Pyhä Travel Guide

Discover the culturally rich and naturally stunning Pyhä in Northern Finland with this comprehensive travel guide featuring the best places to visit, things to do, where to stay, how to get around, and more.


Introduction to Pyhä

Tucked away in the northern part of Finland, Pyhä is a small village in the Lapland region. It is known for its magnificent landscapes, culturally significant landmarks, and outdoor adventures. With its untouched natural beauty and tradition of ancient shamanism, Pyhä is the perfect destination for travelers who seek a unique and unforgettable winter holiday experience.

List of Places to Visit in Pyhä

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Pyhä can enrich your knowledge of Finland’s history and culture. Among its culturally significant attractions are the Pirunkirkko, a unique rock formation known as the Devil’s Church, and the Keimiöniemi cottages, which offer insight into Lapland’s indigenous Sami culture. The Pyhä-Luosto National Park Museum, on the other hand, gives visitors a glimpse of the area’s ecological and cultural heritage.

Natural Attractions of Pyhä: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Pyhä is the perfect getaway for nature enthusiasts who want to connect with their surroundings. The Pyhä-Luosto National Park features a wide array of scenic trails for hiking, skiing, and snowshoeing, with the highest peak just under 500 meters high. The Kultakero Gold Hill, aptly named due to the breathtaking views of the sunset, is also worth a visit. For those looking for a unique experience, the Syväjärvi Ice Cave is the perfect spot for ice fishing, while visiting the Ice Church is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Pyhä

Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or a leisurely walker, Pyhä has plenty of hiking and biking trails suitable for everyone. The most popular trekking routes are Pyhä-Nattanen and the Luosto nature hike. Cyclists will enjoy the challenging but rewarding Luostonlava biking trail.

Best Things to Do in Pyhä: Activities and Tours

Visitors can indulge in a variety of activities in Pyhä, including dog-sledding, snowmobile safaris, reindeer rides, aurora photography tours, and ice climbing. For a unique and spiritual experience, visitors can experience shamanic services to connect with the mystical powers of Lapland.

Week-Long Itinerary for Pyhä

If you have seven days to spend in Pyhä, this itinerary will make the most of your trip:

Day Itinerary
Day 1 Arrival and unwinding
Day 2 Snowshoeing in Pyhä-Luosto National Park and skiing
Day 3 A visit to the Ice Church and ice fishing at Syväjärvi Ice Cave
Day 4 Reindeer rides and dog-sledding
Day 5 Hiking through Pirunkirkko and Devil’s Church
Day 6 Aurora photography tour
Day 7 Departure

Food and Drink Scene of Pyhä

Must-Try Dishes

Pyhä offers traditional Finnish dishes with a unique northern twist. Some delicacies worth trying include Poronkäristys, a reindeer meat dish, and Karjalanpaisti, which is a slow-cooked beef hotpot. Additionally, the town boasts exceptional local cheeses, such as the Lapland Blue Cheese and Juustoleipa, a brown cheese.

Local Beverages

To warm up in the chilly Lapland weather, visitors can take a sip of the Finnish specialty drink Glögi, which is a spiced and mulled wine. There is also Lapin Kulta beer, a popular Finnish beer brand, and lakka, a liquor made from the arctic raspberry that only grows in Lapland’s tundra.

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

Pyhä offers a range of accommodations, from luxury hotels to cozy guesthouses. Some of the best places to stay in Pyhä include Ski-Inn Pyhätunturi Apartments, Pyhän Asteli Log Cottages, Pyhän Kortepuolukka Apartments, and the Pyhä Igloos. For budget-friendly options, there are hostels and campsites in nearby Pyhäjärvi.

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

Visitors can bring home a piece of Pyhä with a variety of unique and traditional souvenirs. The most popular items are Sami handicrafts and artifacts, such as silver and bone jewelry, wooden kitchen utensils, leather bags, and traditional clothing. Tourists can also take home Lapland reindeer meat, local cheeses, and beers as edible souvenirs.

Local Culture and Customs of Pyhä

Pyhä’s culture stems from ancient beliefs and traditions of the Sami people. Guests can learn about the history and culture of the town through several museums and cultural centers. Visitors may also encounter reindeer roaming around the city, an essential aspect of Lapland’s cultural heritage.

Best Time to Visit Pyhä

The best time to visit Pyhä is from November to March when there’s plenty of snow, and visitors indulge in winter sports and activities. The town has a unique charm during Christmas, with an authentic Finnish Christmas market in the heart of the village.

Do’s and Don’ts of Pyhä

Do:

  • Respect the Sami culture and traditions.
  • Keep the environment clean by taking all trash with you.
  • Try local cuisine and explore nearby restaurants and cafes.

Don’t:

  • Disturb the natural habitat of Pyhä-Luosto National Park and other outdoor attractions.
  • Pick berries or mushrooms without permission.
  • Disregard safety guidelines for winter sports and activities.

Safety and Health

Safety in Pyhä

Pyhä is generally safe. Emergency services are available in case of unforeseen circumstances. Travelers are advised to follow the safety guidelines and stay updated on weather conditions.

Health in Pyhä

Pyhä has a well-equipped medical facility with professional doctors and healthcare staff. Additionally, travelers are advised to purchase comprehensive travel insurance before their trip.

Getting to Pyhä: Transportation Options and Logistics

Pyhä is located approximately 840 km north of Helsinki, Finland. Below are some transportation options to reach Pyhä:

Airports Near Pyhä

The closest airport to Pyhä is Rovaniemi Airport, which is located approximately 120 km south of the town. Additionally, there’s the Kittilä Airport, which is approximately 130 km northwest of Pyhä.

Bus Stations Near Pyhä

The regional bus services are accessible through the Pyhä Express bus. There are regular bus lines connecting Pyhä to Rovaniemi, Sodankylä, Kemijärvi, and Helsinki.

Other Options

Visitors can also choose to drive their cars or rent a car from the airport or nearby cities to Pyhä. Taxis are also available at the airport and bus stations.

How to Get Around in Pyhä

Traveling around Pyhä and nearby attractions is convenient. Visitors can rent bicycles, snowmobiles, and cars. There are also buses and taxi services readily available.

Where to Go Next from Pyhä: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

After exploring Pyhä, tourists can choose to explore the nearby northern destinations, such as Luosto and Rovaniemi. These towns offer thrilling winter sports and activities, historical landmarks, and cultural experiences.

Conclusion

Pyhä is a gem of Lapland, enchanting visitors with its natural beauty, cultural legacy, and outdoor adventures. Whether you’re seeking an outdoor adventure or a tranquil countryside retreat, Pyhä’s charm will captivate you. The town’s breathtaking natural landscapes and unique cultural heritage will make for an unforgettable winter holiday experience.

On Kultakero of Pyhätunturi, September On Kultakero of Pyhätunturi, September Road 962 towards Pyhätunturi Road 962 towards Pyhätunturi View from Noitatunturi View from Noitatunturi Chairlift and the noon sun in December Chairlift and the noon sun in December Restaurant on Kultakero Restaurant on Kultakero