with the booking code at the Santa's Hotel Tunturi compares quite favorably to other hotel options in the area at the time.
In addition to Santa's Hotel Tunturi, Saariselkä offers a variety of other accommodation options within walking distance or a short drive from the conference venue. These include hotels, apartments, holiday cabins, and guesthouses to suit different preferences and budgets. Participants are welcome to choose the accommodation that best fits their needs.
Reservation code and negotiated prices for the conference hotel will be available soon.
Other accommodation options
Other accommodation options
Hotels:
Lapland Hotels Riekkolinne
Holiday Club Saariselkä
Wilderness Hotel Kieppi
Northern Lights Village Saariselkä
Kuukkeli Saariselkä Inn
Holiday cabins:
Lomarengas
AirBnB
Bars, restaurants, and exploration activities (to be modified and filled by Mikko)
Bars, restaurants, and exploration activities (to be modified and filled by Mikko)
To be completed.
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