Utsjoki - the northernmost municipality of Finland

Utsjoki - the northernmost municipality of Finland

The municipality of Utsjoki is Finland's northernmost and also the only one where the Sámi population has the majority. A visit can take place year-round. Utsjoki presents the possibility to explore modern, daily life Sámi culture. Traditional wardrobes are still worn at many events and festivals. Since the location is so north, you can enjoy here the longest polar nights and midnight sun. Often you can view the Northern Lights dancing in the sky and gaze at the Norwegian mountains.

The airport of Ivalo (Finland) and Kirkenes (Norway) are the most nearby, but the municipality can easily be reached by bus or car. Depending on the accommodation, they can offer pickup service from the airport. A bus can be taken from Saariselkä or Ivalo directly to Utsjoki.

Utsjoki is surrounded by the Ailigas fells. The river Tenojoki flows at the border and is known for its large salmon. The river can be crossed at the Sámi bridge to get to the Norwegian side.
Attractions

Route 970

For 100 km, route 970 takes you from Karigasniemi to Utsjoki, passing the River Teno and continue to Nuorgam. The road is rewarded as most beautiful route in Finland due the view on the beautiful river and a breathtaking river valley.
Ailigas fells

In Utsjoki, you can find three fells called Ailigas, located near the River Tenojoki. The highest of 620m reveals in Karigasniemi, where River Inarijoki becomes River Tenojoki. The second highest, Nuvvus-Ailigas, with 535m, can be found at the shore of the Tenojoki River located in Nuvvus village. The smallest one is 342m high and protects the centre of Utsjoki village.

River Tenojoki

One of the best and largest salmon river of Europe is the River Tenojoki. Around the 19th century, the river was discoverd by a fly-fishing fan and was the beginning of recreational fishing tourism. It is located at the border of Finland and Norway, and for that reason considered as the northern border of European Union. It consists of a river valley where you can find sandy beaches and rugged fells.

Parish huts and Utsjoki Church

14 huts are still remained in the parish village, built in the 18th and 19th centuries. It was home to the Sámi families. The location is 6km away from the Utsjoki village, on the shores of Lake Mantojärvi. It is part of cultural historical sites in the region. In 1853, the stone church was developed on the commision of Nicholas I of Russia.

Kevo Strict Nature Reserve

The landscape of Lapland is at its most beautiful in the Kevo Strict Nature Reserve. Hikers can explore the region by following one of two defined paths, 63km and 86,5km. Both trails are fairly demanding.

The River Kevojoki's 40-kilometer-long and nearly 80-meter-deep canyon-like valley constitutes the area's heart. The majority of the nature reserve is a fell highland with mild ravine slopes. Large tundra-like open mires can also be found.
Activities

Utsjoki is a tourist paradise where only your imagination is the limit. Many nature-related activities are available in large wilderness areas. During the summer, you can enjoy trekking and canoeing on the Teno River. In the winter, you may go skiing and see the northern lights dance across the sky.
Restaurants

In Lapland cuisine, meat often comes from reindeer herders in the area. The fish comes from the clear waters of the area and the nearby Arctic Ocean. Berries, mushrooms and wild herbs are picked from nearby forests. Whether you are fine dining in the restaurant or having an outdoor lunch on a hiking trip, you can sample pure northern flavors with every meal.