Population 3,000 / 68.5 degrees north

Ivalo, Finland

Sodankylä is a small village located between Saariselka and Rovaniemi in Finnish Lapland. The town is known for its military base, mining, and film festival in the summer. 

Fun Facts About Ivalo

Latitude: 68.5 degrees north

Population: 3,000

Northern Sami: Anar

Ivalo coat-of-arms

In this Travel Guide...

Things to See & Do

Here’s an overview of some of the best things to see and do in Ivalo

Hikes, Day Trips & Experiences

Looking to go for a hike or take part in a unique experience? Here are our recommendations!

Road-Trips

Follow our road-trip guides for scenic trips around Ivalo

Self-Guided Walks

Ivalo on YouTube

Watch our YouTube videos featuring Ivalo

Saariselka to Karasjok

This drive includes a drive through Ivalo on the way to Norway. 

Uniquely Ivalo

Here are some things that you must do and try in Ivalo

History of Ivalo

The oldest permanent settlement here dates back to around 1750. The population grew throughout the 19th century thanks to the gold rush.

Ivalo was severely damaged by retreating Nazi soldiers and had to be rebuilt. 

Ivalo Today

Ivalo is a regional centre with an airport and some industry. 

Travel Information

Getting Here

Fly: Ivalo airport has direct flights to Helsinki. 

Drive: Ivalo is located on the E75 running through Finland and into Norway. 

Train: No train access

Ferry: No ferry access. 

Getting Around

A car is needed to get around. 

Shops

Places to Eat

Cafes & Bakeries

 

Quick Bites

Cafe Ivalo in the K-Supermarket has excellent options. 

Reasonable Restaurants

High End & Unique Eats

 

Places to Stay

Hostels & Camping

 

B&Bs & Guesthouses

Chains & Mid-Range

 

High End & Unique Properties

Aurora Village Ivalo is a must!

 

Sunrise/Sunset & Weather Averages

January

Sunrise: 11:05am

Sunset: 1:33pm

Average Temperature: -12C (9F)

February

Sunrise: 8:35am

Sunset: 4:14pm

Average Temperature: -12C (10.2F)

March

Sunrise: 6:29am

Sunset: 6:09pm

Average Temperature: -7C (19F)

April

Sunrise: 5:13am

Sunset: 9:09pm

Average Temperature: -2C (31F)

May

Sunrise: 2:38am

Sunset: 11:39am

Average Temperature: 4C (42F)

June

Midnight sun

Average Temperature: 11C (54F)

July

Midnight sun until 21 July

Average Temperature: 14C (59F)

August

Sunrise: 4:24am

Sunset: 10pm

Average Temperature: 12C (54F)

September

Sunrise: 6:26am

Sunset: 7:41pm

Average Temperature: 6C (45F)

October

Sunrise: 8:17am

Sunset: 5:31pm

Average Temperature: 0C (32F)

November

Sunrise: 9:35am

Sunset: 2:12pm

Average Temperature: -6C (22F)

December

Polar night

Average Temperature: -10C (14F)

All Posts About Ivalo

Ivalo Photo Diary