UNUSUAL PLACES TO VISIT
Oranki Art Environmental Art Park, Pello
Särestöniemi and Palsa Museums, Kittilä
Summer Theaters
Witches' Gathering Place Kivipirtti, Pello
Pakasaivo, "Lapland's Hell," a Sámi sacrificial site, Muonio
Holger’s Tractor Museum, Holgers traktorer, Överkalix, SE
Fishing Museum, Kukkolaforsen, Haparanda
Instagrammable Pink Church in Svanstein
FLEA MARKETS AND YARD SALES
Summer is prime time for yard sales, and in small towns, these flea markets are often true treasure troves. Take a detour from the main road and discover the charming, traditional yards along the way.
FINLAND-SWEDEN-FINLAND-SWEDEN
Drive along the Swedish side and explore the quirky place names
Secretly listen to the locals' mix of Finnish and Swedish
Buy surströmming (if you dare), tunnbröd, and sockerdricka
SPOT SOME BINGO!
Sunday Bingo, Konttajärvi Village Hall, Pello
Car Bingo/Bilbingo in Swedish, Juoksengi
Museum Bingo, Tornionlaakso Museum
THE LAND OF SIGNS?
Don’t ignore the signs and boards here—they reveal summer cafes, yard sales (loppis), events…
Hollywood-style Svanstein letters stand on a hill (visible from Turtola, Finland)
The Vittula sign in Pajala along Laestadiusvägen
Psst! Check out the bulletin boards in stores and villages—you might find special local events or unique activities.
UNIQUE EVENTS
Chainsaw Carving Competition, Pello
Silence Festival, Kaukonen, Kittilä
Midsummer Dances at Aavasaksa, June 23 and 24
Pajala Markets
Wild Half-Fest, Äkäslompolo
Poikkinaintiajot (cross-country car event), Pello
Swim the Arctic Circle, Juoksenki FI/SE
Siikafästit (Whitefish Festival), Kukkolankoski FI/SE
Orienteering World Championships, Pello, late August
Pajala’s Römppä Week ends the summer season
MEÄNMAA DAY, JULY 15
Both Finland and Sweden celebrate Meänmaa Day (Our Land Day - refers to the shared cultural area of the two countries) in July. Meänmaa also has its own blue-white-yellow flag, which is often flown in place of the national flags. Can you spot it on your trip?
Download the route brochure here!