Location: Ivalo
Top Things to do in Ivalo
Top Restaurants in Ivalo
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What to do and see in Ivalo, Finland: The Best Places and Tips
Ivalo (Inari Sami: Avveel, Northern Sami: Avvil, Skolt Sami: Âˊvvel; Russian: Ивало) is a village in the municipality of Inari, Lapland, Finland, located on the Ivalo River 20 kilometres (12 mi) south of Lake Inari. It has a population of 3,998 as of 2003 and a small airport. 30 kilometres (19 mi) south of Ivalo is a very popular resort named Saariselkä. Many tourists visit this place every year for winter sports (downhill and cross-country skiing, snowboarding, husky and reindeer sledge riding) and for summer activities (trekking and hiking in the Saariselkä fjells, canoeing in Lapland's rivers, mountain biking, panning for gold, fishing, etc.).
Restaurants in Ivalo
1. Ivalo Trek Lapland - Day Tours
Overall Ratings
5 based on 88 reviews
Ivalo Trek Lapland offers individually organized excursions within the Ivalo and Inari districts. Trips are mainly organised for small groups. In the winter available Northern Lights and photographing excursions. In the summer hiking and photographing trips.
Reviewed By tjbss - Greensboro
Jouni, our guide, knew the best places for viewing. When the lights appeared he went into “professional photographer” mode taking amazing pictures. (See examples on their website).
It was an expensive evening and perhaps with a car, a map, and a smartphone one could have a successful evening hunting for the Northern lights without Jouni’s help. We are OK with the price because it was easy, and the photos are amazing.
2. Wild Spirit Park
Overall Ratings
5 based on 66 reviews
Reviewed By Starrette G
I'm always interested in wild animal parks, and I was curious to see how this one was set up. This park is run by a hard-working, mother and son duo. Each visiting group is personally escorted by one or the other. Tony took us around, and his love for the animals was clearly evident. They mostly have huskies (which run their sleds in the winter), but they also have some raccoon dogs, goats, rabbits, and wild boar. Mother and son built all the enclosures, and they alone tend to all the care and maintenance. It's certainly a labor of love for them. I enjoyed the visit, but don't expect an experience that you would have at an accredited zoo.
3. Guesthouse Husky - Day Tours
Overall Ratings
5 based on 53 reviews
Reviewed By Tomoya T
We joined 2.5hr husky sledging tour from Guest house Husky. What I liked is the ride on a sledge with 6 huskies I also learned and experience how to ride (fairly easy). They provided all the clothes so I didn’t feel cold. The guide was very experienced and ensuring all good during the entire journey. Speed was like 10-15km/hr or slower. Riding through the forest and Snow White field was unforgettable.
4. Northern Lights Riders
Overall Ratings
5 based on 32 reviews
Visit our websites and check our new amazing tours to see Northern Lights/Auroras in Ivalo, Inari and Saariselka, Lapland Finland. The expedition takes place in the beautiful nature of the north, Lapland’s Forests, on the Ivalo river and on the lake Inari. A soft, fun and comfortable ride in a warm army off-road vehicle offers you an unforgettable nature experience and access to the Wilderness. We have also Northern Lights tours by car. Wildlife park excursion takes place in the beautiful nature of the north, Lapland’s Forests, on the Ivalo river and on the lake Inari. On the way you can see wild animals in their natural habitat. The vehicle’s large roof and side windows provide you with the opportunity to enjoy the Northern Lights and the scenery in an easy way. Have you ever dreamed of meeting Santa Claus? Northern Lights Riders allow you a memorable encounter with Santa Claus in the middle of nature. Visit our websites and book online now! Welcome!
Reviewed By St3p1985 - Rome, Lazio, Italy
Janne does all his best to satisfy the customers. He provides warm additional clothes, professional insulated shoes, a nice and warm hot drink and snack during the visit. He is very skilled in hunting the aurora and he moved north and south of the Ivalo area to have the best chances. I also think he has a reasonable price compared to other providers. I really recommend his company
5. Extreme Huskies
Overall Ratings
5 based on 26 reviews
Reviewed By Hollyncharlie - Essex, UK
What an Amazing experience, the whole experience was well organised and incredible. The huskies are very special, friendly and loved and looked after. The owners make you really welcome and the driving of the husky sled is just special and beyond words. If you get the chance definitely visit it’s worth every penny! Will never forget bunny, she will always have a special place in my heart!
6. Inari Saariselka
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 26 reviews
Reviewed By Christopher C - Oslo, Norway
I live here 7 1/2 months out of the year. For anyone looking for a place with outstanding tranquillity, Lapland simply cannot be beat. Yes, everything here is expensive (unless you live in Norway); however, this is one of the most remote areas on earth. There are enough outdoor activities to keep almost anyone busy here, yet it is the perfect place to get away from civilization.
7. Club Nord
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 32 reviews
Reviewed By Ka-hong Y
It's my luck to join the Club Nord located at Hotel Ivalo. Thanks Koppány and his colleague for their excellent service. Koppány is extremely friendly and helpful. He helped us to set our camera. It's a dream for Hong Kong visitors to see the Aurora. We made it!! I'd like to show my sincere gratitude to Koppány! Hope to come back later!!
8. Kamisak Husky and Horse Expeditions - Day Tours
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 34 reviews
Reviewed By Manuela M - Milano
Best moments we had during our Lapland trip. We took a two days husky expedition, through frozen lakes and snow covered Forests, for a really amazing experience.
But this isn't an easy "being carried on by placid walking doggies for a sightseeing safari". The dogs are eager to run, and learning to lead them and to drive the sledge isn't an easy task, and requires being in a really good shape.
Though, nothing matches the excitement of realizing you are past the learning curve so that you can focus on the feeling of being in the midst of such wonderful environment, far from the noise and the chaos of "civilization". There are just you, the dogs, the sledge, the wind and the snow.
9. Ivalo Safaris
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 18 reviews
We are a small family business located in Ivalo River Camping & Resort. Markku Kiviniemi is a professional fisherman in third generation, with us you will get a feeling what lappland is really about. We have transport also from Saariselka. We offer also Husky Safaris, Reindeer Safaris, Snowmobile Safaris, Show Shoe-hike, Car Rental. All the activies includes thermal clothing and shoes.
Reviewed By AnastasiaKulich - Kaliningrad Oblast, Russia
I had great time in Ivalo. Most of all Safaris I like snowmobile riding. That was really cool! If I had it at the beginning of my stay I’d definitely request more of it. Husky safari also was very nice, however, they are not very fast, and in low temperature I couldn’t take for longer than 2 hours. Reindeers are quite slow, but it’s a beautiful experience, too. Snow tank is the best for Aurora hunting, as it’s warm inside and it’s got a glass ceiling, which allows watching the Northern Lights for longer. There’s also skiing, horse riding. No one can get bored there, especially if you like winter and you are not afraid of low temperatures!
10. Alba Husky Day Tours
Overall Ratings
5 based on 4 reviews
Reviewed By GrahaminAdelaide - Adelaide, Australia
I visited Alba Husky in April 2014 for a morning visit of about 3 hours as part of a group of 20. This is a husky kennel with over 100 dogs, providing husky sled riding training and experiences. It was one of the best experiences of my life.
Alister, the owner of the place, is a terrific guy. He gave our group careful and clear training in how to drive the sled with a team of five dogs. We then were taken on a trek of several kilometres around the property in the snow, driving our team and experiencing this amazing part of the world in a unique way.
Afterwards, when we chatted with Alister over hot berry juice (or tea, or coffee) we learned that this man loves his dogs and takes their welfare very seriously. They all have names, are well cared for and were wonderfully friendly and affectionate to the visitors. We saw where the dogs slept, met a big group of four month old puppies, heard what they ate and how they were looked after.
This was simply one of the best things I've ever done and could not recommend this place highly enough. Check out the website: http://albahusky.com
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