Overview
Kilpisjärvi is Finland's only real alpine village, a remote outpost in the far north where about 100 year-round inhabitants share the landscape with hikers, nature lovers, and aurora watchers. The mighty fell Saana dominates the skyline at 1000m, and the village sits at the tripoint where Finland, Sweden, and Norway meet.
Budget Travel · Day Trips · Nature · Trekking
Before you go
Connectivity
Mobile coverage weak; keep Saana antenna in sight. Free Wi-Fi at Kilpisjärvi Nature Centre. Postal code 99490.
Money
Euro is the main currency. Swedish kronor and Norwegian kronor are usable at K-Market Kilpishalli. Nearest ATM is in Hetta 175 km away, but cash available at Kilpishalli store. Credit cards work at most hotels and Kilpishalli, but carry some cash.
Safety
Generally very safe. Trails cross borders—carry ID. Stay on marked trails in Malla reserve. Dogs must be leashed.
Transport
E8 is the only road in/out. Summer: foot or bike. Winter: ski. Boat to tripoint three times daily in season. Snowmobile rentals available.
Weather
One of the coldest inhabited places in Finland. January average -14°C, July 11°C. Record snow depth 1.9 meters. Midnight sun May 22 – July 27. Polar night for nearly two months in midwinter.