Travel
Flying to Ivalo (fastest option)
The quickest connection from most places is with a connecting flight via Helsinki directly to Ivalo, from where a shuttle to Saariselkä is provided for each incoming/outgoing flight. The relevant flights for the beginning/end of the conference are:
- Sun 8.6.2025, AY607 21:45-23:15 (Helsinki-Ivalo)
- Fri 13.6.2025, AY608 22:00-23:30 (Ivalo-Helsinki), or
- Sat 14.6.2025, AY612 12:45-14:55 (Ivalo-Helsinki)
Details regarding the bus schedule are updated monthly and should be accessible from https://www.finavia.fi/en/airports/ivalo/parking-access/public-transport As of June 2024, the bus leaves at approximatively 23:35 and arrives Saariselkä at 0:05. Prices are 13 EUR one way and the timetable is available at https://www.eskelisen.fi/en/timetables-and-routes/
Similarly there is a bus connection to the airport on Friday (bus leaves at 20:05 on Friday, Saturday schedules to be updated closer to the meeting).
As there is only one flight operator (Finnair) and the dynamic pricing is not predictable, other travel options might be more economical/ecological, see alternative options below.
Due to the large number of participants arriving to UPC2025 and a limited amount of local transportation capacity in June (off season), we highly recommend that you book your flight and bus tickets well in advance!
Flying to Rovaniemi
The busiest transport hub to all of Finnish Lapland is Rovaniemi, which also warrants a visit on its own, including e.g. the famous Santa Claus village open all year around. There are multiple daily flights from Helsinki to Rovaniemi. From Rovaniemi, there is a 3.5hr bus connection to Saariselkä. Some buses also stop at Rovaniemi airport. Direct bus connections can be booked via matkahuolto.fi (and possibly other portals, check at least https://www.onnibus.com), the correct destination is "Saariselkä Riekonlinna/Hotel Tunturi". Bus tickets can be bought starting March 10.
Train to Rovaniemi
It is possible to take a train from the Helsinki airport (transfer at Tikkurila from a local train to a long-distance train) to Rovaniemi. There is around 6 train connections from Helsinki per day (of which 2 night trains and two are daytime direct connections).
The night trains are excellent and very affordable if booked well in advance (you could check out travel companions, too, since the price starting at ~90 euros is per 2-person cabin, not per passenger). Schedules and tickets at www.vr.fi/en Some hints, also on making it to Helsinki at https://www.seat61.com/international-trains/trains-from-Helsinki.htm#Helsinki-Finland
From Rovaniemi, there is a bus connection to Saariselkä (3,5hr), see instructions above. Buses stop at the Rovaniemi train station.
Accommodation
Accommodation at the conference hotel Lapland Hotels Riekonlinna is included in the conference fee for 8.-14.6. All lunches and dinners for 9.-13.6.2025 are also included. Breakfast is included every day.
The conference fee includes accommodation either in a shared or in a private room. The hotel also offers holiday apartments that might be more convenient for those traveling with family members, and rooms with private saunas (commons saunas are available for everyone). For a full list of options, see the hotel website. If you wish to upgrade your room
- Register choosing a private room accommodation
- Contact the hotel directly to agree on upgrade. The hotel will charge you the difference compared to the price of the standard private room.
