Top 11 Lakes around Sodankylä

Sodankylä offers a diverse range of lakes, from vast artificial reservoirs like Lokka and Porttipahta, known for fishing, to serene natural lakes within Urho Kekkonen National Park such as Harrijärvi and Luirojärvi, ideal for wilderness experiences. You'll also find accessible lakes like Ilmakkijärvi for birdwatching and picturesque spots like Kelujärvi for recreation.

Yes, several lakes and areas are great for families. Luulampi Hut offers a beautiful lakeside rest area with facilities and a restaurant in summer. Lake Ahvenlampi and Kitinen Lake are also noted for their natural beauty and scenic views, suitable for family outings. Additionally, Camping Vajusuvanto provides a family-friendly lakeside camping experience.

For immersive wilderness adventures, Lake Harrijärvi and Lake Luirojärvi, both located within Urho Kekkonen National Park, are excellent choices. Lake Luirojärvi, often called the 'Pearl of the Urho Kekkonen National Park,' is a significant destination for multi-day treks, offering breathtaking fell landscapes and opportunities to stay in wilderness huts like the Luirojärvi Wilderness Hut. You can find various hiking routes in the area, including those listed in the Hiking around Sodankylä guide.

Lake Ilmakkijärvi is perfect for an easy nature walk and birdwatching. A short, half-kilometer duckboard walk from Route 4 leads to its shore, where you'll find a birdwatching tower amidst a beautiful bog and lake landscape. It's highly accessible and offers a peaceful escape.

The Lokka Water Reservoir and Porttipahta Reservoir are renowned for their excellent fishing opportunities. These two vast, interconnected artificial lakes are among the largest in Europe and are known for rich fish stocks, including pike, perch, trout, grayling, and whitefish. They even host ice fishing events like Aurinkopilkit in winter.

Yes, swimming is possible in many lakes during the summer months. Lake Kelujärvi is a great option, featuring a half-shelter and changing cabins on its shore, making it convenient for a refreshing dip. Lakes within Urho Kekkonen National Park, such as Harrijärvi, also offer opportunities for swimming in pristine natural settings.

The village of Lokka, situated next to the Lokka Water Reservoir, offers a glimpse into local life. The Sodankylä Local History Museum features a building rescued from the village of Riesto, which was submerged when the Lokka reservoir was created, providing a unique historical context. Additionally, the village of Kelujärvi is known for its Midsummer celebrations, offering a cultural experience near Lake Kelujärvi.

Beyond hiking, you can enjoy cycling and mountain biking. The region offers various routes, such as those found in the Cycling around Sodankylä guide and the MTB Trails around Sodankylä guide. The Luirojoki River, near Lake Luirojärvi, is also a good spot for canoeing.

The best time to visit depends on your preferred activities. Summer (June-August) is ideal for hiking, swimming, canoeing, and enjoying the midnight sun. Winter (December-March) offers opportunities for ice fishing, snowshoeing, and potentially witnessing the Northern Lights, especially around monitored spots like Lake Ahvenlampi.

Yes, Luulampi Hut is a well-equipped rest area by a lake, offering toilets, a fireplace, a spacious hut, and a restaurant open during summer. Lake Kelujärvi has a half-shelter and changing cabins. For wilderness trekkers, the Luirojärvi Wilderness Hut provides facilities directly at the lake within Urho Kekkonen National Park.

These two interconnected artificial lakes are among the largest in Europe, creating a unique, almost marine, wilderness feeling in the heart of Lapland. Their sheer size and rich fish stocks make them a paradise for anglers. They were created to regulate water for power plants, and the village of Lokka offers insights into the local history tied to their creation.