Lake Inarijärvi

Finland

In the north of Lapland is Inarijärvi, the mystical lake of the Sámi people.

The possibility to see aurora borealis, visit reindeer farms and get acquainted with the culture of Europe's only indigenous people is offered in the surroundings of Inarijärvi. Lake Inari is located north of the Arctic Circle, with clear, drinkable water and its unique cultural and ecological environment.

Inarijärvi is the third largest lake in Finland, with an area of 1,040 km², a depth of up to 92 m and about 3,300 islands. It is located in Lapland, a region in the north of Finland, near the Russian border. Since Inarijärvi is located north of the Arctic Circle, the region and the lake are very suitable for viewing the aurora borealis at night. However, due to its location, in cold years the lake can be frozen over until June. If it is not frozen, then it is suitable to make boat trips or go fishing on the lake. Boat rentals can be found in the winter sports area of Saariselkä. They can also help with transportation to and from the lake. With its many beautiful features, the Inarijärvi is not for nothing one of the of the most beautiful lakes in Finland.

Järvi is the Finnish word for lake. As can be seen from the name of the lake (Inarijärvi), the place is located Inari not far away. In Inari you can visit a museum (the Siida), where you can get acquainted with the culture of the Sámi (means "the people of Sápmi"). The Sámi are the only indigenous people in Europe. Their land, Sápmi, covers larger parts of Norway and Sweden, the northern part of Lapland in Finland, and a small part of Russia. A very substantial portion of the Sámi live in Norway and Sweden, with smaller numbers in Finland and Russia. Finland is home to about 10,000 Sámi, of whom over 60% are now non-Sámpi residents. In total, the Sámi are estimated to number about 75,000. The national day of the Sámi is February 6 of the year.

The journey to Inarijärvi is possible in many ways. There is the possibility to travel by train to Rovaniemi and then by bus (Linja auto) to Inari, by plane to Ivalo and then by bus to Inari, from Helsinki completely by bus (which also continues to the North Cape), or by car, on various routes.

Fun Fact

One of the few named islands of Inarijärvi, Ukonsaari, is a prehistoric sacrificial site. Ukkonen, the deity of the Sámi, used to be worshipped here. In summer, the island can be reached and visited by boat or ship.

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