The oldest long-distance trail in Finland ends in Pallas, and right now it’s getting a brand-new start and end gate – complete with a free shower and a big, covered cooking area to make your hike more comfortable. And even if you don’t feel like backpacking the whole Hetta–Pallas trail, it offers some fantastic day-hike options. One highlight is Taivaskero fell, where the Olympic Fire was lit for the 1952 Helsinki Games. But Muonio has plenty more to discover. Two favourites stand out: Punainenhiekka, a stunning beach with reddish sand and wide views over the famous fell landscape of Pallas–Yllästunturi National Park – one of Finland’s 27 official national landscapes. Swim, stroll, share a coffee in the cosy wooden hut, and maybe meet a few reindeer stopping by for a drink. Prefer climbing higher? The 3 kilometre trail up Särkitunturi gives you sweeping views over the same fell landscape. It’s a popular trail, so for peace and quiet, aim for sunrise or sunset (and bring a headlamp). On the plateau at the top, dotted with small mires, some brave souls even take a dip. Pack a stove and reward yourself with steaming hot chocolate while you soak in one of Lapland’s most magical panoramas.
High above the fells of Pallas, science has been quietly watching the skies for almost a century. The first weather station appeared by Lake Pallasjärvi in 1935, and by the early 1990s researchers were already measuring the air’s composition. In 1994, Sammaltunturi became part of the Pallas–Sodankylä Global Atmosphere Watch network. Today, Pallas is no ordinary research station. It’s one of the most important atmospheric monitoring sites in the Arctic, feeding vital data into European and global climate programmes. And the result? Muonio can proudly say it has the cleanest air in the world – a fact backed by hard science. Locals know it, cherish it, and work hard to keep it that way. When you visit, take a deep breath or two. You’ll feel it in your lungs: perhaps the rarest luxury of our modern age.
If you’ve never lost yourself for hours just gazing out a window, Polaris Villas will teach you how. Four-metre-high windows frame a panorama of lake and fells so mesmerising it becomes your favourite show. Even the sauna has a glass wall, so you can watch Wilderness TV while the steam wraps around you. When the muscles ask for mercy after hiking, fishing or rafting, the outdoor jacuzzi is waiting. Inside, every detail has been considered: cupboards already stocked with coffee, tea, oil and spices, shelves lined with Finland’s best design cutlery, glasses and plates. You’ll slip under Marimekko blankets at night, wrap yourself in designer robes after a sauna, and realise you haven’t thought about supermarkets, shopping lists or chores once. Polaris Villas redefines comfort. Looking out of the window has never been this luxurious.
We could do more with these old buildings, thought Antti, son of the founder of Harriniva Hotels & Safaris. A sauna enthusiast with deep knowledge of Finnish sauna culture, he turned the idea into Arctic Sauna World. The result? Five unique saunas, each named after figures from the Finnish national epic Kalevala.
Here you’ll move from the Vellamo Water Sauna to the Tapio and Ukko Saunas, before finishing in Repo, the Northern Lights Sauna. In between, plunge into the clear waters of Lake Jerisjärvi to cool down like a true Finn. Situated right by Pallas-Yllästunturi National Park, outdoor lovers can also enjoy its many routes for hiking and cycling.
It’s no wonder Finland has been crowned the world’s happiest country eight years in a row – sauna has a lot to do with it. After sweating, swimming, and smiling, you can feast on a hearty meal or drink a cold beer in the on-site restaurant, with Jerisjärvi glistening just outside.
From Muonio, Sweden is literally a stone’s throw away. The Muonio River marks the border, and one of only five official crossings between the two Nordic neighbours sits right here.
A 20-minute ride brings you to Muodoslompolo, a tiny village with fewer than 100 residents. It may be small, but it charms with its wooden church and a nostalgic grocery shop where you can stock up on local treats – from chocolate and candy to knäckebröd.
Rent a bike in Muonio and pedal over for a slow-travel mini adventure. On our visit, we didn’t pass a single car on the Swedish side – perfect for families. Grab snacks from Susann’s Lanthandel and enjoy them on the church steps, looking out over the quiet village. Sometimes the best international trips take just a few turns of the pedals.
With a river this wide and wild, the question isn’t if you can paddle it – it’s how much fun you want to have. Around Muonio, the answer is plenty. Arctic Flow and its owner, Jouni, are local legends, guiding adventurers down Class II, III, and IV rapids, including the mighty Äijäkoski.
The season runs from June right into September, so you can catch the river in many moods: roaring with spring melt, or mellow under autumn’s golden glow. Kids are welcome too, making it a perfect family outing if you want to swap screens for spray and adrenaline.
One thing’s for sure – the Muonionjoki River will leave you drenched in smiles as much as water.
Come and discover Muonio, the wild soul of Finnish Lapland. Here, golden autumns meet star-filled skies, and the northern lights dance long before the winter cold arrives. Along the Muonio River, salmon leap and grayling shimmer, while reindeer graze in endless forests. In this video, we’ll take you on a journey through Muonio’s magic: casting lines in crystal-clear waters, wandering vibrant trails, sharing stories by the fire, and savouring flavours crafted by a master chef. Muonio is where nature slows you down — and leaves you wanting more.
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Our team has explored nearly every corner of the world. We've uncovered the most mind-blowing experiences and know exactly when and where to go for that once-in-a-lifetime journey, that epic adventure you've been dreaming about, or that unique family getaway no one else is doing.that epic adventure you've been dreaming about, or that unique family getaway no one else is doing.that epic adventure you've been dreaming about, or that unique family getaway no one else is doing.
We know where to go. We know the best places to stay. And we know the local partners who turn a trip into something unforgettable. That’s why when we design your journey, it isn’t just a holiday. It’s a story you’ll carry for life.
Our mission is simple: to inspire you to explore the world with curiosity, optimism, enthusiasm, and respect. To connect with cultures, to marvel at breathtaking landscapes, and to embrace the beauty of untamed nature.
So, tell us — what once-in-a-lifetime adventure may we design for you?
Aurora Borealis is one of those experiences that no words or photos can quite capture. Even after seeing them many times, the moment the sky bursts into greens, pinks, or purples, I can’t help but grin like a child. Muonio is an excellent stage for the show. With the Sun nearing solar maximum, the chances of activity are high – the only real wildcard is cloud cover. On my second night, I had a 95 percent forecast, but thick clouds kept the curtains closed. Still, that’s part of the magic: you never quite know when the sky will ignite. Autumn adds an extra perk. Unlike winter’s -20°C nights, you can wait outside under a star-filled sky in relative comfort. And when the lights do appear, dancing across the fells, it feels like the universe is throwing you a private celebration.
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