This Finnish gateway to Lapland sits within the Arctic Circle, where visitors can watch the northern lights, try dog sledding, and fish in crystal-clear lakes year-round.
Ivalo, a town of 3,000 residents in Finnish Lapland, sits above the Arctic Circle where the midnight sun shines for 70 days in summer and polar night lasts for 43 days in winter. From the glass-roofed Aurora cabins at Kakslauttanen to the rushing waters of Lake Inari, this Arctic town connects you to Finnish Lapland's raw nature. You can watch the Northern Lights dance across winter skies, mush through snow-covered forests with a team of huskies, or learn about Sámi traditions at the Siida museum in nearby Inari.
Getting to Ivalo
Ivalo Airport operates year-round flights to Helsinki and seasonal winter connections to several European cities. From Helsinki, take an overnight train to Rovaniemi, then complete your journey with a 3-hour bus ride to Ivalo. The E75 highway runs through Ivalo, connecting southern Finland to Norway, making the town accessible by car or bus throughout the year.
Weather and Seasonal Changes
Ivalo's Arctic location shapes its seasons distinctly. Winter temperatures typically hover around -12°C (10°F), with snow covering the ground from November to April. Summer brings temperatures up to 14°C (59°F), and the midnight sun stays visible from May 24 to July 22. Spring emerges in May, while September transforms the forests into red and gold.
Winter Activities in Ivalo
In winter, you can drive snowmobiles across frozen lakes, drill holes for ice fishing, or guide a dog sled team through snow-laden forests. Cross-country ski trails crisscross the landscape, while the Saariselkä slopes, 30 kilometers south, welcome downhill skiers. The dark winter skies from September to March create clear conditions for Northern Lights viewing.
Summer and Autumn Activities
The Ivalo River thaws in spring, opening up routes for canoeing and fishing. Marked hiking trails lead through the Hammastunturi wilderness area, and you can try gold panning in the Ivalo River - the site of Finland's first gold discovery. September and October bring wild berries and mushrooms to the forest floor.
Sámi Culture
The town lies within Sámi territory, where Finland's indigenous people maintain their traditions and languages. Visit the Siida museum in Inari to explore exhibitions about Sámi life, both historical and modern. The region uses three official Sámi languages: Northern Sámi, Inari Sámi, and Skolt Sámi.
Local Services
The town center contains grocery stores, banks, and medical facilities. You'll find places to stay ranging from Aurora-viewing cabins to standard hotels. Local restaurants prepare traditional Lappish dishes with ingredients like reindeer meat, Arctic fish, and wild berries.
