Nature & Culture in Enontekio
Enontekiö sits where three national borders meet, with the purest air in Europe, 8 distinct seasons and a legendary great-fell region.
Enontekiö sits at the intersection of three national borders, close to the Arctic Ocean. We have the purest air in Europe, 8 (vs 4) clearly distinct seasons, 62 days of midnight sun, 200 days of 'winter' and c. 1 month of polar night, plus 350 fells, 825 lakes, 200 kilometers of ski trails, 600 kilometers of snowmobile trails and 227 species of birds.
- Purest air in Europe
- 8 clearly distinct seasons
- 62 days of midnight sun; 200 days of 'winter'; c. 1 month of polar night
- 350 fells, 825 lakes, 227 species of birds
- 200 km of ski trails and 600 km of snowmobile trails
The great fells
The great fells of Enontekiö, such as Saana and Malla in Kilpisjärvi, watch over the nation's oldest nature reserve and form part of the national landscape. Even on the Lappish scale, this is a legendary great fell region.
Our farm lies near the region's largest village, at the northern edge of Europe's great boreal forests. Just 20km north of our base, the taiga gives way to high tundra and treeless arctic plateaus.
Sources of information
The regional marketing board's information map details the area's adventure activities. 'Retkipaikka', a website of wilderness trip reports, is another useful planning resource.
Arctic FaunaThe wildlife you might encounter around Hetta, from reindeer, foxes and hares to Finland's four great carnivores - bear, lynx, wolverine and wolf.
Arctic FloraThe hardy tundra plants - plus wild berries and mushrooms - that thrive in the short, intense Arctic summer around Enontekiö.
Events in EnontekiöA year-round calendar of festivals, races and markets in Enontekiö and the wider Ylläs region, from summer trail running to spring reindeer racing.
Northern LightsThe science and legends behind the aurora borealis above Hetta - plus rare pearl (nacreous) clouds and tips for tracking solar activity.
Places to VisitA guide to the sights in and around Hetta - the Skierri nature centre, Jyppyrä lookout, Hetta's church and snow castle, plus attractions north to Kautokeino and out to Kilpisjärvi.Reindeer & Sami CultureAn introduction to Finland's reindeer herding lifestyle and Sami culture, plus the local farms near Hetta where you can visit, feed and learn about the reindeer.Good to know
- Midnight sun
- 62 days
Planning a trip this far north?
We have lived and guided here since 2008 - ask us anything about the area.