Things To Do
in Sodankylä
Sodankylä is a small Arctic municipality in Finnish Lapland located north of the Arctic Circle, known for wide pine forests, clear lakes and long winter nights. It has a calm small-town atmosphere with a mix of local Sámi culture, forestry and research institutions. The town is a good base for northern lights viewing in winter and midnight sun experiences in summer, and it hosts an annual film festival that draws international visitors.
Outdoor access to fells, hiking trails and quiet wilderness is a major draw for nature lovers and photographers.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive in Sodankylä and settle into your accommodation, soaking in the serene, tranquil atmosphere of this Finnish village. Take a leisurely walk around the town center to familiarize yourself with the surroundings and enjoy a hearty Finnish breakfast at a local café. Marvel at the beautiful landscapes that encompass the area, providing a perfect introduction to your ten-day adventure.
Visit the famous Sodankylä Old Church, an appealing wooden structure dating back to the 18th century, and learn about its rich history. Engage with locals at the town square and browse through unique artisan shops, where you’ll find handmade crafts and traditional goods. Take a moment to relax in the charming park nearby, surrounded by nature’s beauty.
Enjoy a cozy dinner at a traditional Finnish restaurant, where you can sample local specialties like reindeer and salmon dishes. After dinner, partake in some stargazing, as Sodankylä is known for its clear night skies and stunning views of the Northern Lights during the right season. Wind down your first day by unwinding in a sauna, a quintessential Finnish experience.
After breakfast, embark on a guided hike through the breathtaking Riisitunturi National Park, famous for its unique landscapes and rich biodiversity. Enjoy the crisp morning air while observing various bird species and perhaps even spotting some wildlife. Pack a picnic to savor amidst nature as you take in the tranquil surroundings.
Continue your hike to the top of the Riisitunturi Hill, where you'll be rewarded with panoramic views of the surrounding fells and forests. Capture the fantastic scenery with some photographs, ensuring to capture the moment. As you descend, visit one of the many serene lakes in the area, perfect for a quick dip or relaxation.
Return to Sodankylä for a leisurely evening stroll along the illuminated streets. Choose a cozy pub where you can enjoy some local brews and mingle with the friendly locals. Reflect on the day’s adventures over a warm meal while discussing your plans for the following days.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $12-20 |
| ☕Coffee | $3-5 |
| 🍺Domestic beer (pub) | $6-10 |
| 🚕Short taxi ride | $10-25 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel (per night) | $80-150 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Excellent access to Arctic nature, northern lights and midnight sun experiences
- Low population density and peaceful small-town atmosphere
- Strong local culture and opportunities for authentic Sámi and Lappish experiences
- Good base for outdoor activities year-round
- Remote location means longer travel times and limited public transport
- Limited nightlife, shopping and dining options compared to larger towns
- Harsh winter weather requires careful preparation and appropriate gear
- Seasonal businesses and attractions may have limited opening times
- "Hei" - Hello
- "Kiitos" - Thank you
- "Anteeksi" - Excuse me / Sorry
- "Missä on …?" - Where is …?
- "Puhutteko englantia?" - Do you speak English?
- "Paljonko tämä maksaa?" - How much does this cost?
Places to Visit in Sodankylä
Visit one of these nice places.
Low-light-pollution areas just outside Sodankylä are ideal for northern lights photography in winter and starscapes during clear nights.
Calm lakes reflect sunrise/sunset colors and create mirror-like compositions; look for tree-lined shores and wooden piers for foreground interest.
Misty mornings on the forest paths and bog boardwalks produce atmospheric landscape shots, especially in autumn when colors change.
In summer, capture the long golden hours and the surreal light on rivers and fells late into the evening—great for long exposures and silhouettes.
Market days, Sámi handicrafts, reindeer farms and the film festival provide opportunities for candid cultural and portrait photography—ask permission before photographing people closely.
Food in Sodankylä
Sodankylä Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Thinly sliced reindeer fried with butter and served with mashed potatoes and lingonberries; widely available in local restaurants and guesthouses.
Must-Try!
Fresh or smoked local fish prepared simply with herbs or served on rye — commonly found in cafés and taverns.
Cloudberries served with cream or as jam on desserts; a cherished local treat found seasonally in many menus.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Small periodic markets and stalls in the town center selling fresh berries, wild mushrooms, smoked fish and local breads—great for sampling seasonal produce and picking up preserves.
During the annual film festival you’ll find pop-up food stands offering local specialities, sausages, baked goods and quick warming foods—good for casual tasting and atmosphere.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Finns value personal space and quiet—avoid loud behavior in public and respect privacy and orderly queues.
Be on time for appointments and tours; punctuality is considered polite and professional.
If invited to a sauna, follow the host’s lead on nudity and seating—many Finnish saunas have mixed or single-gender customs depending on the setting.
Acknowledge and respect Sámi traditions and properties—ask before photographing people, traditional clothing or private events and buy authentic handicrafts from reputable sellers.
It’s common to remove shoes when entering homes and some smaller public spaces—follow the host’s cues.
Safety
Tipping in Sodankylä
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not obligatory in Finland; a small tip for excellent service is appreciated but not expected—rounding up the bill or leaving 5–10% in restaurants is fine if you wish.
Card payments (chip and contactless) are widely accepted, even for small purchases; cash is still used occasionally but is less common—bring a debit/credit card and inform your bank of travel plans.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Short but pleasant summers feature the midnight sun in June–July, long daylight hours for hiking, fishing and berry picking; expect mosquitoes in forests and wetlands—bring repellent.
Autumn brings dramatic fall colors and cooler temperatures; daylight shortens steadily and the first snow may appear late in the season—excellent for photographers and mushroom/berry foragers.
Long, cold winters with polar nights and frequent snow—ideal for northern lights, winter sports and frozen-lake activities; prepare for very low temperatures and limited daylight, especially December–January.
Snowmelt and lengthening daylight lead to a thaw; trails can be muddy or slushy, and conditions change rapidly—great for bird migration watching and early-season hikes once paths clear.
Sodankylä at Night
Hiking in Sodankylä
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A variety of day-hike routes on nearby fell ridges offering panoramic views—trails range from easy forest loops to longer upland walks; check local trailheads and maps for routes and conditions.
Gentle, well-marked paths around local lakes and through pine forests suitable for families, birdwatching and photographic outings.
A large national park in eastern Lapland reachable as a day trip or overnight excursion for more extensive fell hiking, river valleys and remote wilderness experiences—excellent for multi-day treks and backcountry photography.
Short interpretive trails on bogs and wetlands with boardwalks that allow close observation of unique Arctic flora and fauna—great for low-impact exploration and macro photography.
Airports
How to reach Sodankylä by plane.
The largest nearby airport with regular domestic connections to Helsinki and seasonal international flights; about a 1.5–2 hour drive south of Sodankylä, commonly used by travelers heading to Lapland.
Serves some regional and charter flights, useful for travelers planning to visit multiple parts of Lapland; reachable by a longer drive or connecting transport.
Northern Lapland airport with seasonal links; farther away but an option for flights to the far north and some international charters—expect a longer transfer by road.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The population is predominantly ethnic Finnish, with Finnish as the main language and Swedish less common in this inland area.
There is a Sámi presence in the region, with cultural traditions, reindeer herding and handicrafts important to local identity—respect and awareness of Sámi culture is appreciated.
Like many rural parts of Lapland, Sodankylä has a smaller, dispersed population with a tendency toward older age demographics and seasonal fluctuations from tourism and research staff.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
A widely practiced winter sport on groomed tracks and forest trails—suitable for all ages and a common recreational activity.
A popular team sport in Finland generally, with local amateur leagues and youth participation.
A favorite winter activity for both recreation and practical winter travel in remote areas; guided tours are common.
Sport and recreational fishing in lakes and rivers is popular year-round, including ice fishing in winter.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Sodankylä.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are available but more limited than in cities—expect root-vegetable stews, mushroom dishes, and salads; communicate clearly and many kitchens will adapt meals.
Vegan and gluten-free requests are usually manageable in cafés and restaurants but choices are fewer; bring snacks for remote trips and check menus or ask staff in advance.
Staff generally understand common allergies, but always specify severe allergies clearly in Finnish and English; packaged foods list ingredients in Finnish, Swedish and English.