How local companies are preparing for the summer in Lapland?

The summer season in Lapland is about to start. As for that, you might be wondering what kind of services are possible for this summer. The current situation with the Covid-19 is causing a lot of pressure for the tourism providers in Lapland. Local companies are of course hoping that traveling to Lapland would be possible for the visitors from different parts of Finland during  this summer as well. Some might open their doors only later in the summer. Also the situation with activities, restaurants and open hours may differ from the usual. Starting from the first of June, some national restrictions will be opened. For example restaurants are allowed to be opened with some limitations to opening hours and number of customers. Domestic leisure traveling restrictions are lifted up already. Travel within Finland allowed as long as health and safety guidelines are observed. 

Here you find our previous article about what you should know if you’re planning to travel to Lapland this summer. So how have local companies prepared for the summer? Here you can find current information about camping areas, national parks, activities and equipment renting from different destinations in Lapland, 

Where to stay?

While staying in Lapland, you can choose your accommodation from for example hotels, cabins or camping areas. Harriniva Hotels & Safaris in Muonio are accepting cabin reservations for July and August. Most of the accommodation will remain closed for June. ‘The worst part is the uncertainty”, says Hanna-Mari ”Pyry” Talvensaari, the Sales and Marketing Manager of Harriniva. We are constantly following the updated guidelines from the government of Finland. She added that since Finnair isn’t flying to Kittilä at the moment, it’s also challenging for customers to arrive than in normal conditions. In Levi, the CEO of Visit Levi, Yrjötapio Kivisaari, tells that accommodation services in Levi will be open again starting from the first of June. Some hotels will open their doors later in June.

Try camping!

Lapland has also multiple different camping sites in different destinations. Take your own tent, a caravan or rent a cabin and enjoy the summer! Some camping sites also offer many kind of services to use while staying there. Camping is an exciting way to spend your summer holidays in Lapland, and also the costs are a bit lower than when staying in a hotel.

Camping areas in Rovaniemi, Posio and Kilpisjärvi

Right next to the city center of Rovaniemi you can find Ounaskoski Camping, which is located next to the beautiful Kemijoki River. Jorma Puljula from Ounaskoski Camping tells that they will be open starting from the 1^st of June. Right now they are expecting a lot less guests since the borders remain closed. Usually the site has been very popular for example among Norwegian customers. The current situation is causing some changes, for example the reception is open from 8-20. The site also has a café, which will be open for now and the coming days will show if it will remain open or not. Ounaskoski Camping wishes all travelers welcomed, and they also have 4-meter space between each caravan, so that everyone has space and it’s safe to stay.

Holiday Village Himmerki is located in Posio, so in the southern part of Lapland. They are already open and have some limitations for the upcoming summer. They will start their restaurant services starting from the 1^st of June. At the moment they don’t have the normal breakfast service, but it’s still possible to order from the menu. Safety distances are always kept and they are focusing on doing everything possible to keep all of their guests safe. The CEO of Himmerki, Reijo Lantto, also tells that they have just received a Green Key certificate for Sustainable Travel this year. They are offering renting services normally for this summer as well, for example boats, kayaks, bikes and saunas.

If you want to spend your summer holiday in the very north, Kilpisjärvi Holiday Village & Camping is an excellent choice. It’s located right next to the Saana fell, so the views here are on point! Suvi Mansikkasalo from Kilpisjärvi Holiday Village & Camping informs that they are welcoming travelers this summer starting from the 15th of June. They will have their restaurant and accommodation services in use. They will have some restrictions concerning the situation, which will be informed in their website in the following days!

National parks

Visits to the national parks in Finland are allowed according to Metsähallitus, The Finnish Forest Administration. They are now also recommending to take your own drinking water, toilet paper and hand disinfection. If you are travelling with a larger group, find out if your destination might have camp sites that could be booked in advance. In this way it’s safer for everyone! Before starting your trip in the nature area, get familiar with the Outdoor etiquette. It gives practical examples on how to act in the nature in terms of safety and responsibility.

Choose your activities

While spending your holiday in Lapland, there are various activity options to choose from. Challenge your fishing skills in the arctic waters, have an adventurous day biking in the forests or participate on a guided tour to admire the midnight sun.

In Levi- KIttilä, the services will start opening towards the end of June. For example, the renting services from Zero Point will be possible starting from 19.6. The Adventure and Activity Parks and Levi Bike Park. will be open from 3.7. The Elves Village Tonttula welcomes guests from the 12^th of June. This summer in Levi you are also able to try their new Sauna Bar!

Challenge yourself with new experiences

Mountain biking is a fun way to get to know your travel area. Roll Outdoors in Rovaniemi and Saariselkä are offering their guided bike tours normally also this summer. Kuutti Heikkilä from Roll Outdoors tells that they are doing private tours in both locations. In Rovaniemi they also offer a tour where you will get to know the Rovaniemi area.

If you are interested of fishing, Lapland offers multiple fishing trips as well. Aki Huhtanen from Grayling Land tells positive news for a change! The fishing trips he’s organizing in the northern Lapland are almost booked for this summer. The tours are organized normally, and there are still some openings for the upcoming summer. He tells that it’s a positive problem and is glad that the business is going well despite the current events.

Equipment renting

It’s not necessary to own all the needed equipment yourself. It’s also much more convenient to travel without too much luggage! When traveling to Lapland, you might want to consider renting. Bikes, water equipment, tents and even backpacks and tens are possible to rent for the time you need.

If you are planning a hike, Partioaitta offers for the members of their 365-club to loan many kinds of equipment. The equipment they are offering are from top brands, and you can loan them for 48 hours. Afterwards it’s easier to know if the products are something you might want to purchase to yourself! They have tents, hammocks, backpacks and many other equipment to try.

For bikes, Roll Outdoors in Rovaniemi and in Saariselkä are renting mountain bikes and e-fat bikes. Many other destinations are also offering bike rentals – this is something you should try for sure!

From RetkiRent you can find all kinds of equipment to rent from many parts of Lapland. From here you will rent the things from other camping enthusiasts and professionals.

Read more about Lapland tips and trips in our Lapland Blog.

• saija.halminen@ourlapland.fi