Utsjoki is the northern-most municipality in Finland and also the European Union. Its story-book landscapes and unique natural phenomena are a great reason to visit at any time of year. In the summer, you can go trekking on the fells and admire the magic of the nightless nights. In the autumn, the amazingly rich palette of colours across the landscape creates a warm atmosphere as the days get cooler. In the winter, head out on a long cross-country skiing trip in the white winter wonderland as the northern lights illuminate your path.
Utsjoki parish village at the centre of the municipality is the location for the majority of the services and accommodation options. You could also head for Finland's northern-most village, Nuorgam, which is also the northern-most point in the European Union. From Nuorgam, it is easy to take a day trip over the border to Norway, as the Arctic Ocean is only 20 miles away.
Utsjoki's natural surroundings offer superb opportunities for outdoor activities. No holiday in Utsjoki is complete without a visit to Utsjoki Valley, which has been selected as one of Finland's national landscapes and a nationally valuable scenic area. In the summer, you can head off for a few hours – or even several days – on a hike in the peaceful, open Lapland wilderness. In the extensive Paistunturi Fell and Kaldoaivi wilderness areas, you can immerse yourself for days at a time in the barren beauty of the fell landscape. At regular intervals along the hiking trails, you will come across wilderness huts where you can stay the night.
Utsjoki is excellent for fishing. Head to Alakönkää, the best known fishing area along River Tenojoki. River Tenojoki is said to be the best river for salmon fishing in Europe. In the winter, you can go ice fishing on one of the numerous fell lakes. You could even take part in an ice fishing competition. In addition to fishing, you can also take a rowing trip and admire the quiet expanse of the fell landscapes from the water.
Utsjoki is the only Sami-majority municipality in Finland. The Utsjoki area offers a good opportunity to get to know the traditional Sami culture, which is an integral part of everyday life in many different ways, such as the widespread occupation of reindeer herding. The local cafes and restaurants serve up regional delicacies such as salmon from the River Tenojoki, reindeer, fish from the Arctic Ocean and local baked goods.
The best way to get to Utsjoki is to fly. The closest airport in Finland is Ivalo, with connecting flights from Helsinki Airport. The Norwegian airports of Kirkenes and Lakselv are also nearby. All of these airports offer car rental. You can also travel by train from Helsinki Airport to Rovaniemi and continue your journey to Utsjoki by bus.
Head to Utsjoki, far away from day-to-day hassles, to relax and enjoy the beauty of the unique Lapland wilderness – whatever the season!
