About
Inari is a municipality in northern Lapland, in Finland, set around Lake Inari, the country's third largest lake. It is a quiet place of open water, forest and fell, and it makes a rewarding stop for travellers who want to see a northern landscape at its own pace. The municipality is also known by its Sámi names, Aanaar and Anár, and that heritage shapes much of what a visitor encounters here.
What draws visitors
Inari is well known as a base for Sámi culture and indigenous cultural experiences. Visitors can learn about the traditions of the Sámi people, whose homeland spans this part of Lapland, and can take part in guided activities that introduce the culture in a personal way. The village is also a popular place for viewing the Northern Lights, since the dark winter skies of the far north give good conditions for watching the aurora.
The lake and the landscape
Lake Inari is the centrepiece of the area. Its wide shoreline, islands and changing light make it a calm setting in any season, whether you come to walk, paddle or simply sit and look at the water. The surrounding countryside of forest and open fell gives a clear sense of how far north you have travelled.
Planning a visit
- Come for the Sámi cultural experiences, which are the defining reason many people visit.
- Visit in winter if you want to watch the Northern Lights from a dark, quiet location.
- Allow time for the lake and the landscape, which reward slow exploration.
Inari suits travellers who want a calm, far northern destination with a strong cultural focus. Those who prefer large towns and busy sights may find it very quiet, but for many visitors that stillness is the attraction.