Northern Lapland offers a wide range of outdoor activities and opportunities to relax in unique wilderness surroundings.
Northern Lapland is known for its high-quality ski resorts. The Levi Tourist Centre has good bus connections to hiking and cross-country skiing routes, and to the downhill slopes of Levi. Sirkka is 15 minutes' drive from Kittilä airport.
Ylläs is not just about downhill skiing and nature safaris – there is a wide range of cultural events in the area around Lake Ylläsjärvi all year round, including concerts and art exhibitions. The nearest railway station is in Kolari, 22 miles from Ylläs. The nearest airport is Kittilä, half an hour's drive from Ylläs.
Saariselkä is well known for its ski resorts, but the area also has good options for other outdoor activities. Just over an hour's drive away, in the parish village of Inari, the Siida Sámi Museum and Nature Centre offers visitors a window into Sámi culture. You can reach Saariselkä by bus from Ivalo airport.
Northern Lapland is an essential destination for wilderness hiking. From the Saariselkä area, it is easy to get to Finland's two largest national parks: Lemmenjoki National Park and Urho Kekkonen National Park. Lemmenjoki is a legendary gold area. Urho Kekkonen National Park is full of crystal-clear fell ponds and steep gorges.
Finland's highest fells are in Kilpisjärvi. On the border of three nations, this small village attracts visitors all year round with its impressive fell landscapes. Conquer Halti, Finland's highest peak, or visit Saana Fell, revered by the Sámis. Take a trip to the Malla nature reserve, home to several rare fell plants and butterflies. You can travel to Kilpisjärvi from Kittilä airport all year round and from Enontekiö airport in the summer. You can also travel by bus from Rovaniemi and Koli.
Utsjoki, Finland's northern-most municipality, offers excellent opportunities for wilderness tourism on Paistunturi Fell and Kaldoaivi. The best fishing spot is on River Tenojoki, which is said to be Europe's best salmon river. Finland's northern-most village, Nuorgam, is on the Norwegian border and is less than 20 miles from the Arctic Ocean. The nearest airport to Utsjoki is in Ivalo, but it is also accessible by car or bus from Rovaniemi.
Wherever your holiday in Northern Lapland takes you, the fairytale nature is sure to enchant you forever.
