Must-visit nature locations in summer Lapland

Summertime in Lapland is magical. For months, the whole region bathes in an incredible golden light under the Midnight Sun. This special time calls for adventures in the wild. What’s more, Lapland has plenty of natural attractions worth visiting. Be it national parks, waterfalls, or canyons – the wonders of the wilderness just seem bigger and more impressive north of the Arctic Circle.

To help you plan a memorable summer holiday in Lapland, we collected together some of the region's most scenic sights and locations.

Lapland is home to some of the grandest national parks in the country. If you plan to travel in the Ruka-Kuusamo area, make sure not to miss Oulanka National Park’s epic Karhunkierros Trail. This scenic route will take you across the rugged landscape and lead to some of the most astonishing waterfalls in Finland, which you can admire from the hanging bridges.

In Pallas-Yllästunturi National Park you can breathe in the cleanest air in the world whilst taking pleasure in exploring the area's vast landscapes and fells. Alternatively, hike along the amazing riverside at the heartland of the indigenous Sámi people at Lemmenjoki National Park and get hands-on acquainted with the area’s unique gold panning history. If you're looking to truly get into the wilderness and visit one of the most popular national parks in Finland, head to Urho Kekkonen National Park in eastern Lapland.

Good to know: there are little to no mosquitos in the fells due to wind and open areas.

In the very northwesternmost point of Finland, in the Kilpisjärvi area, you’ll find sights that truly stand out. For one, there’s Halti fell, which at 1324 metres makes it the highest point in Finland. The iconic Saana fell, which geologically is the only part of the Scandinavian mountains stretching on Finland’s side, is also a popular hiking destination in the area. Another fascinating place to visit is the Three Nation's Border Point, where the frontiers of the neighbouring countries of Sweden, Norway, and Finland cross.

Looking for something more challenging? Head towards Kevo – the largest canyon in Finland located in the very north of Lapland in between Inari and Utsjoki. The two marked trails in Kevo are both quite demanding due to the terrain, yet, the ruggedly spectacular vistas of the canyon and waterfalls guarantee to make it worth the effort.

While there are hundreds of lakes in the Inari municipality alone, there’s one that the locals refer to as “The Lake.” The labyrinthine of the north, Lake Inari, with whopping 3,318 islands is not only the largest lake in Sámi homelands but also enormous in terms of its cultural significance. One of the best-known sacred sites of the Sámis in Finland is the Ukonsaari Island near Inari Village. Learn more about the Sámi culture on a cruise around the island and let your mind rest at the tranquil beauty of the lake under the magical Midnight Sun.

Lake Inari is also a popular fishing site famous for its brown trout. For more information about fishing in Lake Inari, go to eraluvat.fi.

If fishing is your thing, you’ve probably already heard legends of River Teno. This iconic river flowing on the northern edge of Finland is said to be the best salmon river in Europe. If you’re lucky, here you might catch an Arctic salmon weighing more than 20 kg. Just make sure beforehand that you have the licence to do so!

Good to know: The entire stretch of the river shared by Finland and Norway comprises a single licence area. You can buy permits from the Finland side or Norway side. Read more about the licences at tenonkalaluvat.fi.

In the middle of the Pyhä-Luosto National Park, you’ll find another exotic gem, the Lampivaara Amethyst mine, which is one of the few jewel mines in the world where visitors are permitted. In this sustainable attraction, you can dig your own lucky amethyst to keep and learn fascinating facts about geology and the history of the mine.

Visiting the Rovaniemi region? Don't miss a stop at Auttiköngäs where you can see some of Finland’s most magnificent waterfalls surrounded by untouched forest. Only an hour's drive away from Rovaniemi to the east makes Auttiköngäs also a perfect destination for a day trip.