About Lemmenjoki
Lemmenjoki boasts Finland’s largest national park, where breath-taking sceneries appeal to hikers and canoeists. Stretching over 70 kilometres, the River Lemmenjoki flows through the national park. During snow-free seasons, traditional riverboats are still in good use and take visitors to the national park and the legendary goldfields according to daily schedule. Gold-diggers still reside in the area today and visitors have an opportunity to experience the thrill of panning for gold in guided tours.
There are plenty of interesting sights within easy reach – for example Ravadas waterfalls, Joenkielinen fell and the Home Stead of Kaapin Jouni. Finland’s largest national park has also a lot to explore off the beaten track. You can spend days and days trekking in the wilderness, experiencing the silence and the world’s purest nature. Better yet – while enjoying the Northern Lights or the Midnight Sun!
Lemmenjoki can be reached through the international airport of Ivalo and the village of Inari. Road 955 leads from Inari through the village of Pokka, towards the ski resort Levi and airport of Kittilä.
Travelers tips
- The largest national park in Finland with strong gold prospecting culture
- Accommodation in cabins and rooms
- During summer the daily river boat trips take you deep to the national park
- Must see sights: Ravadas waterfalls, Lemmenjoki river valley, Joenkielinen fell and the Home Stead of Kaapin Jouni
- During summer in Lemmenjoki you can e.g. go hiking trekking, biking, paddling, SUP-boarding, fishing and hunting
- During autumn in Lemmenjoki you can e.g. go hiking, paddling, mushroom and berry picking, fishing and hunting
- Winters favorite activities are e.g. reindeer safaris, snowmobiling safaris, snowshoeing and reindeer farm visits
Local sights in Lemmenjoki
Lemmenjoki National Park
Lemmenjoki is the largest national park in Finland, as well as one of the largest uninhabited and roadless wilderness areas in Europe. Stretching over 70 kilometres, the River Lemmenjoki flows through the national park. Signposted trails, wilderness huts, rental cabins and designated campfire sites greatly facilitate hiking in the Lemmenjoki river valley and the surrounding majestic fells.
Visitors can experience the true essence of Lapland’s wilderness and gold panning lifestyle on a day trip to Lemmenjoki. The magical wilderness is also sure to inspire trekkers to embark on even longer journeys. Hop on a riverboat or pack a lunchbox and hike along signposted trails to experience the beauty of the fells rising up from the river valley. Visit the “reindeer king” Kaapin Jouni’s historic farm and get to know the everyday culture of the local Sámi people via guided tours organized by local entrepreneurs.
Ravadas waterfalls
Ravadas falls, Ravadasköngäs in Finnish, is among the most beautiful attractions of the Lemmenjoki National Park. The waterfall is located in the confluence of the rivers Lemmenjoki and Ravadasjoki and is accessible by foot via signposted trails or by taking a riverboat ride. There is a wilderness hut situated nearby the waterfall. Ravadas Falls are located in the national park’s restricted access zone where walking is only allowed on the marked trails.
The Historical farm of “the Reindeer King”
The homestead of Kaapin Jouni, located in the northern end of Lake Sotkajärvi, is the historical residence of a famous Sámi family. The farm was established in the late 19th century and has been inhabited ever since. The farm was set up by Menes-Antti, or Karhu-Antti (“Bear Andy”), whose real name was Antti Juhaninpoika Morottaja (1853-1907). The most famous member and patriarch of the family, Jouni Aikio (Kaapin Jouni, 1875-1956), known as the “reindeer king”, moved into the farm after Menes-Antti. The government acquired the Kaapin Jouni farm in 2002, and it is now part of the Lemmenjoki National Park. The last member of the family moved out of the farm in 2004.
Joenkielinen Fell
Joenkielinen is a fell that provides a great view of the Lemmenjoki river valley and surrounding wilderness. There is a marked round trail going to the top and along the river valley, making this hike an excellent day trip.
