Things to do in Inari
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Siida
One of Finland’s finest museums, Siida should not be missed. It’s a comprehensive overview of the Sámi and their environment that’s actually two museums skilfully interwoven. The main exhibition hall consists of a wonderful nature exhibition around the edge, detailing northern Lapland’s ecology by season, with some wonderful photos and information panels. In the centre of the room is detailed information on the Sámi, from their former seminomadic existence to modern times. In an adjacent hall is a timeline framing Sámi prehistory and history, alongside other world events, and two other halls have excellent temporary exhibitions of Sámi crafts and traditions.
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Pielpajärvi Wilderness Church
The Pielpajärvi Wilderness Church of Pielpajärvi is accessible from Inari by a marked walking track (7.5km one way) from the parking area at SIIDA. If you have a vehicle there's another car park 2.5km beyond here, up Sarviniementie, from where it's a 4.3km walk to the church. In winter, you'll need snowshoes and a keen attitude to do this.
The church area has been an important marketplace for the Sámi over the centuries, with the first church erected here in 1646. The present church was built in 1760, and restored in the 1970s. It's always open.
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Lake & Snow
There are daily cruises run by Lake & Snow on Inarijärvi from mid-June (as soon as the ice melts) to late August. Departures are at 14:00 daily, with an additional departure in July at 18:00. Boats leave from the wharf at the Siida car park. The destination is Ukko Island (Sámi: Äjjih), sacred to the Sámi. During the brief (20-minute) stop, most people climb to the top of the island, but there are also cave formations at the island's northern end.
The same company also organises fishing trips and snowmobile safaris.
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Inari Church
The church on the main street was built in 1952 with American financing. It’s an attractive A-framed structure with a warm wooden feeling inside. The rather beautiful altar painting by Väinö Saikko depicts a Sámi family, complete with tethered reindeer, meeting Christ in the Lapland wildernesses. Inari Sámi and Fell Sámi are spoken in this church; services are usually on Sunday at 2pm.
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Reindeer Races
It doesn't get much more Lappish than Reindeer Races - they're held in Inari, sleds and all, over the last week of May on Inarijärvi. It's a local event with festivities, betting and a winner's cup. The reindeer are antlerless, and the sport looks a little like crazy waterskiing (with the reindeer as boats).
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Sámi Church
This Sámi Church was built in 1952 with American financing. The altar painting depicts a wandering Sámi family meeting Christ. Inari Sámi and Fell Sámi are spoken in this church, west of the main street on the road to Lemmenjoki National Park.
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Inarin Porofarmi
Inarin Porofarmi is a reindeer farm that runs sled-trips in winter and visits in summer, with plenty of information on reindeer herding and Sámi culture. The two-hour visit costs €20, or €45 including transport from Inari.
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Samekki
Down a small lane behind the library is the studio of Petteri Laiti, a famous artisan among Finnish Sámi. The silverwork and handicrafts are very highly regarded; you’ll often see the artist at work here.
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Sámi Duodji Ry
This place on the main road is the main shop of the Finnish association of Sámi craftspeople. It has a good range of Sámi books and CDs, as well as beautifully crafted silverware and handmade clothing.
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Scenic Flights
There are two seaplanes parked in the lake that serve as air taxis. They also do 10-minute Scenic Flights and chartered trips around Inarijärvi.
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Sarrit
The Siida museum’s cafe, Sarrit, open museum hours, is a great spot to have lunch (11am to 3pm) and also does à la carte options.
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Koskenlaskua Rafting
At the Kultahovi Hotel, Koskenlaskua Rafting runs one-hour trips on the rapids here or more involved three-hour excursions on the Juutua river.
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