Vätsäri Wilderness Area
Hidden deep in the far northeast of Finnish Lapland, Vätsäri is a place where true silence still exists—an immense, untouched wilderness where the only sounds are wind in the pines and the splash of a paddle on still water. The area includes the rugged eastern reaches of Lake Inarijärvi, its maze of islands and rock-lined shores, and the vast forests stretching toward both the Norwegian and Russian borders. Together with its neighbouring protected regions in Norway and Russia, Vätsäri forms part of the remarkable Pasvik–Inari Trilateral Park, a cross-border sanctuary of Arctic nature.
Remote and roadless, lying south of the Koltta Sámi village of Sevettijärvi and tucked behind the great Lake Inari, Vätsäri is far beyond the reach of mass tourism. Here, the wilderness remains exactly as it has been for centuries—raw, quiet, and deeply peaceful.
Our journey leads you through a labyrinth of small lakes, connected by narrow channels and occasional short portages. Vätsäri is considered one of the classic canoe expeditions of the Scandinavian Arctic—a long, beautiful, and truly unique adventure.
We provide top-quality tents, group equipment, food, dry bags, and well-outfitted canoes for both solo and tandem paddling. All you need to bring is your personal paddling gear, sleeping bag, and camping mat.
Getting There
Reaching Ivalo Airport—the meeting point on Day 1—is simple, with direct flights from Helsinki taking just 1 hour 30 minutes. Our Nordic trips are also very easily reached by train or bus. Travel to the nearest station and we will pick you up. This overland option allows you to see more of the landscapes unfolding across Finland. The route is especially straightforward via train from Helsinki to Rovaniemi, and then by bus to Ivalo.
Programme
Day 1 – Arrival in Ivalo
Arrive in Ivalo by air or land. We meet you and transfer to a hotel in Inari. In the afternoon we visit Siida, the National Museum of Sámi culture and nature—a fascinating window into the traditions, history and environment of Northern Lapland. Evening dinner and final packing for the expedition.
Day 2 – Into the Wilderness
Transfer to Sevettijärvi (2.5 hrs). Load the canoes and begin the journey into the Vätsäri backcountry.
Day 3 – Vätsäri Wilderness Area
Canoeing through quiet lakes, navigating rocky channels, and settling into the rhythm of wilderness travel.
Day 4 – Vätsäri Wilderness Area
Exploring deeper into the roadless forest, crossing bright open waters and sheltered coves.
Day 5 – Vätsäri Wilderness Area
Portages, pristine lakes, and vast silent landscapes.
Day 6 – Vätsäri Wilderness Area
A full day immersed in the solitude and beauty of this Arctic canoe paradise.
Day 7 – Return to Ivalo
Final paddling day. Conclude the trip and transfer back to Ivalo. Overnight at a hotel.
Day 8 – Departure
Travel home with the wilderness still echoing in your mind.
Date. 17 - 24.9.2026.
Duration. 8 days. 6 days of canoeing.
Participants. Min 4 - Max 7.
Price: 1500€
Difficulty: Moderate 
Accommodation. Tent and two nights in a hotel.
Transportation. Participants will make their own way to Ivalo in Finland which has good flight and train / bus connections to Helsinki. We will meet participants in Ivalo.
Guide. Two guides.
Insurance. Participants are responsible for their own insurance. Travel insurance is recommended.
Included. Two guides (BCU 4* or 5* leader), High quality canoe fitted for Solo paddling, all food during trip from dinner first night to breakfast last morning, tent, transfers, hotel nights, visit to Sami museum.
Not included: Travel to Ivalo, Insurance.