Events in Enontekiö

Spring Events in Enontekiö

Marianpäiväit (St Mary's Day Celebration): A big celebration of Lappish culture by both Sami and Lapps that has taken place annually since the 1500s. It happens right at the end of the main tourism season, towards the end of March. Traditionally it was a time when people would gather for baptisms, births, burials and trade. Reindeer racing has been part of the event since the 1940s and continues today alongside lasso throwing competitions, musical evenings, a Lappish handicraft and products market, Sami theatre and films.

Hetta Music Festival: Takes place each year in the middle of March, with concerts and choral evenings held in the church and other venues throughout Hetta.

Hetta Snow Adventure Week: There are 10 weeks of the year when the area's companies offer their products as part of a fixed weekly programme.

Enontekiö's Ice Fishing Week: Takes place annually in the last week of April, with contests held in waters around the municipality. Each year thousands take part in the infamous 'Only Two Fish' ice fishing competition in Kilpisjärvi.

Reindeer Separation: There is generally one final reindeer vaccination / separation in spring (normally April) that those with local connections may be invited to witness.

Sami Ski Race: This annual race from Hetta to Kautokeino is increasingly popular. The main event is a 90km track across the tundra, but it is also possible to take part in shorter 30km or 60km stages between Hetta, Näkkälä and Kautokeino.

Lapponia Ski Marathon and Ski Week: A couple of hundred kilometres of ski tracks in beautiful landscape in Olos, Muonio. The grand finale is an 80km race between Hetta and Olos (with an option to reduce it to 40km from Kerässieppi).

Frostkade 500: A route taking you through Norway, Sweden and Finland during some of the coldest months in the Arctic. Full GPX data and waypoints are supplied; participants must carry the relevant maps and a backup GPS device.

Summer Events in Enontekiö

Reindeer Ear Marking: This traditional Sami event takes place up on the hill fells in the summer villages and is generally something you have to be invited to witness - but if you are, it is unforgettable.

Summer Market: Each year the businesses in the area come together over three days at the end of August to present their wares and products.

Hetta Summer Triathlon: Takes place each year at the end of the Hetta Outdoor Week (normally end July / start August). The route includes c. 12km biking on tarmac and forestry trails, c. 8km of xc running and a 2km paddle.

NUTS Midnight Sun Trail Run: A trail ultra in the scenic Ylläs-Pallas National Park at c. end July. Choose the demanding Ylläs-Hetta (125km, 9 fells, over 3800m ascent) or the Pallas-Hetta (55km). Finish and race centre in Hetta village.

Fly Fishing Contest: Takes place annually in Karesuando at the beginning of August.

Mid-summer Skiing Festival, Kilpisjärvi: Tens of skiers gather at Saana fell for a traditional Midsummer skiing event, now in its c. 70th year, where organisers prepare a short track of snow.

Autumn Events in Enontekiö

Arctic Sled Dog Guide-training Week: Our 'autumn training' week is generally in October each year and is targeted at those wanting to learn more about the art of working with and training sleddogs, either for a hobby or professionally.

The Full Moon Art Night: Takes place once a year, normally in mid-October, with presentations of music, poetry, literature and handicrafts.

Väätipäivät: Includes presentations on local life skills, business products and services, villages and organisations in the market place, plus evening events. A common celebration to which local residents, leisure-time residents, neighbours and visitors are all invited.

Winter Events in Enontekiö

Reindeer Separations: These traditional events take place a number of times around the area in the winter months, particularly December and January. Attendance is by invitation only.

Christmas Market: Hetta's Christmas Market happens at the beginning of December each year, across two days, with local craftsmen presenting their wares in the village school.

Frostkade 500: The route takes you through Norway, Sweden and Finland during some of the coldest months in the Arctic. Participants navigate by GPX and can travel by ski or snowshoe, using either backpacks or pulks for transporting gear.