Is Utsjoki in Lapland North a good Summer and Autumn holiday destination?

What is there to see and do in Utsjoki Lapland in summer and autumn?

The nature in Utsjoki region is absolutely stunning. The large wilderness areas and river valleys between the highland areas are very similar to Scottish highlands, except instead of sheep and cows, we have reindeer roaming around. Most popular activity in Lapland in summer is definitely hiking on the fells, but also MTB, canoeing and fishing are popular activities in our region.

Everybody knows northern lights, but the midnight sun is also a spectacular show of light. As the sun sets down in the horizon, but not below it, it makes a magical atmosphere and extremely beautiful shade of light (perfect for photography, for example). This is difficult to explain, you have to witness it your-self! In Utsjoki, we have almost two months of midnight sun, from late May to late July.

The most special thing we have nowadays in Lapland in summer, is a nice summer climate. Our temperatures here in Utsjoki are normally around + 20 Celsius degrees, but sometimes gets up to +25 or a bit lower to +10. This is a very comfortable temperature for outdoor sports – not too hot and not too cold. As we also have the cleanest air in the world, outdoor activities, natural relaxing and pristine nature is what people come here to enjoy.

In August and September, as nature starts to prepare for winter, the landscape changes into autumn colors (”ruska”), which is the most popular hiking season in Finland. Most Finns prefer to have a short holiday in mid September or late August, just to be able to spend a week enjoying the beauty of northern nature. However, there is no worry of too crowded places, as in the vast wilderness areas there is enough space for everyone! For example in Paistunturi wilderness area, we rarely meet anyone else during our guided hikes to unmarked trails on the fells.

Why is it a good idea to travel to Lapland in summer?

Summer and autumn are not as popular travel seasons for international tourism as winter is, so the hotel/cabin prices are usually much cheaper than during the high season in winter. This makes traveling to Lapland in summer more affordable than in winter.

Also guided tours are not as crowded as in winter season. Your experience is much more personal, when the group size is smaller or even a private tour for your family/group. Most tour operators working in summer are locals, so your experience is more unique and authentic, and you get better connection with local community. In winter, there is lots of foreign travel companies and foreign guides working only for the high season, so on a winter holiday in Lapland, you might not even meet any locals during your stay (depending where you are staying and where you book your activities, of course). Local companies offer tours usually year-round, not only for winter.

Another reason to travel to Lapland between June and October, is the comfortable temperatures. For many travelers, the winter conditions might be a bit terrifying because of possibility for extreme cold, but in summer, our air is fresh and comfortable. You can also enjoy Autumn northern lights from mid September onwards, without fear of very cold temperatures.

How to get to Northernmost Lapland in summer and autumn?

There is 1-2 daily flight connections between Ivalo and Helsinki airports (Finland), and if you check the Norwegian connections to Vadso or Kikenes (from Oslo, for example), you might find more affordable and good flight connections! Ivalo, Vadso and Kirkenes airports are all within two hour drive from Utsjoki. You can rent a car from the airport or reserve a transfer service from us from the airport to Utsjoki.

How do I get around in summer and autumn in Lapland?

Driving with a rental car is also much easier in summer and autumn, as days are light and long, and the roads are free from ice and snow. Traveling around as a summer road trip is very popular in Northernmost Lapland and Arctic Norway, but you can also choose to travel with public bus connections between different villages. There is a daily bus from Rovaniemi to Utsjoki, and on the Norwegian side, there are bus connections with Snelandia buses from Roavvegieddi (Tana), which is only about 500 meters walk from Utsjoki village, to Lakselv or towards Tana Bru (Tana fjord) and Varangerbotn (Varanger fjord).

How can we help with your summer/autumn travel plans to Utsjoki, northernmost Finnish Lapland?

If you wish to plan a summer or autumn holiday in Utsjoki, Lapland, we are happy to help and advice with travel plans! Easiest way is to reach us with email. You can also glance through what activities we have to offer and book online, or send request if you have wish for tailored tours or other availability than what you find on booking calendar.

Since the start of our travel company, we have offered different kinds of guided hikes to the fells, taxi service, guided fishing trips to Utsjoki river, Arctic Norway tours and local history and culture tours. For a few years already, we have offered summer husky farm visits and husky walks (in later Autumn, also cart sledding with huskies is possible, when temperature is less than +10 C). You can also rent a lake-side sauna via us.

We have just had an investment project for snow-free season services during 2025-2026, to be able to offer a wider selection of summer and autumn activities. For this project, we have received financial support from the European Union, via a local organization called Pohjoisimman Lapin Leader. The financial support is granted to enhance businesses in rural and remote areas outside tourism centers, like Utsjoki. With this project and support, our company can now serve more travelers in our beautiful region! With the 40 % investment support, we have been able to offer more paddling activities and fishing programs, and increase the quality and versatility of wilderness tours and water activities.

What activities Travel Utsjoki offers for snow-free season?

Water activities

-           canoeing

-           SUP-boarding

-           open water swimming

Fishing tours

-           Teno river fly fishing

-           Utsjoki river fly/spinner fishing

-           Wilderness lakes day trips or overnight trips

-           Norwegian coast fishing trips

-           King Crab fishing

Guided hikes

-           2-3 hours easy hikes

-           Half-day hikes

-           Full-day or multiday guided trips to the wilderness areas

Cultural tours

-           local history and culture in Utsjoki

-           Visit Sámi Museum Siida in Inari

-           Välimaa sheep farm visit

Transfer services

-           Taxi

-           Pre-ordered transfer services

Other services

-           Tailored activities

-           Tailored package holidays

-           Husky farm visits and husky walks

-           Autumn Northern lights tours (from September 15th onwards)

-           Local guide service (for travel agencies, groups etc.)

-           Photography (nature and events)

How to book activities or package holiday from Travel Utsjoki?

Most of our activities you can find and book online HERE, but if you have any questions or would like us to tailor and combine a set of activities for you, we recommend to send us email. We are happy to advice about our region and services, and usually it is easiest to arrange a video call to find the suitable activities for your holiday. You can also book accommodation from our co-operators via us and we also help to arrange transfer services and meal services!

We warmly welcome you to Utsjoki! Bures boahtin Ohcejohkii!