Star Arctic Hotel

Lapland/Finland , Saariselka

  • Couples Holidays
  • Northern Lights
4/5
Inghams rating

We rate all of our accommodation based on their facilities, service level, character and customer feedback. Our ratings may vary from the official rating.

  • Star Arctic Hotel, Ylämajantie 1, 99830 Saariselkä, Finland

Facilities

  • Gym/Fitness Centres
  • Sauna/Steam Room
  • Bar
  • Family Rooms
  • Drying Closet
  • Free Wi-Fi

Saariselkä at a glance

  • Finnish
  • Euro (EUR)
  • London Gatwick (LGW), Bristol (BRS), Manchester Int. (MAN)

Included in your Lapland Adventure holiday to Saariselkä

  • Arctic thermal clothing and snow boots for all adults and children from 3 years to keep you cosy and warm out of the snow
  • On holiday support and tailored advice from our Destination Experts based in Saariselkä
  • Access to Inghams Digital Resort Guide with useful information to enhance your holiday
  • Flights from the UK, transfers and accommodation

About Star Arctic Hotel

Located in the northernmost region of Finnish Lapland, the Star Arctic Hotel immerses guests in the heart of the Arctic wilderness. Surrounded by snow-covered forests and pristine landscapes, it offers a secluded and serene retreat with an exclusive feel. The unique aspect of the Star Arctic has to be the rooms. All of the suites are located within their own building, a short walk from the main reception and restaurant area. The Suites have a large glass window overlooking the fells and village of Saariselka, Scenic View Suites with sauna and kitchenette are also available, adding more comfort and space. 

For an unforgettable experience, opt to spend your stay in a Glass Cabin where you can truly immerse in the nature of Lapland and, if you're lucky, even admire the Northern Lights from your bed. We love the colourful light settings controlled by the main remote, but we don't want to spoil all the surprises.

Located at the top of Kaunispaä fell, and away from the light pollution of the village centre it is an excellent spot to view the Northern Lights. The hotel is located approximately 2 kilometres from the Saariselkä centre and Inghams excursion pick-up point, which can be reached by ski bus or 30-minutes' pleasant walk.

Enjoy casual dining in the hotel's restaurant, located in the main building, and enjoy beautiful views across the fell. Natural ingredients are sourced from the local area including fish from the Inari region and reindeer from traditional Sami farms plus their full menu, originally crafted by Finnish Michelin Star Chef Jouni Toivanen, combines local Lappish flavours with popular modern cuisines bringing a uniquely elegant and casual choice for all. Enjoy a buffet breakfast and a multi course dinner served to the table.

The hotel also has two privately bookable saunas where you can unwind after a day of outdoor activities,or we have Scenic View Suites with saunas available, offering the perfect way to warm up and rejuvenate. From the large windows within the saunas, you can admire the endless fell landscape, the winter nights and the northern lights in the frosty night, if you are lucky enough. Stay active in the well-equipped gym with large windows or enjoy a relaxing drink in the lobby bar, both of which are located in the main building.

 Spa & wellness facilities

  •  Private use of Sauna (book and pay locally)

Additional facilities

  • Restaurant 
  • Bar and lounge area
  • Gift shop
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Shuttle service (Pay locally. On request)
  • Use of toboggans (pay locally)
  • Scenic location at the top of Kaunispäa fell
  • 1.5km from Saariselkä village centre (25-30 minute walk)
  • Easy access to the ski slopes
  • The hotel offers a shuttle service on request (pay locally)

The Star Arctic Hotel is offered half board.

Breakfast and dinner is serviced in the Restaurant Kaunis, located in the main building - just a short walk away from the accommodation.

Each morning you can enjoy a range of local produce, including a range of hot options and a continental breakfast will also be available.

Dinner includes a three course evening meal, the menu is influenced by Lappish ingredients, as well as modern cuisine.

New Year's Gala Dinner menu included.

  • No of restaurants: 1

This property caters for the following special dietary requirements

  • Gluten Free
  • Vegetarians

The Star Arctic can cater for special dietary requirements. Please note that all meals will be served from the buffet, including special dietary meals (vegetarian, dairy and gluten free) options. Please inform us of any dietary restrictions at the time of booking. Allergies and intolerances not listed above cannot be catered for. All allergies and intolerances, even if listed above, are subject to confirmation by the accommodation.

Board basis available: Half Board, Bed and Breakfast

Scenic View Suites are around 27m² and sleep two to four people. These suites are set across two floors, with either twin beds or one double bed on the upper floor, which is reached by a steep stair ladder, and a double sofa bed on the lower floor. There is a large scenic window where you can look over the Arctic landscape. 

Scenic View Suites with Sauna are around 36m² and sleep two to four people. These suites are set across two floors, with either twin beds or one double bed on the upper floor, which is reached by a steep stair ladder, and a double sofa bed on the lower floor.  These apartments also benefit from having a private sauna and a kitchenette, in addition to a large scenic window overlooking the arctic landscape. 

Aurora Glass Cabins are around 21m² and sleep two adults and two children (under 11 years old). The glass igloos are on one floor and have either two twin beds or one double bed, plus a roll-out bed. Above the bed in the cabin is a three-panel glass design roof. 

Please note that all suites and cabins are located in separate detached buildings a few steps away from the main building.

Room facilities

  • En-suite shower/WC,
  • Lounge area
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Bathrobes and slippers
  • Flat-screen TV
  • Tea and coffee-making facilities
  • Minibar
  • Mini fridge
  • Safe
  • Hairdryer

General information

  • Check in: 4pm
  • Check out: 12pm

Additional information

  • No. of rooms: 57
  • No. of buildings: 4
  • No. of floors: 2
  • Lift accessible: Yes
  • Lift serves all floors: Yes
  • Access ramp: No

Travel to Saariselkä

Depart on: Sundays, Tuesdays & Fridays

Fly into: Kittilä or Ivalo 

Transfer time: approx. 3 hours from Kittilä or 30 minutes - 1 hour from Ivalo by coach

Check availability

Travel by Air

Direct exclusive charter flights to Kittilä airport departing on Sundays for 7 or 14 nights from:

  • London Gatwick 
  • Bristol
  • Manchester 

Airport Transfer Time - approx. 3 hours by coach

Direct flights to Ivalo airport departing Tuesdays and Fridays for 3 or 4 nights from:

  • London Gatwick

Airport Transfer Time - approx. 30 mins - 1 hour by coach or minivan 

Please note that there may be a few minutes' walk to your accommodation due to access/regulations on where coaches can stop.

Inghams Rating: 4/5

We rate all of our accommodation based on their facilities, service level, character and customer feedback. Our ratings may vary from the official rating.

Discover Saariselkä

Located in the wild, mystical north of Lapland, 260 kilometres above the Arctic Circle, Saariselkä is an exceptionally friendly, uncommercialised resort with a unique frontier atmosphere. With magnificent Arctic wilderness scenery just on the doorstep, it makes an ideal resort for a winter wonderland adventure.

The skies are often a deep hue of pink and purple, the pine trees heavily laden with snow, and being so far north, there is a good possibility of seeing the Northern Lights too. In Saariselkä, you're deep in Sámi country, where many people from the indigenous community of Lapland live and work today.

More about Saariselkä

Things to do in Saariselka

Snowshoeing in Saariselkä is a wonderful way to discover the breathtaking scenery of Finnish Lapland. Set out on a guided snowshoe safari through snow-covered forests, immersing yourself in the untouched Arctic wilderness. Along the way, you'll stop for a warm berry juice by the fire, and as you traverse the trails, your guide will share stories about Lappish culture and the surrounding natural environment. 

Duration: 2 hours

Ice Activities

Equipped with snowshoes, you'll venture into the quiet, snow-covered wilderness, far from artificial lights, where the natural beauty of Finnish Lapland unfolds around you. As you hike through the serene landscapes under the Arctic night, your guide will share insights about the area and the mystical phenomenon of the Northern Lights. With luck, you'll witness the sky come alive with dazzling displays of vibrant greens, pinks, and purples. Midway through the journey, you'll pause to enjoy a warm drink by the fire, soaking in the peaceful atmosphere and, hopefully, the magic of the aurora borealis overhead. 

Duration: 2 hours

Ice Activities

Experience the thrill of driving through enchanted Finnish forests and fells on an exciting snowmobile safari. Before setting off on this unforgettable adventure across the pristine Arctic landscape, you’ll learn how to operate the snowmobile, and your guide will go through the trail rules. Children will ride in a sleigh behind the guide, while adults can share a snowmobile or can upgrade to drive solo.

Duration: 2 hours

  • From January onwards, lunch is included in this excursion.
  • All drivers must be 18yrs+ and bring a full, valid photographic driver's licence with them to the excursion.
  • Children must be aged 12 or above and at least 140cm tall to ride as a passenger on a snowmobile, they must be able to touch the foot rest when sat on the snowmobile. Children under this height or aged 5-11yrs will be towed in a sled or pod (unheated) behind the guide. It is not possible for infants (aged 0-4 years) to take part in this excursion. 
  • Single riders who have purchased a sharing snowmobile may need to upgrade locally to a single driving snowmobile, if a sharing snowmobile is not available.
Snowmobiles

Venture out into the remote areas surrounding Saariselkä for an opportunity to catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights. As you whizz through the forests and over the fells, the magical Northern Lights may make an appearance, lighting the sky up in hues of purple, pink and green. Children will ride in a sleigh behind the guide, while adults can share a snowmobile or can upgrade to drive solo. Along the way, you'll stop at a traditional Finnish kota to warm up with berry juice before continuing your journey through the magical forests. 

Duration: 2 hours

  • All drivers must be 18yrs+ and bring a full, valid photographic driver's licence with them to the excursion.
  • Children must be aged 12 or above and at least 140cm tall to ride as a passenger on a snowmobile, they must be able to touch the foot rest when sat on the snowmobile. Children under this height or aged 5-11yrs will be towed in a sled or pod (unheated) behind the guide. It is not possible for infants (aged 0-4 years) to take part in this excursion. 
  • Single riders who have purchased a sharing snowmobile may need to upgrade locally to a single driving snowmobile, if a sharing snowmobile is not available.
Snowmobiles

Experience the excitement of adventure as you set off on a safari through the pristine wilderness of Lapland. You'll learn the fundamentals of driving your own husky sled before venturing onto the trail, surrounded by breathtaking Arctic scenery and guided by a team of huskies. As you glide across the snowy landscape, admire the spectacular views of snow-covered trees and vast tundras, with each bend revealing a picture-perfect sight. After the safari, warm up with hot berry juice by an open fire, while hearing captivating tales about the huskies. 

Duration: 2.5 hours (1 hour at Wilderness Centre)

  • Available to guests arriving before Christmas.
  • Guests must be 18+ and in good physical fitness to drive the husky sled. 
Husky Rides

A quintessential part of your Lapland visit is to experience a reindeer sleigh ride. Visit an authentic reindeer farm and learn all about the reindeer. You will then be taken on a serene sleigh ride through snowy forests, guided by a Sami guide and their reindeer. The visit includes a farm visit where you can learn about the reindeer. 

Duration: 2 hours (1 hour at the Wilderness Centre) including a talk from a reindeer herder

  • From January onwards, lunch is included in this excursion.
Reindeer Rides

Experience the excitement of adventure as you set off on a safari through the pristine wilderness of Lapland. You'll learn the fundamentals of driving your own husky sled before venturing onto the trail, surrounded by breathtaking Arctic scenery and guided by a team of huskies. As you glide across the snowy landscape, admire the spectacular views of snow-covered trees and vast tundras, with each bend revealing a picture-perfect sight. After the safari, warm up with hot berry juice by an open fire, while hearing captivating tales about the huskies. 

Duration: 2.5 hours (1 hour at Wilderness Centre)

  • Available to guests arriving after Christmas
  • Lunch is included in this excursion.
  • Guests must be 18+ and in good physical fitness to drive the husky sled. 
Husky Rides

Perfect for a 7-night Lapland Adventure holiday, this package has everything you need for an unforgettable Arctic skiing or snowboarding experience. It includes a lift pass for effortless access to the slopes, plus skis or a snowboard and boots, making it easy to hit the runs and enjoy the snowy wilderness. When you’re not on the hunt for Santa, embrace the thrill of gliding through Lapland’s winter wonderland on your skis or board.

Includes:

  • 6 day lift pass
  • 6 day skis/snowboard & boots hire
Ski

The Classic Adventure package offers three thrilling Arctic experiences: a Husky Safari, where you’ll ride through snowy landscapes with a team of huskies; a Reindeer Safari, providing a traditional and peaceful sleigh ride; and a Snowmobile Safari, delivering an adrenaline-filled journey across frozen terrain. Perfect for winter adventure seekers!

Includes 3 activities

  • 5km Husky Safari
  • Reindeer Safari - 2-3 hours
  • 10-15km Snowmobile Safari
Packages

The Northern Lights Adventure package combines five unforgettable Arctic experiences: an Aurora Hunt by Car for the best Northern Lights views, a Northern Lights Snowshoe trek through snowy landscapes, a thrilling Husky Safari, a serene Reindeer Safari, and an exciting Snowmobile Safari. Perfect for adventure lovers chasing the magic of winter! 

Includes 5 activities

  • Aurora Hunt (by car)
  • Northern Lights Snowshoeing
  • 5km Husky Safari
  • Reindeer Safari
  • 10-15km Snowmobile Safari

Available after Christmas on 7-night Lapland Adventure holidays. 

Packages

The Authentic Adventure package offers a deep dive into Lapland’s traditions with five activities: a Wilderness Dinner under the Arctic sky, an exciting Snowshoe Safari through pristine landscapes, plus Husky, Reindeer, and Snowmobile Safaris.

Includes 5 activities:

  • Wilderness Dinner
  • Snowshoeing Safari
  • 5km Husky Safari
  • Reindeer Safari + Lunch
  • 10-15km Snowmobile Safari

Available after Christmas on 7-night Lapland Adventure holidays. 

Packages

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