Things To Do in Ivalo, Finland

Ivalo Things To Do

Go skiing, hop on a dog sled and take a sleigh ride pulled by reindeer in Ivalo.

Day Trip To Ski Resorts

Every day in winter there is a ski bus from Ivalo to the ski resorts in and around Saariselkä. Once the bus gets to Saariselkä it does a loop of the resorts on a hop-on hop-off arrangement. Don’t miss the last “hop-on” before the bus returns to Ivalo!

Saariselkä is a small village surrounded by forest and cross country ski trails. You’ll find numerous ski resorts, a small shopping center (Siula), some boutique shops, restaurants,cafes and a large department store and supermarket (Kuukkeli). The bus also goes to some other resorts just out of the village, including a downhill skiing and snow-boarding resort.

Wild Spirit Park

Wild Spirit Park is 8 km north of Ivalo on the main road towards Inari. In winter you can take a husky ride – arrange it through the Tourist Information Centre in Ivalo. The owners know each well cared for and friendly dog by name. They only take small groups, and you need your own warm clothing.

The owners also rescue animals by buying them from fur farms, and for 8 Euro you can take a private tour with Tiina, the owner, to meet the rescued animals, followed by a nice hot cup of tea by an open fire in the little Finnish hut. The rescued creatures include an affectionate pair of wild boar, Arctic foxes, stoats, rabbits and a “raccoon dog” which has a face like a raccoon but is a canine.

Reindeer

You’ll have plenty of opportunity to check out these magical creatures,.whether it’s  by the side of the road while driving along, or at one of the activity places where you’ll get an opportunity to pet them, take photos and even ride in a sleigh pulled by one.

Editor’s note: The information contained on this page was compiled using real traveler reviews about things to do in Ivalo.