Northern Lapland

Sparsely populated and extraordinarily beautiful, with fells, lakes and forests, Lapland's north is a magical place for hiking, snow sports and learning about Sámi culture. At these latitudes, your chances of seeing the aurora borealis (Northern Lights) are high when skies are clear and dark.

Top attractions

These are our favorite local haunts, touristy spots, and hidden gems throughout Northern Lapland.

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Kevo Strict Nature Reserve
Some of Finland's most breathtaking scenery is within the 712-sq-km Kevo Strict Nature Reserve along the splendid 40km gorge of the Kevojoki (off-limits from April to mid-June). The main trail is 63km long (four days one way) and runs through the canyon, from the Sulaoja parking area 11km east of Karigasniemi on the road westbound from Kaamanen, to Kenesjärvi, on the Kaamanen–Utsjoki road. Be aware that hikers cannot hunt, fish or collect plants or berries, and must stay on marked trails.
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Siida
One of Finland's most absorbing museums, state-of-the-art Siida offers a comprehensive overview of the Sámi and their environment. The main exhibition hall consists of a fabulous nature exhibition around the edge, detailing northern Lapland’s ecology by season, with wonderful photos and information panels. The centre of the room has detailed information on the Sámi, from their former seminomadic existence to modern times.
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Bears' Nest
At the edge of Myössäjärvi, 16km south of Inari, look out for the Karhunpesäkivi rest stop. From here, a 300m timber boardwalk (mainly comprising steps) leads through the forest to Finland's largest tafone (cave-like formation found in granular rock), the only one in the world known to have shifted from its original base during the last ice age. You can enter the hollow boulder; although you have to crawl to enter, the honeycomb-like structure is high enough to stand upright.
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Kultamuseo
In 1868 the remote area of Tankavaara on the Ivalojoki, 32km south of Saariselkä, experienced a gold rush, with a community of up to 500 panners seeking their fortune. The story is related in this museum, which also covers gold production around the world. A cubic metre of sand is on display, along with the sobering 2g of gold it normally contains here. In summer try your luck and pan for gold. There's an original smoke sauna and octagonal hut.
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Pielpajärven Kirkko
This erämaakirkko (wilderness church) is accessible by a marked walking track (7.5km one way) from the parking area at Siida. If you're driving, there’s another trailhead beyond here, from where it's 4.3km. In winter you’ll need snowshoes. The area has for centuries been an important marketplace for the Sámi; the first church was erected in 1646. The present church was built in 1760 and restored in the 1970s. Open the shutters to get the full benefit (close them before leaving).
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Sallivaara
Accessed off the Inari–Kittilä road, 70km southwest of Inari, this reindeer round-up site was used by Sámi reindeer herders twice yearly until 1964. Round-ups were an important social event, lasting several weeks and involving hundreds of people and animals. The corrals and cabins have been reconstructed, and you can overnight in one of the free huts (bring a tent in case they're full). There's top-quality birdwatching on nearby wetlands. From the parking area it's a 6km signposted walk.
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Tankavaara Nature Centre
Next door to Tankavaara's gold-panning museum, Kultamuseo, this nature centre has advice on activities and trekking in Urho Kekkonen National Park. Good exhibitions cover the local environment, including a display on raptors; you can also watch a half-hour audiovisual presentation. It sells maps and fishing permits, and has keys to the huts in the national park. Circular nature trails (1km to 6km) arc out from the centre.
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Vanha Kirkko
One of the few buildings in Lapland to survive the Nazis' scorched-earth retreat in WWII is this, the region’s oldest church, dating from 1689. It stands in a graveyard encircled by a low wooden fence and is noteworthy for its decorative shingles and prominent prong-like standards. The interior is simple and charming, with gnarled wooden benches and pulpit, and a simple altar made from leftover beams. The stone church nearby was built in 1859.
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Aurora House
If you miss witnessing the aurora borealis, this 45-minute simulation in a purpose-built riverside tepee is the next best thing. Lean back on a reclining chair to watch images gathered over three decades projected on the ceiling while a local guide explains the science and folklore. You'll also hear radio signals as they hit the ionosphere. The centre is 11km south of Sodankylä.