Get inspired by summer in Lapland
Get inspired by summer in Lapland
Gather tips for summer destinations in Lapland
Lapland’s summer offers enchanting experiences for travelers under the light of the Midnight Sun, where the sun never sets, and nature is bathed in magical light. Hiking in the fells reveals breathtaking views, silence, and pristine wilderness. In the calm atmosphere of summer, you can also enjoy fishing, kayaking, or observing reindeer.
Pallas
Breathe the cleanest air in the world and experience the vastness of the fell landscape around you. The diverse hiking trails of Pallas-Yllästunturi National Park take you effortlessly from one peak to another and to cozy campfire spots. Come and conquer Taivaskero, where the Olympic flame was lit in 1952, traveling across Finland to Helsinki. Experience the first few kilometers of the journey – no need to run all the way to Helsinki.
Pallasjärvi’s Punainenhiekka beach is a must-visit, even for those coming from afar! Located within Pallas-Yllästunturi National Park, the beach features a day hut and a campfire site.
Be the hero of your own Arctic Circle adventure and hike from Pallas to Hetta or from Hetta to Pallas. The Hetta-Pallas trail is Finland’s most legendary and one of its most beautiful hiking routes. Along the way, the landscape shifts from pine forests to the rugged peaks of the fells. South of Hetta, Ounasjärvi Lake must be crossed by boat.
Savor the tastes and enjoy the ambiance at the national park’s best—and only—restaurant, the historic Pallastunturi.
Ylläs
Would you choose a horseback riding trek through the stunning Ylläs scenery, a day of frisbee golfing on either side of the Ylläs fell, or a hike to Varkaankuru in Äkäslompolo or the Tuomikuru loop on the Ylläsjärvi side? No matter your choice, the views are breathtaking.
Take the whole family on a pleasant hike to Varkaankuru in Äkäslompolo or the Tuomikuru loop on the Ylläsjärvi side.
Hop on a gondola or rent an electric fat bike and conquer the 718-meter high Ylläs. You can descend by foot, bike down the fantastic downhill track, or comfortably ride the gondola lift.
Water surrounds both sides of the fell. Enjoy the fun of paddleboarding, kayaking, or just swimming!
There are frisbee golf courses on both sides of the fell, suitable for beginners and experienced players alike.
In Äkäslompolo, you can go horseback riding, with options for either a horseback trek or a shorter ride.
Saariselkä
Is it on your bucket list to experience the midnight sun in a floating glass igloo, learn about Sámi culture, or feel the thrill of open fell biking? If so, head to Saariselkä this summer.
Experience the midnight sun in a floating glass igloo on the picturesque Iiskonlampolo pond.
Pedal towards the top of the fell for endless views of open fells, or ride your bike along winding forest trails and let the flow take you. Discover the wonders of open fell biking in Urho Kekkonen National Park on marked trails. Bicycles are available for rent from Lapland Safaris in Saariselkä.
Witness the midnight sun from the summit of Kaunispää, with breathtaking views over Urho Kekkonen National Park, accessible by foot or car.
Inari is the cultural hub of Finland's Sámi people. Visit the Sámi Museum Siida and the Sámi Cultural Centre Sajos. The small villages along Lake Inari and its rivers come alive in summer, making them perfect road trip destinations.
Swim, kayak, row, or paddleboard in the Ivalo River or Lake Inari.
Kilpisjärvi
People come to Kilpisjärvi either mesmerized by the scenery or captivated by their favorite outdoor activities. Are you dreaming of paddleboarding on Lake Kilpisjärvi, fishing at Tsahkaljärvi, or conquering the Three-Country Cairn? These are just a few of the things we recommend doing during summer in Kilpisjärvi.
Conquer the mighty Saana or Mallatunturi! The vast heathland areas at the foot of the fells offer delightful hiking experiences. Set out on the trails of Kilpisjärvi to be enchanted, and refresh yourself under a crisp mountain waterfall along the way.
Reach the Three-Country Cairn! Kilpisjärvi is located in the arm of Finland, at the border with Norway and Sweden.
Head to the water! The M/S Malla cruise ship takes you to the Three-Country Cairn from the ice melt until the end of September.
Luosto
Climb to the top of the fell under the endless summer night and immerse yourself in the wide-open beauty of Luosto's summer. Whether you're seeking your lucky amethyst, a selfie from the summit of Ukko-Luosto, or a midnight swim in Aarnilampi at the foot of the fell, a summer trip to Luosto is just what you need.
Find your lucky amethyst: The Luosto Amethyst Mine, located atop the fell, is one of the few gemstone mines in the world open to visitors. Guests can even dig up their very own lucky amethyst.
Conquer Ukko-Luosto: The experience of reaching the summit and snapping a selfie at the top is unforgettable.
Bike the trails: Explore Pyhä-Luosto National Park’s stunning routes on an electric fat bike. The national park caters to cyclists, hikers, and outdoor adventurers alike with its versatile trails.
Relax in the spa: The multi-function pool at Luosto’s spa, with its gentle waves, massage jets, and the amethyst cave’s hot tub, brings tropical warmth to the fells. There's no better way to end an outdoor day than by relaxing in the warmth of Luosto’s spa.
Discover reindeer farm life: Visit Jaakkola Reindeer Farm or Poropuisto Kopara to learn about the life on a reindeer farm.
Swim under the midnight sun: Aarnilampi beach is located a couple of kilometers from Luosto’s center toward Pyhä. The beach has changing booths, perfect for preparing for a magical midnight swim at the base of the fell, under the glow of the midnight sun.
Levi
In summer, Levi offers a wide range of activities. Would you like to take the gondola to the top of Levi, play golf on perhaps the best golf course in the north, or explore the Levi fell on a traditional or electric fat bike? All this is possible when you head to Lapventure in Levi.
Take the gondola: Hop on the gondola next to the famous Levi Black World Cup slope and reach the summit. You can walk down the trail or enjoy the ride back in the gondola.
Golf and more: In addition to the Levi Golf course, you'll find an 18-hole disc golf course and an 18-hole mini-golf course. You might encounter reindeer, a ball-stealing fox, or even a great gray owl with its chicks on the course.
Family fun: At the base of the gondola, there’s an adventure park suitable for the whole family, where excitement and safe experiences await.
Relax at the spa: Unwind and forget the everyday hustle and bustle at Levi's spa.
Hike in silence: Climb the fell to experience tranquility! Take a day trip to the Kätkä Fell lean-to and enjoy nature in peace. Levi offers plenty of sights and beautiful hiking trails.
Rovaniemi
Rovaniemi's summer cultural highlights include the Arktikum Science Center and Museum, the Korundi Cultural House, and the Pilke Science Center. Adventure awaits at the Ounasvaara summer toboggan run, where you can take in the views of the Arctic capital from the scenic lift. You can experience the best summer vibes in Rovaniemi at Kesärafla and its sauna. In Rovaniemi, you don’t have to choose; you can have it all at once!
Summer restaurant Kesärafla Sauna: Located by the Kemijoki River, Kesärafla Sauna is Rovaniemi's tastiest summer restaurant. The public sauna, authentic charcoal grill, and beautiful terrace guarantee an authentic Finnish summer experience.
Ounasvaara summer toboggan run and scenic lift: These summer classics have been part of Rovaniemi for over 30 years. The chairlift takes you to the top of the fell, where you can continue your journey on the toboggan, by foot, or by bike.
Santa Claus Office: This is Santa Claus' official meeting place on the Arctic Circle in Santa Claus Village. Open every day of the year and free of charge.
Ounasvaara: Not only known as a sports center, Ounasvaara is also a year-round recreational area close to the city center. It features marked and maintained trails and numerous scenic spots. Ounasvaara offers excellent facilities for mountain biking near Rovaniemi's city center.
Sky Kitchen & View: Consistently voted one of Lapland's best restaurants, this scenic restaurant located at the top of Ounasvaara offers unforgettable culinary experiences.