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.
Latitude: 67.2 degrees north
Population: 8,000
Northern Sami:Soađegilli
Sodankylä coat-of-arms
Here’s an overview of some of the best things to see and do in Sodankylä
Built in 1689, the Old Church is one of the oldest preserved wooden churches in Finland and one of Lapland’s most important historic landmarks. The simple timber structure has survived centuries of Arctic weather and remains remarkably well preserved. Visitors can admire its traditional architecture and learn about life in Lapland during the 17th century. The church is a powerful reminder of Sodankylä’s long history.
This museum is dedicated to the work of Andreas Alariesto, one of Lapland’s most beloved artists and storytellers. His colourful paintings document traditional life in northern Finland, including reindeer herding, Sámi culture and everyday Arctic life. The museum offers valuable insight into the region’s cultural heritage. It is one of Sodankylä’s most important cultural attractions.
The Local History Museum presents rural life in Lapland during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Historic buildings, traditional farm structures and artefacts illustrate how people lived and worked in the region before modern development. Visitors can explore reconstructed courtyards, workshops and dwellings that preserve local traditions. The museum provides a fascinating look at everyday life in Finnish Lapland.
Looking to go for a hike or take part in a unique experience? Here are our recommendations!
One of Finland’s largest national parks lies partly within the municipality of Sodankylä and offers vast wilderness landscapes of forests, fells and tundra. Visitors can enjoy hiking, cross-country skiing and multi-day trekking routes through some of Lapland’s most pristine scenery. The park is also an excellent location for wildlife observation and northern lights viewing. Its immense size creates a genuine sense of Arctic wilderness.
Located north of Sodankylä, Tankavaara is famous for its gold-mining heritage. Visitors can try gold panning themselves, explore historic mining exhibits and learn about Lapland’s gold rush era. The village is also home to the internationally renowned Gold Prospector Museum. It offers one of the most unique cultural experiences in Finnish Lapland.
The Lampivaara Amethyst Mine is one of the few active gemstone mines in Europe open to visitors. Guided tours explain the geology of Lapland while allowing guests to search for their own amethyst gemstones. The mine sits atop scenic fell landscapes within the Pyhä-Luosto region. It combines adventure, geology and spectacular scenery in one memorable experience.
Watch our YouTube videos featuring Sodankylä
The Sodankylä region has been inhabited for thousands of years, originally by Sámi communities who relied on fishing, hunting and reindeer herding throughout the Arctic landscape. The area later became an important meeting point between Indigenous Sámi culture and incoming Finnish settlers. Its location along northern travel routes helped establish it as a regional centre within Lapland.
The construction of the Old Church in 1689 marked an important stage in the development of a permanent parish and settlement. Throughout the following centuries, farming, forestry, reindeer herding and trade shaped the local economy. Gold discoveries in nearby areas during the 20th century brought new attention and economic activity to the region.
During the modern era, Sodankylä developed into an important municipality within Finnish Lapland. Tourism, research, mining and outdoor recreation now complement traditional livelihoods, while local culture remains deeply connected to the Arctic environment.
Modern Sodankylä combines traditional Lapland culture with a growing role in tourism, mining and scientific research. The municipality is known for its military presence, mineral resources and proximity to some of Finland’s most important wilderness areas. Despite its remote location, it serves as an important service centre for central Lapland.
Tourism plays a significant role in the local economy, particularly through northern lights experiences, hiking, gold-panning attractions and winter activities. Visitors arrive throughout the year to experience the midnight sun, Arctic wilderness and Lapland culture. The annual Midnight Sun Film Festival also brings international attention to the town.
Life in Sodankylä remains closely connected to nature. Residents enjoy easy access to forests, fells, rivers and outdoor recreation, while strong community traditions help maintain the character of this Arctic municipality. The result is a destination that feels both authentic and distinctly northern.
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.
A car is needed to get around.
Cafes & Bakeries
Quick Bites
Reasonable Restaurants
Paivin Kammari is the best restaurant in town.
High End & Unique Eats
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: 10:34am
Sunset: 2:11pm
Average Temperature: -12C (9F)
Sunrise: 8:30am
Sunset: 4:26pm
Average Temperature: -12.1C (10.2F)
Sunrise: 6:32am
Sunset: 6:14pm
Average Temperature: -7C (19F)
Sunrise: 5:24am
Sunset: 9:05pm
Average Temperature: -1C (31F)
Sunrise: 3:10am
Sunset: 11:13am
Average Temperature: 6C (42F)
Midnight sun
Average Temperature: 12C (54F)
Sunrise: 1:57am
Sunset: 12:42am
Average Temperature: 15C (59F)
Sunrise: 4:40am
Sunset: 9:52pm
Average Temperature: 12C (54F)
Sunrise: 6:32am
Sunset: 7:42pm
Average Temperature: 7C (45F)
Sunrise: 8:16am
Sunset: 5:40pm
Average Temperature: 0C (32F)
Sunrise: 9:19am
Sunset: 2:35pm
Average Temperature: -6C (22F)
Sunrise: 11:43am
Sunset: 12:33pm
Average Temperature: -10C (14F)