A holiday in Kilpisjärvi will allow you to escape city life and enjoy the unique landscape of Lapland. According to legend, the Kilpisjärvi area was formed from giants frozen at a wedding. Now those frozen giants, exposed by the passage of time, provide a breathtaking holiday destination, be it in summer or winter.
Situated near Finland’s borders with Sweden and Norway, Kilpisjärvi is the most northern part of the municipality of Enontekiö. The easiest way to reach Kilpisjärvi is by car or by taking a bus from Rovaniemi or Kolari railway stations. The nearest airports are Enontekiö and Kittilä, around 2½ and 3½ hours away, respectively, from Kilpisjärvi.
Kilpisjärvi is a small village that is perfect if you’re looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. The countryside surrounding this beautiful village is its main attraction, and depending on the time of year you visit, you can experience the sunlit nights of summer, the colourful autumn foliage or the gleam of spring snow.
The most famous attraction in Kilpisjärvi is Saana fell, Finland’s highest fell at 3,300 feet above sea level. Make sure to set a few hours aside if you want to climb to the summit. On the way to Kilpisjärvi, don’t forget to visit the Malla Nature Reserve, Finland’s oldest conservation area, where you can see several rare fell plants. The reserve also has a seven-mile path to the Three-Country Cairn where the borders of Finland, Sweden, and Norway meet.
If you’re interested in Finnish military history, make sure to visit the German defence positions dotting the reserve’s landscapes. The nearby Ahdaskuru Memorial Bridge – originally built in 1943 for German military vehicles – is also worth a visit.
Explore the local countryside on your own or join one of the various guided tours. For fishing enthusiasts, why not try catching an arctic char on Lake Luohtojärvi? Thrill seekers can also enjoy the snowmobile and husky safaris around the Finnish wilderness. But for an unforgettable Kilpisjärvi experience, make sure you book one of the famous walking guided northern lights tours.
