Authentic Finnish Lapland Experiences and Traditional Finnish Culture
Explore the beauty of Finnish Lapland through guided nature adventures, Northern Lights chases, and immersive Finnish cultural experiences.
Welcome to Ilonka — your local guide to the heart of Finnish Lapland, between Ivalo and Saariselkä.
We specialize in unique, sustainable experiences that connect you with pristine nature, traditional Finnish culture, and the stunning landscapes of Lapland. Whether you want to chase the Northern Lights, hike through snow-covered forests, or discover Finnish customs and hospitality, we create unforgettable journeys for you – solo travelers, couples, and families.
Local collaboration, nature, and the wellbeing of animals and people are at the heart of what we do. Based on these values we act every single day.
At Ilonka, children and teenagers get to take the reins during winter season. We have sleds and routes in different sizes and the loveliest huskies you can imagine, so children get to drive the Husky sleds. Here you can’t stop smiling – just let the world wonder why!
We offer kids’ husky sledding activities during private guided farm visits and as an additional activity at the farm visits during public opening hours. Husky Walks, Farm Visits, Sauna Experiences, and other activities are for all ages and available throughout the year.
Check out our experiences for all ages!
Connect with nature and the huskies
Without connection, there can’t be love and affection.
Come and experience the connection with our beautiful huskies and other domestic animals! You will get to know our family members and learn about their life on the farm. And feel the presence and connection with nature!
Book your Farm Visit, Husky Walk or Hike, Foraging Tour or Private Husky Safari, traditional Log Sauna Experienc or have an overnight adventure with us in the wilderness or on the farm!
Huskies and other animals at Ilonka Farm & Cafe, Ivalo
In our small boutique, you can find unique products hand knitted by Lilli and her grandmother Liisa. Woolen sweaters, socks, mittens and beanies – pieces of art to wear! In addition, you can find other handicrafts as well as a selection of ecological products, authentic souvenirs to take home with you.
Welcome to Ilonka!
Do, be, sense and experience – not just another Husky Farm
Ilonka is not just another husky farm. At our farm you are on an adventure where folklore and mythology lead to the nature trail with story-based activities, learning opportunities and sensory experiences. The tasks and activities vary according to the eight Sami seasons and invite you to learn about life in the North, sense the season, feel the authenticity, do with your hands and find the connection with nature as well as yourself. Always respecting nature, animals and people.
We are open throughout the year. Please remember to book your experiences in advance!
After the outdoor activities, it’s lovely to go inside one of the cozy Lappish huts or the main house for lunch or a snack. Sitting by the fire place warms up your body, mind and soul. The soups, pies, cakes and other delicacies, are cooked and baked at the farm using as local ingredients as possible. In addition to coffee, tea, juice and hot chocolate, you can also find Finnish herbal drinks in our assortment.
You are warmly welcome to Ilonka!
Testimonials – What our guests say about us
What an awesome tour this was! We took the 1h dog walking and cuddling tour. This contained a lovely walk in the woods with 2 of their dogs followed by a cuddling session with thee and some cake. The guide was very friendly and informative and the dogs were awesome. All in all certainly a must if you love dogs and have an hour to spare.
– Thomas, Google Reviews
Wir wollten eigentlich nur einen kurzen Stop machen, um einen Kaffee zu trinken. Aber wir wurden durch den freundlichen Empfang und die Auswahl an hausgemachten Getränken, Pastete, Gebäck und Kuchen überrascht, sodass wir spontan zu einem zweites Frühstück geblieben sind. Alles war sehr lecker! Natürlich haben wir dann auch das Angebot angenommen die Farm und vorallem die Hunde zu besichtigen. Lilly hat sich viel Zeit für uns genommen und uns die Lebensweise der Hunde und ihr Konzept für die Farm genau erklärt. Wir haben den Eindruck gewonnen, dass hier das Wohl der Tiere im Vordergrund steht. Insbesondere hat uns an dem Konzept gefallen, dass sich auch Kinder als „Musher“ ausprobieren und so eine direkte Verbindung zu den Hunden aufbauen können. Falls wir in den Wintermonaten nach Lappland kommen sollten, werden wir uns hier für eine Husky-Tour anmelden.
hopefully2354 kk, Google Reviews
Lilli and her family were so incredibly kind and welcoming! We loved meeting all of the dogs, exploring the beautiful property and eating the delicious food!
We got to meet the dogs, explore the property, make a beautiful finish handicraft, and have a home cooked, amazingly delicious meal for four adults and four kids!
This farm “saves” the dogs from other farms, the ones that are too old to pull tourists so really felt like they are doing amazing work!
You can reach us easily by walking or by bike (if staying in Ivalo or close by), by car, taxi or bus. If you are booking a private experience, we might be able to arrange pick-up and drop-off. Please ask in advance!
