8 Most Instagrammable Places in Finnish Lapland

We’re going to let you in on a little secret. No matter where you point your camera in Lapland, you’re sure to capture something spectacular, whether it’s covered with snow or painted with golden light of midnight sun. It’s just so easy here, with the fells that roll across northern Lapland, the epic lakes and canyon rivers, and the near-mythical quality of Arctic light. So grab your favorite DSLR or even your phone, and let’s explore our bucket list of photography must-sees in northern Finland.

Riisitunturi, Posio

Step into another world in Riisitunturi National Park in winter. Posio’s combination of high humidity and heavy snowfall transform the hillsides into wonderlands, with the snow-smothered trees taking on wondrous shapes and forms.

When the snow melts, Riisitunturi comes alive, green vistas sweeping from horizon to horizon, broken only by blue waterways, glimmering under the Midnight Sun.

Discover more #riisitunturi #riisitunturinationalpark #posiolapland

Karigasniemi, Utsjoki

The highway that hugs the Teno (Tana) River from Utsjoki to Karigasniemi is often called Finland’s most beautiful road. And for good reason. It seems like every outlook and hill is trying to outdo the last. The sacred Ailigas fells are all landmarks of this route. Do yourself a favor and park at the base of the Karigasniemi Ailigas fell and hike to the top. A selfie with what looks like the entire world behind you is worth the sweat. #humblebrag

Warning: if you stop every 3 minutes to take an #epic picture, this 120 km drive may take you a few weeks.

Discover more #utsjoki #karigasniemi #ailigas

Lake Kemijärvi

In a word: summer. That’s how many Finns feel about Kemijärvi. For them, the lake that sits by Finland’s northernmost city glistens with golden warmth and offers the kind of fun you can only have in 24/7 daylight. The deep, long sunrises and sunsets on the edges of summer, the wooded islands that poke through the clear blue water like tufts of distant grass, the hidden coves and quiet sandy shores … What more could a photographer ask for?

Discover more #visitkemijärvi

Nuortti River Gorge, Savukoski

The Nuortti river carves a stunning gorge between the hills and fells of Savukoski. The hiking trail that takes you along the river, up and down the crests of the hills, is not for the faint of heart or weak of ankle. This is a true wilderness tour, clocking in at 40 km. You’ll cross the river twice, once across a bridge and the second time, wading through the river. Along the way, you’ll stop at open wilderness huts, campfire sites, laavu lean-tos, and most importantly, stunning vistas of one of Lapland’s hidden treasures, the Nuortti river gorge.

Kuninkaanlaavu, Rovaniemi

It should come as no surprise that Santa’s favorite spot in Rovaniemi is atop the hill named after him. Follow in the Big Guy’s footsteps and head to Kuninkaanlaavu (King’s Lean-to), and watch the Ounasjoki river valley spread out before you. The golden Midnight Sun coats the thick forest, the distant river and the rolling hills in honey, practically begging for a panorama photo.

Discover more #kuninkaanlaavu #santavaara #visitrovaniemi

Otsamo, Inari

What’s the point of coming to the Arctic and not seeing something inherently #Arctic? Begin near the Sámi Nature Center and Museum Siida in Inari and climb to the iconic Day Trip Hut atop 400 m tall Otsamo fell. The trees grow thinner, shorter as you walk. When you reach the wide, flat summit, there’s nowhere you can’t point your camera for an unforgettable pic: the glistening waters of Lake Inari far below, the stony remnants of the Ice Age strewn about.

Discover more #otsamo #otsamotunturi #exploreinari

Pyhä-Nattanen, Sompio

Summer in Lapland is practically heaven for photographers. The Midnight Sun hanging over your heads offers 24 hours a day of photogenic opportunities. The Pyhä-Nattanen Fell in Sompio combine sacred rock formations from the glacier days with the sparse, delicate* vegetation you can only find north of the #ArcticCircle.

But don’t take our word for it. Photographer Eeva Mäkinen says, “The Pyhä-Nattanen fell has a mysterious feeling when you reach the top. It almost feels like someone is watching you there but in a good way. From here you can have a 360 degree views of the Lapland landscape and feel the vibes of the area’s history. There is a cute day hut on top as well where you could make some coffee to warm up.”

* Both the plant-life and the stone features of Pyhä-Nattanen are especially sensitive to human activity. Be cautious, considerate, and help keep Lapland beautiful!

Discover more #pyhanattanen #visitsompio

Päähkänä, Ruka-Kuusamo

As Finland’s most popular hiking route, the Karhunkierros Trail (Bear’s Trail) is on plenty of bucket lists. The route weaves through the Oulanka National Park, sometimes hugging the river of the same name, other times, wandering away for a bit of exploration. The vista from Päähkänä overlooks a twist in the Kitkajoki river that seems impossible to pass without photographing. Some prefer to stand back and capture the spruce trees overlooking the valley, while others prefer to climb onto the rocks for a vertigo-inducing snapshot. Just ask photographer and Instagrammer extraordinaire Eeva Mäkinen , who says, “This place has magnificent views no matter the weather. Probably one of the most photogenic spots in Finland and easy to reach from Ruka-Kuusamo. Päähkänä is well worth visiting and staying for a while to take in the surrounding nature.”

Discover more #karhunkierros #päähkänäkallio #coordinatesofnature

Hey! Try your hand at virtual Instagrammary with a visit to Virtual Lapland.

For more amazing experiences, check out Only in Lapland on Instagram. Share your experiences by tagging @OnlyinLapland and using #LaplandFinland & #LaplandBucketList.