Best thing in Lapland is nature for sure. All the beautiful fells, big old pine trees, mystical swamps, forests filled with berries, autumn colours, snowy winters and heart melting sunsets are things that really make living here amazing.
And the people as well! Local people are warm and helpful when you get to know them. Also they have this great (sometimes slightly twisted) sense of humor that leaves you giggling inside and out.
Let me introduce myself in short. I am Minna, living in Ylläs and working here as a receptionist. I have been living and working here for three winter seasons now and this is the first summer that I’m spending here and I’m very excited about it. Last summer I was living in Kilpisjärvi so these nightless nights aren’t a new thing for me, though they are still as beautiful as ever and I can’t get enough of them or Lapland itself.
Still the things I love the most here in Lapland and especially in Ylläs are the fells. And luckily for me there are seven different fells in Ylläs area: Yllästunturi, Kuertunturi, Kesänki, Lainio, Pyhätunturi, Kukastunturi and Aakenus. I’ve been to five of them but Lainio and Pyhätunturi are still missing from my list. So it is my goal for this summer to peak those fells as well. I guess that will make my life in Ylläs complete.
Best thing in Lapland is nature for sure. All the beautiful fells, big old pine trees, mystical swamps, forests filled with berries, autumn colours, snowy winters and heart melting sunsets are things that really make living here amazing.
Not many things beat the feeling of getting on top of a fell and being able to see miles and miles away, feeling the soft wind blowing through your jacket and mind while breathing the freshest air in the world. Closing your eyes and letting the feeling of calmness sink in. That’s happiness. Also finding a good spot to eat your packed lunch and having some hot berry juice or maybe even a craft beer on the way down makes the experience complete. Everything tastes so much better outside.
So I dare you. Pack your bag with snacks and beverages, take a friend with you or go alone, hike on a fell, mountain or near by hill and enjoy the outdoors. (Also remember to take your trash with you. We don’t leave anything to the nature.) You can also take your adventure a little further and move to Lapland! I’m quite sure you will love it. Hopefully as much as I do.
By Minna Raitanen