Ivalo, the main centre in the municipality of Inari, is an excellent place to begin an adventure in Lapland. To the north of the town is the splendid Lake Inari, into which flows the Ivalo River, bringing with it waters from the far northwest of Lapland. The Ivalo River and Lake Inari are ideal for fishing and canoeing so, set off boldly to face the wild waters and nature of this untouched paradise. You can also hike the terrain on both sides of the river that runs through the Lemmenjoki National Park, where, even today, you can watch goldpanners at work.
The easiest way to reach Ivalo is by air. There are flights here every day, and more during the ski-season. You can also take the train to Rovaniemi, and from there travel by bus or car (you can even drive your car onto the train). The long distances seem short, as the highway takes you directly to the far north of Lapland. The destination for many travellers heading in the direction of Ivalo is the Saariselkä Ski Centre, which is about 30 kilometres (19 miles) from the town.
Ivalo is the centre of the municipality of Inari, and here you can find everything you need while on holiday – from fishing licences to pharmacy products. Ivalo itself is not worth more than just a brief visit, though the real attraction is Lapland’s magnificent countryside. But, take a look at the Ivalo River that flows through the town, meandering towards Lake Inari. Summer cruises from the village of Inari are a chance for travellers to visit Ukonsaari, an ancient sacrificial site once used by the Sami.
Those interested in Sami culture should also definitely pay a visit to Inari itself to see the Sami Church, the Sami Museum and the nature centre, Siida. It is about 40 kilometres (25 miles) from Ivalo to Inari, and it is worth stopping en route at Karhunpesäkivi. This is a large, hollow boulder, which you can crawl into – just like a bear hibernating for the winter! To reach the rock, you have to trudge along a path, at the start of which there is a café selling local delicacies (only in the summer).
If you want to go canoeing, head to Kuttura, just under 80 kilometres (50 miles) away. A lot of people think that the falls and rapids of the Ivalo River, which flows down to Ivalo from Kuttura, are among the best places for canoeing in Finland. If you like, you can journey along the river through the Hammastunturi Wilderness Area, almost to Lake Inari, because the 70-kilometre-long (43 miles) canoe route eventually brings you back to Ivalo.
Slightly to the west of Kuttura is the Lemmenjoki National Park, a must for any traveller to Ivalo. This is Finland’s largest national park, whose primeval forests are crisscrossed by numerous trails and paths of varying lengths. If you are hiking in the area between the cottages in Kaltasatama and Jäkäläpää Fell, you may well see gold prospectors busy searching for precious metals.
Ivalo is a travel destination that has something to offer visitors all year long. Why not go skiing on the fells, or let yourself be dazzled by the beauty and rawness of Lapland’s wilderness?
