Inari (Enare) | Exploring Finland
Inari is a village in the far north in Finnish Lapland, also known by its Swedish name Enare Kyrkby. It is a cultural center for the Sámi people and a part of the cultural region of Sapmi. The Inari Sami name of the village is Aanar. It lies along the shores of Lake Inari, the-third largest lake in Finland. The village has a population of around 630 people. In addition, it is also the home of the Sámi Parliament of Finland. The representative body of the Finnish Sámi people and their heritage.
This is a village where humans are not the only ones you might encounter on the street. Do be prepared to stand face to face with a reindeer. It can happen if you are lucky.
A Short History of Inari
People have been living in the area around Lake Inari for centuries. The settlement at the Juutua River did eventually develop into a trade center. The village became the seat of Inari Municipality upon its establishment in 1876. It would, however, take until 1925 before the road to the next larger settlement to the south, Ivalo, was completed. A large part of the region was later devastated during the Lapland War in 1944 when the Germans retreated north.
Things to Do and See
Welcome to Lapland and the land of the reindeer. Inari offers a good possibility to learn more about the Sámi culture and the region of Sapmi. But that is not all. This is north of the Arctic Circle. In summer you can enjoy the never-ending day with the midnight sun. While in winter you have the polar night and the possibility to maybe see the northern lights.
Sámi Cultural Center Sajos
Sámi Cultural Center Sajos is the home of the Sámi Parliament of Finland. It is also the cultural center for the Sámi people. This is where a lot of the cultural projects are managed and it is also where the Sámi archives is located. The center also acts as a venue for meetings and events.
Siida Sámi Museum and Nature Centre
Siida Sámi Museum’s main purpose is to showcase the Sámi culture. In addition it acts as a regional museum for the Finnish part of Sapmi. It also includes the Nature Centre with exhibits about the nature of northern Lapland. The museum was founded in 1959 and opened in 1963. This is one way to learn more about the life and culture of the natives of these lands.
Lake Inari
Lake Inari is the third largest lake in Finland. It is actually the largest lake within Sapmi. Plenty of lake excursions are available. Exploring the lake and its over 3000 islands is one way to spend a few days in the area. The wilderness is never far away. You may be canoeing in the summer or going on a tour of cross-country skiing in the winter. Physically easier activities can be found with a cruise.
How to Get to Inari
- Flights: The nearest airport is to the south. Ivalo Airport has both domestic and international flights.
- Car: Inari is lies along European Route E75 to the north of Ivalo and south of the Norwegian border at Utsjoki.
The driving distance from 5 major Finnish cities, according to Google Maps:
- Helsinki – 1152 kilometers (13 h 10 min)
- Turku – 1164 kilometers (13 h 40 min)
- Vaasa – 864 kilometers (10 h 20 min)
- Oulu – 547 kilometers (6 h 30 min)
- Joensuu – 874 kilometers (10 h 10 min)
Looking to Explore more of Finland and Europe?
