Northern Countryside
The small villages in the municipality of Salla offer authentic small town charm, with the Arctic twist of mighty fells rising in the horizon. The countryside landscapes are characterized by large fields, dirt roads, rivers and lakes, and picturesque yards with wooden houses. The buildings are mostly log houses, representing traditional Nordic architecture. Although the villages have been inhabited for hundreds of years, many of the houses and buildings were (re)built in the 20 century. This is due to the damage caused by the wars that took place in Lapland.
Some of the most picturesque Salla villages include Saija, Onkamo, Aatsinki, Vallovaara and Naruska – all within a 30-minute drive from the town center.
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Accommodation
Thanks to its blooming wilderness tourism, Salla offers a good selection of accommodation, especially in the the Sallatunturi travel area. Accommodation options include hotels, cottages and holiday apartments.
Restaurants & Catering
There is a variety of eatery options to choose from Salla, from small cafés and pubs to à la carte restaurants. Some local restaurants also offer catering services.
Other Services
Some additional local services that may be useful when filming in the villages of Salla include:
- Guide services
- Transportation services
- Wilderness and activity equipment rentals
- Snowmobile and ATV services
- Reindeer farms
- Boat and kayak rentals
But this is just to name a few. For more information on the services available in the area, visit the Salla travel site.
Lapland is the most connected wilderness in the Arctic. Thanks to its five airports, vast and well-maintained road network and efficient public transportation, getting around is effortless throughout the year.
By Plane
The nearest airport is in Kuusamo (1 h 30 min by car). The second-nearest airport is the Rovaniemi International Airport (1 h 45 min), which offers daily connections to Helsinki and other European cities around the year, as well as connections to some Asian cities during the winter season.
By Train
The nearest railway stations are in Kemijärvi (50 min) and Rovaniemi (1 h 45 min). For timetables and tickets for trains, visit VR.
By Bus
You can travel to Salla by bus. For timetables and tickets for buses, visit Matkahuolto.
By Car
As all of Lapland, Salla is easy to reach by car. If you opt for a rental car, the film-friendly services of ScanCar are available across the region.
Crew, Studios and Filming Equipment
Production service companies that operate across Lapland:
Angel Films offers equipment rentals for productions in Lapland. The company also owns sound stages in Helsinki.
Permits
Permits for filming in the streets and other public areas of Salla are granted by the municipality. However, there is a chance you might not need them. You have the right to film in public, as long as you don’t disrupt business or traffic. You can freely film the streets, roads, and buildings, but you will need permission if you want to shoot on private premises. If you’re unsure of your rights and responsibilities, it’s always best to ask.
Film Lapland does not issue permits, but we’re more than happy to help you determine whether you need one and with the permit process, so please don’t hesitate to contact us.
