Major city · Finland
InariAnár
Stay 2–3 nights: one day for Siida and the village, one for Lake Inari or a trail. Come Dec–Mar for auroras, Jun–Jul for midnight sun.
Inari is a village of about 1,000 people on Lake Inari, 300 km north of the Arctic Circle and the cultural centre of Finnish Sámi life. It has Finland's national Sámi museum, the Sámi parliament and a lake of 3,300 islands. Most visitors come for two nights between Ivalo and the Norwegian border, or as a base for aurora and midnight-sun trips.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- EUR
- Best months
- Dec–Mar (auroras, snow), Jun–Jul (midnight sun)
- avoid Nov (dark, little snow), Apr–May (thaw, slush)
- Airport
- IVL
- Nights
- 2–3
Rules in force · 7Non-EU visitors get 90 days in any rolling 180-day window…
- Europe ↗Non-EU visitors get 90 days in any rolling 180-day window, counted across all 29 Schengen states together — not per country; the Entry/Exit System now logs each crossing, so an overstay is detected automatically.
- Europe ↗On the first Schengen entry since EES began, non-EU travellers give four fingerprints and a face photo at the border instead of a passport stamp; there is nothing to apply for or pay in advance.
- Nordic countries ↗Decide light or dark before anything else: summer trips (June–August) and aurora trips (September–March in the Arctic) need different countries, clothes and bases.
- Nordic countries ↗Sweden, Norway, Finland, Iceland and the Faroes sell stronger alcohol only in state shops with short hours; buy before evening and before Sundays and holidays.
- Finland ↗Finland is in the EU and the Schengen area. Check the entry rules for your passport on official sources; the EU's Entry/Exit System registers non-EU visitors at the first Schengen border.
- Finland ↗The land border with Russia is closed to travellers; do not plan a route across it.
- Finland ↗Everyman's rights let you walk, camp for a night and pick berries on most land, but not near homes, and not to make fires without permission.
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Official sites
Emergency numbers for Inari112 ▾
- Police, fire, ambulance112
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Inari, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the euro (EUR, €).Finland-wide
- SIM or eSIMEU roaming applies.Finland-wide
- Tap waterTap water is excellent.Finland-wide
- TippingRestaurant: Not expected; round up for great service.Finland-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets C/F. US/Canada (A/B): adapter · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 230 V: US 120 V-only devices (hair dryers) need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.Finland-wide
- SafetyInari is a small, low-crime village; the real risks are cold, distance and dark roads.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsFree in libraries, malls and many stations; some charge €1 (≈ US$2) by card.Finland-wide
- Emergency numbers112 police, fire, ambulance (not 911, 999 or 000)
- Sundays & holidaysMuseums often close Mondays; many summer cafés and island services open only June–August.Finland-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportIVL Ivalo Airport (About 40 km (25 mi) south; bus or taxi to Inari, roughly 40–50 min).IVL Ivalo Airport (About 25 mi (40 km) south; bus or taxi to Inari, roughly 40–50 min).
- Getting aroundThe village is small enough to walk.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- CoffeeCoffee or café lunch€5–15 (≈ US$6–18)
- Sit-down mealRestaurant main course€18–30 (≈ US$25–35)
- SIM or eSIM, a weekeSIM or data SIM, about a week€15–30 (≈ US$18–35)
- Budget bedHostel bed or camping, a night, per person€30 (≈ US$35)
- Mid-range bedHotel double room, a night, per room€130 (≈ US$160)
- High-end bedHotel double room, a night, per room€250 (≈ US$300)
A day, not counting the bed: Budget €60 (≈ US$70) · Mid €110 (≈ US$130) · High €200 (≈ US$250)
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- IVL Ivalo Airport (About 40 km (25 mi) south; bus or taxi to Inari, roughly 40–50 min)IVL Ivalo Airport (About 25 mi (40 km) south; bus or taxi to Inari, roughly 40–50 min)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Best
−8°C (18°F)18°F (−8°C)
Feb
Best
−8°C (18°F)18°F (−8°C)
Mar
Best
−3°C (27°F)27°F (−3°C)
Apr
Avoid
2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C)
May
Avoid
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
Jun
Best
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
Jul
Best
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
Aug
not flagged
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
Sep
not flagged
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
Oct
not flagged
3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C)
Nov
Avoid
−3°C (27°F)27°F (−3°C)
Dec
Best
−6°C (21°F)21°F (−6°C)
Best: Jun–Jul, Dec–Mar. Avoid: Apr–May, Nov. Month by month →
Warmest Jul (17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)), coolest Jan (−17°C (1°F)1°F (−17°C) low), wettest Oct (13 rain days), driest Apr (9). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Inari: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
−8°C (18°F)18°F (−8°C)
−17°C (1°F)1°F (−17°C)
12 rd
Feb
−8°C (18°F)18°F (−8°C)
−17°C (1°F)1°F (−17°C)
10 rd
Mar
−3°C (27°F)27°F (−3°C)
−13°C (9°F)9°F (−13°C)
10 rd
Apr
2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C)
−7°C (19°F)19°F (−7°C)
9 rd
May
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
0°C (32°F)32°F (0°C)
10 rd
Jun
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
11 rd
Jul
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
12 rd
Aug
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
12 rd
Sep
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C)
12 rd
Oct
3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C)
−2°C (28°F)28°F (−2°C)
13 rd
Nov
−3°C (27°F)27°F (−3°C)
−9°C (16°F)16°F (−9°C)
13 rd
Dec
−6°C (21°F)21°F (−6°C)
−14°C (7°F)7°F (−14°C)
12 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
The village is small enough to walk. Buses on the E75 connect Inari with Ivalo and Rovaniemi, and with Utsjoki and Norway. For trails, the lake and outlying cabins you need a car, taxi or a tour. Taxis are bookable by app or phone.
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Ivalo
goDoor to door: About 45 min
Bus or car on the E75, about 40 km (25 mi) southBus or car on the E75, about 25 mi (40 km) south
Shops, the airport and the road junction for Raja-Jooseppi.
Saariselkä
goDoor to door: About 1 h
Bus or car south on the E75, about 70 km (43 mi)Bus or car south on the E75, about 43 mi (70 km)
Fell trails, ski tracks and more beds; good in winter.
Lemmenjoki National Park
overnightDoor to door: About 1 h
Car to the park entrance, about 45 km (28 mi) south-westCar to the park entrance, about 28 mi (45 km) south-west
Finland's largest national park; riverboat and trails need a full day or more.
Utsjoki
goDoor to door: About 2 h
Bus north on the E75, about 150 km (93 mi)Bus north on the E75, about 93 mi (150 km)
Tenonjoki salmon river and the road to Norway.
Sevettijärvi
cautionDoor to door: About 1.5 h
Car or bus east, about 90 km (56 mi)Car or bus east, about 56 mi (90 km)
Skolt Sámi village and the Vätsäri wilderness; check road and fuel before going.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Inari village centre
Walk to Siida, shops, the Juutua bridge and the lake shore; the only place with services.
Lake shore and Juutua river
Hotels and cabins with water views, 5–15 min walk from the centre.
Outlying cabins (Menesjärvi, Angelintie)
10–30 km (6.2–19 mi) out; you need a car and food supplies.6.2–19 mi (10–30 km) out; you need a car and food supplies.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- €60–90 (≈ US$70–110) excl. bed
- Mid
- €90–150 (≈ US$110–180) excl. bed
- High
- €150 (≈ US$180)+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Hotel double room1 × 2 nights × €130 | €260 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 2 days × €110 | €440 |
| Siida museum entry, one adult2 × €10 · check | €20 |
| Taxi Ivalo airport to Inari, one way1 × €90 · check | €90 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × €20 | €40 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | €85 |
| Trip total≈ €234 per person per day, bed included | €935≈ US$1,100 |
2026 estimate in euro; flights and long-distance buses excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee or café lunch | €5–15 (≈ US$6–18) |
| Grocery basics for a day | €15–25 (≈ US$18–30) |
| Restaurant main course | €18–30 (≈ US$25–35) |
| Taxi, village to Ivalo airport | €80–100 (≈ US$95–120) (check) |
| Guided aurora or lake trip | €80–150 (≈ US$95–180) |
| eSIM or data SIM, about a week | €15–30 (≈ US$18–35) |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Distances are long: Ivalo is 40 km (25 mi), Rovaniemi about 290 km (180 mi), and the nearest hospital is in Ivalo.Distances are long: Ivalo is 25 mi (40 km), Rovaniemi about 180 mi (290 km), and the nearest hospital is in Ivalo.
- Mosquitoes are heavy near the lake in June and July; bring repellent.
- In winter, dark comes early and temperatures can drop below −30 °C (−22 °F): rent proper clothing.In winter, dark comes early and temperatures can drop below −22 °F (−30 °C): rent proper clothing.
- Do not enter the Russian border zone; the Raja-Jooseppi crossing is south of Ivalo.
- Buy Sámi handicrafts only with the Sámi duodji certificate if authenticity matters.
Emergency numbers
- Police, fire, ambulance
- 112
Pocket card
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InariAnár
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
Tähän osoitteeseen, kiitosTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police, fire, ambulance112
Embassy
No embassies in Inari; most are in Helsinki. Consular help for Nordic and many EU citizens is available locally through police and emergency services.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Bus Ivalo airport → Inari: about €10–15 (≈ US$12–18), about 45 min (check)
- Taxi Ivalo airport → Inari: €80–100 (≈ US$95–120) (check)
- Siida museum entry: €10 (≈ US$12) adult, Museum Card valid (check)
Say or show
- Hei — Hello (hay)
- Kiitos — Thank you (kee-tos)
- Kyllä / Ei — Yes / No (kul-la / ay)
- Paljonko se maksaa? — How much is it? (pal-yon-ko se mak-saa)
- Puhutteko englantia? — Do you speak English? (poo-hut-te-ko eng-lan-tia)
- Missä on vessa? — Where is the toilet? (mis-sa on ves-sa)
Sámi place names differ by language: Anár (North Sámi), Aanaar (Inari Sámi), Aanar (Skolt Sámi), Enare (Swedish).
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Inari. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Dec–Mar (auroras, snow), Jun–Jul (midnight sun) · avoid Nov (dark, little snow), Apr–May (thaw, slush) · month by month →
- 1 airport and 3 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 5 day-trips, door to door
- 5 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Airport-to-bed contract for IVL: bus and taxi times field-checked, winter clothing rental rung.
- Walking clusters with rescue anchors: Siida and the village, the Juutua bridge, the lake shore, the Pielpajärvi trailhead.
- Place pages with verified hours (Siida, Sajos, Pielpajärvi Wilderness Church) and eat pages with last orders.
- Aurora and midnight-sun fixtures so gates A–D can go green.