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Route

Lapland's Arctic Wilderness

This route takes you through the breathtaking landscapes of northern Finnish Lapland, showcasing some of the region's most stunning natural beauty. As you journey along Finland’s most picturesque Tenontie road, you'll pass through untouched wilderness, with pristine rivers and crystal-clear Arctic lakes dotting the scenery.

Credits: Thomas Kast

Northern reaches of Finnish Lapland

Lapland's Arctic wilderness route leads through Finland's largest municipality, Inari, and continues to its northernmost point, Utsjoki, offering travellers an extraordinary journey through one of Finland’s most remarkable rural destinations. This vast region is renowned for its national parks, nature reserves, and pristine rivers and lakes with crystal-clear waters. Stretching from Inari to the Finland-Norway border, the route promises an unforgettable immersion in nature.

Route overview

Starting Point: Ivalo
Length of route: 450 kilometres
Duration: 5 days
All year
By car: 9 hours
By bike: 35 hours

Travel tip

Whether you arrive by bus, car, or airplane, your adventure can begin in either Saariselkä or Ivalo, offering several convenient starting points. While the route officially ends in Utsjoki, eager travellers can extend their journey by crossing the border into Norway and continuing all the way to the Arctic Ocean.

Route highlights

Winter landscape of fells in Inari-Saariselkä, Finnish Lapland. - Inari-Saariselkä

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Saariselkä, Europe’s northernmost outdoor adventure destination

Saariselkä, Europe’s northernmost outdoor resort, offers various year-round activities, accommodations, and services. Enjoy hiking, berry picking, and paddling in summer, and downhill skiing and husky safaris in winter. Despite modern amenities, the pristine wilderness is just a short walk away. Saariselkä is also the gateway to Urho Kekkonen National Park, Finland’s second-largest national park.

Gold panning in a river in Finnish Lapland. - Juho Kuva

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Discover Finland’s first gold rush locations

The village of Ivalo, is the administrative center of Inari. Located beside the Ivalojoki River, famously known as the “Golden River” from Finland’s first gold rush, visitors may still see prospectors panning for gold. Ivalo also offers access to the Hammastunturi Wilderness Area for experienced trekkers and provides a range of activities throughout the year.

Sámi Museum & Nature Centre Siida. - Sámi Museum & Nature Centre Siida

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Explore Sámi culture and history

The next stop is Inari, the heart of Sámi culture in Finland, located by the scenic Lake Inari. This village is surrounded by breathtaking nature and offers a variety of activities. Key highlights include Lake Inari, Ukko Island, the Sámi Museum & Nature Centre Siida for exploring Sámi traditions and history, the Sámi Cultural Centre Sajos, and the Pielpajärvi wilderness church.

Kayaker on the Teno River in Utsjoki, Finnish Lapland. - Kota Collective

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Drive along Tenontie, scenic route from Karigasniemi to Utsjoki

The journey ends in Utsjoki, Finland’s only Sámi-majority municipality with around 1,000 people and over 10,000 reindeer. Immerse yourself in Sámi culture and explore Utsjoki, Karigasniemi, and Nuorgam. Utsjoki features the longest polar night and midnight sun in Finland. Highlights include the Teno River, Kevo Nature Reserve, Kaldoaivi Wilderness Area, and the Ailigas and Paistunturi fells.

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Places to eat

From intimate dining in rustic settings to savouring meals surrounded by breathtaking scenery, Finnish Lapland presents an extraordinary mix of unforgettable culinary experiences.

Nuorgam Holiday Restaurant Suvanto

Sustainable Travel Finland

Nuorgam Holiday Restaurant Suvanto

Restaurant Kaltio, Santa's Hotel Tunturi Saariselkä

Sustainable Travel Finland

Restaurant Kaltio

Restaurant Pirtti, Santa's Hotel Tunturi, Saariselkä

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Restaurant Pirtti

Restaurant at Wilderness Hotel Nellim

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Restaurant at Wilderness Hotel Nellim

View from the terrace over the mighty Teno river

Restaurant Aurora Holidays

Kota in the winter

Kota Restaurant

Warm pot of tea by bonfire

Lapland style home cooking course

Coffee or tea by the campfire in the cozy Kota Cafe

Ilonka Farm & Cafe

Restaurant Aanaar

Places to stay

Whether you choose a glass cabin or a cosy hotel, there's no shortage of inviting accommodations that offer the ideal place to unwind and recharge after a day spent outdoors.

Nuorgam Holiday Village

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Nuorgam Holiday Village

LapinTintti Eco-Cabin in winter.

Sustainable Travel Finland

LapinTintti Eco-Cabin

Santa's Hotel Tunturi Gielas

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Santa's Hotel Tunturi

Aurora Queen Resort

Wilderness Room

Wilderness Room

Kiilopää Villas

Kiilopää Villas

The beautiful open-plan living area located on the villa’s second floor is perfect for cozy moments by the wood-burning fireplace.

Valo Ice Cube Villas

Attractions to visit

Discover the captivating attractions, from engaging museums to the beauty of Arctic wilderness areas.

Kaksi retkeilijää katselee lumisella tunturin huipulla auringonlaskua. Tunturin taakse laskeutunut aurinko on värjännyt taivaan punertavaksi. Two hiker is watching sunset in top of the snowy fell. Sunset makes the sky red. Photo: Petri Kulha

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Urho Kekkonen National Park

Ravadas Water Falls

Tykkylumiset puut tunturissa, jota halkoo moottorikelkan jättämä ura. There is lot of snow on the trees. Snowmobile trail goes between the trees.Photo: Kirsi Ukkonen

Lemmenjoki National Park

Open air museum

Guided tour of the Open-Air Museum

Kaunispää tunturi

Kaunispää Fell

Inarijärven maisema Ukonsaarelta

Main exhibition

Guided Tour, The Sámi Museum And Nature Centre Siida

Ivalojoen ranta kesällä

River Ivalojoki

Activities to explore

Experience the magic of northern Finland by immersing yourself in activities like snowshoeing through snowy landscapes, hiking scenic trails, and enjoying a variety of nature adventures, all set against the backdrop of stunning natural beauty.

AT Nature's heated glass-roof sleigh under the northern lights.

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Aurora Adventure and Home Visit

Ala-pulmankijoki ja kanootit

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PADDLING ON THE TENOJOKI RIVER AND OTHER SURFACE

canoes

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Canoe Trip at River Luttojoki

reindeer

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Snowmobilesafari to the Reindeer yard

Snowshoes in the snow.

Sustainable Travel Finland

Snowshoe Walk in the Winter Woods of Inari with a Local Biologist

Snowshoeing

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Snowshoeing trip

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