Paddling Possibilities

Paddling Possibilities

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.

Despite being high in the Arctic, Enontekiö's lakes are not frozen year-round, and many people come North between c. mid June and mid September to explore the wild, pristine waters of this rugged landscape. About 5% of the municipality is water, with 825 lakes and key rivers including the Muonionjoki, Ounasjoki, Ivalojoki and a headstream of the Tenojoki.

Late May and June, after the snow-melt, is arguably the best time for kayaking, but paddling is possible until the end of September. Most journeys can be done by canoe or kayak depending on availability – canoeing makes many of them more accessible for families.

  • Paddling season c. mid June to mid September; 825 lakes in Enontekiö
  • Short guided lake paddles from €60 (3 hours); Midnight Sun Paddle from €85
  • 2-day Discover Canoeing / Kayaking courses: Adults €165, Children €120, with certificate
  • 1–2 day wilderness river journeys (Palojoki, Käkkälöjoki) from €195 guided
  • Lätäseno helidrop expedition: 4 days, €925 guided

Short Paddling Adventures

The Suonttajoki River and Lake Ounasjärvi Openwater Paddle starts at our farm, where we kit you out with paddles and buoyancy aids before the put-in on the Suonttajoki River – perfect for beginners. The meandering, reed-enclosed river leads onto Lake Ounasjärvi, with a small lakeside cabin (Mökki) on the far shore for a snack break. Guided: Adults €60, Children €45, Families (<5) €175, 3 hours. Facilitated (self-guided): Adults €30.

The Midnight Sun Paddle is the same river-to-lake route in the tranquil evening light under the midnight sun. Guided: Adults €85, Children €55, Families €250, 3 hours.

Lake Muotkajärvi to Lake Ounasjärvi travels by car to the put-in, then through a narrow strait between the two lakes, with lunch in a Finnish holiday cabin. Guided: Adults €95, Children €65, Families €325, 4 hours. Facilitated: €45 per person.

Paddling Courses

The 2-day 'Discover Canoeing' Course teaches foundation canoe-handling skills as part of a tandem crew, refining tandem skills on the second day during a journey from Muotkajärvi to Lake Ounasjärvi along with an introduction to solo paddling.

The 2-day 'Discover Kayaking' Course introduces different styles of kayaks and paddles plus technique – getting in and out of boats, forward and backward paddling, sweep strokes, draw strokes, high and low braces and an introduction to rolling. Both courses: Adults €165, Children €120, run across 2 days for c. 5 hours each day, with a basic paddling certificate on completion.

One and Two Day Wilderness Journeys

The Palojoki Wilderness River is a gentle grade 1–2 river running c. 65km from Lake Palojärvi to the River Muoniojoki, following the eastern boundary of the Tarvantovaara Wilderness Area. Most people opt for a 33km section, generally recommended as an overnight journey. 1-day Guided: Adults €195; 2-day Guided: €275. 1-day Facilitated: €75; 2-day: €100.

The Käkkälöjoki River (38km) in the Pöyrisjärvi Wilderness Area is suitable for beginners as the rapids are not very strong, dropping only 25m in altitude. Best enjoyed as a 2-day trip with an overnight in a wilderness cabin. Same pricing: 1-day Guided €195 / 2-day €275; 1-day Facilitated €75 / 2-day €100.

Longer or More Challenging Journeys

The Könkämäeno / Tornionjoki / Muoniojoki Border River runs undammed for 560km between the Arctic Ocean and the Baltic Sea, forming the natural border between Sweden and Finland – Europe's longest wild river. Our 21km one-day guided journey puts in at Palojoensuu and takes out at Saivomuotka. 1-day Guided: Adults €185.

The Ounasjoki River offers an accessible 22km route from Periläjärvi to Ketomella. 1-day Guided: €185; Facilitated: €65.

The Lätäseno River (115km) is a true wilderness adventure for experienced paddlers, reached by hydroplane or helicopter helidrop to the head of this completely wild river. Duration: 4 days including the transfer day. Guided: Adults €925; Facilitated: €575.