Guide to Ivalo
Parks & Nature
Winter Swimming is known to have many health benefits, release stress and improve your immunity system, no matter how crazy it may sound it's really once in a lifetime experience. Kiilopää winter swimming place is perfect place to take a dip to icy water... once you get out of the water you will feel 10 years younger at least. They have changing rooms where you can get change and dress up. Every Tuesday, Wednesday and
Friday is also possible to try classic smoke Sauna to warm after the swim. Sauna access fee 13 €. Make sure you are medically and physically fit to try winter swimming.
11 recommandé par les habitants
Suomen Latu Kiilopää/Fell Centre Kiilopää
620 KiilopääntieWinter Swimming is known to have many health benefits, release stress and improve your immunity system, no matter how crazy it may sound it's really once in a lifetime experience. Kiilopää winter swimming place is perfect place to take a dip to icy water... once you get out of the water you will feel 10 years younger at least. They have changing rooms where you can get change and dress up. Every Tuesday, Wednesday and
Friday is also possible to try classic smoke Sauna to warm after the swim. Sauna access fee 13 €. Make sure you are medically and physically fit to try winter swimming.
Lemmenjoki
Lemmenjoki Natural Park is another very beautiful place to hike around the area.
Food Scene
Hotel Kultahippu is one of the most famous & popular restaurants in Ivalo City Center. Ala Carte menu with many traditional and local Lappish delicacies such as sautéed reindeer meat, salmon soup and Lake Inari white fish. Suitable for relaxed date night. Even Famous Chef Gordon Ramsay and few other A-listers have eaten here and tried Lappish Delicacies. My favorite is of course sautéed reindeer meat with mashed potatoes and lingonberry jam. It's not only melting in your mouth but also classic Lapish dish . Must thing to try if you eat meat.
hotel Kultahippu
1 PetsamontieHotel Kultahippu is one of the most famous & popular restaurants in Ivalo City Center. Ala Carte menu with many traditional and local Lappish delicacies such as sautéed reindeer meat, salmon soup and Lake Inari white fish. Suitable for relaxed date night. Even Famous Chef Gordon Ramsay and few other A-listers have eaten here and tried Lappish Delicacies. My favorite is of course sautéed reindeer meat with mashed potatoes and lingonberry jam. It's not only melting in your mouth but also classic Lapish dish . Must thing to try if you eat meat.
This grill has become a legend and one of the cornerstones of the village (over 50 years in business!) and serving some of the dishes with original recipe. If you are graving for kebab, burgers and other fast food this is a must stop. Menu is very impressive and they even offer vegetarian meal options. Open till late at night.
Lauran Grilli Oy
15 IvalontieThis grill has become a legend and one of the cornerstones of the village (over 50 years in business!) and serving some of the dishes with original recipe. If you are graving for kebab, burgers and other fast food this is a must stop. Menu is very impressive and they even offer vegetarian meal options. Open till late at night.
Restaurant Aanaar is truly a hidden gem in Inari Village and must try dinning place if you are planning a day trip to Inari. The restaurant has recently won various awards such Nordic Sapmi Award, Foodtrekking Award and in 2020 the Restaurant was selected as the " The Restaurant of the Year 2020” in Finland by the prestigious Finnish Gastronomic Society. Menu include variety of local fish, reindeer meet, berries and so on.
Ravintola Aanaar
2 SaarikoskentieRestaurant Aanaar is truly a hidden gem in Inari Village and must try dinning place if you are planning a day trip to Inari. The restaurant has recently won various awards such Nordic Sapmi Award, Foodtrekking Award and in 2020 the Restaurant was selected as the " The Restaurant of the Year 2020” in Finland by the prestigious Finnish Gastronomic Society. Menu include variety of local fish, reindeer meet, berries and so on.
Drinks & Nightlife
Popular bar & grill where locals hang and drink beers. American & Italian kind of menu includes Pizza, Wings, Salad, Wraps, Pasta and hamburgers. Good place to see sports games on TV or play board games with friends. while having beers.
pubi.fi - Ivalo
12 IvalontiePopular bar & grill where locals hang and drink beers. American & Italian kind of menu includes Pizza, Wings, Salad, Wraps, Pasta and hamburgers. Good place to see sports games on TV or play board games with friends. while having beers.
Arts & Culture
Sámi people are indigenous people of Lapland and Siida is a perfect place to learn about Sámi culture and the diverse nature of Northern Lapland. In this museum, you can acquaint yourself with changing exhibitions on culture, art, and nature throughout the year. Worth of visiting especially during summer they have nice outdoor exhibitions. Recommended for 2 - 3 hours to do it justice. The road to Inari from my cabin provides stunning views of many small lakes.
24 recommandé par les habitants
Siida
46 InarintieSámi people are indigenous people of Lapland and Siida is a perfect place to learn about Sámi culture and the diverse nature of Northern Lapland. In this museum, you can acquaint yourself with changing exhibitions on culture, art, and nature throughout the year. Worth of visiting especially during summer they have nice outdoor exhibitions. Recommended for 2 - 3 hours to do it justice. The road to Inari from my cabin provides stunning views of many small lakes.
Essentials
Alcohol is serious business in Finland and under government monopoly. Soft spirit such as cider and beer can be found from normal super markets. However anything stronger than 7% (even wine) is strictly sold in Alko only. Please note that if you are below 30 years old photo ID may be requested.
Opening Hours: Mon - Fri 9am - 9pm Sat: 9am - 8pm , Sun 12pm - 6pm
Alko Ivalo
2 PetsamontieAlcohol is serious business in Finland and under government monopoly. Soft spirit such as cider and beer can be found from normal super markets. However anything stronger than 7% (even wine) is strictly sold in Alko only. Please note that if you are below 30 years old photo ID may be requested.
Opening Hours: Mon - Fri 9am - 9pm Sat: 9am - 8pm , Sun 12pm - 6pm
Medical care is available through both public and private health centers. Please note that the nearest hospital is located 300km away in Rovaniemi.
Smaller 24/7 Health Center with Emergency Room and small ward is in Ivalo City Center where small surgeries, injuries and illnesses can be treated. The Public center is equipped with laboratory and X-ray as well as Dental clinic. Most likely you will have to pay the visit by cash or credit card and claim the expenses from your insurance afterwards. For non-emergency visit please try to book an appointment.
Appointment booking (non-emergency) +358 40 188 7400 (between 8.15 am -10.00 am & 1pm -2pm)
24/7 Hotline (emergency) Tel: +359 40 770 9187
Terveysasema
15 SairaalantieMedical care is available through both public and private health centers. Please note that the nearest hospital is located 300km away in Rovaniemi.
Smaller 24/7 Health Center with Emergency Room and small ward is in Ivalo City Center where small surgeries, injuries and illnesses can be treated. The Public center is equipped with laboratory and X-ray as well as Dental clinic. Most likely you will have to pay the visit by cash or credit card and claim the expenses from your insurance afterwards. For non-emergency visit please try to book an appointment.
Appointment booking (non-emergency) +358 40 188 7400 (between 8.15 am -10.00 am & 1pm -2pm)
24/7 Hotline (emergency) Tel: +359 40 770 9187
Private General Practitioner and Specialist Clinic with onsite laboratory. Appointment required. Open Mon-Fri 8am -4pm
To book an appointment call +358 207 205 830.
MedInari Oy
5 PiiskuntiePrivate General Practitioner and Specialist Clinic with onsite laboratory. Appointment required. Open Mon-Fri 8am -4pm
To book an appointment call +358 207 205 830.
Private Dental Clinic, appointment srongly recommended.
Open: Mon - Fri 8am - 5pm after hours only for emergencies.
Call +358 10 5050 825.
Hammas Hohde
14 YhdystiePrivate Dental Clinic, appointment srongly recommended.
Open: Mon - Fri 8am - 5pm after hours only for emergencies.
Call +358 10 5050 825.
Smaller kiosk mainly sales snacks and pre-paid phone sim card and internet packages.
Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 8am - 9:30pm, Fri: 8am - 6pm, Sat: 10am - 9:30pm,
Sun: 9:30am – 9:30pm
R-Kioski
4 IvalontieSmaller kiosk mainly sales snacks and pre-paid phone sim card and internet packages.
Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 8am - 9:30pm, Fri: 8am - 6pm, Sat: 10am - 9:30pm,
Sun: 9:30am – 9:30pm
Offers many products suitable for different diets such as gluten-free, organic, vegan, low fat, lactose-free and heart friendly. The only place in town with meat counter and with super fresh local fish and salmon. Various kind of meat stakes, ribs, minced and etc. also in selection. If you need any bigger or special meat please contact the shop in advance and see what they can do. Go early for fish as they may run out quickly. The market also has a small bakery section with fresh baked bread and pastries. Make sure you try Karjalan Piirakka (Karelia pie) super delicious and of course very Finnish!
Opening Hours: Mon - Fri: 7am - 10pm, Sat - Sun: 8am - 10pm.
K-Supermarket Ivalo
17 IvalontieOffers many products suitable for different diets such as gluten-free, organic, vegan, low fat, lactose-free and heart friendly. The only place in town with meat counter and with super fresh local fish and salmon. Various kind of meat stakes, ribs, minced and etc. also in selection. If you need any bigger or special meat please contact the shop in advance and see what they can do. Go early for fish as they may run out quickly. The market also has a small bakery section with fresh baked bread and pastries. Make sure you try Karjalan Piirakka (Karelia pie) super delicious and of course very Finnish!
Opening Hours: Mon - Fri: 7am - 10pm, Sat - Sun: 8am - 10pm.
Getting Around
Public transport in this area is really limited so I highly recommend you to rent a car. This will allow you to have a very flexible schedule, visit a couple of places and enjoy more. All major car rental companies such as Hertz, Europ car, Avis and Sixt are located at the Ivalo Airport. Make sure you place your rental request early to ensure you get a type of car you want and are comfortable with, as the demand is high especially during winter.
Ivalon lentoasema
290 LentokentäntiePublic transport in this area is really limited so I highly recommend you to rent a car. This will allow you to have a very flexible schedule, visit a couple of places and enjoy more. All major car rental companies such as Hertz, Europ car, Avis and Sixt are located at the Ivalo Airport. Make sure you place your rental request early to ensure you get a type of car you want and are comfortable with, as the demand is high especially during winter.
The main bus station for long distance buses to depart to Rovaniemi, Utsjoki, Norway, and Russia. Also buses to neighboring villages like Inari and Saariselkä depart from the same station. Bus timetables and tickets can be purchased from website (https://www.matkahuolto.fi/en/) or from the driver. Student discount available with International Student Card.
Ivalontie 22
22 IvalontieThe main bus station for long distance buses to depart to Rovaniemi, Utsjoki, Norway, and Russia. Also buses to neighboring villages like Inari and Saariselkä depart from the same station. Bus timetables and tickets can be purchased from website (https://www.matkahuolto.fi/en/) or from the driver. Student discount available with International Student Card.
Shopping
Bigger souvenir store to find perfect Lappish gifts for family and loved ones back at home. Tax free applies for visitors out of EU so be sure to take your passport with you.
Lahjatalo Ivalo
4 YhdystieBigger souvenir store to find perfect Lappish gifts for family and loved ones back at home. Tax free applies for visitors out of EU so be sure to take your passport with you.
Really lovely boutique style souvenir store with many Lappish style home décor, sauna, spa and food items. Great place to find something small to bring back for friends and family.
Opening Hours: Mon - Fri: 10am - 18pm, Sat - Sun: 11am - 16pm
Rantatie 2
2 RantatieReally lovely boutique style souvenir store with many Lappish style home décor, sauna, spa and food items. Great place to find something small to bring back for friends and family.
Opening Hours: Mon - Fri: 10am - 18pm, Sat - Sun: 11am - 16pm
My Aunt Virpi and her husband Leo are reindeer farmers. They have small boutique shop next to theirs home. She sale's Reindeer and Moose meat in various forms (smoked, stake, minced, filet and etc.) Also berries and local fish products are available. What's best about her store is that all products are local and 100% organic & she provides cooking recipes for reindeer meats with your purchase. Cash payments only.
Rovaniementie 1581
1581 RovaniementieMy Aunt Virpi and her husband Leo are reindeer farmers. They have small boutique shop next to theirs home. She sale's Reindeer and Moose meat in various forms (smoked, stake, minced, filet and etc.) Also berries and local fish products are available. What's best about her store is that all products are local and 100% organic & she provides cooking recipes for reindeer meats with your purchase. Cash payments only.
Very Beautiful Traditional Handmade Lappish Jewelries'! Every piece of jewellery is 100% handmade and tells a story about the nature of Lapland, its culture, people and their environment. Perfect souvenir and gift to yourself or your loved one.
They also have online store : https://www.inarinhopea.fi/
Inari Silver
61 InarintieVery Beautiful Traditional Handmade Lappish Jewelries'! Every piece of jewellery is 100% handmade and tells a story about the nature of Lapland, its culture, people and their environment. Perfect souvenir and gift to yourself or your loved one.
They also have online store : https://www.inarinhopea.fi/