Population 8,000 / 67.2 degrees north

Sodankylä, 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 Sodankylä

Latitude: 67.2 degrees north

Population: 8,000

Northern Sami:Soađegilli

Sodankylä 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 Sodankylä

Sodankylä Old Church

The old church is one of the oldest in Lapland. It was built in 1689 and survived the destruction of World War II. 

Tankavaara

Located just north of Sodankylä, Tankavaara is a Gold Museum that presents the history of the short-lived gold rush in Lapland. 

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 Sodankylä

Self-Guided Walks

Sodankylä on YouTube

Watch our YouTube videos featuring Sodankylä

Rovianiemi to Saariselka

This drive includes a stop in Sodankylä. 

Watch on YouTube

Uniquely Sodankylä

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

History of Sodankylä

Sodankylä Today

Sodankylä has an airfield and observatory. The Jaeger Brigade of the Finnish Army is located here. There is also some mining taking place in Sodankylä. 

Travel Information

Getting Here

Fly: No airport

Drive: Sodankylä is located at the junction of the E75 and E63, both of which lead to other major towns in Finnish Lapland. 

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

 

Reasonable Restaurants

Paivin Kammari is the best restaurant in town. 

High End & Unique Eats

 

Places to Stay

Hostels & Camping

 

B&Bs & Guesthouses

Majatalo Kolme is located just north of the town centre and is a nice, family run guesthouse. 

Chains & Mid-Range

 

High End & Unique Properties

 

Sunrise/Sunset & Weather Averages

January

Sunrise: 10:34am

Sunset: 2:11pm

Average Temperature: -12C (9F)

February

Sunrise: 8:30am

Sunset: 4:26pm

Average Temperature: -12.1C (10.2F)

March

Sunrise: 6:32am

Sunset: 6:14pm

Average Temperature: -7C (19F)

April

Sunrise: 5:24am

Sunset: 9:05pm

Average Temperature: -1C (31F)

May

Sunrise: 3:10am

Sunset: 11:13am

Average Temperature: 6C (42F)

June

Midnight sun

Average Temperature: 12C (54F)

July

Sunrise: 1:57am

Sunset: 12:42am

Average Temperature: 15C (59F)

August

Sunrise: 4:40am

Sunset: 9:52pm

Average Temperature: 12C (54F)

September

Sunrise: 6:32am

Sunset: 7:42pm

Average Temperature: 7C (45F)

October

Sunrise: 8:16am

Sunset: 5:40pm

Average Temperature: 0C (32F)

November

Sunrise: 9:19am

Sunset: 2:35pm

Average Temperature: -6C (22F)

December

Sunrise: 11:43am

Sunset: 12:33pm

Average Temperature: -10C (14F)

All Posts About Sodankylä

Sodankylä Photo Diary