SUMMER AND FALL
Summer is all about the blooming forests, open fell landscapes, clear water in hundreds of rivers and lakes, clean air with comfortable temperature, fishing, Sámi cultural events, the Nightless Night with sun not setting at all. In August and September, the nature starts to prepare for the coming winter. Colors turn into Autumn Foliage (ruska) with spectacular red, purple and yellow. As the sun sets earlier and earlier, the Northern Lights appear on the skies with reflections from the lakes.
Easy 2-hour wilderness hike in Utsjoki
Utsjoki is a unique destination with the arctic highlands and river valleys, and gorgeous colors of the silent nature. Paistunturi and Kaldoaivi wilderness areas have endless trails and breathtakingly beautiful landscapes to explore! This easy hike is suitable to almost any fitness level!
Scenic hike to highlands of Utsjoki
Paistunturi and Kaldoaivi Wilderness areas in Utsjoki are the largest wilderness areas in Finland. They are protected nature reserves, with almost no human-built roads or structures, but here the indigenous Sàmi people still actively practice their traditional livelihoods of reindeer herding, hunting and fishing. An experienced local guide will take you on a half-day hike outside the marked trails.
Guided full day hikes
Our full day hikes are of varying length between 10-25 km, and we plan the route according to group´s wishes. We can find some hidden waterfalls in the wilderness area, walk to the highest fell tops around, explore a palsa moss area or go see the thousand year old juniper by a gorgeous river valley.
Cultural programs: Past and present in Utsjoki village
Getting deeper into the Northern culture would take several years to explain, but we try our best to give some insight about the region, history and culture on this 2-hour sightseeing tour. Your local guide will explain past and present environmental, social and cultural events and circumstances that have shaped the life of the village today.
Paddling activities
Explore the arctic rivers and lakes with a local guide. We use both kayaks and canoes, depending on participants preferences and features of the water area. We have planned paddling experiences for all kinds of guests, from beginner to an experienced paddler.
Paddling activities are available from June to September. Inquire via email!
Arctic Ocean tour: Sandfjorden nature reserve
About 2,5 hour drive from Utsjoki, towards Tana fjord and Berlevåg, is the protected and untouched landscape of Sandfjorden, dating about 2 million years back. The white sandy beach reaches further than your eyes can see. Send us email to reserve, as we only do this full day tour with small or private groups and will tailor the schedule to fit group´s needs!
Autumn Northern Lights
In Utsjoki, the northern lights can be seen on almost all clear nights from mid September to early April. In Utsjoki, you might see the Northern Lights even from your hotel window, as there is practically very little or no light pollution around. For guests wanting to increase their odds of seeing the Auroras, it is recommended to book an evening tour with a local guide to take to dark, open spaces outside the village.
Arctic Ocean tours: Nature and culture of North Varanger
Utsjoki is located right by the Norwegian border and only one hour drive from the coast of the Arctic Sea, Varanger Fjord. We have a full day tour to North Varanger available year-round. We will visit historical landscapes by the shore and visit the Sea Sámi museum or the Ruija Kven museum. We will travel in a minibus, but warm jacket is needed for short times outside at sites - wind by the sea is always cold.
Arctic Ocean tours: birds and whales by boat
From mid March to early July, the sea and shores of Varanger Fjord become lively with tens of thousands of arctic birds nesting on the cliffs, and minke whales, orcas, porpoise and fin whales swimming around. You can easily go on a whale watching tour to the Arctic Sea from Utsjoki with us. This tour is available only from late March to early July!
Visit Sámi Museum Siida and Inari village from Utsjoki
The Sámi Museum Siida is a national museum responsible for its special field, Sámi culture, and a regional museum responsible for tasks concerning cultural environments in the Sámi Area. This awarded museum is located in Inari village, only about 1 hour drive from Utsjoki. In Utsjoki, you experience real life in a Sámi village today, but the museum gives more insight about the culture and its history.
Husky farm visit
This shorter husky program is available year round. During snow-free time, we visit the husky farm and can walk with the huskies. You learn about the training of huskies, how it is to compete in husky races and how it is to have tens of dogs that need an active lifestyle.
Personalized and tailored programs
Whether you are travelling alone, with friends or with family, or you have a group with special requests, send us email and we can see if we can tailor a set of programs and transfers for your needs.
Utsjoki is our home and wilderness is our office.
Interested in our tours or private guiding? We’re here to help!
You can always send us email to inquire tours and if you have any questions. We reply within 1-2 business days!