More than one third of people in Sodankylä lives in dozens of villages. There you will meet the most helpful Lappish people –and what’s the best of all these villages are always open for travellers.
Little villages are full of entrepreneurship and vitality
Check out Orajärvi village and see the charm of the nature. Peace, wilderness and landscapes also attract hundreds of cottagers to the villages like in Madetkoski. The village can’t be missed because of its tourist services. Do you long for peace and quiet? Easygoing Torvinen is an entry point to Luosto. You will recognise the village by the wooden artwork, Cranes by Erkki Alajärvi. Luosto, on the other hand is the youngest village of Sodankylä.
Have you heard about stories of Kelujärvi?
In vivid and energetic Syväjärvi village you can feel what the sense of community is all about. The agriculture and the reindeer husbandry are part of everyday life for many families in Sodankylä. Get to know Sassali village and its people with down-to-earth spirit. Explore the reindeer husbandry in lively Sattanen and during Easter you can follow the reindeer racing event on the spot. Go north from Sattanen and you will come to Kersilö, to the crossing point of wilderness in northwest and the silence of the aapa mires of Viiankiaapa in east. And if you ever arrive to Lokka in winter time there’s Aurinkopilkit ice fishing event waiting for your participation. Just next to Kaarestunturi there is Rajala village, where people know how to enjoy life.
You can easily learn more about unique Vuotso and Kierinki villages from the Village Stories.
Did you know! Vuotso and Purnumukka are the most southern sami villages of Finnish Lapland.
And do you already know who is the Katiskakeisari (Fish trapping Emperor) of all-time in Riipi?
You can sense the atmosphere of Lappish villages and see more videos about the true village life with full of community spirit in videos produced by Kylä kuvaa -project (videos are mainly in finnish but some of them have english subtitles).
Following the event calendar of Sodankylä you get to know what’s happening next in villages.
Do you feel like visiting our villages?