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Although Enontekiö is high in the Arctic, its lakes are not frozen year-round. Many people come North to explore these wild, pristine waters between c. mid-June and mid-September. About 5% of the municipality is water — several large rivers originate here, alongside 825 small and large lakes — and even the name 'Enontekiö' is linked to water: 'Eno' is an old Finnish word for 'major river'.
- 825 lakes and major rivers to explore
- Best paddling from late May to end of September
- Guided or self-guided (facilitated) river journeys
- Optional kit-hire damage waiver for peace of mind
Rivers & lakes
Key rivers include the Muonionjoki, the Ounasjoki, the Ivalojoki and one of the headstreams of the Tenojoki. Late May and June, after the snow-melt, is arguably one of the best times of year for kayaking, but paddling is possible until the end of September, when the banks of your river may already be white in the early mornings from the early winter frosts.
Canoe or kayak
Most journeys can be done by either canoe or kayak, depending on availability. Canoeing (or 'open-boating') is an elegant way to explore the water and enjoy the wildlife and scenery, and makes many journeys more family-friendly, since stronger members of the group can more easily support weaker ones.
River rentals & transfers
We offer short paddling adventures in Hetta, midnight-sun paddling, paddling skills courses, river transfers (facilitated but non-guided journeys) and 1- and 2-day guided journeys. Both facilitated and guided journeys are possible on many of the rivers, and we can tailor-make pick-ups to suit your needs.
Midnight Sun PaddleAn evening river-to-lake paddle timed to the sunset, out on the tranquil waters of Lake Ounasjärvi in the midnight sun — with a chance of aurora reflections in autumn.
Overnight River JourneysGuided and facilitated 1-, 2- and multi-day paddling journeys down the wilderness rivers around Enontekiö — from the 22km Ounasjoki daytrip to the 115km wild Lätäseno.
Short PaddlesHalf-day guided or facilitated paddles close to Hetta — from the meandering Suonttajoki river to open-water crossings of Lake Ounasjärvi, plus downtown kayak and SUP hire.
Skills ClinicsTechnique clinics and 2-day 'Discover' courses in canoeing and kayaking — from a 3-hour refresher to foundation skills with a basic paddling certificate.