Are you looking for the perfect place to go dogsledding in Finland? Then you’ve found the right place, as this post will introduce you to Kilpisjarvi in the far, far north of the country.
There are many things to do during winter in Kilpisjarvi and northern Finland, and we will go through all of that here, with a focus on the spectacle of dog sledding across the frozen tundra and catching a glimpse of those magical northern lights.
We spent a few nights in Kilpisjarvi during the polar night (the time of year in the Arctic where the sun never actually rises), where we got to experience dog sledding across a frozen lake and the amazing local hospitality. This region of Finnish Lapland is far less popular than the Rovaniemi region 5 hours south, which is now an international hotspot for luxury vacationers.
If you want a true winter Arctic adventure without the flocks of tourists that’s easier on your wallet, read on to find out why Kilpisjarvi will be right up your alley!
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Kilpisjarvi, Finland – What You Need to Know
Where is Kilpisjarvi?
Kilpisjarvi is almost as far north in Finland as you can get. It’s at the northwestern tip of Finland, where Sweden, Norway and Finland all meet.
It’s a tiny village, with a population of only 114 humans and many more reindeer, and it’s pretty much the middle of nowhere. The nearest city is Tromso, Norway, and the nearest major city is probably Murmansk, Russia.
How to get to Kilpisjarvi
Getting to this region of Finland is not as difficult as you might think. Tromso, Norway has a pretty major airport. Norwegian Air and SAS each offer multiple daily flights from Oslo to Tromso, and there are now quite a few flights direct from London as well.
Tromso is also a pretty cool place to visit in winter should you have a few extra days. From the Tromso airport it’s about a two and a half hour drive to Kilpisjarvi. Renting a car is essential in this part of the world so you’ll need your own wheels. Don’t fret about driving in winter conditions. All the cars have snow tires and the roads are well maintained.
You can search for car rental options from the Tromso Airport and book your rental car using the link for Discovercars below. We have found Discovercars to have by far the best rental rates in Europe and we recommend them to our readers. You have to pay up front with them, but the booking is fully refundable, like other rental car agencies.
Click here to book a great deal on a rental car from Tromso Airport!
Weather and when to visit
For being well above the Arctic Circle, it’s not terribly cold in Kilpisjarvi. You’ll experience far colder temperatures in places like Edmonton or Minneapolis. Winter temperatures will stay below freezing all day unless there is a heat wave, but we’re talking more -10 to -2 (14 – 28 F) and not -25 (-13 F) like a winter day in Minnesota. A good pair of thick socks and you’re golden.
In terms of clear skies, it’s hit or miss. Winter days are often a mix of clouds and sun with snow being pretty frequent. It’s far enough inland where it’s often sunnier than coastal places like the Lofoten Islands.
If you’re looking for the northern lights you’ll need to visit between October and early April. Want to experience the Polar night? Then December and January are for you. If your main goal is just dog sledding, then November to April is when this part of Finland will be best.
If you’re looking for 24 hours of daylight and nighttime hiking, though, then summer is for you and this post won’t do you much good!
Where to stay
There are more lodging options than you’d imagine for a town with barely 100 people. We stayed at Saivaara Cottages and really enjoyed it. We had an awesome cabin and would recommend staying here to anyone!
Otherwise you can check out the full listing of available properties in Kilpisjarvi on booking.com here.
How long to stay
If you really want to see the northern lights and won’t be happy without a glimpse of them, then you’ll probably want to spend at least a week in the Arctic. You don’t have to spend that entire time in Kilpisjarvi though.
There isn’t that much to do and two nights will be more than enough. From there you can move onto the Norwegian coast. The Lofoten Islands can be a magical place during the polar night.
Language
Finnish is the official language but English is prominent among the Fins. Even up here in the middle of nowhere you shouldn’t have any issues communicating in English. Good luck pronouncing the road signs!
Food
There are not a whole lot of options here. There is one restaurant – Ravintola Kilpis – and if you want to eat out it’s your only choice. We didn’t eat here but had a local beer.
Next to the restaurant there is a small grocery store where you can get supplies if you’re cooking yourself. There’s another restaurant in a hotel to the north of the main village, but it’s not open in the winter for whatever reason.
The Polar Night
The polar night lasts from November 30 to January 11 in Kilpisjarvi. During this time the sun never rises. But don’t be fooled into thinking that it’s dark all day. You still get about 4-5 hours of daylight each day, as the sun is so close to the horizon that it brightens the sky even if it never reaches above that horizon.
If you want true 24-hour darkness, better head to Svalbard, which is so far north that it does have about 2 and half months of solid pitch black darkness.
Money
Finland is on the euro, which makes it considerably cheaper than its neighbors Sweden and Norway. You won’t need cash for a hotel, the store, or the gas station, but if your car gets stuck in some snow better have some euros on you to pay the dude with the tractor! I learned that the hard way.
Driving conditions
If you have never driven in snow before, this trip is probably not for you (or you are going to have to learn quickly). All rental cars have special snow tires though, so grip to the road is incredibly good and it’s much harder to lose control of the vehicle than with normal tires.
Chances are it will snow at some point on your trip and you will have to deal with it. They are very good with plowing the roads up here so you will never have to drive on thick snow though.
Dog sledding
Dog sledding is one of the top attractions in this part of Finland. I’ve devoted an entire section to dog sledding below.
Travel insurance
Consider purchasing travel insurance on a trip to Arctic Finland so that you’re protected for the unexpected. We use World Nomads when we travel internationally. Word Nomads provides coverage to travelers in over 100 countries. You can search for a coverage plan using the link below.
Kilpisjarvi and the Surrounding Region
Located at 69 degrees north, Kilpisjarvi is well above the Arctic Circle. This is the heart of the European Arctic. And this part of Finland is unique because it’s the only mountainous part of an otherwise flat country.
They’re not huge mountains by any stretch of the imagination. You’re not going to fool anyone into thinking you’re in the Lofoten Islands in Norway, but they are still mountains. The region is actually more popular as a summer holiday destination.
Imagine hiking up a mountain at 10:00 at night to see the sun resting above the horizon, never actually setting! There are a ton of hiking trails around the village that will really take you into nature should you visit during the summer.
Saana Feel, right outside of the village, is actually the tallest mountain in all of Finland and can be hiked relatively easily in the summer. But we are here to talk about winter!
Kilpisjarvi is covered in snow for the entire winter into early spring. While it never gets too cold, it usually doesn’t get much above freezing, meaning the snow doesn’t melt. And fresh snow is always coming down. So if you’re looking for a winter wonderland this is it. Whether you’re here for snowmobiling, cross country skiing or dog sledding you won’t be disappointed in Kilpisjarvi!
Dog Sledding in Kilpisjarvi
The highlight of our two days in Kilpisjarvi was without a doubt dog sledding across a frozen lake in arctic Finland with Destination Kilpisjarvi, a small local company run by Martti and Sinika Niskannen.
We booked last minute through our cabin manager and Sinika met us the next day to give us one of the most unforgettable experiences of our life! I’ll try to give a full rundown of the experience here.
Booking and price
The best way to book your dog sledding adventure is online. We didn’t plan it in advance, however, and our lodge manager booked it for us. Best to book in advance though to make sure it’s available. The cost of the dog sledding expedition is very affordable.
For two people you can spend one hour riding the dog sleds for 180 Euros (was 130 in 2017 when we did it). Compare that to similar adventures in Iceland that charge about 260 euros per person. Dog sledding with Destination Kilpisjarvi is a fraction of that cost!
Destination Kilpisjarvi
The company is run by two locals, and Sinika actually lived in the US for a decade before moving back home. I found it hilarious that she lived in Minnesota of all places, where winter temperatures are usually colder than Arctic Finland! Destination Kilpisjarvi offers more than just dog sledding as well. You can also go snowmobiling or snowshoe trekking in the winter. In the summer they offer guided rafting and hiking experiences.
The dogs
On your dog sledding adventure you’ll be towed by a dozen Arctic huskies. These dogs are gorgeous and as friendly as dogs can be. They love people and love running across the snow! Just hanging out with the dogs was one of the most memorable parts of the experience.
Dog sledding across a frozen lake in Finland
After a quick introduction and some huskie cuddling you’ll be on your way. There is a large lake on the border of Finland and Sweden that the dogs will run you across. There’s really not that much to know before you go. You just have to hold on tight to the sled and the dogs know what to do. Martti or Sinika will be riding beside you in a snowmobile so you’re not all on your own.
The dogs will run you nearly to the end of the lake – at which point you’ll be in Sweden – where you’ll stop for some hot tea and more cuddles. Martti will talk a little more about the dogs and the culture of dog sledding in Finnish Lapland and then you’ll hop back on the sleds and the dogs will take you back.
Even though it’s the polar night the sky is still pretty light, even on a cloudy day. Imagine the colors in the sky after sunset but for like 5 hours. That’s your backdrop in this unique adventure!
Alternative dogsledding adventures
If you can’t get in with Destination Kilpisjarvi then there is an alternative in Kilpisjarvi. You can book a tour with one of the other outfitters through Manawa here. Manawa is Europe’s leading adventure tourism booking company and works with many local companies in Arctic Scandinavia.
Other Winter Activities in Kilpisjarvi
If you’re wondering what else there is to do in the Arctic in winter don’t worry, you’ll be plenty entertained. The prime attraction is searching for the northern lights (see next section). But there are still a few things to do in the twilight hours.
If you’ve even seen pictures of pine trees just smothered in snow this is your ideal spot to see something like that. There are forests all around the region and the later in winter you go the thicker the snow will be. You can trek through the snow with good quality winter boots, but that might be tough work. It might be easier to rent snowshoes from Kilpissafarit.
Below is a list of some other awesome adventures in Kilpisjarvi that are well worth your time when visiting in the winter.
- Snowmobile Safari in Three Nordic Countries
- Snowmobile Safari to Termisvaara Fell
- Snowshoeing Excursion near the Saana Fell
- Ice Fishing and Snowmobile Safari from Kilpisjärvi
- Sami Culture and Reindeer Experience
You can also visit Kilpisjarvi on a snowmobiling tour from Tromso. It’s an easy way to see Kilpisjarvi even if you don’t spend a night there.
Finland is also known for saunas. For that, however, you’ll have to book one of the hotels in town that has a sauna. Most cabins don’t feature a sauna.
Unfortunately there is no reindeer sledding in Kilpisjarvi. For that super fun activity you might want to check out nearby Kautokeino, Norway.
In Search of the Northern Lights
Kilpisjarvi is prime territory for catching a glimpse of the Northern Lights. While it might not be as good of a spot to see the northern lights as northern Iceland, you still have a good chance to witness them in Kilpisjarvi. The aurora borealis is one of nature’s wonders and is exhilarating to see in person. The lights dance across the sky in shades of green and sometimes red and purple.
I’ve compiled a list of my top 10 tips for viewing the northern lights that goes into great detail about how to optimize your chances to see them. Be sure to read that post before planning your trip. Below I’ve just given a quick summary of a few of the main points in that post.
Don’t set your expectations too high
The biggest thing to understand is that you have to manage your expectations. There is a good chance you won’t see the Northern Lights. The weather in the arctic is often cloudy and overcast. Even if the solar winds are strong, you won’t see anything if it’s cloudy.
Understand the Kp Index
Before attempting to view the northern lights it’s important to get familiar with the Kp index. The Kp index measures the disturbance of the earth’s magnetic field caused by solar winds, i.e. your chances of seeing the aurora. The Kp index is a ranking system from 1-9.
My northern lights viewing tips post goes through the ranking in detail, but in general Kp 0-1 means a low chance of aurora. Kp 2 means a decent chance. Kp 3-5 means a pretty good chance, don’t miss out on this opportunity. If you get Kp 6-7, pray for clear skies because you’re going to get a good show. And Kp 8-9 means intense northern lights which only happen a few times a year.
Download an aurora tracking app on your phone
Download My Aurora Forecast on your smartphone prior to your trip. It gives you the KP Index as well as a live aurora map and cloud cover forecasts.
Invest in a good digital camera
The northern lights don’t appear as clear to your eye as they do to a camera. Having a good camera and a steady tripod is essential for northern lights photography. My northern lights tips post goes into detail on how to photograph the northern lights.
Plan your trip for a new moon
You want the skies as dark as possible for seeing the Northern Lights. A full moon can make the lights dimmer or prevent them from being seen completely. If you can, plan to visit the arctic when there is as little moonlight as possible.
Get away from town
This seems like a no-brainer, but you’ll see the lights most clearly far away from any light pollution. Luckily Kilpisjarvi is so small it will only take you a few minutes to get away from street lights.
You can sleep when you’re dead
The best lights often appear in the wee hours of the morning. If the skies are clear and the aurora forecast is good, you should consider staying up late to search for the lights.
If the clouds are super thick, it’s not worth it
Cloudy nights in the arctic usually stay cloudy. If the weather isn’t cooperating, get some sleep and hope for better weather tomorrow.
Dog Sledding in Kilpisjarvi – Final Word
A winter adventure in Finland’s far north is an unforgettable experience that will leave you exhilarated. It might also leave your bones a bit cold, but it is surely worth it. Dog sledding in Kilpisjarvi is a truly unique experience and if you get to see the northern lights after dark sets in you’ll have the perfect winter vacation!
3 comments
Chris, sorry, I did not mean the comment to be published. I thought I had sent you a private comment.
Wbr, Sinikka
Hello Chris and Nimerta! I cannot tell you how surprised and delighted Martti and I are to have found your website and your article about Kilpisjärvi and our Husky Sledding Experience. A colleague of mine from Minnesota times in the the 80’s, Marlys Tamte, was recently here on a short winter break with her husband Mark. They have discovered your website and to their – and our – surprise we found this wonderful story of us and our huskies! You must have recently visited our home pages since there was a link and an updated price. We cannot thank you enough!
Just one little thing I’d like to ask you to correct: I spent 10 years in Minnesota (actually 6 months in Lake Tahoe at one point, but then I returned to Minneapolis, before finally settling back in Finland). Martti is a true Laplander, born and raised in south Lapland, and I don’t believe I could ever get him to move elsewhere, no matter what! I was the globetrotter in my youth, while Martti lived all his life in Lapland. Martti was adventurous in a totally different manner in his youth – nature has always been like a second home to him.
Our husky family is well. While we unfortunately had to say goodbye to Kiara (I see her in your photo), whom we had adopted in 2014, and Peni, the team leader, whom we had from birth in 2011, we still have 5 of the huskies we had back in 2017 when you visited. Maya (adopted in 2014), the mother of Talvikki and Tuisku (both were born in 2015), Nalle and Nekku (sons of Maya and Peni, born in 2018) as well as Sulo and Pyry (born in 2011) ,who are now both retired. Our company is just as small as back in 2017 and we plan to keep it that way. We are both officially in retirement age, but this work is really a question of lifestyle, and we will keep going as long as our health allows.
Wishing you all the best in life and in travels. If you ever come to this corner of the world again, please give us a call! With warmest thanks and regards, Sinikka and Martti
Hi Sinika! I’m glad you found my website. Dogsledding with you guys was still one of our favorite travel experiences and we still talk about it! To be honest I had you and Martti’s names backwards but I’ve corrected it now. It’s been over 6 years since we were there but would love to come back one day with our daughter. Now that you know my website, do let me know if you decide to retire the business one day. I wish you guys the best and hope this article brings you some new business from people visiting Kilpisjarvi!