Things to do in Sodankyla

Urho Kekkonen National Park

Urho Kekkonen National Park is located in northern Lapland, Finland. Established in 1983, it covers an area of approx. 2,550 sq km and is one of the largest national parks in Finland. It is named after the former Finnish president (who also served as prime minister), Urho Kekkonen. Situated north of the Arctic Circle, the park is characterized by open fell landscapes, pristine coniferous forests, and vast wilderness, serving as a key hinterland for the Saariselkä tourist area. The park features designated wilderness areas that preserve the native polar ecosystem. In summer, visitors can hike through the hills, while winter offers vast spaces for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, making it an iconic destination for experiencing the Arctic wilderness.

Kiilopaa

Kiilopaa is the highest peak in Sweden, located near Kiruna in the Lapland region, approx. 150 km north of the Arctic Circle, with an altitude of over 2,096 m. The mountain consists of an ice-covered south peak and an ice-free north peak. Due to global warming, the glacier on the south peak continues to retreat, making the north peak currently the highest point in the country. The summit trail starts from Nikkaluokta village, reaching the Kebnekaise Fjällstation base camp at the foot of the mountain after a hike of approx. 19 km, then follows the western main route (total round-trip distance of approx. 18 km, duration of 10–12 hours) to the summit, passing through alpine tundra and snow and ice slopes. The base camp offers accommodation, dining, and guide services. The climb is difficult and requires adequate physical preparation; crampons may be needed for the final section of the western route. The best window for summiting is from late June–early September, with spectacular views of the surrounding valleys and lakes, making it a holy grail challenge for outdoor enthusiasts in Northern Europe.

Lampivaara

Lampivaara is located on Amethyst Hill in the heart of the Northern Lapland National Park in Finland and is a rare natural gemstone mine open to visitors. The mine is famous for its unique amethyst deposits, where visitors can dig for their own natural amethyst to take home. Ancient legends about amethyst surround the mine, adding a touch of mystery to the site. Surrounded by the pristine forests of Lapland, the mine offers a serene and magnificent natural environment, making it a unique attraction that combines a mining experience with Arctic nature exploration.

International Placer Goldmining Museum

The Gold Prospector Museum is located in Tankavaara, Finnish Lapland. It showcases the history of gold prospecting in Finland and around the world, along with related tools and miners' daily lives. Through artifacts, photographs, and recreated scenes, the museum brings gold-prospecting culture to life. Visitors can also try panning for gold, making it a unique attraction for learning about Lapland's legendary gold rush and mining traditions.

Camping Nilimella

Pyhä-Nattanen huippu

Jaakkola Reindeer Farm

Lapland Ski Resort Luosto

Luosto

During your winter vacation in Losto, in addition to trying various snow activities, you must stay in a local log cabin built with Lapland silver pine. The various decorations of the ancient log cabin truly show the traditional style of northern Finland, which can make you feel more Strong local rural flavor. There is a wood-burning stove in the living room and a sauna and steam room in the cabin. You can also live in a hut named Pohjan Kruunu, whose roof is entirely covered with glass, where you can wait for the mysterious aurora borealis to appear.

Sodankylä Old Church