How it works
Utsjoki
The only Sámi majority municipality in Finland
Nature is a part of all sides of life in Utsjoki. Tenojoki river flows gently and keeps hold of the nations border which is in the middle of the river. Fishing with great passion can be seen throughout the year. Utsjoki is filled with historical sights you shouldn't miss while visiting. Utsjoki church and the parish huts, Mantojärvi lake shore and old cemetery are worth your visit. The church catches your attention as it is located on top of a hill rising majestically towards the sky. Nature is calling you for a relaxed stroll or on a adventure with vast network of trails that you can step on near the village centre or right at the outskirts.
Trails lead you to true wilderness out of reach for the hectic lifestyle we all live nowadays. The village of Utsjoki is guarded by the Ailigas fell. The border river Tenojoki can be traversed at the Sámi bridge to get to the Norwegian side. The best way to reach Utsjoki is by car or bus. The closest airports are in Ivalo Finland and Kirkenes, in Norway. Many accommodation companies have a pickup service from and to the airport, and rental cars are available at the airport. There are bus connections from Ivalo and Saariselkä to Utsjoki.
In co-operation with Inari-Saariselkä, we welcome You to Utsjoki!
Trails lead you to true wilderness out of reach for the hectic lifestyle we all live nowadays. The village of Utsjoki is guarded by the Ailigas fell. The border river Tenojoki can be traversed at the Sámi bridge to get to the Norwegian side. The best way to reach Utsjoki is by car or bus. The closest airports are in Ivalo Finland and Kirkenes, in Norway. Many accommodation companies have a pickup service from and to the airport, and rental cars are available at the airport. There are bus connections from Ivalo and Saariselkä to Utsjoki.
In co-operation with Inari-Saariselkä, we welcome You to Utsjoki!
Juuri sitä parasta
Kohokohtia
River Tenojoki
Landscapes & Sceneries
The River Teno is one of the largest and best salmon rivers in Europe. The first fly-fishing enthusiasts discovered the river in the 19th century, which can be considered as the beginning of recreational fishing tourism. Teno – Deatnu in Northern Sámi and Tana in Norwegian – is the border of Finland and Norway and therefore forms also the northern border of the European Union. The beautiful river valley of Tenojoki with its hidden sandy beaches is overlooked by rugged fells, creating unforgettable arctic scenery.
The most beautiful road in Finland
Landscapes & Sceneries
The route 970 takes you from Karigasniemi to Utsjoki following the 100 km journey alongside the River Teno continuing from there to Nuorgam. This “Route Teno” has been given the title of the most beautiful route in Finland as it travels alongside the river through breathtakingly beautiful river valley – you cannot find anything like it elsewhere in Finland.
Kevo Strict Nature Reserve
Wildlife & Nature
The Kevo Nature Reserve, with its magnificent canyon, is among the most rugged hiking attractions in Finland. The heart of the nature reserve consists of a canyon spanning 40km in length and in places 80m in depth, at the bottom of which flows the River Kevojoki. The rest of the nature reserve is fell highland crossed by gentle slopes of ravines. There are two marked, rather demanding hiking trails of 63km and 86km.
Ailigas fells
Landscapes & Sceneries
Utsjoki municipality has three fells named Ailigas, which are located near the Tenojoki River. The highest of the three is located in Karigasniemi, near the area where the Inarijoki River turns into Tenojoki. This particular Ailigas stands an impressive 620 metres high. The second highest fell rises straight up from the shore of the Tenojoki River by the Nuvvus village. Indeed, this 535-metre high fell goes by the name of Nuvvus-Ailigas. The smallest of the three fells stands at 342 metres in height, protecting the village centre of Utsjoki.
Parish huts and Utsjoki Church
Arts & Culture
The Utsjoki parish village consists of 14 huts dating back to the 18th and 19th centuries. Sámi families owned the huts, and they were inhabited up to the 1930s during market days and church ceremonies. The buildings are located on a beautiful spot on the shores of Lake Mantojärvi, 6km from the Utsjoki village along the highway 4. These church huts and the Utsjoki stone church are the most important cultural-historical sites in the Utsjoki region. The Utsjoki church was built upon the commission of Nicholas I of Russia in 1853.
Start your trip in Saami from Inari. Get to know Sámi culture at the Sámi Museum and Nature Centre in Siida and the Sámi Cultural Centre in Sajos. Siida’s exhibitions provide a cultural experience for all the senses. Learn and understand the life and traditions of Europe’s only indigenous people, which are still present in Inari and throughout the region.
In the heart of the Sámi land
4 - 6 days
What do the two largest national parks in Finland mean? It means a comprehensive network of marked and maintained routes throughout the year. It means an endless amount of untouched nature where you are completely equal to nature. You will travel at the pace of nature with your favorite hobby or you will rediscover or experience it for the first time. You can safely walk around the services under the guidance of a guide or travel for hours or days without seeing anyone but the animals and changing vegetation of northernmost Lapland.
National Parks and Wilderness Area
5 - 7 days
Inari-Saariselkä region has two of the biggest national parks in Finland, Strict Nature Reserve of Kevo, 6 wilderness areas and Inari hiking area. In Saariselkä alone there are 200 kilometers of marked routes to be explored. Get to know national parks and nature sights during your road trip in Northernmost Lapland.
Memorable North Lapland road trip
6 - 9 days
