This is an event such you will not experience anywhere else! Midnight Sun races start at the evening and continue all the way to the midnight.
Midnight sun races
The Sodankylä racecourse is off Kemijärventie (address: Kemijärventie 380), just a few kilometres from the town centre. It’s worth visiting the Midnight Sun Races just for the atmosphere, even if you’re not familiar with horse racing. Nothing else compares to the buzz at this summer event.
After the races, there is live music. There is also a restaurant at the race course – remember to bring some cash with you.
For photographers, the races held in the midnight sunshine are a very interesting subject.
Did you know? Torvinen, in Sodankylä, is the birthplace of one of Finland’s most famous racehorses, Aslak. The foal of unassuming stock, he almost died in infancy, before fate intervened, and in the end Aslak grew to great dimensions and made his way to the top of Finnish racing. These days, Aslak is enjoying his retirement at home in Torvinen.
In the picture, from left to right, Oravika and Mauri Jaara, Nipotti and Santeri Oikarainen and Lilium Lex and Martti Aikio, at midnight sun races in 2023. Photo: Teemu Kangas..