Get inspired by summer in Lapland

Collect tips for summer destinations in Lapland

The Lapland summer offers enchanting experiences for travelers in the light of the midnight sun, when the sun does not set at all and nature bathes in magical light. Hiking in the fells reveals stunning landscapes, silence, and pure nature. In the peaceful atmosphere of summer, you can also enjoy fishing, kayaking, or observing reindeer. Check out tips for different destinations for Lapland's enchanting summer.

Northernmost North

Kilpisjärvi

Kilpisjärvi is reached enchanted by the landscapes or enthusiasts. Dreaming of paddleboarding in Kilpisjärvi, fishing in Tsahkaljärvi or conquering the three-country border marker? These are also things to do in the summer in Kilpisjärvi.

  • Climb the magnificent Saana or Malla fell! At the foot of the great fells, the vast moor-like areas are enjoyable to hike. On the hike, you can refresh yourself in the fresh fell stream!

  • Conquer the three-country border marker! Kilpisjärvi is located in the arm of Finland on the border of Norway and Sweden.

  • Take to the water! On the M/S Malla cruise ship you can reach the Three-Country Border Marker from the ice melting until the end of September.

  • Visit Malla Nature Park, which is a rare home for plants. The trail runs in a beautiful, protected environment where several rare arctic plants grow.

  • Lapland Hotels Kilpisjärvi is located by the Saana fell on the shore of Kilpisjärvi and offers an excellent base for holidaymakers. Take a dip in Kilpisjärvi from the hotel's lakeside sauna dock!

  • Nainen istuu suppilaudalla ja hymyilee. Taustalla kaksi ihmistä suppailee tyynellä järvellä pilvisen taivaan alla.

Hetta

Hetta is the tranquil summer center of Enontekiö, serving as a gateway to the Pallas–Yllästunturi National Park and the legendary Hetta–Pallas hiking trail. The fell landscapes, crystal-clear lakes, and the silence of the wilderness make Hetta a perfect destination for hikers and seekers of natural peace. Surrounding you is the authentic spirit of Northern Lapland — with plenty of space, sky, and time.

  • One end of Finland’s oldest hiking route, the Hetta–Pallas Trail, starts in Hetta. The 50-kilometer hike begins with a boat ride across Lake Ounasjärvi. The recommended duration for the trek is 4 days and 3 nights — take your time and enjoy the breathtaking scenery!

  • Visit the Fell-Lapland Nature Centre, where you can explore the culture of nomadic Sámi and an engaging exhibition, and purchase local handicrafts as souvenirs.

  • A visit to the Jyppyrä scenic viewpoint is a must while in Hetta. Just a short climb away, the viewpoint offers stunning vistas of the national park and the Ounas fells. There is also a campfire spot at the top.

  • The Hetta Church, located in the village center, is a beautiful and peaceful place to visit.

  • During summer, don’t miss the Hetta Local Heritage Museum. Its buildings reflect the local way of life in the early 1900s — although the site has been inhabited for 5,000–7,000 years. Enjoy a coffee or picnic at the museum while taking in the scenic views over Lake Ounasjärvi and the Pallas–Yllästunturi National Park.

  • Ilmakuva Lapland Hotels Hetasta järven rannalla, ruskan värittämien metsien keskellä. Tyyni vesi heijastaa maiseman.

Pallas

Pallas–Yllästunturi National Park offers a network of diverse hiking trails that take you effortlessly from one fell summit to another and to scenic campfire sites. Come and conquer Taivaskero, where the Olympic Flame was lit in 1952 before being carried all the way to Helsinki. Experience the first few kilometers of the journey — no need to run to Helsinki!

  • The Red Sand Beach of Lake Pallas (Punainenhiekka) is a destination that draws visitors from far and wide — and it’s easy to see why. Picture-perfect Punainenhiekka lies within the national park and features a day hut and a campfire site, making it ideal for a peaceful break.

  • Savor local flavors and enjoy a memorable meal at the national park’s finest — and only — restaurant: the historic Restaurant Pallas. In spring 2025, the restaurant was awarded the prestigious Chaîne des Rôtisseurs plaque, a mark of excellence in its category. A culinary experience not to be missed when exploring the Pallas–Olos region!

  • Become the hero of your own Arctic Circle adventure and hike from Pallas to Hetta — or from Hetta to Pallas. The Hetta–Pallas Trail is Finland’s most legendary and one of its most beautiful long-distance hiking routes. Along the way, the scenery shifts from pine forests to the rugged peaks of the fells. Stop for a refreshing swim — or even a snorkel — in Lake Hietajärvi! At both ends of the trail, you’ll find comfortable accommodation with Lapland Hotels, where you can relax in soft sheets and enjoy a delicious meal featuring the best flavors of the North.

  • Lapland Safaris Pallas

Saariselkä

Do you have a bucket list to experience the nightless night in a floating glass igloo, get to know the Sámi culture, or feel the thrill of speed in open fell biking? In that case, you should head to Saariselkä in the summer.

  • Experience the nightless night in a floating glass igloo on the idyllic Iiskonlampi pond.

  • Go cycling towards the top of the fell, where you can see the endless chain of open fells or head your bike on a winding path through the forest and let the good flow take you along. Experience the wonder of open fell biking in Urho Kekkonen National Park on marked trails. Bikes can be rented in Saariselkä from Lapland Safaris.

  • See the midnight sun from the top of Kaunispää Fell. Urho Kekkonen National Park offers stunning views that can be reached on foot or by car.

  • Inari is the center of Finnish Sámi culture. In Inari, it is worth visiting especially the Sámi Museum Siida and the Sámi Cultural Centre Sajos.

  • Swim, paddle, row, or SUP on the Ivalojoki River or Lake Inari.

  • Kolme ihmistä ajaa polkupyörillä kapealla, kivikkoisella polulla vehreiden kukkuloiden keskellä Saariselällä. Kauempana siintää tunturi ja taivas on kirkas.
  • Nainen istuu kivikkoisella maalla koiransa kanssa, ympärillä vihreitä pensaita ja tuntureita Saariselällä pilvisen taivaan alla.

The great and popular

Ylläs

Would You Choose a Horseback Trek through the Stunning Scenery of Ylläs, a Day of Disc Golf on Either Side of the Ylläs Fell, or an Adventure by Bike or on Foot Along the Widest Trail Network in Lapland?

No matter your choice, the fell landscapes in the Ylläs area are breathtaking, and the region is ideal for lovers of outdoor and sports activities.

  • With over 330 km of marked summer trails, Ylläs boasts one of the largest and most diverse trail networks in Lapland – and in all of Finland. There are also accessible routes for visitors with mobility needs. The trails are well-marked, and the area is dotted with rest stops, lean-tos, and campfire sites perfect for summer adventurers.

  • Take the whole family on a scenic hike to the stunning fell gorges of Ylläs. Varkaankuru in Äkäslompolo and the Tuomikuru loop on the Ylläsjärvi side are among the area’s most popular destinations – and for good reason.

  • Hop aboard the gondola lift or rent an electric fatbike and conquer Ylläs, 718 meters high! You can descend on foot, by mountain bike along exciting downhill trails, or comfortably by gondola.

  • There’s water on both sides of the fell – perfect for paddleboarding, canoeing, or just taking a swim! Equipment is easy to rent locally.

  • Disc golf courses are available on both sides of Ylläs and are well-suited for both beginners and experienced players.

  • Experience Ylläs’ spectacular nature on horseback. In Äkäslompolo, you can choose a horseback trekking tour or a shorter ride to explore the beauty of the area.

  • Stay in our hotels on either side of Ylläs Fell, and don’t forget to collect stamps in your Lapventure Pass!

  • lmakuva rauhallisesta järvestä, jota reunustavat vehreät metsät ja kukkulat Ylläkseltä. Veden pinnalla pieni vene, taivas osittain pilvinen.
  • Lapland Hotels Ylläskaltio outdoors siberian jay

Levi

In summer, Levi offers a wide range of activities. Would you like to take the gondola lift to the top of Levi, play a round on what might be the best golf course in the North, or ride around the fell on a traditional or electric fatbike? At Levi, you can do it all!

  • Take the gondola: Hop on the gondola next to the famous Levi Black World Cup slope and reach the summit. You can walk down the trail or enjoy the ride back in the gondola.

  • Golf and more: In addition to the Levi Golf course, you'll find an 18-hole disc golf course and an 18-hole mini-golf course. You might encounter reindeer, a ball-stealing fox, or even a great gray owl with its chicks on the course.

  • Family fun: At the base of the gondola, there’s an adventure park suitable for the whole family, where excitement and safe experiences await.

  • Hike in silence: Climb the fell to experience tranquility! Take a day trip to the Kätkä Fell lean-to and enjoy nature in peace. Levi offers plenty of sights and beautiful hiking trails.

  • Lapland Hotels Sirkantähti is located right in the center of Levi, within walking distance of services and summer activities. The hotel rooms and apartments offer privacy, and many of them have their own sauna. Sirkantähti is the perfect base for both active vacationers and those seeking relaxation!

Taiga and culture

Rovaniemi

The summer in the capital of Lapland offers culture, taste experiences, and opportunities for various activities. Whether you are looking for the best culinary experience in Lapland or a viewpoint near the city center, Rovaniemi delivers!

  • Among the top cultural attractions in Rovaniemi are the science center and museum Arktikum, cultural house Korundi and science center Pilke.

  • Summer restaurant Sauna is the most delicious summer restaurant and sauna by the Kemijoki river in Rovaniemi. Public sauna, authentic charcoal grill, and a beautiful terrace ensure an authentic Finnish summer.

  • Popular Smokehouse Restaurant Kotisaari offers smoky BBQ delicacies on Kotisaari island in Rovaniemi. The restaurant honors the island's history as a lumberjack base, and you can only reach the island by boating along the scenic Kemijoki river. This is a must-try!

  • Santa Claus Office is Santa Claus's official meeting place at the Arctic Circle in Santa Claus Village. Santa Claus is present in his chamber every day of the year, without an entrance fee!

  • Located at the top of Ounasvaara hill, Sky Kitchen & View has been repeatedly selected as the best restaurant in Lapland. The panoramic restaurant at the top of Ounasvaara hill offers unforgettable taste experiences.

Luosto

Climb to the top of the fell on a nightless summer night and experience the magnificent open Luosto summer around you. Do you crave the happiness of an amethyst, a selfie from the top of Ukko-Luosto, or a midnight sun swim in Aarnilampi at the foot of the fell? Then it's worth traveling to Luosto in the summer.

  • Find your own happiness amethyst: Luosto's Amethyst Mine at the top of the fell is one of the world's only gem mines that visitors can tour. Visitors also get to dig their own happiness amethyst!

  • Conquering Ukko-Luosto and taking a selfie at the top of the fell is worth experiencing! Along the route, you'll find Ukko-Luosto's stairs and scenic hut. Did you know that Ukko-Luosto is the highest point of the Luosto Fells?

  • Cycle on an electrically assisted fatbike on the beautiful routes of Pyhä-Luosto National Park. The national park area and hiking trails serve a variety of cycling, hiking, and trekking enthusiasts.

  • Summer is a time of growth for reindeer - there is plenty of food, and the cute calves born in spring and early summer are getting used to reindeer life. Get to know the lives of reindeer at Jaakkola Reindeer Farm or Kopara Reindeer Park..

  • The legendary Sodankylä Film Festival held during the nightless night is a legendary festival in Sodankylä near Luosto. Luosto Fell offers accommodation for festival-goers, and the hotel provides convenient bus transportation to the festival area.

  • Luosto Beach is located at Aarnilampi, a couple of kilometers from the center of Luosto towards Pyhä. There are changing rooms on the beach for changing clothes. Experience midnight sun swimming at Aarnilampi Beach at the foot of the fell!

  • The multi-functional pool of Luosto Spa at Lapland Hotels Luosto Fell pampers with waves and different massage points, and the amethyst cave's jacuzzi brings tropical warmth to the fell. Relaxing in the warmth of Luosto Spa after a day outdoors is the best way to spend a fell vacation!

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Stay in our hotels from North to South in the summer and get the 6th night free with the Lapventure pass!