Lake Inari is a renowned destination in Finland and the third-largest lake in the country. Its glistening water and sprawling shores are enough to melt anyone’s heart. This lake has around 3,318 small islands to explore and several ridges to identify. As you take a stroll across this waterway, you will see various wilderness huts which often provide shelter to the boaters and canoeists. Skiers enjoying themselves on a crisp winter morning can also stay here to catch their breaths.
Visit Lake Inari and enjoy water activities like fishing, canoeing, boating, and more. A little further away, you will find the Inari Reindeer Farm where you can connect with these glorious beings and go reindeer hiking and driving tours. After a fulfilling day at Lake Inari, you can indulge in a gourmet meal at Aanaar. It offers dishes created from fresh produce and always has a mouthwatering menu.
Highlights
• Stroll through 3,318 islands and numerous island-less ridges across Lake Inari and come closer to nature with a spectacular view in front of you.
• Visit in June or July and stream across Lake Inari on a boat cruise which gives you a glimpse of the never-ending sea and the blissful midnight sun.
• Meet and greet with reindeer at the famous Inari Reindeer Farm where trout fishing, hiking, and driving tours with the majestic animals is quite common.
• Spend a night in the floating Aurora hut where you will get a better experience of the waters and the wilderness, that is Inari.
• Spot exquisite fishes and birds while canoeing on Lake Inari and uncover the beautiful sights of nature across the third largest lake in Finland.
How To Reach
By Car: Lake Inari is approximately 70 km from Inari City Centre. Take road no. 971 to reach the destination within 45 to 60 minutes.
By Boat: The distance to Nellim boat harbour from Inari City Centre is approximately 41 km. From there, boats continuously run to drop the visitors to the Lake Inari base.
Best Time To Visit
Lake Inari is open to the public all year. Visit early in the morning to catch the sunrise and capture picture-perfect backdrops. Prefer to visit from June to August or December to March, when the weather is pleasant and relaxing. Visit on weekdays because the crowds are generally smaller and you can get a proper guided tour.
Other Essential Information
- The weather around Lake Inari can be unpredictable so pack the right kinds of outfits.
- Respect the local culture and traditions, especially when visiting sacred sites like Ukonsaari Island.
- Plan your activities depending on the season to witness the Midnight Sun or long polar nights.
- Guided tours can enhance your experience, providing local knowledge and access to remote areas.
- Carry insect repellent to ensure a more comfortable experience, especially if you plan on spending time near the water.
.jpg)
Explore the sacred Ukonsaari Island
The island is also called Ukko’s Rock and is one of the most culturally important islands in Lake Inari. It acts as a sacred site for the Sámi natives. They used to use it for religious sacrifices and rituals. The breathtaking views and rugged cliffs of this island make it a must-visit destination for everyone. You can take a boat tour to explore the island and learn all about the ancient traditions of Sámi.
.jpg)
View the exhibits at Siida Museum
Near the shores of Lake Inari, you will find Siida Museum. It is dedicated to the rich history and culture of the Sami people. There are exhibitions on the Sámi lifestyle, traditions, and the Arctic environment. You can learn about traditional Sámi culture through multimedia displays, artefacts, and dwellings. They are displayed both indoors and outdoors for you to get an immersive experience.
.jpg)
Hike along the trails of Lemmenjoki National Park
The Lemmenjoki Park is a short driving distance from Lake Inari. It is the largest park in the country and is where you will find vast wilderness, dense forests, and river valleys. This is a true paradise for hikers as they can walk and explore sprawling trees everywhere and well-marked trails. The park is suitable for all types of adventurers, from beginners to experts. As you start your hike, you will find eagles and reindeer. If you are lucky enough, you might be able to try your hands on gold panning.
.jpg)
Watch the Midnight Sun and Northern Lights
If you want to catch the best lighting in Finland, then Lake Inari is the spot for you. It gives you a graceful midnight sun view in summer and northern lights in winter. If you visit in summer and the sun does not set, it will show you endless daylight; perfect for adventurous activities. During your winter visit, the clear skies and long nights let you witness the breathtaking Aurora Borealis. You can join fellow travellers for a guided tour or photography.
.webp)
.jpg)
.jpg)
