Best Tourist Places to Visit in Enontekio, Finland, Europe
Enontekio is a municipality in the Lapland region in Finland covers a total area of 8,391.39 sq. km. The village of Hetta is the seat of the municipality, located about 1075 km north of Helsinki, the capital of Finland. Tourism and reindeer husbandry are the pillars of Enontekio’s economy.
Enontekio is rich in flora and fauna, home to many rare animals and bird species such as Eurasian Dotterel, Norway lemming, ptarmigan, arctic fox, ring ouzel and snowy owl. The major settlements in Enontekio are Karesuvanto, Kelottijarvi, Kilpisjärvi, Kuttanen, Markkina and Nartteli.
Geography of Enontekio:
Enontekio is located in the extreme northwest of the country housing the Halti Fell in the north of the municipality which is the highest point in Finland at a height of 1,324 meters.
Enontekio receives 459 millimeters annual average precipitation and vast amounts of snow fall during the cold season.
How to reach Enontekio?
Enontekio is catered by Enontekio Airport which is located 10 kms away from the centre of the main village of the municipality, Hetta. Enontekio Airport operates seasonal flights to Norwich and Helsinki, served by Enter Air and Air100 respectively.
Enontekio can be reachable by buses or rental cars from the neighboring cities and also there are many travel agencies offering direct bus services from the major cities of the country during peak tourist season.
Minibuses and taxis are commonly used for local travel in Enontekio.
Culture, Food and Shopping in Enontekio:
The Mary’s Days of Hetta is the major event celebrated in Enontekio featuring art exhibitions, performances of Sami music and other entrainment programs. The Music Days of Hetta, Kilpisjärven Pilkkiviikot and Suomen Tunturisuunnistus are other major celebrations in Enontekio.
Tourists can visit Sportbutikk for sport equipments, clothing and shoes, goggles, snowmobile accessories and ski waxes and another shopping option in Enontekio is Kasivarren Luontopalvelut.
The major food corners in Enontekio include:
- FellHotel Vuontispirtti
- Hotel Hetan Majatalo
Things to do in Enontekio:
- Trekking
- Hiking
- Adventure by Design – Private Day Tours
- Hetta Huskies – Day Tours
What to see in Enontekio?
The church of Enontekio:
The church of Enontekio was constructed in 1951-52 in the village of Hetta with from brick and concrete. The church also features 30 meters high tower, combined fresco and mosaic techniques’ altarpiece which was formed by the artist Uuno Eskola. Architect Veikko Larkas was the designer of the church.
History Museum in Enontekio:
Enontekio is home to three museums, among 3, history museum is the major one which describes the complete history of Enontekio from the historical period until the 20th century. The building of the museum was inaugurated in the year 1991.
Pallas-Yllästunturi National Park:
Pallas-Yllästunturi National Park covers the municipalities of Enontekio, Kolari, Muonio and Kittila. It is the 3rd largest national park in Finland with an area of 1,020 km². It is a favorite spot among the trekkers and hikers.
List of other places of interest in Enontekio includes:
- Fell Lapland Nature Centre
- Kitsiputous Falls
- Pyhakero
- Pihtsuskongas Waterfall
- Ounasjoki River
- Muotkatakka
- Yrjo Kokko bird watching tower
When to visit Enontekio?
Throughout the year is best to visit Enontekio, especially the summer months are ideal for outdoor activities.
Where to stay in Enontekio?
Enontekio is a winsome region housing plenty of well facilitated hotels and resorts that serve both natives and tourists with different latest amenities and services as well as some native typical dishes at affordable prices. The reputed hotels and holiday rentals in Enontekio are listed below:
- Hotel Jussantupa
- Hotel Hetan Majatalo
- Lapland Hotel Hetta
- Hotel Vuontispirtti
- Hetan Lomakyla Log Cabins
- Hetta Huskies Farm
- Holiday Village Hetan Kota
- Ounasloma Luxury Cabins
- Marjatan Mokki
- Pallaksen Valkko
- Vanha Tienpaa
- Ylikyron Mokki
- Antin Mokki
- Saivontupa
- Tunturihuvila