Lapland
Highlights
- Highlights
Pieni Karhunkierros Trail in Oulanka National Park
Valtavaaran huiputus trail in Ruka, Kuusamo
Enduro track Blue Groove in Levi fell, Levi
Ice Age Trail / Geological Trail at the Levi fell
Gems of Pyhä-Luosto
- Highlights
Discover the region
Fell landscape and reindeer tracks
Large parts of Lapland lie north of the Arctic Circle. The vegetation has developed accordingly: Huge coniferous forests, moors and barren plateaus with grasses, mosses and lichens characterise the landscape.
Typical for Lapland are the up to 800 m high island mountains, the so-called "Tunturi". The highest elevation in Lapland is the 1328 m high Halti in the border triangle of Sweden, Norway and Finland.
Many animals feel at home in this pristine landscape. Reindeer are the most common, but with a bit of luck you may also come across a moose, eagle or snow grouse.
Photo: LeviLapland
Cities and regions in Lapland
The regions in Lapland are of course particularly inviting for outdoor activities. Ruka-Kuusamo in the south-east is the area of the national parks, besides the famous Oulanka you can discover the national parks Riisitunturi, Hossa and Syöte and cross the border to Russia in Paanajärvi. North of Ruka-Kuusamo you can discover a typical Lappish village in Salla and enjoy the typical Finnish landscape with swamps, rivers and forests.
Levi is the pearl of Lapland and also known for the best air in the world. On the way you can visit Levi Fell or Pallas Yllästunturi National Park and discover the untouched wilderness. In the heart of Lapland lies Pyhä-Luosto with the national park of the same name. The region is characterised by a mountain range, Aapa Moors and gorges.
Activities up north
The unique nature of Lapland is ideal for hiking, trekking and cycling. Canoe trips lasting several days are among the most popular activities in Lapland. Another plus point is that you can be active around the clock during the summer months. The midnight sun bathes the nordic landscape in a particularly beautiful light.
The winters in Lapland are cold and long – but if you are well prepared, you can spend a unique time there. Be it skiing in one of the internationally renowned resorts, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing or husky sledding. Or simply by looking at the picturesque northern lights, which can be seen in more than 200 nights.
Photo: Ruka Kuusamo
Discovering a unique culture
Photo: Visit Ylläs
The Sámi are the only indigenous people in the European Union. Some 6000 of them still live in northern Finland, Sweden, Norway and on the Russian peninsula of Kola.
Many of the Sámi earn their living from reindeer farming, preserving the old tradition. They also have their own language, music, costumes, jewellery and folk festivals. Their interests are represented by their own parliament in Inari.
National Parks in Lapland
The national parks in Lapland are adapted to the climatic conditions and as a whole give a picture of the Finnish wilderness. Nevertheless, they are very different and all of them are well worth seeing to get to know the different aspects of Lapland's nature. The landscape of the parks is characterised by huge forests, bogs and barren plateaus. The typical fell landscape is crossed by numerous hills.
Rovaniemi – the home of Santa Claus
Visit Santa Claus in his home country! In Santa Claus Village you can have a look at the workshop of Santa and his elves, cross the Arctic Circle and take a reindeer sleigh ride.
Question on Kesänkijärven laavu of Taru
July 30, 2020 · CommunityReview of Pallas-Yllästunturi National Park by Juuso
Review of Fell Lapland Visitor Centre by Juuso
Review of Haavepalo by Juuso
Review of Yllästunturi Visitor Centre Fells viewpoint by Juuso