Wintery Kilpisjärvi Enchants the Photographer
This time, the focus is on the magnificent landscapes of Kilpisjärvi. Welcome to the journey!
The crisp frost, majestic snowdrifts, and the northern lights dancing above the fell. The camera shutter clicks, capturing the magical winter scenery. Early in the year, I went on an adventure to Kilpisjärvi in a camper van. While the first signs of spring had already appeared in Southern Finland, winter was in full swing up north during my February trip. Wintery Kilpisjärvi is sure to enchant anyone. Experience the beauty of Kilpisjärvi through the lens of my camera!
In Kilpisjärvi, the camper van takes the adventurer to the tranquility of nature
The destination is peace and freedom, and it is found here in the gem of the arm. The polar night in Kilpisjärvi is real, and there is no light pollution to interfere with photographing the northern lights. The village has only about a hundred permanent residents, and there’s no sign of rush. The Saana fell rises right next door, and it’s not far from the village to the Arctic Ocean in Norway.
Heading to Kilpisjärvi, you get to drive along the Northern Lights Route, which starts in Tornio and follows the Tornio and Muonio Rivers. Twelve kilometers before Kilpisjärvi is the highest point on Finnish roads – 565.8 meters – which is a must-experience for everyone.
Northern lights spotting in Kilpisjärvi and quick visits to neighboring countries
The breathtaking landscapes of Kilpisjärvi left a lasting impression. In winter, there’s plenty to walk on the lake, making it easy to find different angles to photograph the fell. I also spotted the northern lights at night from the ice of the lake, where there wasn’t much snow, and ready-made paths could be found. Snowshoes are a great accessory to bring to these landscapes. The car’s sunroofs made it easy to admire the stars and the movement of the northern lights.
A fun and worth-visiting place is the Three-Country Cairn, where the borders of Finland, Sweden, and Norway meet. There, you can visit three different countries in just a few seconds by circling the shared border marker. In winter, however, it is more challenging to reach the cairn, as Kilpisjärvi is frozen and the tourist cruise ship is not in operation. I settled for viewing the cairn from the opposite shore.
Even though the drive from the capital region to Kilpisjärvi is about 1200 kilometers, I dare say it’s worth all the effort. In winter, the landscapes in Kilpisjärvi under the northern lights and the full moon are breathtaking. There is no rush – it is true tranquility, relaxation, and recharging of batteries. However, the village also has excellent restaurants and other activities to balance outdoor adventures.
