Ivalo: Gateway to Europe's Last Great Wilderness

When you land at Ivalo Airport, Finland's northernmost airport, you're not just arriving at another travel destination. You're touching down at the gateway to Europe's last great wilderness – a vast expanse of untouched nature that stretches in every direction, encompassing over 10,000 square kilometers of protected lands.

A Strategic Location Unlike Any Other

Ivalo's unique position at 68°36′N makes it the perfect base for wilderness exploration. Within a 100-kilometer radius, you have access to:

• Lemmenjoki National Park (2,850 km²) – Finland's largest national park
• Urho Kekkonen National Park (2,550 km²) – The second-largest, stretching to the Russian border
• Six official wilderness areas totaling thousands more square kilometers
• Kevo Strict Nature Reserve – Home to a spectacular 40km canyon

This concentration of wilderness areas is unmatched anywhere else in Europe outside of Russia.

The National Parks: Giants of the North

Lemmenjoki National Park

Just 40 kilometers southwest of Ivalo, Lemmenjoki is a realm of ancient forests, wild rivers, and gold-panning history. The park protects one of Europe's last extensive wilderness areas, where you can hike for days without seeing another soul. The Lemmenjoki River valley, carved deep into the landscape, offers some of the most dramatic scenery in Finnish Lapland.

Key experiences:

• Multi-day wilderness hikes along marked trails
• Gold panning in historic mining areas
• River boat trips through pristine valleys
• Wildlife watching (bears, wolverines, golden eagles)

Urho Kekkonen National Park (UKK)

Stretching from Saariselkä (25km from Ivalo) all the way to the Russian border, UKK offers diverse landscapes from forest to fell tops. The park's 2,550 square kilometers include some of Finland's most iconic hiking destinations, including the barren beauty of the Sokosti fell area.

Must-do activities:

• Hike to the top of Sokosti fell (718m)
• Multi-day treks on the famous UKK trail
• Experience complete wilderness solitude in the eastern sectors
• Winter activities from Saariselkä resort

The Wilderness Areas: Beyond the Parks

What makes Ivalo truly special is the network of official wilderness areas (erämaa-alueet) that surround it:

Hammastunturi Wilderness Area (1,825 km²)

Located between Ivalo and Norway, this wilderness features rugged terrain and is home to Finland's only population of wild forest reindeer.

Kaldoaivi Wilderness Area (2,924 km²)

Northeast of Ivalo, bordering Norway, this is vital reindeer herding land for the Sámi people and offers some of the most remote hiking in Europe.

Vätsäri Wilderness Area (1,550 km²)

East of Ivalo, this area protects old-growth pine forests and crucial habitats for large predators.

Muotkatunturi Wilderness Area (1,570 km²)

South of Ivalo, connecting to UKK National Park, creating an enormous continuous wilderness corridor.

Tsarmitunturi Wilderness Area (670 km²)

A smaller but pristine area featuring dramatic fell landscapes and ancient forests.

Kevo: The Canyon of the North

Perhaps the most spectacular natural feature near Ivalo is the Kevo Strict Nature Reserve. The Kevojoki River has carved a 40-kilometer canyon through the landscape, creating Finland's own "Grand Canyon." The area offers:

• Kevo Canyon Trail (63 km) – A challenging 3-4 day hike through the canyon
• Kuivi Trail (78-86 km) – For experienced wilderness hikers only
• Strict protection ensuring pristine nature (permits required)

Practical Access from Ivalo

What makes Ivalo exceptional is how accessible these wilderness areas are:

By Car:

• Lemmenjoki: 40km (45 minutes)
• UKK/Saariselkä: 25km (20 minutes)
• Kevo: 130km (2 hours)
• Most wilderness area access points: 30-100km

Organized Tours:

• Daily wilderness excursions from Ivalo
• Multi-day guided hiking trips
• Winter activities: Northern lights, dog sledding, snowmobiling
• Cultural experiences with Sámi guides

Self-Guided:

• Excellent trail marking system
• Wilderness huts for overnight stays
• Emergency shelters throughout the parks
• Detailed maps available in Ivalo

Why Ivalo, Not Just Anywhere?

While you could access some of these areas from other towns, Ivalo's position is unique:

1. Central Location: Equidistant from multiple wilderness areas
2. Infrastructure: International airport, accommodations, services
3. Local Expertise: Generations of wilderness guides and outfitters
4. Year-Round Access: Maintained roads even in winter
5. Supply Point: Last place to stock up on provisions

Planning Your Wilderness Adventure

Whether you're seeking a gentle day hike or a week-long wilderness expedition, Ivalo provides:

• Equipment rental shops
• Experienced local guides
• Detailed maps and GPS coordinates
• Weather updates and safety briefings
• Transportation to trailheads

The Wilderness Experience

Standing on a fell top with wilderness stretching to every horizon, you understand why this region is special. This isn't just nature – it's nature on a scale that's become rare in our modern world. From Ivalo, you can access wilderness experiences that simply don't exist elsewhere in Europe:

• True solitude – hike for days without seeing another person
• Pristine nature – drink directly from streams and rivers
• Wildlife encounters – from reindeer herds to golden eagles
• Dark skies – some of the best northern lights viewing on Earth
• Silence – a profound quiet broken only by nature's sounds

Conservation and Respect

These wilderness areas exist because of Finland's commitment to conservation and the traditional practices of the Sámi people. Visitors are expected to follow Leave No Trace principles and respect the cultural significance of these lands.

Your Gateway Awaits

Ivalo isn't just a dot on the map – it's your launching point into one of Europe's last true wilderness frontiers. With over 10,000 square kilometers of protected lands within reach, it offers wilderness adventures on a scale found nowhere else on the continent.

Whether you're drawn by the midnight sun of summer or the northern lights of winter, whether you seek challenge or contemplation, Ivalo stands ready as your gateway to experiences that will reshape your understanding of wild nature.

The wilderness is calling. Ivalo is where you answer.