Paddling Possibilities
Canoe and kayak journeys in Enontekiö, from guided lake paddles and 2-day courses to multi-day wilderness river expeditions, best from mid June to mid September.
Enontekiö's waters open every summer, and from c. mid June to mid September paddlers explore this rugged landscape. About 5% of the municipality is water, with 825 lakes and rivers including the Muonionjoki, Ounasjoki, Ivalojoki and a headstream of the Tenojoki. Late May and June, after the snow-melt, is arguably best for kayaking, though paddling runs until the end of September. Most journeys work by canoe or kayak, and canoes suit families.
- Season c. mid June to mid September, with 825 lakes to explore
- Guided lake paddles from €60, Midnight Sun Paddle from €85
- 2-day courses: Adults €165, Children €120, with certificate
- Wilderness river journeys 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. The reed-enclosed river meanders onto Lake Ounasjärvi, with a lakeside cabin (Mökki) for a snack break, perfect for beginners. Guided: Adults €60, Children €45, Families (<5) €175, 3 hours. Facilitated (self-guided): Adults €30.
The Midnight Sun Paddle follows the same route in the tranquil evening light. Guided: Adults €85, Children €55, Families €250, 3 hours.
Lake Muotkajärvi to Lake Ounasjärvi drives to the put-in, then threads the 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 builds tandem canoe-handling skills, refined on day two on a journey from Muotkajärvi to Lake Ounasjärvi with an introduction to solo paddling. The 2-day 'Discover Kayaking' Course covers kayak and paddle styles plus technique, from sweep and draw strokes to high and low braces and an introduction to rolling. Both courses: Adults €165, Children €120, c. 5 hours on each of the 2 days, with a basic paddling certificate on completion.
One and Two Day Wilderness Journeys
The Palojoki Wilderness River, a gentle grade 1-2 river, runs c. 65km from Lake Palojärvi to the River Muoniojoki along the eastern boundary of the Tarvantovaara Wilderness Area. Most paddle a 33km section as an overnight journey. Guided: 1-day €195, 2-day €275. Facilitated: 1-day €75, 2-day €100.
The Käkkälöjoki River (38km) in the Pöyrisjärvi Wilderness Area suits beginners, dropping only 25m, and is best over 2 days with a night in a wilderness cabin. Same pricing.
Longer or More Challenging Journeys
The Könkämäeno / Tornionjoki / Muoniojoki Border River runs undammed for 560km between the Arctic Ocean and the Baltic Sea, Europe's longest wild river and the natural border between Sweden and Finland. Our 21km one-day guided journey runs Palojoensuu to Saivomuotka. Adults €185.
The Ounasjoki River offers an accessible 22km route from Periläjärvi to Ketomella. Guided €185, Facilitated €65.
The Lätäseno River (115km) is a true wilderness adventure for experienced paddlers, reached by hydroplane or helicopter helidrop. 4 days including the transfer day. Guided €925, Facilitated €575.
Good to know
- Discover course
- 2 days, Adults €165 / Children €120
- Lätäseno expedition
- 4 days, €925 guided / €575 facilitated
Ready when you are
Real wilderness, 200+ huskies, eighteen winters in.