Enontekiö Travel Guide

Enontekiö Travel Guide - A Comprehensive Tour Guide for Enontekiö, Finland. Discover everything you need to know about Enontekiö, including places to visit, best activities and tours, where to stay, and more.


Enontekiö Travel Guide - A Comprehensive Tour Guide for Enontekiö, Finland

Enontekiö is a municipality of Lapland, located in northern Finland, bordering Norway and Sweden. The region is home to magnificent landscapes and a rich cultural heritage, which makes it a popular destination for adventure-seeking travelers. This comprehensive travel guide will help you plan your trip, including everything you need to know about Enontekiö, including places to visit, best activities and tours, where to stay, and more.

Introduction to Enontekiö

Enontekiö is a stunning landscape of mountains, forests, and tundra. It is situated in the westernmost part of Lapland and is known for its mesmerizing aurora borealis, breathtaking views, and its vast array of adventure activities. This northerly Lapland region is perfect for making lifelong memories and for those in search of a pure, tranquil environment.

List of Places to Visit in Enontekiö

From culturally-rich historic landmarks to breathtaking outdoor adventures, Enontekiö offers a range of attractions and places to visit. Here are some of our top picks:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  1. Saana Fell - Saana Fell is one of the most iconic peaks of Finland. The mountain is a popular destination for hiking, and a visit offers panoramic views of the surrounding area.

  2. Hetta-Pallas Trail - The Hetta-Pallas Trail is a classic hiking trail that takes visitors on an adventure through varied terrain and offers some of the best trekking experiences in the scenery of Lapland.

  3. The Sami Museum and Nature Center - The Sami Museum and Nature Center offers a glimpse into the region’s rich Sami culture and unique ecosystem.

Natural Attractions of Enontekiö: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  1. Lake Ounasjärvi - The stunning Lake Ounasjärvi is a popular destination for kayaking, fishing, and hiking.

  2. Lemmenjoki National Park - The Lemmenjoki National Park boasts the last wild river in Europe, often referred to as the “Golden River.”

  3. Pallas-Yllästunturi National Park - The Pallas-Yllästunturi National Park is located near the Norwegian border and is popular for its superb hiking trails and winter sports.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Enontekiö

Enontekiö is a land of spectacular scenery, rugged terrain, and limitless opportunities for outdoor adventure. Here are our top picks for hiking/biking routes of Enontekiö:

  1. Hetta-Pallas Trail - The Hetta-Pallas Trail is a classic hiking trail that takes visitors on an adventure through varied terrain and offers some of the best trekking experiences in the scenery of Lapland.

  2. Kalottireitti - Kalottireitti is a 800 km marked hiking and biking trail that runs from the Skibotn in Norway to Kautokeino in Norway, and runs through Finland’s Enontekiö.

  3. Keinovuopio Trail - The Keinovuopio Trail is a 4 km long trail in the stunning natural surroundings of southern Enontekiö.

Best Things to Do in Enontekiö: Activities and Tours

Enontekiö is a wonderland for those who love outdoor adventure, but it also offers a range of other activities to enjoy. Here are some of our top picks for the best things to do in Enontekiö:

  1. Explore the Reindeer Parks - Experience the magical northern Lapland and get to see reindeers grazing around.

  2. Snowmobile Safaris - Snowmobile safaris provide an opportunity to experience the rugged beauty of the area while gliding effortlessly on top of the snow.

  3. Aurora Hunting - Enontekiö’s location in northern Finland means it is an ideal location to see the aurora borealis.

Week-Long Itinerary for Enontekiö

A week-long itinerary for Enontekiö could be as follows:

  • Day 1: Arrive at Enontekiö Airport, check-in to your hotel and explore the area around the airport.
  • Day 2: Explore the Sami culture and hike to Saana Fell.
  • Day 3: Visit the Lemmenjoki National Park for a day hike.
  • Day 4: Take a snowmobile safari and explore the region’s rugged beauty.
  • Day 5: Enjoy a fishing trip on Lake Ounasjärvi, followed by a picnic lunch.
  • Day 6: Try your hand at downhill skiing or another winter sport in the Pallas-Yllästunturi National Park.
  • Day 7: Depart from Enontekiö Airport.

Food and Drink Scene of Enontekiö

When traveling through Enontekiö, you’ll find a variety of dishes that give you a taste of local life. Here are some must-try dishes and local beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

  1. Reindeer Meat - Reindeer meat is a wild game that is popular in the region. Local restaurants serve it in a variety of ways, typically with potatoes and lingonberries.

  2. Kalakukko - A traditional Finnish dish consisting of rye bread filled with fish, potato, bacon and onion.

Local Beverages

  1. Urpiner Beer - The region’s own beer is known for its brewing traditions that go back 400 years.

  2. Cloudberry Juice - Cloudberry juice is a signature Finnish beverage and is ideal for refreshing you after a long day of adventure.

Where to Stay in Enontekiö: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Enontekiö offers plenty of accommodation options, ranging from hotels to guesthouses. Here are our top picks:

  1. The Hetta Huskies Island Cabin - The Island Cabin is located on a private island in the middle of the Enontekiö forests and offers a truly unique experience, complete with sauna, hot tub, and incredible stargazing opportunities.

  2. Hotel Hetan Majatalo - A family-owned and operated hotel that is located in the center of Enontekiö and has cozy rooms and a traditional Finnish menu.

What to Buy in Enontekiö: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Here are some of the best souvenirs and local products to bring back home from Enontekiö:

  1. Handicrafts - You’ll find a range of handmade crafts and souvenirs that reflect the region’s culture, including handcrafted woolly hats and traditional Sami handicrafts.

  2. Reindeer meat - Reindeer meat is a popular food item in the region. You can purchase it from the local stores and take it back home with you.

Local Culture and Customs of Enontekiö

Enontekiö is a Finnish Lapland area, and many visitors may find that some customs and traditions are different from those in other parts of the world. Here are some customary norms of the locals:

The Sami people are the indigenous people of the Enontekiö region, and visitors should be respectful of their culture and customs.

Best Time to Visit Enontekiö

The best time to visit Enontekiö is from December to April when it’s snowy winter scenery and aurora borealis come alive. The vast array of an outdoor adventure season starts from May until October.

Do’s and Don’ts of Enontekiö

Do:

  1. Respect the Sami culture and traditions of the region.

  2. Be prepared for inclement weather.

Don’t:

  1. Wash clothes in peaceful rivers or lakes.

  2. Disturb the wildlife.

Safety and Health

Safety in Enontekiö

Enontekiö is a safe destination, and visitors should follow normal travel safety precautions.

Health in Enontekiö

There are no specific health concerns or risks associated with travel to Enontekiö. Visitors should bring prescription medicines with them, as medical facilities may be limited in the area.

Getting to Enontekiö: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Enontekiö

Enontekiö Airport is located in the heart of Lapland and provides flights to Helsinki and several other locations within Finland. The airport is only a few kilometers from the municipality center of Hetta.

Bus Stations Near Enontekiö

There are regular bus services from Hetta to other Lapland regions and southern destinations in Finland.

Other Options

Car rental is a great option for those who want to explore the area at their leisure.

How to Get Around in Enontekiö

Walking, biking, and skiing around are popular ways to explore Enontekiö. Taxis are also available in the area.

Where to Go Next from Enontekiö: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

There are several nearby regions and destinations that visitors can explore after their visit to Enontekiö. These include:

  1. Levi - A popular winter destination in Lapland, Levi offers a range of skiing and snowboarding activities.

  2. Rovaniemi - The official home of Santa Claus is located in Rovaniemi, and the town offers a range of winter activities and cultural experiences.

Conclusion

Enontekiö is an incredible destination for adventure-seekers and those looking to experience the magic of Lapland. From its rich cultural heritage and stunning natural landscapes to its thrilling outdoor experiences and unique cuisine, Enontekiö has something for everyone. Plan a trip to Enontekiö and experience your very own Lapland adventure!

Enontekiö on the map of Finland Enontekiö on the map of Finland Landscape near Kilpisjärvi, early September. Landscape near Kilpisjärvi, early September. National road 21 in winter, near Kilpisjärvi. National road 21 in winter, near Kilpisjärvi. Wilderness areas, national parks and nature reserves in Enontekiö Wilderness areas, national parks and nature reserves in Enontekiö A palsa type swamp in Enontekiö A palsa type swamp in Enontekiö


    Hetta
    Kilpisjärvi
    Käsivarsi Wilderness Area