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The arctic is already well known for its winter activities, so here we highlight the region's summer potential, which is little known but almost limitless. Separate pages explain the difference between national parks and wilderness areas and outline the huge number of open and bookable huts you can stay in. We also cover paddling, hiking and biking separately, since in some areas the hiking and biking routes share the same trails while others have fairly strict mode-of-transport restrictions.
- Summer activities possible mid-June to end of September
- Mountains blossom through July and August
- Ruska (autumn colour) peaks in the first three weeks of September
- Mosquito-heavy roughly 20th June – 20th August (stay high)
Season and the ruska
The mountains blossom throughout July and August, and summer activities are possible from mid-June to the end of September (though between c. 20th June and 20th August you want to be on a fairly high trek because of the mosquitos). In autumn, particularly the first three weeks of September, the landscape turns vibrant with colour. This ruska period draws most of the Finnish 'summer' tourists – almost as many as visit in spring for the long warm days of skiing.
Karesuvanto
Between Kilpis and Hetta lies Karesuvanto, a destination for wilderness enthusiasts. Many visitors use it mainly as a base for fuel, coffee or lunch before leaving by boat or water plane for the Lätäseno river. The village hosts a Fly Fishing Contest in early August and 'ruska' markets in autumn, and the Arctic Canoe Race passes by.
Around HettaTrails and orienteering around Hetta village, including the Jyppyrä Nature Reserve with its ancient seita rock, prehistoric reindeer hunting pits and a network of well-marked nature trails.
Everyman's RightsWhat Finland's 'Everyman's Rights' allow in the wilderness, including the rules for lighting campfires in Lapland.
Hetta-PallasThe famous 55km Hetta-Pallas trail through Pallas- Yllästunturi National Park – one of the best hikes in the world, with state-maintained wilderness cabins roughly every 10km.
Splash!Canoe and kayak journeys in Enontekiö, from short guided lake paddles and 2-day courses to multi-day wilderness river expeditions – best from mid June to mid September.
Wilderness TrailsDemanding wilderness hiking further afield in Enontekiö – the Pöyrisjärvi, Pulju, Tarvantovaara and Käsivarsi wilderness areas, the Kilpisjärvi region and the 800km Nordkalottleden (Calotte Route) trail to Halti, Finland's highest fell.