The desolately beautiful countryside around this northern Finnish village is a great location to witness the midnight sun and northern lights.
Utsjoki is a quiet village in Finnish Lapland. It spreads along the banks of the Teno River and on the border between Finland and Norway. Encompassed by a wilderness of fells, forests and lakes, it’s a popular place for outdoor pursuits. Enjoy everything from hiking, fishing and mountain biking to cross-country skiing and snowmobiling safaris.
The village itself consists of two main streets lined with a small offering of accommodation options and restaurants. It’s the epicentre of Utsjoki municipality, which is home to Finland’s largest population of Sámi speakers. Consequently, you’ll hear people conversing in the Sámi language as well as in Finnish. Join locals fishing for salmon on the Teno River. Walk across the Sami Bridge and set foot in Norway.
Wander amid open fell along the Utsjoki Hiking Trail, which starts from the village centre. Another trail, the Kevo Hiking Trail, travels for some 40 miles (64 kilometres) to Kenesjärvi Lake. Visit historic landmarks, including the 19th-century Mantojärvi Church and the cabin-style Utsjoki Old Village Church, at Mantojärvi Lake.
Just a short drive from the village are two national parks, Kaldoaivi Wilderness Area and Paistunturi Wilderness Area. The rugged mountains and river valleys of these areas present a playground for year-round adventures. Traverse the snow-covered terrain by ski, snowshoe, snowmobile and dogsled in winter. Swim in lakes and explore on foot and bike in summer.
About a 45-minute drive east is the village of Nuorgam, the world’s northernmost land border crossing. Here, the 3.7-mile (6 kilometre) long Skaidijärvi Trail is suitable for both biking and hiking.
Time your visit to coincide with the chance to experience natural spectacles. Be amazed as the sun hovers on the horizon during the midnight sun between May and August. Marvel as the northern lights turn the sky into a kaleidoscope of vivid colours from November to April.
Getting to Utsjoki can take time but is worth the effort. One way is to catch a train to RovaniemiOpens in a new window, from where buses continue to Utsjoki. Alternatively, fly to airports in the Norwegian towns of Kirkenes or Lakselv and then rent a car.
