Muonio: The Hidden gem of Finnish Lapland

Muonio in Finnish Lapland is truly one of the most special places I have visited in recent years, and it might be one of my favourites now. From a truly magical arrival by night train, to a small community with everything to offer for the ultimate trip to Lapland, Muonio is the hidden gem of Northern Finland.

Muonio is for those who want to...

Part of this trip was experienced on a mediatrip with Discover Muonio. All recommendations and opinions are my own. Thank you!

Getting to and around Muonio

By Train: the nighttrain from Helsinki takes you straight to the station of Kolari, which is about an hour from Muonio, followed by a bus ride or shuttle taxi (advance booking required at north.kth(at)gmail.com). It’s easily the nicest and most convenient way to get to Muonio, with travel and accommodation in one. Prices are affordable as well, and I found it a truly wonderful experience. Car transport is also possible with the train. You can book it here.

By Air: Arriving by plane is convenient, with Kittilä International Airport serving as the primary gateway, also reachable from European cities outside of Finland during the high season. From Kittilä, reaching Muonio is easy, either by bus or shuttle taxi service (advance booking required). Additionally, flights to Rovaniemi are possible, with slightly longer travel distances to Muonio.

By Bus: A direct bus service from Rovaniemi to Muonio takes approximately three hours. For those seeking an overnight journey, there’s a night bus available from Helsinki to Muonio. The Arctic Route is an adventurous option, connecting Rovaniemi to Muonio.

By Car: Muonio is conveniently located along Route E8, spanning from Turku in the south to Kilpisjärvi in the north. From Rovaniemi, you can take Route 79, offering scenic views along the way to Muonio.

Where to stay in Muonio

Muonio is a small municipality, so accommodation options are somewhat limited, but don’t let that stop you. All the spots we got to see where just out of this world, and I cannot wait to go back to stay at the others as soon as possible.

Local service providers work closely with each other, and any activity you’re interested in can easily be organised with your accommodation, including transfers and outdoor gear to rent. Package trips from 3-7 days are also available, for those who can’t be bothered to organise every detail. Staff is extremely kind and helpful, and you’ll be in the best hands!

All accommodations offer meal and restaurant services as well, so you can enjoy a simple lunch buffet or a special wilderness dinner – you choose! The breakfast is delicious and simple, the coffee strong and you can try local delicacies like reindeer, or flamed salmon.

Harriniva Adventure Resort

This resort offers all the nature activities like husky safaris, snowmobiling, and Northern Lights tours.

Perfect for adventure-seekers and families, it features riverside wellness facilities and cozy cabins. Ideal for those looking for action-packed holidays with lots of activities.

Website

Torassieppi Eco Reindeer Resort

Known for eco-friendly stays, reindeer safaris, and an unique cultural experience, Torassieppi is for anyone interested in traditional Lappish life and nature exploration. And of course: the reindeer. You can visit them any time you like and learn more about their role of life in Lapland.

Website

Jeris Lakeside Resort

Situated by Lake Jeris, this resort is great for those seeking relaxation with activities like ice swimming and saunas. Best for couples and wellness enthusiasts – the Arctic sauna world should be on everyone’s list though!

Website

Things to do in Muonio

Outdoor & Nature activities in Muonio

Husky sledding

Riding a dog sled is probably the most infamous winter activity in the North, and you can experience it at Harriniva Husky Farm. They offer short rides and multi-day adventures through the snowy wilderness, it’s best done in groups of two so you have one rider and one passenger. Snow suits and protective gear are provided. You can meet the dogs beforehand, learn more about the farm and meet the people behind it.

Snowshoe excursion

Snowshoeing is one of the most underrated activities in my opinion. You can get deep into the forest and up the fells, and experience the quiet and peace of the arctic winters without any distractions. I love it.

Reindeer Safaris

At Torassieppi Eco Reindeer Resort, you can enjoy traditional reindeer sleigh rides, learning about Sami culture and reindeer herding. I personally love the little reindeer the most, I could just watch and feed them for hours. Their fluffy little noses make me so happy! Definitely the main reason for why I’d like to stay at Torassieppi next time!

Horseback-riding

Polar Lights Tours are especially known for their activites on horseback, I highly recommend looking into their adventure offerings!

Northern Lights Tours

Chase the Northern Lights on special tours provided by Polar Lights Tours, offering husky, horse, and snowmobile adventures under the auroras.

Snowmobiling

You can explore the Arctic landscapes with guided snowmobile safaris, for example from Jeris Lakeside Resort. Safaris range from beginner routes to full-day tours – I personally don’t do those anymore for environmental reasons, and because I don’t like the noise. But: make up your own mind and try it!

Sauna & Wellness in Muonio

Arctic Sauna World

Relax at Jeris Lakeside Resort’s Arctic Sauna World, offering four different saunas inspired by the elements of nature, including ice swimming in Lake Jeris. This should be on everyone’s list: it’s a beautiful wellness space in a stunning setting, and is a unique experience.

Book your ticket beforehand! Bring your swimwear, beanie and slippers, and if you have, ice swimming shoes and gloves.

17/03/2020

Guide to Finnish Sauna & My Sauna Essentials

Museums & Culture

Visit Nature Centre Kellokas

Learn about the natural and cultural history of Lapland at the Kellokas Visitor Centre, located in Ylläs, with exhibits on the local wildlife and the Pallas-Yllästunturi National Park.

Sami Culture and Reindeer Herding

Immerse yourself in Sami traditions at Torassieppi Reindeer Farm, where you can meet local reindeer herders and experience the ancient Sami way of life.

Lappish Food Experiences

Enjoy traditional Lappish cuisine at Harriniva Adventure Resort, featuring local ingredients like reindeer, fish, and wild berries in their cozy dining areas.

What to know and what to pack

It's really cold.

I’m a winter soul and I LOVE the cold. Muonio broke my personal cold-record after almost 15 years in Finland at a crisp -36°C one fine morning. But what can I say, I loved it. I’d take -36 over +36 any day.

Our accommodation offered rental gear, but I was super happy and well equipped with all my own winter equipment. But super great for anyone who is only visiting once, or who doesn’t have the time and funds to gear up fully.

Thermals.

Both in terms of clothing and drinkware, thermals were quite the essential for me.

With temperatures like we had, coffee gets cold fast and so do your feet (and everything else). It was also the first time I felt the need to buy heat pads for inside my boots. Get thick thermal layers, and don’t be afraid really pack it on. I also quadroupled my headgear with a thin silk and merino base, beanie, woollen hood and the hood from my coat. No problem.

Plan your days smart.

The main tip here: use the daylight hours. The time when it’s light here is limited, so it’s crucial to make the best of it when you can.

If you plan to stay up late to see the Northern lights, I highly recommend scheduling an afternoon break once it gets dark. The cold makes you really tired, and after a fully packed day, I could not make it out to chase the auroras because I was asleep HARD.

Packing Must-Haves