Rovaniemi
By area, Rovaniemi is the largest city in Europe. Did you know that the city plan of central Rovaniemi, designed by Alvar Aalto, is a so-called ‘Reindeer Antler Plan’? In the plan, the city centre is the head of a reindeer and the roads north, west and south form the antlers.
There are a large number of buildings designed by Alvar Aalto, including the cultural and administrative centre of Rovaniemi.
“The Kaihuanvaara hiking area is the hidden gem of Rovaniemi. It is situated 60 kilometres east of Rovaniemi along the Kemijoki river. In winter, you can admire snow-covered trees on top of the hill. In summer, the diverse trails are well worth exploring.”
“Auttiköngäs waterfall is a beautiful outdoor destination all year round, in all seasons. It is one of the most magnificent waterfalls in Finland, and you can also enjoy the peace and tranquility of the old-growth forest. From the observation tower in the area, you can admire other hills and primeval forests in the region.”
Kittilä
Kittilä has so much to offer, and the fantastic tourist and nature attractions in the Levi and Pallas-Ylläs fell area are just a short drive away. Do not forget to look out the windows at the airport, which offers a magnificent view of the Aakenus and Ylläs fells. As night falls, you can see a beautiful sunset as the sun goes down behind the fells.
Kittilä Airport serves Kittilä, Kolari and Muonio as well as Sodankylä and Enontekiö. Its area covers Levi and Ylläs, Pallas, Olos and Pyhä-Luosto.
“The Kittilä area offers great experiences all year round. The Pallas-Yllästunturi National Park has plenty of superb natural attractions. In particular, the red sandy beaches of Lake Pallasjärvi and the cleanest air in the world on Sammaltunturi fell. The landscapes of the entire national park are very calming .”
Ivalo
When the weather is clear in Ivalo, you can see far from the tops of the fells: Pyhä-Nattanen, Otsamo, Kiilopää and Kaunispää. There are also many slightly less well-known fells that can be climbed and are worth seeing.
Ivalo is home to Finland’s northernmost airport.
“Lake Inari is a stunning and majestic sight. The lake is gorgeous all year round, both during the polar nights and in the midnight sun. It also looks great when admired from a boat on the lake in the summer or seen from the top of a fell.”
“Kiilopää, Tuulispää and Tuulisjärvi have astounding landscapes and views. Sledging down the slopes of Kiilopää in winter is incredible fun, even as an adult.”
Our airports in Lapland
Rovaniemi Airport
Kittilä Airport
Ivalo Airport
Kemi-Tornio
Kuusamo
This article was originally published on February 7th, 2022.
Tiina Törmänen/Visit Finland
Vastavalo/Marko Junttila/Visit Finland
Konsta Punkka/Visit Finland
Flatlight Films/Visit Finland
Mika Viitanen/Visit Finland
Juha Laine/Visit Finland
