Hire A Car In Ivalo And Explore Finnish Lapland For Less

Choose proper winter equipment: In winter, confirm studded tyres (common in Finland), an ice scraper, and a working heater/defroster. Ask what to do if the car won’t start in extreme cold.

Plan for slow speeds and long distances: Roads can be snowy, dark, and reindeer may be on the carriageway. Build generous buffers and avoid tight schedules, especially on smaller roads towards Nellim or park areas.

Fuel up early in remote areas: Do not rely on finding fuel late at night outside Ivalo/Inari/Saariselkä. Top up before heading towards quieter directions and keep at least half a tank in winter.

Mind polar night and limited daylight: From late autumn to mid-winter, daylight hours are short. Start earlier, keep headlights on, and plan sightseeing stops around the brightest part of the day.

Check insurance and windscreen cover: Ask what your excess is and whether tyres, windscreen, and underbody are covered. Gravel and winter road debris can cause damage on longer drives.

Download offline maps and key contacts: Mobile coverage can dip outside towns. Download offline maps, save your rental company’s roadside number, and keep the emergency number (112 in Finland) accessible.

Expect reindeer and wildlife on roads: Reindeer frequently cross roads, particularly at dawn/dusk and in winter. Reduce speed, use high beams where safe, and never swerve sharply if an animal appears.