Attractions and Places To See around Inari - Top 20
Best attractions and places to see around Inari are found in Finnish Lapland, a region known for its Sámi culture and vast Arctic wilderness. Inari features notable landmarks, significant natural features, and rich cultural sites. The area is characterized by its large lakes, fells, and extensive forests, offering a unique blend of indigenous heritage and outdoor exploration. Visitors can explore a variety of sites that showcase both the natural environment and the history of the Sámi people.
Best attractions and places to see around Inari
- The most popular attractions is Pielpajärvi Wilderness Church, a religious building that is one of the oldest wooden churches in Lapland, built between 1752 and 1760. This historical site is accessible via a 4.5-kilometer-long footpath, offering a glimpse into historic Sámi life.
- Another must-see spot is Kiilopää Summit, a fell summit at 546 m elevation. It provides far-reaching 360-degree views across open terrain, with access facilitated by wooden stairs and a gravel path on lower sections.
- Visitors also love Kiilopää Trailhead, a trail entry point for Urho Kekkonen National Park. This location offers facilities including accommodation, a restaurant, sauna, and equipment rental, making it a popular destination year-round.
- Inari is known for cultural sites, natural features, and outdoor activities. The region offers a variety of attractions to see and explore, from historical churches to fell summits and wilderness areas.
- The attractions around Inari are appreciated by the komoot community, with 126 upvotes and 133 photos shared across the highlights.
Last updated: June 22, 2026
Pielpajärvi Wilderness Church
Highlight • Religious Site
When the Sami people settled in Inari, the winter village on Pielpajärvi was abandoned. After the village of Inari became settled, a new church was built there and Pielpajärvi Church was abandoned in 1888.
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Kiilopää Trailhead
Highlight • Trail
The nearby trail centre offers accommodation, a restaurant/café, sauna and equipment rental, making this a very popular destination, year-round.
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Kiilopää Summit
Highlight • Summit
Access is fairly easy, with a wooden staircase and gravel path on the lower sections.
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Karhunpesäkivi (Bear's Nest Stone) Cave
Highlight • Cave
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Aurora Hut, Urho Kekkonen National Park
Highlight • Mountain Hut
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Popular around Inari
European Divide Trail — 7,600 km across the continent
Cape to Cape Challenge – 18,000km in 73 days
Lake Luirojärvi Trail — Into the Wilderness
Arctic by Cycle – The Urho Kekkonen National Park MTB Loop
European D̶I̶V̶I̶D̶E̶ Connect Trail Project – a journey across Europe
Hiking in Finnish Lapland – the most beautiful trails and national parks
Hiking around Inari
MTB Trails around Inari
Cycling around Inari
Running Trails around Inari
Other adventures around Inari
Tips from the Community
Punto Rifugio. Stoves lit in winter. Large terrace with tables and Northern Lights viewing point
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Fantastic view over the national park
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The iconic Kiilopää (546 m) is one of the best-known fell tops in northern Finland. It's a classic rounded fell (tunturi) with an immense sense of space as the views are so far-reaching across the open terrain. Access is fairly easy, with a wooden staircase and gravel path on the lower sections.
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Kiilopää Trailhead is the “classic” entry point for Urho Kekkonen National Park. The signs here invite you to "Escape into the wilderness" - and it's really possible - open fell country is only minutes away. The nearby trail centre offers accommodation, a restaurant/café, sauna and equipment rental, making this a very popular destination, year-round.
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In Kiilopää National Park, you can find super nice trails stretching into wild fells and quiet pine forests, ready to test your legs and free your mind. You find clear signposts, good facilities, and that feeling of standing on the threshold of something big.
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Aurora Cabin with terrace. You can warm up inside; all visitors are responsible for keeping the fireplace lit at all times. On the terrace, you can feed the birds, which are very tame and will eat from your hand. Please use only birdseed. It's definitely a good place to observe the Northern Lights. There's no artificial light here, you can always warm up, and it's within walking distance of Saariselkä.
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The trip here is definitely worth it! Very beautiful church and a great path through the wilderness.
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Very easy to reach from the campsite
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Frequently Asked Questions
What cultural and historical sites can I explore in Inari?
Inari is rich in Sámi culture and history. You can visit the Siida – Sámi Museum and Nature Center, which offers a comprehensive overview of the Sámi people and Arctic life. Another significant historical site is the Pielpajärvi Wilderness Church, one of Lapland's oldest wooden churches, accessible via a scenic hike. Additionally, Sajos, the Sámi Cultural Centre, serves as the Finnish Sámi Parliament house and hosts various cultural events.
Are there any notable natural features or viewpoints around Inari?
Absolutely. The iconic Kiilopää Summit offers far-reaching 360-degree views across the open fell terrain. You can also explore the unique Karhunpesäkivi (Bear's Nest Stone) Cave, a large, geologically interesting rock formation. Lake Inari itself, often called the 'Sámi Sea,' is Finland's third-largest lake, featuring thousands of islands and vast wilderness.
What outdoor activities are popular near Inari's attractions?
The Inari area is a hub for outdoor enthusiasts. You can find numerous hiking trails, such as the Juutua Trail or the Lisakkipää Trail in Urho Kekkonen National Park. For mountain biking, consider routes like the Moitakuru Trail or the challenging Kulmakuru Trail. Running trails, including the Iisakkipää Nature Trail, are also available. You can find more details on these activities in the hiking guide, MTB guide, and running guide for Inari.
What is the best time of year to visit Inari for attractions and activities?
Inari offers distinct experiences depending on the season. Summer (June-August) is ideal for hiking, boating on Lake Inari, and enjoying the midnight sun. Winter (December-March) is perfect for experiencing the Northern Lights, husky safaris, snowmobiling, and cross-country skiing. The shoulder seasons (spring and autumn) offer beautiful transitional landscapes and fewer crowds.
Are there family-friendly attractions or activities in Inari?
Yes, Inari offers several family-friendly options. The Siida – Sámi Museum and Nature Center is engaging for all ages, with both indoor exhibits and an open-air museum. Many of the shorter hiking trails, like parts of the path to Pielpajärvi Wilderness Church, are suitable for families. Reindeer farms also offer interactive experiences that children often enjoy.
Where can I access Urho Kekkonen National Park from Inari?
A classic entry point to Urho Kekkonen National Park is the Kiilopää Trailhead. This location provides facilities including accommodation, a restaurant, sauna, and equipment rental, making it a convenient base for exploring the park's extensive trails and open fell country.
Can I see the Northern Lights in Inari?
Inari is considered a prime location for viewing the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) due to its northern latitude and minimal light pollution. Various tours and accommodations, such as Lake Inari Mobile Cabins, are specifically designed to enhance the aurora viewing experience during the winter months.
What is special about Lake Inari?
Lake Inari, also known as Inarijärvi, is the third-largest and second-deepest lake in Finland, and the largest in the Sápmi region. It's often referred to as the 'Sámi Sea' and is characterized by its vast Arctic wilderness and 3,318 islands. It's an excellent spot for boat trips, canoeing, fishing, and photography, offering a unique sense of space and tranquility.
What kind of terrain can I expect on hiking trails around Inari?
The terrain around Inari varies. Trails to sites like Pielpajärvi Wilderness Church often lead over stones, boulders, and roots through birch and pine forests. For fell summits like Kiilopää Summit, you'll find wooden stairs and gravel paths on lower sections, leading to open, exposed terrain with expansive views. Many trails in national parks feature well-marked paths, but can still be rugged.
Are there any ancient or sacred sites in the Inari area?
Yes, Ukonsaari Island, also known as Ukko's Rock, in Lake Inari is a significant sacred site. It's an essential part of Sámi cultural heritage, historically considered a sacrificial site dedicated to Ukko, the god of thunder. It stands as one of Finland's most notable ancient sites.
What are some unique winter activities available in Inari?
Beyond Northern Lights viewing, Inari offers a range of unique winter activities. These include husky safaris, snowmobiling (often combined with visits to historical sites), ice-fishing on Lake Inari, and extensive cross-country skiing opportunities. You can even experience unique overnight stays in mobile cabins on the lake ice for aurora viewing.
What do visitors enjoy most about the attractions in Inari?
Visitors frequently praise the immersive cultural experience at the Siida – Sámi Museum and Nature Center, highlighting its comprehensive exhibits and outdoor area. The stunning 360-degree views from Kiilopää Summit are also a favorite, often described as magnificent. The peaceful and historical journey to the Pielpajärvi Wilderness Church is also highly appreciated for its unique atmosphere.
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