Lemmenjoki National Park Travel Guide - Free Web & App

Your ultimate guide to Lemmenjoki National Park. Discover top landmarks, proposed trips, and local tips. Free on the web or via the Evendo companion app.

Download the Free PDF guide

All photos

Discover the untamed beauty of Lemmenjoki National Park, where serene landscapes, rich wildlife, and vibrant Sami culture create an unforgettable adventure.

Nestled in the heart of Finnish Lapland, Lemmenjoki National Park is one of the largest and most unspoiled natural reserves in Europe. Spanning over 2,850 square kilometers, it offers an unparalleled wilderness experience for adventurers and nature lovers alike. The park is named after the Lemmenjoki River, which meanders through its vast, untouched forests and dramatic landscapes.

Read more about Lemmenjoki National Park

Home to a rich variety of flora and fauna, Lemmenjoki National Park is a sanctuary for wildlife enthusiasts. Visitors might spot reindeer, moose, and even the elusive golden eagle. The park's dense forests are interspersed with crystal-clear lakes and rivers, providing ample opportunities for fishing, canoeing, and boating. Hiking trails of varying difficulty levels allow tourists to explore the park's scenic beauty at their own pace.

Lemmenjoki is also steeped in cultural history. The Sami people, the indigenous inhabitants of Lapland, have lived in harmony with this land for centuries. Visitors can learn about their traditional way of life and even visit a reindeer farm. The park is particularly stunning during the summer months when the midnight sun casts a magical glow over the landscape. In winter, the Northern Lights can be seen dancing across the sky, offering a mesmerizing display of natural beauty.

When is the best time to visit Lemmenjoki National Park?

Best: June–August · 18–23°C

-10° Temperature Range for JanuaryLow: -20.5°C, High: -10.1°C Precipitation Range for JanuaryLow: 20 mm, High: 41 mm J

-10° Temperature Range for FebruaryLow: -21.7°C, High: -9.9°C Precipitation Range for FebruaryLow: 18.3 mm, High: 36.5 mm F

-4° Temperature Range for MarchLow: -16.3°C, High: -4.3°C Precipitation Range for MarchLow: 15.7 mm, High: 31.3 mm M

3° Temperature Range for AprilLow: -7.8°C, High: 3.2°C Precipitation Range for AprilLow: 18 mm, High: 39 mm A

11° Temperature Range for MayLow: 0.7°C, High: 10.5°C Precipitation Range for MayLow: 23.4 mm, High: 41.8 mm M

Best 18° Temperature Range for JuneLow: 6.5°C, High: 18.3°C Precipitation Range for JuneLow: 30.1 mm, High: 48.3 mm J

Best 23° Temperature Range for JulyLow: 10.7°C, High: 22.5°C Precipitation Range for JulyLow: 33.5 mm, High: 52.5 mm J

Best 18° Temperature Range for AugustLow: 8.8°C, High: 18.4°C Precipitation Range for AugustLow: 28.7 mm, High: 47.1 mm A

12° Temperature Range for SeptemberLow: 3.4°C, High: 12.2°C Precipitation Range for SeptemberLow: 24.3 mm, High: 41.1 mm S

6° Temperature Range for OctoberLow: -2.2°C, High: 5.8°C Precipitation Range for OctoberLow: 19.8 mm, High: 35.4 mm O

-2° Temperature Range for NovemberLow: -10.1°C, High: -2.3°C Precipitation Range for NovemberLow: 23.1 mm, High: 41.7 mm N

-6° Temperature Range for DecemberLow: -16.7°C, High: -5.5°C Precipitation Range for DecemberLow: 27.5 mm, High: 44.5 mm D

Average daytime high and rainfall by month
Month	High (°C)	Rainfall (mm)
January	-10	31
February	-10	27
March	-4	24
April	3	29
May	11	33
June (best)	18	39
July (best)	23	43
August (best)	18	38
September	12	33
October	6	28
November	-2	32
December	-6	36

Getting to and around Lemmenjoki National Park

How to get there

Lemmenjoki National Park is located in Finnish Lapland, near the town of Inari. The closest airport is Ivalo Airport, approximately 70 kilometers away. From Ivalo, you can rent a car or take a bus to reach the park. Alternatively, you can drive from Helsinki, which is about a 13-hour journey. There are also train services from Helsinki to Rovaniemi, from where you can continue your journey by bus or car.

Transportation

Once in Lemmenjoki National Park, the best way to explore is on foot or by boat. There are numerous hiking trails and boat routes available. During winter, snowmobiles and skis are popular modes of transportation. Car rentals are available in nearby towns like Inari and Ivalo for those who prefer to drive.

Explore Lemmenjoki National Park on the map

Plan your trip on one map. See where the top attractions, landmarks, restaurants and hotels are, and book hotels and experiences in a few clicks.

Get your free copy of our complete guide to Lemmenjoki National Park, delivered straight to you.

Everything on this page, from attractions and restaurants to essentials and local phrases, in one PDF you can read offline, print or share.

Already have an account? Sign in

Lemmenjoki National Park essentials

Currency and Payment

The official currency in Finland is the Euro (EUR). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in most establishments, including hotels, restaurants, and shops. However, it is advisable to carry some cash for smaller purchases or in remote areas where card payments may not be available. ATMs are accessible in nearby towns like Inari and Ivalo.

Safety

Lemmenjoki National Park is generally very safe for tourists. However, as with any travel destination, it is important to take standard precautions. Keep an eye on your belongings and be aware of your surroundings. There are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists in the park. Be prepared for the wilderness, as cellular coverage can be limited in remote areas.

Emergency Situations

In case of emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance. This number will connect you to police, fire, and medical services. It is advisable to carry a first aid kit and have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. Nearby towns like Inari and Ivalo have medical facilities and pharmacies for minor health issues.

Do's and Don'ts

Fashion: Do wear weather-appropriate clothing and sturdy hiking boots. Don't wear flashy or overly urban attire. Religion: Do respect local customs, especially if visiting any Sami cultural sites. Public Transport: Do respect others and keep noise levels down. Don't expect frequent public transport within the park; plan accordingly. Greetings: Do greet people with a friendly 'hei' (hello). Don't be overly familiar with strangers. Eating & Drinking: Do try local Sami dishes and accept food offerings graciously. Don't litter; always carry your trash with you.

Local Tips

To experience Lemmenjoki National Park like a local, engage with the local Sami community and learn about their traditions. Try gold panning in the park's rivers, a popular activity. Visit the Lemmenjoki Visitor Centre for more information on local flora and fauna. Renting a cabin along the Lemmenjoki River is a great way to immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the park.

From Eve

Local phrases worth knowing

You don't need to get them perfect. A few words go a long way, and locals appreciate the effort.

6 phrase groups · English, local and pronunciation

Basics

English	Local	Say it
Hello	Hei	[Hey]
Goodbye	Näkemiin	[Nah-keh-meen]
Yes	Kyllä	[Kuhl-lah]
No	Ei	[Ay]
Please/You're welcome	Ole hyvä	[Oh-leh huu-vaa]
Thank you	Kiitos	[Kee-tohss]
Excuse me/Sorry	Anteeksi	[Ahn-tehk-see]
How are you?	Miten voit?	[Mee-ten voyt]
Fine. And you?	Hyvää. Entä sinä?	[Huu-vaa. En-ta see-naa]
Do you speak English?	Puhutko englantia?	[Poo-hoot-koh eng-lan-tee-ah]
I don't understand	En ymmärrä	[En uhm-ma-rha]

Eating & Drinking

English	Local	Say it
I'd like to see the menu, please	Haluan nähdä ruokalistan, kiitos	[Hah-lu-ahn neh-dah roo-kah-lis-tahn, kee-tohss]
I don't eat meat	En syö lihaa	[En soy lee-hah]
Cheers!	Kippis!	[Kip-piss]
I would like to pay, please	Haluan maksaa, kiitos	[Hah-lu-ahn mahk-sah, kee-tohss]

Emergencies

English	Local	Say it
Help!	Apua!	[Ah-poo-ah]
Go away!	Mene pois!	[Meh-neh poys]
Call the Police!	Soita poliisille!	[Soy-tah poh-lee-see-lleh]
Call a doctor!	Soita lääkärille!	[Soy-tah lah-kah-rih-leh]
I'm lost	Olen hukassa	[Oh-lehn hoo-kahs-sah]
I'm ill	Olen sairas	[Oh-lehn sair-ahs]

Shopping

English	Local	Say it
I'd like to buy...	Haluan ostaa...	[Hah-lu-ahn ohs-tah]
I'm just looking	Katson vain	[Kaht-sohn vain]
How much is it?	Paljonko se maksaa?	[Pahl-yon-koh seh mahk-sah]
That's too expensive	Se on liian kallis	[Seh ohn lee-ahn kahl-lis]
Can you lower the price?	Voitko laskea hintaa?	[Voyt-koh lah-say-ka hin-tah]

Time & Numbers

English	Local	Say it
What time is it?	Mitä kello on?	[Mee-tah kel-lo ohn]
It's one o'clock	On yksi	[Ohn uhk-see]
Half past (10)	Puoli (10)	[Pwoh-lee (10)]
Morning	Aamu	[Ah-moo]
Afternoon	Iltapäivä	[Ihl-tah-pah-ee-vah]
Evening	Ilta	[Eel-tah]
Yesterday	Eilen	[Ay-len]
Today	Tänään	[Tah-nah-ahn]
Tomorrow	Huomenna	[Hwoh-men-nah]
1	Yksi	[Uhk-see]
2	Kaksi	[Kahk-see]
3	Kolme	[Kol-meh]
4	Neljä	[Nel-yah]
5	Viisi	[Vee-see]
6	Kuusi	[Koo-see]
7	Seitsemän	[Sayt-seh-mahn]
8	Kahdeksan	[Kah-dehk-sahn]
9	Yhdeksän	[Uh-dehk-sahn]
10	Kymmenen	[Kuhm-meh-nen]

Transport & Directions

English	Local	Say it
Where's a/the...?	Missä on...?	[Miss-sah ohn]
What's the address?	Mikä on osoite?	[Mee-kah ohn oh-soy-teh]
Can you show me (on the map)?	Voitko näyttää minulle (kartalla)?	[Voyt-koh nays-tah min-uhl-leh (kar-tahl-lah)]
When's the next (bus)?	Milloin on seuraava (bussi)?	[Meel-loin ohn seuh-rah-vah (boo-see)]
A ticket (to ....)	Lippu (jonnekin)	[Leep-poo (yohn-neh-keen)]

History of Lemmenjoki National Park

Ancient Sami Culture

Lemmenjoki National Park lies in the heart of traditional Sami territory. The Sami people have lived in this region for thousands of years, developing a unique culture centered around reindeer herding, fishing, and hunting. The park still contains various remnants of Sami life, including ancient dwellings and sacred sites. Visitors can learn about the Sami way of life through guided tours and cultural exhibitions.

The Gold Rush Era

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Lemmenjoki became a hotspot for gold prospectors. The discovery of gold in the Lemmenjoki River attracted numerous adventurers hoping to strike it rich. The remnants of this gold rush era are still visible today, with old mining cabins, sluice boxes, and other mining equipment scattered throughout the park. Visitors can even try their hand at gold panning in the river.

Establishment of the National Park

Lemmenjoki National Park was established in 1956 to protect the unique natural and cultural landscape of the area. Covering over 2,850 square kilometers, it is one of the largest national parks in Finland. The park was created to preserve the pristine wilderness, promote sustainable tourism, and protect the traditional Sami way of life. Today, it offers a vast network of hiking trails, wilderness huts, and opportunities for nature-based activities.

Flora and Fauna Conservation

The establishment of Lemmenjoki National Park has been pivotal in the conservation of its diverse flora and fauna. The park is home to a wide range of species, including brown bears, wolves, and golden eagles. Efforts to preserve the natural habitats within the park have ensured that these species continue to thrive. The rich biodiversity makes Lemmenjoki a prime location for wildlife enthusiasts and researchers.

Cultural Significance in Modern Times

In modern times, Lemmenjoki National Park continues to hold significant cultural value for both the Sami people and visitors. The park hosts various cultural events and festivals that celebrate Sami traditions, including the annual Reindeer Round-Up. These events offer visitors a unique opportunity to experience Sami culture firsthand and understand the deep connection between the Sami people and their land.

Lemmenjoki National Park in Photos

Browse through our photo collection highlighting the charm and character of the destination.

Neighbouring destination travel guides

The closest destinations to Lemmenjoki National Park, if you have time for more than one.

Explore more

More of the region

Explore more of Lapland

Discover the magic of Lapland, Finland - a land of endless winter adventures, mesmerizing Northern Lights, and rich Sámi culture, perfect for family fun and serene escapes.

Explore Lapland

More of the country

Explore more of Finland

Explore Finland, where the Midnight Sun meets the Northern Lights, offering a unique blend of natural beauty, rich culture, and unforgettable experiences.

Explore Finland