You can’t get much further north than Saariselkä. Hidden away at the top of Finland, the small town is buried deep inside the Arctic Circle. The Arctic Ocean is just a two-hour drive away and the border with Russia is even closer.

What’s more, Saariselkä is the nearest holiday resort to the Korvatunturi fell – said to be the very spot Santa Claus himself is from. So, if you’re looking for an authentic winter wonderland, there’s nowhere better.

The town itself is tucked between two rolling fells – Kaunispaa and Lisakkipaa – and surrounded by snowy countryside so, unsurprisingly, winter sports are big business here. You can get to grips with out-of-the-ordinary activities like snowmobiling, husky safaris and reindeer sleigh rides, and try your hand at skiing and tobogganing.

Another popular attraction is Santa’s Resort, where you can meet Santa in his very own log cabin. You’ll be introduced to his reindeer, too, and get to listen to his elves tell their favourite Christmas tales. In the town centre, meanwhile, you’ll find souvenir shops stacked with Christmas goodies and a good mix of restaurants serving everything from pizza and burgers to Lappish specialities like reindeer steak.

There’s also an indoor pool complex with a wave machine and slide, for those times you fancy a break from the snow.

Finally, because Saariselkä is so far north, it’s one of the best places in Lapland for catching a glimpse of the famous Northern Lights. These dazzling natural flares light up the sky some 200 nights a year, so keep an eye out when the weather’s good.

Santa’s Wonderland
3 or 4-night Trip Fly To Ivalo – Stay In Saariselkä

Day 1
After landing at Ivalo Airport, you’ll be taken to your Saariselkä hotel by Santa’s elves. You can spend the rest of the day settling in, getting to know the town, and making the most of the snowy countryside all around you. If there’s a clear sky this evening, keep a watch out for the Northern Lights.

Day 2
The magical Santa’s Resort is on the agenda today. Hidden away among fairytale woodland, this is the place Santa himself calls home. Get your wish-list at the ready, because you’ll meet the man himself in his traditional log cabin. Afterwards, his elves will take you on a tour, which ends with a visit to see Rudolph and his friends. While you’re here, you can have a go at snowmobiling, too, and try a husky or reindeer sleigh ride.

Day 3
You’ve got a free day to do what you like today. Round up some helpers and build a snowman, zoom down the hills on a toboggan, or book yourself on to an excursion and experience your favourite taster from yesterday in full. Snowmobiling, husky rides and reindeer safaris are all on the agenda.

Guests on 3-night trips will enjoy Day 4’s activities today instead.

Day 4
This is your last chance to play in the snow. You can also join our excursion to a snow cinema in the middle of a forest, and watch a movie under the frosty Lappish sky. Rounding things off is a special gala dinner.

Santa’s Wonderland can be teamed with any of our accommodation in Saariselkä. The order of events may change slightly from trip to trip, but all the activities will be included at some point during your holiday.

If you fancy spending a bit longer in Saariselkä, book our 6-night Christmas trip. Flights leave on the
21st of December and return on the 27th