Dog-Friendly Road Trip: Saariselkä to Norway and Back to Helsinki

Day 1: Relaxation and Outdoor Adventures

Saariselkä, Finland

8:00AM

Breakfast at Wild Arctic Restaurant

Start your day with a hearty breakfast of salmon, scrambled eggs, and cloudberry jam while enjoying views of the surrounding forest.
Wild Arctic is located in the centre of Saariselkä.
EUR25, 1 hour

9:30AM

Hiking in Urho Kekkonen National Park

Embark on a scenic hike through stunning landscapes teeming with wildlife, the mountains await to be conquered with your furry companion.
From the restaurant, head northeast for 10 minutes on foot to the park entrance.
FREE, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Saariselkä Village

Enjoy a delicious lunch of local reindeer soup and rye bread at the popular restaurant, Restaurant Kiilopää.
A short drive or 20-minute walk back to the village.
EUR20, 1 hour

2:30PM

Dog-Friendly Afternoon at Kiilopää Fell

Relax atop Kiilopää Fell, while your dog enjoys the fragrant wilderness filled with heath and moss.
Drive 15 minutes to Kiilopää Fell parking.
FREE, 2 hours

5:00PM

Return to Accommodation

Head back to your dog-friendly hotel, ready to unwind after a day of adventure and exploration.
Drive back to Saariselkä.
FREE, 30 minutes

7:00PM

Dinner at Lakeland Restaurant

Feast on a delicious Finnish-style fish dish accompanied by seasonal vegetables while sharing tales from your first day.
Located near your hotel in Saariselkä.
EUR30, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 2: Cultural Exploration

Inari, Finland

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel Korpikartano

Savour a fresh Finnish breakfast with berries and pastries before heading to Inari.
Hotel located in Saariselkä.
EUR15, 1 hour

9:30AM

Drive to Inari

Enjoy a scenic hour-long drive south to Inari, where the beautiful Lake Inari awaits.
Follow Route 4 south, well-marked signs will guide you.
EUR0, 1 hour

10:30AM

Visit Siida Museum

Explore the Sámi culture and the breathtaking nature of the area through engaging exhibitions.
Located at the entrance of Inari village.
EUR15, 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Restaurant Pielpajärvi

Taste local pike, salad, and homemade bread at this charming restaurant with a lake view.
Located near the Siida Museum.
EUR25, 1 hour

2:00PM

Boat Trip on Lake Inari

Take a peaceful boat trip around the lake, keeping an eye out for local wildlife with your dog enjoying the breeze.
Boarding at the Inari Tourist Centre on the lake's edge.
EUR30, 2 hours

4:30PM

Explore Inari Village

Stroll through Inari's quaint village, visiting local shops and perhaps a traditional Sámi handicraft.
Walking distance from the lake.

6:00PM

Check-In at Dog-friendly Accommodation

Settle into your dog-friendly lodgings and refresh before dinner.
Short walk to accommodation.
EUR80, 1 hour

7:30PM

Dinner at Aanaar Restaurant

Enjoy regional specialities with ingredients sourced locally for an authentic taste of Lapland.
Located in the heart of Inari.
EUR35, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 3: Journey to Northern Norway

Alta, Norway

8:00AM

Breakfast at Inari Hotel

Start your day with a hearty continental breakfast before venturing into Norway.
Located in Inari town.
EUR15, 1 hour

9:00AM

Drive to Alta

Set off on a scenic drive to Alta, just over the border into Norway, expect breathtaking views along the way.
Follow Route 4 towards Norway.
EUR0, 2.5 hours

11:30AM

Visit the Alta Museum

Discover ancient rock carvings and learn about the history of the region at this renowned museum.
Located in the centre of Alta.
EUR10, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Sorrisniva Igloo Restaurant

Dine on delicious fish soup and reindeer dishes, served in a stunning ice restaurant.
A short drive to Sorrisniva.
EUR40, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Stroll at Alta Canyon

Take a leisurely walk along the cliffs of the impressive Alta Canyon, allowing your dog to enjoy the fresh air.
Drive to the canyon entrance.
FREE, 2 hours

5:30PM

Check-In at Dog-Friendly Accommodation

Settle into your accommodation and recharge, enjoying the peaceful surroundings.
An easy drive back into Alta to your hotel.
EUR90, 1 hour

7:30PM

Dinner at Restaurant Du Verden

Savour a gourmet meal featuring local seafood and culinary delights celebrated in a charming atmosphere.
Located in Alta town.
EUR45, 1.5 hours
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Day 4: Northernmost Point Adventure

Nordkapp, Norway

7:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a substantial breakfast buffet to fuel your journey to Nordkapp.
Located in Alta.
EUR15, 1 hour

8:30AM

Drive to Nordkapp

Take an inspiring drive to the northernmost point of mainland Europe, Nordkapp, with stunning coastal views.
Follow Route 89 for breathtaking landscapes.
EUR0, 2.5 hours

11:00AM

Visit Nordkapp Hall

Explore the information centre and learn about the history of this awe-inspiring location.
Located at the summit of Nordkapp.
EUR20, 1.5 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Nordkapp Restaurant

Savor freshly caught seafood dishes while overlooking the Arctic Sea.
Located at Nordkapp Hall.
EUR35, 1 hour

2:00PM

Sightseeing at Nordkapp Cliffs

Marvel at the steep cliffs and dramatic scenery, a perfect spot for photos with your dog.
Short walks around the cliffs.
FREE, 2 hours

4:30PM

Drive back to Alta

Retrace your steps back to Alta, taking in the spectacular views one more time.
Follow the same route back.
EUR0, 2.5 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Bistro Lyst

Indulge in a comforting meal of famous Norwegian meatballs paired with local beer.
Located in Alta.
EUR30, 1.5 hours
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Day 5: City and Nature Bliss

Tromsø, Norway

7:30AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Relish a fulfilling breakfast with a selection of Norwegian pastries and fresh fruit.
Hotel located in Alta.
EUR15, 1 hour

8:30AM

Drive to Tromsø

Venture south towards Tromsø, often referred to as the 'Gateway to the Arctic'.
Take Route 91 to Tromsø.
EUR0, 6 hours

3:00PM

Check-in at Dog-Friendly Accommodation

Settle in and freshen up before exploring Tromsø.
Accommodation options are available in the city centre.
EUR120, 1 hour

4:30PM

Visit the Arctic Cathedral

Explore the stunning architecture of the Arctic Cathedral, a must-see landmark.
Short drive or a 20-minute walk to the cathedral.
EUR10, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dog-Friendly Exploring of Tromsø

Wander the scenic streets of Tromsø with your furry friend, enjoying the vibrant ambiance.
Walking around the city.
FREE, 1 hour

7:30PM

Dinner at Restaurant Smak

Indulge in a tasting menu crafted from sustainable, local ingredients paired with exquisite wines.
Located at the heart of Tromsø.
EUR75, 2 hours
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Day 6: Lapland Adventure

Rovaniemi, Finland

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a light breakfast of granola and yogurt before starting the journey back to Finland.
Hotel in Tromsø.
EUR15, 1 hour

9:00AM

Drive to Rovaniemi

Set out early for Rovaniemi, known as the official hometown of Santa Claus surrounded by breathtaking nature.
Follow Route 4 east to Rovaniemi.
EUR0, Roughly 6 hours

3:00PM

Check-in at Dog-Friendly Accommodation

Settle into your hotel and let your dog rest after a long drive.
Accommodation in the city centre.
EUR80, 1 hour

4:30PM

Visit Santa Claus Village

Experience the magic of Santa Claus Village, perfect for a family photo with Santa himself.
Short drive to the village.
FREE, 2 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Restaurant Nili

Savour a traditional Lappish meal, including reindeer and warm berry desserts in a cosy wood-beamed setting.
A short drive back into Rovaniemi.
EUR45, 1.5 hours
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Day 7: Return to Vibrant Helsinki

Helsinki, Finland

7:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy your final breakfast with a selection of Finnish cheeses and cold cuts.
Hotel located in Rovaniemi.
EUR15, 1 hour

8:00AM

Drive to Helsinki

Take the scenic route back to Helsinki, through Lapland's beautiful landscapes.
Head south on Route 4.
EUR0, 8 hours

4:00PM

Check-In at Dog-Friendly Accommodation

Arrive in Helsinki and settle in to relax after an epic road trip.
Accommodation options near the city centre.
EUR100, 1 hour

5:30PM

Evening Stroll in Esplanadi Park

Enjoy an evening walk in the beautiful Esplanadi Park filled with lively atmosphere and greenery.
Short distance from your accommodation.
FREE, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Restaurant Savotta

Experience a traditional Finnish dinner featuring locally-sourced ingredients and stunning views of the harbor.
Located in Downtown Helsinki.
EUR40, 2 hours

9:00PM

Evening Relaxation

Unwind after your epic journey, reflecting on the beautiful memories created over the last week.
Return to your hotel for a restful evening.
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