Lake Inari & the Sami Heartland

Overview

Lake Inari, far to the north of Rovaniemi, is Finland's third-largest lake and the heart of Sami culture — a remote, profound corner of Lapland.

The lake

A vast, island-dotted wilderness lake, sacred to the Sami and stunning under snow. It's a long journey north, so it suits a multi-day extension rather than a quick day trip.

Sami culture

Inari is home to the Sámi Museum Siida and the Sámi Parliament — the best place in Finland to understand Sami heritage. See our Sami culture guide.

Dark skies

This far north, the skies are very dark for the aurora. Many travellers base in Rovaniemi and add a northern excursion.