Paljakka: Escape the crowds in Arctic Lakeland
Tucked away in northern Finland, Paljakka is small, calm, and largely unknown outside domestic travel circles. It is also the snowiest region in Finland which makes it a really interesting place to visit for winter lovers who want to find a calmer experience away from the big crowds in Lapland. From activities to nature and all in between, Paljakka might just be one of the local secrets we are all looking for: lower prices, fewer crowds, same beauty! Here’s all you need to know for your perfect winter trip to the region.
Paljakka is for those who...
- value sustainability and want to support the local community
- connect with friendly locals and learn about the real Finnish winter life
- love winter and want to experience it fully and away from the masses
- like it cosy and nice, but not looking for a luxury vacation
- immerse themselves in nature surrounded by auroras and snow
In this article:
Part of this trip was experienced on a mediatrip with Visit Paljakka. All recommendations and opinions are my own. Thank you!
Paljakka Info Sheet
- Paljakka is located in Kainuu, about 600 km north of Helsinki in the Arctic Lakeland region.
- The area is known as one of Finland’s snowiest tourist regions, and wnow cover typically lasts 5 to 6 months each winter.
- Paljakka Hill rises to about 190m above sea level.
- Hiking routes range from 1 km nature paths to 60 km long-distance trails
- Trails run through protected old-growth forests and wilderness areas – the forest is a really unique feature for Finland
- Cross-country ski tracks span tens of kilometres each season. There are also downhill skiing slopes, but currently not operational.
- Northern lights are visible on clear nights during August through April – and the area has very low light pollution, ideal for aurora spotting. During my stay in January, we saw the Aurora every single night.
Getting to and around Paljakka
By plane: The easiest way to reach Paljakka is to fly from Helsinki-Vantaa Airport to Kajaani Airport. The flight takes just over an hour and is the fastest way to get there. From Kajaani, Paljakka is about a 90-minute drive.
By train: An alternative is the train from Helsinki to Kajaani, which takes approximately 6–7 hours. This is a slower but scenic option, especially in winter, it’s really magical. I would opt for this next time! From Kajaani, onward travel to Paljakka is by rental car or organised transfer.
Getting around locally: Paljakka is compact but distances still stretch out. Accommodation, activities, restaurants, and saunas are all close by, and most transfers can be arranged by and with local hosts. With an own rental car you are more independent and flexible, but it’s not a necessity. Rental cars are available at Kajaani airport and city centre.
Where to Stay in Paljakka
Best for the individual traveler:
Lake Resort Paljakka is located right on the shores of Lake Rakennusjärvi in the heart of Paljakka. Amongst the several accommodation options, the modern glass-walled cabins are the most amazing choice: panoramic views over the lake and surrounding forest, that are best admired from the personal hot tub that comes with each cabin terrace.
It includes a cozy double bed (with space for extra guests if need be), kitchenette, shower and private sauna – perfect for evenings after a day in the snow. Cross-country ski and snowmobile trails run right past the resort, and guests can start mornings with breakfast and lake views at their own cabin, or at the Safari Bar & Kitchen. Find out more here.
Best for groups:
Arctic Nest is a family-run wilderness stay set in one of the oldest spruce forests in the Paljakka region, offering a calm base that’s best for both small groups but also larger gatherings. The former national environment sample bank was turned into Arctic Nest by owners Teemu and Misha who make every guest feel like a friend, and are just a delight. Both are passionate about sharing their chosen home and educating visitors on surrounding nature and local culture.
Designed for simplicity and connection to nature, the accommodation includes a mix of private guest rooms and larger shared spaces, the multi-bed rooms are so well designed to ensure privacy and comfort.. Guests can enjoy free Wi-Fi, forest views, with options to combine your stay with hosted activities, meals, and local cultural experiences. New private wild cabins are also ready for guests.
A good budget-friendly option, especially for groups. Find out more here.
Paljakka Itinerary
Afternoon
• Arrival in Paljakka
• Lunch at Safari Kitchen & Bar
• Visit to a local husky farm and husky sledding experience
Evening
• Light dinner at own cabin and relaxing in the jacuzzi
Morning
• Breakfast
• Guided snowmobile tour
Afternoon
• Lunch at Safari Kitchen & Bar
• Ice fishing experience on a frozen lake
Evening
• Dinner at a traditional kota (wooden hut)
• Lakeside sauna, hot tubs, and ice swimming
Morning
• Breakfast
• Transfer to Hepoköngäs waterfall – one of Finland’s most impressive waterfalls
Afternoon
• Lunch at Arctic Nest
• Visit to a local reindeer farm
Evening
• Blueberry pie baking workshop
• Dinner at own cabins
Morning
• Breakfast
• Guided electric fatbike tour
Afternoon
• Lunch at Safari Kitchen & Bar
• Hiking with huskies at Snow Huskies
Evening
• Relaxed evening back at the cabins
Morning
• Breakfast
• Transfer to Arctic Nest
• Guided snowshoeing tour
Afternoon
• Return to accommodation, time to pack
• Late lunch at Safari Kitchen & Bar
Evening
• Departure
What to do in Paljakka
1. Visit the Hepoköngäs waterfall
Of all the activities to do, my top recommendation is the hike to the waterfall. The surroudning Hepoköngäs Nature Reserve was built around one of Finland’s highest waterfalls that has a 24m drop. The walk is easy (even accessible!) and so beautiful and picturesque that I immediately started messaging my friends that I want to come back here with them. The waterfall in January was completely frozen and it was eerily quiet but also not. I was really fascinated with this spot and couldn’t recommend it more. It is usually combined with…
2. Hang out with the local reindeer
I always LOVE hanging out with reindeer and their fluffy noses, so it’s no surprise this is high on my list. The Southernmost (!) reindeer farm you can visit in Paljakka is family run and a wonderful experience. Unlike in many other commercial settings, you actually get to spend time with the animals in their winter enclosure and feed them there directly, not just through a fence. They are used to people and are not shy, although reindeer are by nature (unfortunately) not very cuddly. The combined day with the waterfall visit and then the reindeer farm was my favourite!
3. Hiking with Huskies
Okay, another activity I absolutely loved – a hike with a husky. Snow Huskies offer the possibility to go for a private walk or hike with a dog for each participant. This gives you such a unique experience to connect with one of these magnificent animal (Freddi best) and see them explore the wintery forest. Everybody was very excited about smelling all the foxes and hop around the deep snow, it was truly a joy. The dogs are incredibly well-behaved, it’s somehow so peaceful and grounding. Especially if you don’t have a dog at home, this is a great way to get some doggo-time in and actually spend quality time with the animal. I do enjoy the dog sleds as well, but it’s such a high-energy activity for everyone involved, it’s fast-paced, whereas this is peaceful, calm and relaxing. Highly recommend. Find out more here.
4. Winter wellness at Paljakka Lake Resort
Lakeside saunas, hot tubs under the open sky, and ice swimming are a normal part of life here, that feels totally luxurious. Sauna as a way of life in Finland is takes to the next level with the ice dip (avanto) and no matter if you want to stay at your own cabin to enjoy a sauna and jacuzzi, or book a sauna with direct lakeside access and a large hot tub (palju), you have all the options here.
5. Blueberry pie making workshop
Culture is at the heart of the Finns here, and activities like making your own delicious bluberry pie is an easy way to join that (delicious, too). At Arctic Nest, you can learn from the best, and: taste your work after. What could be better.
6. Snow-shoeing through old growth forest
Forestry is a big industry in Finland, and the majority of the forests you see are actively art of that industry. As a result, Finland actually does not have a lot of old growth forests, which means that the trees have not been cut or there haven’t been any kinds of logging activities. While some areas are entirely prohibited for visitors, you can safely visit parts of the old forests where the trees are many hundred years old. It’s a unique place to visit and I personally love snow shoeing – such an underrated activity to really get deep into the forest and into the snow.
7. Ice-fishing
What seems like a novelty for tourists is truly a local favourite activity, and all our guides mentioned that it’s their favourite thing to do. And they’re not the first one’s I’ve heard this from! Ice-fishing does take some skill and patience most of all, and you cannot have any expectations because you might leave again empty-handed. For some reason I caught two fish that day and I did feel oddly proud even though all I did was wait.
It does get cold though. Slowing down and not moving the easiest way to freeze, so ice-fishing is not for the faint-hearted. I love the cold and the winter and I struggled, although it was a windy day out on the frozen lake.
8. Northern Lights watching
Now, unlike what others tell you – you do not need to book a specific Aurora watching guided tour or the like. The sky is everywhere and if you have a bit of patience and luck, there is a good chance you might as well see the green dance above you from bed. Of the 4 nights spent in Paljakka, we saw the Northern Lights every evening.
9. Snow-mobiling and fat-biking
While I personally don’t love snowmobiling as an activity if we’re honest here, it is a legit mode of transportation in winter regions. We took the snow mobiles through the forest to get to the lake for our ice-fishing excursion and that is totally valid. I was happy to be the passenger princess this time and had a great time watching the forest. I just prefer to spend time in nature in a more peaceful and quiet way (plus I had an almost-accident once a couple of years go that could have gone literally sideways).
What to know and what to pack for Paljakka
Hot tip
Both in terms of clothing and drinkware, thermals were quite the essential for me.
Layering is the key, and especially if you’re planning any outdoor activities, a breathable base layer but a wind-proof jacket are key.
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
Myssyfarmi Hohto Hood
Pomar Saana felt boots
Icebreaker floppy Mittens
R-Collection overshirt
Joutsen Mysi Down Coat
North Outdoor Merino joggers
Laponie all-around-balm
