Lapland North Destinations stretch from Tankavaara to the shores of the Arctic Ocean, covering 240 kilometres of Arctic wilderness. The route passes through the cultural heartlands of the Sámi people, featuring traditional villages, fells, forests, and waterways that shape life in the northern Lapland.
Northern Lapland is a land shaped by water. From the lush canyons of Lemmenjoki to the vast open waters of Lake Inari and the winding, fish-rich Tenojoki River, the region invites you to discover its pristine wilderness from the most serene perspective – aboard a boat or gliding quietly by paddle.
In summer, the Midnight Sun casts a golden glow across lakes and rivers long into the night. As autumn approaches, the skies darken and the first northern lights dance above the calm waters. Lapland’s waterways become gateways to adventure, tranquility, and deep connection with nature.
From traditional lake cruises and Arctic Ocean boat trips to adrenaline-filled whitewater packrafting, and from peaceful canoeing to stand-up paddleboarding under endless Arctic skies, Lapland North offers unforgettable water experiences in every season. For the northernmost boat trip in Finland, sail the clear waters of the Tenojoki River on a traditional riverboat which forms the border between Finland and Norway and offers spectacular scenery.
For those who prefer to explore under their own power, Lapland North is a paddler’s paradise. There are routes for every skill level – from gentle canoe trips on the Lemmenjoki and Ivalojoki rivers to exciting rapids on the Juutua River. Kayaking on Lake Inari or gliding silently on a SUP board through the wilderness offers yet another way to connect with this untouched region.
Whether you’re gliding along in a riverboat or paddling on a crystal-clear lake, this is where you truly connect with the wilderness. Below, we highlight six memorable water-based adventures in Lapland North – from iconic river cruises to immersive paddling tours.
1. Lake Inari – Cruises and Boat Trips on Lapland’s Sámi Sea
Lake Inari, often referred to as the Sámi Sea, is the third largest lake in Finland and one of the most iconic natural features of Northern Lapland. With over 3,300 islands, steep rocky shores, and some of the cleanest freshwater in Europe, it offers a landscape that is both vast and deeply intimate. The lake’s pure waters, shaped by ancient geological forces and Sámi cultural traditions, stretch across a living wilderness.
Exploring Lake Inari by boat is one of the most immersive ways to experience its natural and cultural richness. From cruising past islands and sacred Sámi sites to relaxing on calm waters beneath the Midnight Sun or under the first stars of autumn, the lake invites moments of wonder and reflection.
A popular route leads to Ukko Island (Ukko’s Rock), a steep, sacred site where Sámi people once made ritual offerings. Some tours include a stop at Pielpavuono, where a marked trail leads to the historic Pielpajärvi Wilderness Church, nestled in the forest. There’s also a unique opportunity to visit a cave on a remote island, where ice may linger at the bottom even in midsummer – a rare natural phenomenon in Lapland North Destinations
Whether it’s exploring hidden landmarks, enjoying traditional snacks by an open fire, or simply soaking in the silence of the north, a journey on Lake Inari offers a quiet yet powerful connection to Lapland’s natural rhythm and spiritual heart. Whether you’re seeking cultural insights, natural wonders, or serene landscapes, Lake Inari’s diverse boat tours offer an intimate Arctic experience.
2. Whitewater Packrafting in River Juutua
The Juutua River winds through the village of Inari and holds deep cultural significance for the Inari Sámi people. For centuries, it has been a gathering place – a river where stories were shared, and nature was closely woven into everyday life. Today, the river offers both a peaceful and powerful way to experience the surrounding Arctic wilderness.
During the summer months, Juutua’s clear waters and lush riverbanks set the stage for unforgettable packrafting adventures. Whether you’re navigating calm stretches or steering through gentle rapids, guided tours make the experience accessible for all levels. Along the way, paddlers can expect scenic river landscapes, quiet forest views, and a break for a relaxed wilderness lunch. With its blend of natural beauty, cultural roots, and paddling excitement, the Juutua River promises a memorable journey into the heart of Northern Lapland.
3. Riverboat Trip on the Tenojoki River
The Tenojoki River flows along the natural border between Finland and Norway, it also marks the northern edge of the European Union. The river winds through a striking Arctic valley framed by rugged fells and dotted with hidden sandy beaches, offering some of the most breathtaking river scenery in the north.
A journey along the Tenojoki River by traditional riverboat allows you to take in this unique landscape in the soft light of the Midnight Sun or the crisp colors of early autumn. It’s a peaceful yet powerful way to experience the beauty of the north – and a chance to pause by the riverside and enjoy the warmth of a fire and a hot drink in the heart of the Arctic.
4. Lemmenjoki Riverboat Cruises in Legendary Goldfields
The Lemmenjoki River winds through Finland’s largest national park, a vast wilderness known for its timeless beauty and cultural heritage. Stretching over 70 kilometers, the river flows between forested hills, quiet valleys, and along routes once used by gold prospectors searching for fortune in the north. The surrounding landscape is home to serene fells, peaceful riverbanks, and waterfalls like the scenic Ravadas, all embraced by the silence of the Arctic.
Traditional riverboats still navigate these waters today, offering a peaceful way to experience the heart of the park. Visitors can explore the area’s gold rush history, take in the pure northern air, and feel immersed in one of Europe’s last great wildernesses. Whether under the golden glow of the Midnight Sun or the shimmer of the Northern Lights, Lemmenjoki is a place to slow down, breathe deep, and connect with nature and the stories it holds.
5. Canoe Trips at River Luttojoki in Saariselkä
The River Luttojoki flows through the peaceful wilderness surrounding Saariselkä, Europe’s northernmost outdoor resort. Just steps away from accommodations and village services, the area quickly opens into vast forests, quiet waters, and the untouched beauty of Finland’s second-largest protected area, Urho Kekkonen National Park. With its meandering streams, sandy banks, and pristine natural environment, Luttojoki offers a calm yet adventurous escape into Arctic nature.
Exploring the Luttojoki river by canoe is a perfect way to experience the region’s quiet charm. Whether you’re paddling through gentle currents or gliding between forest-lined shores, the journey offers moments of stillness, scenic beauty, and refreshing solitude. Suitable for beginners and seasoned paddlers alike, canoeing on Luttojoki brings you close to nature — with the chance to swim in the refreshing waters and experience the wild calm just a short distance from the village.
6. SUP and Rafting Adventures on the Ivalo River
The Ivalojoki River is one of the most legendary waterways in Northern Lapland, known for its stunning wilderness scenery and rich Gold Rush history. Flowing through remote valleys and forests, the river once guided hopeful prospectors deep into the fells — and today, it draws modern adventurers to experience the same wild landscape from the water.
The river’s diverse terrain makes it ideal for both peaceful and active pursuits. You can paddle through calm stretches on a stand-up paddleboard, embark on a multi-day packrafting expedition with overnight camping, or take on more challenging whitewater rafting routes. One of the most memorable journeys leads from the Sámi village of Kuttura to the historic Kultala gold station, with riverside breaks, rapid sections, a visit to the old gold prospector’s museum, and a hearty wilderness lunch along the way.
Whether you’re an experienced paddler or a complete beginner, the Ivalo River offers something for everyone — from guided SUP tours to kayaking courses that build skills and confidence. It’s a river where adventure and Arctic history flow side by side.
Follow the Flow – Explore Lapland North by Water
From tranquil lake cruises to wild river adventures, Lapland North’s waters offer something for every kind of traveler. Whether you seek peaceful paddling under the Midnight Sun, the thrill of whitewater, or a quiet journey steeped in Sámi heritage, the region’s lakes and rivers promise moments of discovery, reflection, and pure connection with the Arctic wilderness. This summer and autumn, let the waterways of Lapland North guide your next unforgettable experience.
