Arctic Lakeland is a marketing name for the Finnish region called Kainuu. It describes the area well: thousands of lakes, vast pine forests, quiet wilderness, and a northern, slightly arctic atmosphere. For travelers looking for authentic nature, wildlife, and peaceful outdoor adventures, Kainuu is one of Finland’s hidden treasures.
Destinations in Kainuu Arctic Lakeland
Where you should go depends entirely on your travel style:
Do you want lively activity resorts? Deep wilderness? Culture? Wildlife photography? Contuine reading to find the best destination for you!
Kajaani – The capital of Kainuu Arctic Lakeland
Kajaani is the cultural and administrative center of Kainuu.
Highlights:
- Kajaani Castle ruins, located on a small island in the middle of the river
- Kainuu museum and Kajaani art museum
- The widest selection of shops, restaurants, and nightlife
- Ärjänsaari island is great place to visit in the summertime
- Visit Kajaani website
Kajaani is a great base if you want a town atmosphere combined with easy day trips around the region.
Ski resorts in Kainuu Arctic Lakeland
Vuokatti – The most versatile resort
Vuokatti is the biggest and best-known ski resort in Kainuu and it’s very popular also among Finnish people.
- Plenty of slopes and cross-country ski tracks
- Spa, indoor activity park, restaurants, winter experiences
- Excellent for families and travelers who prefer many activity options over wilderness solitude. In case of bad weather, Vuokatti has also many indoor activity options
- Northern lights are difficult to see because the slopes has a lot of light pollution, but you can book a tour from us and we will take you into darker areas!
- Vuokatti website
Ukkohalla – small resort with big nature
Located in Hyrynsalmi, Ukkohalla is quieter but very scenic. It has alot less services than Vuokatti, for example only one restaurant. Ukkohalla is built around a small lake, so you can reach all the activities easily on foot.
- Good slopes and ski tracks
- Sauna world where you can try different saunas
- Nearby attractions include Komulanköngäs double waterfall
- Hepoköngäs, Finland’s highest free-falling waterfall, is also within driving distance
- Ukkohalla website
Paljakka – forest resort near Ukkohalla
Paljakka is also a ski center, located in Puolanka municipality. It’s only 20 min drive from Ukkohalla, so you can visit both places on your holiday! We recommend visiting Paljakanvaara, where you can see ancient, untouched forest.
- Slopes are currently not maintained, but it still offers:
- Cross-country skiing
- Husky rides
- Snowshoeing and peaceful nature activities
- Excellent for travelers looking for quiet, deep forest landscapes
- Paljakka website
National parks in Kainuu
Hossa National Park – Famous canyon lake & rock paintings
Located in northern Suomussalmi, Hossa is one of Finland’s most beautiful national parks. Great destination to visit both in the summer and winter!
- Home to Julma-Ölkky, Finland’s largest canyon lake
- Värikallio prehistoric rock paintings
- Well-marked hiking trails, crystal-clear lakes
- Activities include canoeing, mountain biking, and fishing
- Good selection of accommodation and guiding services
- Hossa website
Hiidenportti National Park – a remote, ancient canyon
Located in Sotkamo municipality, about 1 hour from Vuokatti. One of the smalles national parks in Finland.
- Known for the dramatic Hiidenportti canyon, believed in folklore to be home to an ancient spirit called Hiisi
- Very remote, with only two wilderness cabins as accommodation options (no electricity, no running water)
- Quiet forests and ravines
- Koe Kainuu Adventures offers guided day trips to the park from Kuhmo and Vuokatti
- Read here more about Hiidenportti
- Hiidenportti website
Other Destinations in Kainuu
Kuhmo – culture, wilderness & wildlife
Kuhmo lies next to the Russian border. This distant place does not only offer amazing nature, it also suprises with strong cultural life!
Perfect choice if you want:
- Silence and untouched nature
- A mix of culture and wilderness
- Excellent wildlife photography, especially bears, wolves, and wolverines
- Beautiful ski tracks, hiking trails, paddling routes, and nature reserves
- Visit Kuhmo website
Kuhmo is also the home of Koe Kainuu Adventures, so you find the best activities here. 😉
Lentiira – Northern Lights & complete darkness
Lentiira is a small village in northern Kuhmo. You should head here if you want a complete break from towns, just relaxing in the middle of the wilderness.
- Extremely low light pollution → perfect for seeing northern lights
- Calm lakes, forests, and traditional Kainuu landscapes
- Popular for wellness retreats, canoeing, and wildlife watching
When to Visit Arctic Lakeland
Arctic Lakeland is a year-round destination, but the experience changes dramatically with the seasons.
Winter (December–March)
This is the most popular season for international travellers. Snow is guaranteed, the lakes freeze, and activities like skiing, snowshoeing, husky rides and aurora hunting are at their best. January–February are the coldest months, often below –20°C, which creates the magical “arctic feeling.” If the northern lights are really importand to you, in March you have the best chances to see them. See here more tips for seeing the Northern lights in Kainuu!
Spring (April–May)
The days become longer and the snow melts. This is a peaceful time with very few visitors, but coming at this time is gamble: especially in April the weather might be challenging with heavy sleet fall. In May the snow melts and nature is starting to wake up.
Summer (June–August)
Summer brings the midnight sun, warm days, and perfect conditions for hiking, canoeing, fishing and wildlife watching. July is the most popular month for Finns to have their holiday. If you want warm weather and long bright nights, this is your season. Downside in the summer is the amount of mosquitoes, here you can find tips for surviving them!
Autumn (September–October)
Autumn is perhaps the most underrated season. Forests turn vibrant red and gold and in the nighttime tha lakes are getting foggy, making it the best time for photographing landscapes. It’s also berry and mushroom season. Nights get darker again, so the aurora season starts in late August.
See also the official Arctic Lakeland website!
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