Ivalo/Inari

When visiting Ivalo, immerse yourself in the authentic charm of the north with a thrilling ‘polar’ safari. Embark on an aurora hunting tour, try your hand at ice fishing on Lake Inari, or join a snowmobile, husky, or reindeer safari. For a more tranquil adventure, explore the snowy landscapes with a snowshoe hike. Whatever activity you choose, prepare to be captivated by the dazzling Aurora Borealis dancing across the northern sky and the endless, magical white landscapes of winter.

In summer, make the most of the long, sunlit days and experience the unique beauty of polar life under the Midnight Sun, where nature comes alive in a way that’s equally enchanting.


Course venue

The course venue is at Hotel Kultahippu, located at Petsamontie 1 99800 Ivalo, Finland. Kultahippu means a ‘nugget of gold’ so it’s like a small treasure in the far of north. It has a good location – close to the airport, with good transport connections, in the middle of the village of Ivalo, close to all services. Daily flights, bus and train routes to Ivalo guarantee a pleasant journey almost to your destination. There is a restaurant on site for coffee breaks, also offering delicious lunch buffet.
Please note that the venue address provided is a preliminary location for our upcoming course. The trainer will confirm the final venue address and provide detailed instructions on how to reach it before the course begins. 

Did you know?

  • Ivalo, located in Finnish Lapland, is the northernmost town in Finland with an airport, making it a gateway for exploring the Arctic wilderness and the nearby village of Inari.
  • Inari is the cultural heart of the Sámi people in Finland, with the Sámi Parliament and the Siida Sámi Museum offering insights into their history, traditions, and way of life.
  • Lake Inari, Finland’s third-largest lake, is a breathtaking destination known for its pristine waters and over 3,000 islands, including the sacred Sámi site Ukonsaari.
  • The Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights) can be seen in Ivalo and Inari on more than 200 nights a year, making the area one of the best spots for aurora hunting in Finland.
  • The area is a hub for Arctic outdoor activities, from dog sledding and reindeer safaris to snowmobiling, ice fishing, and hiking under the Midnight Sun during summer.

Accommodations

The course will be held at Hotel Kultahippu.

Hotel Kultahippu
Petsamontie 1
99800 Ivalo, Finland

Sales & Reception
Phone: +358 16 320 8800
Email: info@hotellikultahippu.fi

Keep your mind fresh with
local attractions

Experience Ivalo and inari and their attractions

This is a unique opportunity to witness the Northern Lights or enjoy the magic of midsummer in Lapland. We highly recommend visiting Siida – Sami Museum and Nature Center and the Sami Cultural Centre Sajos to immerse yourself in the rich heritage of Sami culture.

For a truly memorable experience, consider visiting a reindeer farm or exploring private and custom tours that showcase Lapland’s stunning nature and diverse outdoor activities. Food enthusiasts can indulge in traditional Sami cuisine, featuring reindeer specialties, mushroom and fish dishes, or even embark on a safari to catch your own king crab from the Barents Sea.

Just a 3-hour drive away is Rovaniemi, the official hometown of Santa Claus, where you can meet Santa himself. To top off your adventure, spend a night at the Snow Hotel or an Igloo—an experience you’ll treasure forever.

Tervetuloa! (Welcome!)

Connections

The nearest domestic airport to the course venue is Ivalo Airport. Finnair offers year-round flights between Helsinki and Ivalo, while Norwegian Airlines provides seasonal flights during the winter.

Transportation Options from Ivalo Airport:

  • There are bus connections from Ivalo Airport to Ivalo and nearby hotels.
  • Private airport transfers to Hotel Kultahippu or other hotels can be arranged by taxi or larger group buses.

Finnair Flights (Helsinki – Ivalo – Helsinki):
Check and book flights with Finnair
Since Finnair operates only one flight per day between Helsinki and Ivalo, we recommend starting by booking your flights first.

Alternative Option:
You can also fly directly to Rovaniemi Airport and take a bus from Rovaniemi to Ivalo in the Inari municipality.

Bus Options from Rovaniemi to Ivalo:

Travel Notes:
Traveling by bus takes more time but offers a unique opportunity to experience the vast and breathtaking landscapes of Lapland along the way. Consider using your weekend days for travel to make the most of this adventure.

Catering options

Your KA1 grant budget covers accommodation, including meals. Many course venues are equipped with school restaurants where you can enjoy nutritious school lunches. If you prefer, you are welcome to bring your own lunch to the venue, and we’ll ensure you have a comfortable space to enjoy it. Vegetarian, lactose-free, and gluten-free meal options are widely available in most schools, catering to diverse dietary needs.

Each course includes relaxing coffee breaks and tea sessions, offering opportunities to recharge and connect. We also encourage you to bring something from your culture to share, making these moments a delightful cultural exchange experience.