Saariselka is a fantastic base for exploring the Finnish Lapland, especially if you’re after memorable dinner experiences that go beyond just eating. The region’s unique mix of Arctic wilderness, aurora chasing, and cozy local cuisine makes for some truly special evenings. Among the options, we particularly like the Northern Lights tour to Lake Inari with dinner, which combines the thrill of seeing the Aurora Borealis with the warmth of a campfire meal in the wild. Seeing the Northern Lights in such an untouched setting, with the added adventure of snowmobiling and reindeer feeding, is a bucket-list highlight.
Saariselka offers a variety of dinner experiences that cater to different tastes and interests—whether you want the excitement of a northern lights chase, a gourmet wilderness meal, or an intimate evening in the Finnish wilderness. In this guide, we’ll explore the top three dinner experiences: from Aurora tours with dinner, a chef-led wilderness feast, to an exclusive Northern Lights sled ride, helping you find the perfect fit for your Arctic adventure.
The 3 Best Dinner Experiences in Saariselka
1. From Saariselkä: Northern lights tour to Lake Inari, incl. dinner
This 5-hour expedition combines the magic of chasing the Northern Lights with a hearty meal in the Finnish wilderness. Starting with a pickup from your Saariselkä hotel, you’ll don thermal clothes and hop onto a snowmobile-pulled sledge that takes you through snowy forests to Lake Inari, one of the best spots for Aurora viewing. Along the way, you might spot reindeer or feed them, adding a touch of local life to your adventure.
Once at Lake Inari, you’ll settle onto the frozen surface, keeping watch for the celestial display. If luck is on your side, the Aurora Borealis will dance overhead, creating unforgettable memories. Afterward, you’ll warm up around a campfire, enjoying a simple yet satisfying dinner of soup and sausages, accompanied by hot drinks. The small group size and attentive guides make this tour feel intimate and personalized, with many reviews praising the knowledgeable guide Laura and the overall well-organized experience.
Key highlights include the snowmobile sleigh ride, prime Aurora viewing, the chance to feed reindeer, and a cozy campfire meal. Reviewers consistently give this tour a perfect 5/5, emphasizing the combination of adventure, comfort, and natural beauty.
Bottom Line: Perfect for those wanting a full Arctic experience with Northern Lights, snowmobiling, and local cuisine in one package.
2. Saariselkä: Wilderness Dinner – Chef’s Special Evening
For a more relaxed but equally authentic dining experience, the Wilderness Dinner with a chef’s touch offers a three-course buffet served in a rustic wilderness setting. It’s a shorter, 3-hour trip that combines good food with the chance to spot the Northern Lights, weather permitting.
This experience is especially suited for travelers who want to enjoy traditional local flavors in a cozy, fire-lit setting without the full outdoor adventure. Transportation is by car to and from the Wilderness Center, making it easy to fit into a busy evening schedule. The focus here is on quality and atmosphere—featuring authentic Arctic delicacies cooked over an open fire and served in a setting that feels both genuine and comfortable.
Highlights include the chance to relax in the wilderness, sample hearty local dishes, and possibly catch the Northern Lights in a quiet, intimate environment. With a 4.8-star rating from nine reviews, this tour is appreciated for its delicious food, warm ambiance, and personalized service.
Bottom Line: Ideal for those seeking a quieter, gourmet experience with the chance to see the Aurora, without the outdoor thrill of snowmobiling.
3. From Kakslauttanen: Northern Lights tour to Lake Inari, inc dinner
This 6-hour tour offers a more exclusive and intimate Arctic evening. Starting near Kakslauttanen, you’ll travel on a sled deep into the wilderness to Lake Inari, a renowned site for Northern Lights. This tour limits participation to just 10 people, ensuring personalized attention, and includes thermal clothing and shoes—no need to worry about the cold.
Once at Lake Inari, you’ll watch for the Aurora overhead, then warm up around a campfire, enjoying a traditional dinner served in a Lappish Teepee. The experience emphasizes quiet observation, with guests praising the well-planned logistics and the chance to capture stunning photos. One reviewer called it “well planned” with “great food” and memorable moments of Aurora viewing.
Key highlights are the sled ride, the cozy campfire dinner, and the chance for personal connection in a small group. This tour is best suited for travelers who want a more exclusive, relaxed experience with a focus on Aurora watching and cultural authenticity.
Bottom Line: Perfect for travelers seeking a smaller, more personal Arctic adventure with a focus on Northern Lights and traditional dining.
How to Choose Your Arctic Dinner Experience
When selecting among these options, consider your priorities: Do you want an adventurous, full-throttle night with snowmobiling and reindeer feeding? The Northern Lights tour to Lake Inari is hard to beat for a complete outdoor adventure. Looking for a cozy, gourmet meal in a rustic setting? The Wilderness Dinner offers a refined experience without the outdoor activity. Or, if a smaller, more personal Arctic outing appeals, the Kakslauttanen northern lights sled tour is an excellent choice.
Budget-wise, the outdoor Aurora tour offers great value considering the included snowmobiling, feeding reindeer, and dinner. The wilderness dinner is slightly shorter but provides a gourmet local experience. The small-group Kakslauttanen trip might be pricier, but it promises exclusivity and a more relaxed pace.
When booking, think about your physical comfort, interest in local culture, and how much outdoor activity you’re comfortable with. The best times to go are between late September and early April, when the Northern Lights are most active—and always book early, especially for the small-group tours.
Final Thoughts
Saariselka offers a wonderful array of dinner experiences that blend Arctic adventure with authentic Finnish cuisine. If your goal is to see the Northern Lights while enjoying a hearty meal outdoors, the Lake Inari Aurora tour is a standout. For those seeking a relaxed, gourmet evening in a wilderness setting, the Wilderness Dinner shines. And for a cozy, small-group experience with a focus on photography and culture, the Kakslauttanen Aurora sled tour is hard to beat.
Booking early and choosing the experience that matches your interests will pay off. Whether you’re after a wild outdoor adventure, a gourmet wilderness meal, or an intimate Arctic evening, Saariselka has a dinner experience waiting for you to remember.