MileHacker Logo
Essential Resources

Essential Resources

Lapland, Finland

Digital Resources

Essential Apps

  • Google Maps

    For navigation. Download offline maps for remote areas.

  • Google Translate

    For quick translations. Download the Finnish language pack.

  • My Aurora Forecast & Alerts

    For Northern Lights predictions and clear skies.

  • FMI (Finnish Meteorological Institute)

    For accurate local weather forecasts.

  • Matkahuolto

    For inter-city bus schedules.

Useful Websites

  • Visit Inari

    Inari.fi (Official regional tourism site).

  • Visit Finland

    Visitfinland.com (Official national tourism site).

  • Siida Sámi Museum

    Siida.fi (Opening hours, tickets, exhibitions).

  • Sámi Cultural Centre Sajos

    Sajos.fi (Cultural events and access).

  • Eraluvat

    Eraluvat.fi (For fishing permits).

Print Resources and Further Reading

Guidebooks and Maps

Local maps for Inari and national parks sold at Siida or outdoor shops. Helpful for navigation.

Books on Sámi Culture

Non-fiction books about the Sámi people and Arctic history give valuable background.

Literature About Finland

"The Snow Leopard" by Peter Matthiessen evokes wilderness themes. For Finnish life, Arto Paasilinna books.

Beyond the Basics

Digital Content

  • Podcasts: Search for 'Lapland travel,' 'Finnish culture,' 'Sámi people.'
  • Documentaries: Films on Northern Lights, reindeer herding, Sámi culture.
  • Music: Sámi yoik music, Finnish folk or rock.
  • Online Communities: Travel forums like Reddit's r/Finland for peer advice.

Skills & Language

  • Language Learning: Duolingo or similar for basic Finnish phrases.
  • Photography Skills: Skillshare offers online photography courses.
  • Navigation Skills: Consider wilderness navigation tutorials.
  • First Aid: Basic wilderness first aid knowledge.

Practical Tips for Resources

Offline Access

  • Download maps for navigation.
  • Download language packs for translation.
  • Save digital copies of reservations.
  • Cache useful website pages.

Reliable Information

  • Trust official tourism sites.
  • Consult meteorological institutes for weather.
  • Verify tour operator details.
  • Check museum opening hours.

Backup Strategies

  • Carry printed documents.
  • Use cloud storage for digital copies.
  • Inform trusted contacts of itinerary.
  • Charge all devices fully.

Emergency and Medical Information

Critical Contacts

Emergency Services

  • General Emergency (Police, Ambulance, Fire): 112 (nationwide).
  • Embassy/Consulate: Keep your country's contact details (likely Helsinki).
  • Travel Insurance: Policy number and emergency line handy. World Nomads
  • Medical Emergencies: Arrangements for transfer to Rovaniemi/Oulu for serious cases.

Medical Facilities

  • Ivalo Health Centre (Ivalon terveyskeskus): Sairaalantie 1, 99800 Ivalo.
  • Pharmacies: Available for prescriptions and over-the-counter.
  • European Health Insurance Card: EU/EEA citizens use EHIC for local rates.
  • Medical Documentation: Carry personal history and prescription details.

Lost Documents

  • Passport: Report lost passport to local police immediately.
  • Embassy/Consulate: Contact for replacement travel documents.
  • Credit Cards: Contact bank/provider to cancel lost cards immediately.
  • Digital Copies: Store backups on phone and cloud service.

Natural Disaster Protocols

Weather Warnings

  • Blizzards: Heavy snowfall can disrupt travel.
  • Extreme Cold: Frostbite risk; dress properly.
  • Hypothermia: Avoid prolonged exposure.

General Safety

  • Road Hazards: Reindeer and moose common; drive cautiously.
  • Forest Fires: Low risk, but can occur in dry summers.
  • Local Authorities: Follow instructions in case of hazards.

Health & Safety Summary

Preventative Measures

  • Layering: Dress in layers for cold weather.
  • Footwear: Wear shoes with good grip on ice.
  • Hydration: Stay hydrated in dry, cold air.

Safety Practices

  • Low Crime: Finland is very safe.
  • Drive Cautiously: Watch for wildlife.
  • Travel Insurance: Recommended for all travelers.

Further Exploration

Cultural Immersion

  1. Documentaries: Search for films on Lapland, Northern Lights, Sámi culture.
  2. Music: Listen to Sámi yoik, Finnish folk or rock.
  3. Online Communities: Travel forums offer peer advice.
  4. Language: Use Duolingo for basic Finnish phrases.
  5. Skillshare: Explore photography courses for aurora capturing. Skillshare

Literature and Art

  1. Literature: Read "The Snow Leopard" or Arto Paasilinna.
  2. Art: Explore Finnish art and design influences.
  3. Folklore: Research Sámi folklore and storytelling.
  4. History: Study Arctic history for background.
  5. Natural Wonders: Deepen knowledge of Northern Lights science.

Preparing for Your Journey

Chronological Planning

Plan trip details months in advance to secure bookings.

Advance Bookings

Secure flights, accommodations, and popular winter activities early.

Home Preparation

Ready your home, manage mail, and inform contacts.

Safety Reminder

Finland is extremely safe, but its wilderness conditions demand respect. Your preparation protects your well-being.

Arrival and Departure

Arrival Checklist

First Steps Upon Arrival

  • Passport Control

    Complete immigration and customs.

  • Baggage Claim

    Collect your luggage upon arrival.

  • Transfer

    Locate Airport Bus or pre-booked transfer.

Initial Actions

  • Orientation

    Use a map to locate services and attractions.

  • Currency

    ATMs at Ivalo Airport or Inari village.

  • Connectivity

    Purchase a local SIM card if needed.

Departure Preparation

Souvenirs

Allow time for last-minute souvenir shopping.

VAT Refund

Non-EU residents validate Tax Free forms at airport upon EU departure.

Timing

Arrive 1-1.5 hours early for domestic, 1.5-2 hours for international.

Return Journey

Final Checks

  • Confirm flight details.
  • All necessary documents for next destination.
  • Empty foldable duffel for souvenirs.
  • Home preparations complete.

Future Travel

  • Consider road trip through Finnish Lapland.
  • Cross into Northern Norway for extended Arctic journey.
  • Return for different season or experiences.
  • Reflect on experiences gained.

Smooth Transitions

Careful planning before and after arrival creates a seamless and enjoyable visit to Inari.