The town of Utsjoki is located in the northernmost part of Finnish Lapland, bordering Norway. This is a place with wild nature, starry sky and extremely magical aurora nights.
About the Finnish town of Utsjoki
For those who live in Finland, north means Lapland and north of Lapland itself is the town of Utsjoki. It is located on the Tenojoki River and borders Norway. This is the furthest north you can get in Finland, a few dozen kilometers off the coast of the Arctic Ocean. The wilderness here is unlike any other in Finland because there are empty fields, birch trees and aurora borealis almost every night.
The Finnish town of Utsjoki
The town of Utsjoki does not have a large population as most people live near the valleys of the Tenojoki and Utsjoki rivers. It is also because of the low population density that the landscape and nature here are very peaceful and quiet. Culturally and economically, reindeer farming and salmon fishing are the two main activities in Utsjoki.
Treindeer are common animals in the town. @exploreutsjoki
How to get to Utsjoki
The most popular way to get to Utsjoki town is by road, driving your own vehicle, or traveling by bus. The Finnish road to Utsjoki passes through Rovaniemi, Ivalo and Inari. You can also get to Utsjoki from Norway and cross the Sami Bridge.
If you choose travel by bus.there is a daily trip to Rovaniemi and Ivalo, the fare is about 80 euros and 30 euros respectively. Not only that there are daily minibuses from Norwegian towns to Utsjoki.
Alternatively you can fly to nearby towns in Finland, such as Ivalo, Kittilä or Rovaniemi, and reach Utsjoki by car or bus.
How to Get Around Utsjoki Town
Although the town of Utsjoki is not very large, it stretches along the Tenojoki River, so it can be a bit long if you don't have a car. When you come here in the summer, you can rent a bicycle to go to remote places quickly. The roads in the town are in good condition so you won't have any problems around the area.
Interesting places to visit in Utsjoki Town
Kevo . Nature Reserve
Kevo Nature Reserve with its magnificent gorge is one of the most rugged hiking attractions in Finland. The center of the nature reserve consists of a canyon that stretches for 40 km and has places 80 m deep, the bottom of which flows the Kevojoki River. The rest of the nature reserve is highlands cut by gentle ravines. There are also vast tundra-like marshes. There are two marked hiking trails, it covers quite long distances (63km and 86km) and a 2km nature trail in Sulaoja. This unique area is a prime habitat for rare birds.
Kevo Nature Reserve. @emmi.kaamos
Route 970
Route 970 will take you from Karigasniemi to the town of Utsjoki after a 100 km journey along the Teno River, continuing from there to the village of Nuorgam. This route has been awarded the title of "the most beautiful road in Finland" as it runs along the river through the breathtakingly beautiful river valley. It seems that you will not be able to find such a beautiful street anywhere else in Finland.
Route 970 is known as the most beautiful road in Finland
Parish hut and Utsjoki . church
The parish village of Utsjoki consists of 14 huts dating from the 18th and 19th centuries. The Sámi families owned the huts and they lived until the 1930s during market days and church services. The buildings are beautifully located on the shores of Lake Mantojärvi, 6 km from the village of Utsjoki along national highway 4. These church huts and the Utsjoki stone church are the most important cultural and historical sites in the country. town Utsjoki. The church was built by order of Nicholas I (Russia) in 1853.
Church of Utsjoki
Bridge of Sami
The Sami Bridge also known as Saamen silta in Finland is a bridge over the Tenojoki River. Before the bridge was built in 1993, the only way to cross the river was by boat.
Bridge of Sami
Teno River
The Teno River is one of the largest and best salmon-raising rivers in Europe. The first fly fishing enthusiasts discovered this river in the 19th century and can consider it the beginning of recreational fishing tourism in the town of Utsjoki. The beautiful Tenojoki River valley with its rugged lakes and waterfalls creates an unforgettable arctic scene. In addition to walking along its paths and exploring the landscape of nature, you can also fish or paddle here.
The gentle Tenojoki River
Kaldoaivi . Wilderness
Kaldoaivi is the largest wilderness area in the country. The landscape here has deep river valleys, hillsides and even wetlands, such as the always protected Sammuttijänkä-Vaijoenjänkä wetlands.
Kaldoaivi is ideal for day trips with nature. More experienced hikers can also organize multi-day hikes to explore the area.
Kaldoaivi . Wilderness
Nuorgam . Village
Nourgam is a small Sami village, located very close to the town of Utsjoki. It is the northernmost point of Finland and of the entire European Union. This village is home to the most famous salmon fishing area on the entire Tenojoki River. In addition to trying activities such as fishing, visitors can also go hiking, walking along the Tenojoki River and Lake Pulmankjärvi while visiting Nourgam.
Nuorgam . Village
Paistunturi . Wilderness Area
Paistunturi is a large wilderness area in northern Lapland. The landscape of this wilderness is covered with vast mountain birch forests and wasteland.It is the ideal place for day and long hikes.
In Paistunturi in winter, you can enjoy the Kenespahta glacial waterfall that is formed each winter when the water cascades down an almost vertical cascade into Lake Kenesjärvi .
Paistunturi . Wilderness Area
See the aurora
The town of Utsjoki is the furthest north in Lapland where you can see the Northern Lights. There's a lot of infrastructure available to guide you on your Aurora hunt here. The entire town had only about 1,200 inhabitants, so the area was largely undeveloped and the sky overhead was not obscured by any structures. Seeing the aurora borealis from Utsjoki and the surrounding area is very common during the winter months.
The town of Utsjoki is one of the best spots to see the Northern Lights in Finland
