Muonio - Kilpisjärvi

• A mountain village with about 100 permanent residents on the border of three states.
• A huge range of activities from hiking to fishing and snowmobiling.
• The ascent to Mount Saana will top the journey with memorable landscapes.

What is the smallest village you have specifically embarked on a holiday in Finland? We can say with great certainty that your answer will pale to ours. The next stop on our trip is Kilpisjärvi, with about 100 permanent residents and enormous potential for outdoor activities. So, we park the bus on what could be described as the thumb of the Maiden of Finland’s arm, where this special gem of Lapland awaits curious travellers.

Kilpisjärvi is in the municipality of Enontekiö, just off the Finnish, Swedish and Norwegian borders. The landscape is dominated by Saana, a sacred mountain of the Sámi people. Saana rises 1,029 metres above sea level, making it one of Finland’s highest peaks. We recommend booking a couple of hours and packing enough water before starting the climb. The reward for getting to the top? Landscapes that will impress even the most urbanized city dweller. The pristine and age-old landscape that continues to the horizon reminds us of the unique quality of Finland’s nature.

The Saana hike starts at Kilpisjärvi visitor centre, which many choose for accommodation on their trip to Kilpisjärvi. Accommodation is available in well-equipped cottages or in the small but clean rooms of the accommodation building. There is also a renovated restaurant in the visitor centre. But do not be fooled – the place is famous for its quality food and good service.

KILPISJÄRVI – OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES FOR ALL

In Kilpisjärvi, seasonal variations feel more tangible than in southern Finland. The planning of the holiday programme must start with a glance at the calendar, bearing in mind the almost absurd characteristics of these latitudes. For example, skiing is as big a part of Kilpisjärvi life in November as it is in June! The skiing season ends with a traditional midsummer skiing event. We are not joking – there really is a skiing competition at the same time the rest of Finland is enjoying barbecue dinners over at the family summer cottage.

In summer, Kilpisjärvi's most popular holiday activities include hiking, fishing, and mountain biking, all of which have ideal conditions in the wide open environment. For hikers, there is the famous hiking trail Kalottireitti that travels between Finland, Sweden, and Norway. It stretches for more than 800 kilometres, of which about 70 km is on the Finnish side. Kalottireitti is the perfect choice for an experienced hiker. If you prefer a shorter hike, the 5 km long Saana nature trail is a fine choice to complement other activities of the day. 

In winter, you can combine a trip to Kilpisjärvi with a husky ride or snowmobiling, if you prefer a fast way to explore the wilderness. For truly the brave, there is another classic Finnish winter activity available on the shores of Lake Kilpisjärvi – ice swimming in the chilly water.

All things considered, Kilpisjärvi is a true dream destination for outdoor enthusiasts.