Kittilä Travel Guide

Read our comprehensive travel guide for Kittilä, Finland. Learn about sights to see, things to do, where to stay, and more. Plan your trip now!


Introduction to Kittilä

Located in Finnish Lapland, Kittilä is known for its stunning natural beauty, reindeer and husky rides, northern lights, and other winter activities. In the summer, it transforms into a hiking paradise with countless trails that will take you through breathtaking scenery. Kittilä is also a hub for Sami culture and Finnish Lapland traditions.

List of Places to Visit in Kittilä

If you are planning a trip to Kittilä, don’t miss these must-see attractions:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Samiland Exhibition: Learn about Sami culture, history, and traditions at one of the largest indoor exhibitions on the topic.
  • Kiiruna Museum: Discover the history and culture of Lapland, including the life of legendary Sami people.
  • Taïga Spirit: Visit this fascinating 19th-century open-air museum and see first-hand how Sami people used to live.

Natural Attractions of Kittilä: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Levi Ski Resort: One of the most popular ski resorts in Finland featuring 43 slopes and 27 lifts.
  • Pallas-Yllästunturi National Park: Enjoy hiking and scenic views amid an endless natural backdrop of forests, fells, and lakes.
  • Ounasjoki River: Go for a fishing or canoeing trip and enjoy the tranquility of the river.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Kittilä

Kittilä is a mecca for hiking and biking enthusiasts, and some of the best trails include:

  • Jakobsteinsaaren Lenkki Trail: This scenic trail takes you through beautiful forests with breathtaking views of Lake Kittiläjärvi.
  • Pätkänloma Trail: This 26 km trail is ranked as one of the most challenging hiking trails in Finland, offering a great workout and incredible views along the way.
  • Levi to Kätkävaara Hiking Trail: This 24 km trail offers an unforgettable hiking experience as it takes you through varied landscapes, including forests, hills, swamps, and fells.

Best Things to Do in Kittilä: Activities and Tours

  • Reindeer Farm Visit: Interact with the friendly and charming animals while learning about the life of the Sami people.
  • Husky Safari: Enjoy a thrilling dog-sled ride through pristine Finnish Lapland wilderness.
  • Aurorahut Northern Lights Tour: Experience the magical Northern Lights in the patented AuroraHut, with panoramic views of the sky and surrounding wilderness.

Week-Long Itinerary for Kittilä

Day 1: Arrival and leisure time. Day 2: Visit Samiland Exhibition and then take a husky safari ride. Day 3: Go snowmobiling and experience the serene frozen landscapes followed by a Northern Lights tour. Day 4: Visit the Kiiruna Museum and explore the Taïga Spirit open-air museum. Day 5: Take a reindeer farm visit & then hike in the Pallas-Yllästunturi National Park. Day 6: Levi Ski Resort for skiing and snowboarding. Day 7: Departure.

Food and Drink Scene of Kittilä

No trip to Kittilä is complete without trying some of the local delicacies:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Poronkäristys: A traditional Finnish dish of reindeer meat served with mashed potatoes and lingonberry jam.
  • Karjalanpaisti: A slow-cooked stew made with beef or pork, seasonal vegetables, and spices.
  • Kalakukko: A fish-filled bread served as a satisfying snack or a full meal.

Local Beverages

  • Sisu: This strong Finnish liquor is made from juniper berries and is popular for its energizing properties.
  • Glögi: A mulled wine served warm as a seasonal beverage during wintertime.

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

Kittilä has an abundance of accommodation options to suit any budget, including:

  • Hotel Levi Panorama: This modern hotel offers premium suites and apartments, an extensive breakfast buffet, and ski storage facilities.
  • Kittilän Lomamökit: A cluster of cozy, fully-equipped cottages for rent, perfect for groups or family vacations.
  • Lapland Hotel Sirkantähti: This family-friendly hotel lies near a ski resort and offers comfortable rooms, an in-house restaurant, and a lounge area.

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

Looking for a special something to bring back from Kittilä? Consider these unique gifts:

  • Handmade Sami jewelry and pottery.
  • Finnish winter clothing, including waterproof jackets, warm hats and gloves, and comfy boots.
  • Local food and drink products, such as reindeer jerky, cloudberry jam, and Sisu liquor.

Local Culture and Customs of Kittilä

Sami culture plays a significant role in the daily life of Kittilä. Visitors can expect to encounter traditional practices such as reindeer herding, dog-sled riding, and Sami crafts. Finnish Lapland culture is also rich in music, dance, and storytelling, making it a worthwhile experience for everyone.

Best Time to Visit Kittilä

Kittilä is an all-year-round destination that can offer different experiences based on the season. Winter is ideal for skiing, snowmobiling, and Northern Lights sightings, while summer is perfect for hiking and nature exploration. September and October, when the landscape is painted in autumn colors, are also magical.

Do’s and Don’ts of Kittilä

Do:

  • Respect Sami culture and traditions.
  • Dress appropriately for the weather.
  • Participate in outdoor activities, such as skiing, snowmobiling, and hiking to enjoy the stunning natural beauty of the region.

Don’t:

  • Interfere with reindeer herds or other wildlife.
  • Ignore safety guidelines while enjoying outdoor activities.

Safety and Health

Safety in Kittilä

Kittilä is generally a safe destination, but visitors should keep an eye on their belongings, especially in crowds and public places. Outdoor activities require careful attention to safety measures to avoid accidents.

Health in Kittilä

Finland has a well-developed healthcare system, and Kittilä has excellent medical facilities, including a local hospital and health center. Visitors must have travel insurance, including medical coverage, before traveling to Kittilä.

Getting to Kittilä: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Kittilä

The Kittilä Airport (KTT) is the main airport in Kittilä and accommodates direct flights from Helsinki and other major cities in Finland.

Bus Stations Near Kittilä

The bus is a popular mode of transportation to travel to Kittilä. The bus service across Finnish Lapland is comfortable and reliable, and several operators serve Kittilä.

Other Options

Renting a car is a good option to explore the surroundings at your own pace and with maximum flexibility.

How to Get Around in Kittilä

The best way to get around Kittilä is by car, but renting a bike or taking a taxi are also convenient alternatives. Local buses operate from Kittilä to other municipalities and villages in the Lapland region.

Where to Go Next from Kittilä: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Finland has several beautiful destinations that you can visit after Kittilä, such as Rovaniemi, Inari, and Saariselkä. These places are easily accessible by bus or car, and they offer a different experience of Finnish Lapland with outstanding nature and winter activities.

Conclusion

Kittilä is an awe-inspiring destination that offers year-round outdoor activities, rich cultural experiences, and delicious local cuisine. From the northern lights to the stunning national parks, Kittilä has something for everyone. Start planning your trip to this unique destination today!

The village Kaukonen in autumn, seen over the river Ounasjoki The village Kaukonen in autumn, seen over the river Ounasjoki Särestöniemi Museum Särestöniemi Museum Lake Jerisjärvi. Lake Jerisjärvi. Kittilä centre Kittilä centre