Explore nature

Explore remarkable natural sights

In the Tornio River Valley in Finnish Lapland, nature is never just a backdrop — it’s the main attraction. Here you’ll find rivers and lakes, fells and forests, soft sandy shores and numerous trails where the only soundtrack is wind in the trees (and maybe a distant birdcall). Whether you go for a short walk or enjoy a full day outdoors, nature is where you get to slow down, breathe deep and follow the rhythm of northern light.

Nature trails, viewpoints and waterside escapes

From easy strolls to longer routes, the Tornio Valley offers countless nature trails through varied landscapes — hilltops, old forests and lakeshores. Many routes are easy to access and there are parking facilities, so you can easily combine a hike with other activities, sauna time or a village visit.

The Tornio River Valley – a landscape shaped by light

This region is defined by seasons of light: the calm glow of winter days, the crisp colours of autumn, and summer evenings that seem to last forever. Add wide-open river views and the quiet of forest trails, and you have a nature destination that feels both vast and welcoming — in any season.

Lake Miekojärvi: “Pearl of the Arctic Circle”

One of the area’s most remarkable nature destinations is Lake Miekojärvi, described as the “Pearl of the Arctic Circle”. The municipalities of Pello and Ylitornio have jointly proposed a new national park for the Miekojärvi area (proposal submitted to Finland’s Ministry of the Environment in 2024). The proposed area includes hilltops, old forests, pristine arctic waters, sandy beaches and islands — a powerful snapshot of Tornio Valley nature.

When to visit

The Tornio River Valley in Finnish Lapland is a year-round nature destination, shaped by light and season. Summer brings the midnight sun, warm lakeside days and easy adventures like hiking, paddling and swimming by crystal-clear waters. In autumn, the hills and forests glow with ruska (fall colours) — perfect for peaceful walks, berry picking and crisp air. Winter is all about snow-covered landscapes, northern lights, ski trails, snowshoeing and the classic sauna + ice dip experience. In spring, longer days return fast and nature wakes up again — a calm, bright season for fresh-air escapes.

Pieskänjupukassa, Miekojärven uusi mahdollinen kansallispuisto Napapiirin Helmi

Lake Miekojärvi on a summer night in pink light in Finnish Lapland, Pello.

Proposal for new national park in the Tornio River Valley
THE LAKE MIEKOJÄRVI AREA IS THE PEARL OF THE ARCTIC CIRCLE
(Ylitornio/Pello, FIN)

The municipalities of Pello and Ylitornio jointly propose the establishment of a new “Pearl of the Arctic Circle” national park in the Miekojärvi area (proposal to the Ministry of the Environment in 2024). This magnificent complex, which unquestionably meets the criteria for national park status in terms of diversity and natural value, covers approximately 6400 hectares and includes, among other features, hill tops, old forests, pristine arctic waters, sandy beaches and islands.

Miekojärvi is the largest lake in Western Lapland, with an area of over 53 square kilometers. It is one of the northernmost waters in the world where zander naturally reproduce. Miekojärvi has 21 islands, the largest of which is Vaarasaari with an area of 843 hectares. Known as the Pearl of the Arctic Circle, Miekojärvi is traversed by the northern Arctic Circle. The lake boasts several naturally formed sandy beaches, with the Orhinselä sandbank in the central part of the lake being the most famous, selected by Erälehti magazine as Finland’s most beautiful natural sandy beach in 2017.

The proposed national park area consists of the Miekojärvi shoreline conservation area, Vaarasaari Island, part of the Koutusjärvi Natura area, and the Pieskänvaara and Sompanen areas. The area’s most famous natural attractions include the Orhinselkä sandbank, the beautiful view from the top of the Pieskänjupukka hill, and nature trails located in Vaarasaari island and Sompanen hill.

Watch the video

Nainen istuu kalliolla ja osoittaa maisemassa kiemurtelevaa Tornionjokea Tornionlaaksossa.

Tornion-Muonion River, also known as Väylä

Tornionjoki is the longest free-flowing river in Europe (approximately 500 km in length). It is a shared border river between Finland and Sweden, originating from Lake Tornio in Kiruna and flowing into the Gulf of Bothnia in Tornio/Haparanda. Upstream from Pajala, the border river is formed by the Muonio River, a tributary of the Tornionjoki. The Tornion-Muonionjoki is renowned as a salmon river.

Dip netting in Kukkola rapids in the Tornio River Valley.

Kukkolankoski
(Tornio, FIN)

Kukkolankoski Rapids are the longest free-flowing rapids in Finland. The old tradition of dip net fishing is alive and well in Kukkolankoski. The rapids are located in the village of Kukkola 15 km to the north from Tornio.

Original Lapland Aavasaksan kansallismaisemissa Ylitorniolla

original-lapland-ylitornio-tornionlaakso-aavasaksa-yötön-yö

Aavasaksa
(Ylitornio, FIN)

The towering Aavasaksa hill is the oldest tourist destination in Lapland. It stands at 242 meters high and is located approximately 10 km north of the center of Ylitornio. The site is known for its scenic views and observation point. You can reach the top of the hill by car and admire one of Finland’s official national landscapes. Aavasaksa is renowned as the southernmost point in Finland where you can witness the midnight sun. At the top of the hill, you can find, among other things, the historic Emperor’s Lodge, an observation tower, the Crown Stage, a statue of Annikki Kariniemi, and a 4 km long nature trail.

Sun is shining behind a snow covered tree in Lapland, Finland in march.

Aalistunturi
(Kolari, FIN)

South of the municipality of Kolari rises Aalistunturi to nearly 400 meters in height. It is one of the hidden gems along the route. For nature enthusiasts, its valley-like surroundings and diverse nature offer unforgettable hiking experiences. At the top of the fell, you can find an old fire lookout cabin, which now serves as a day hut for hikers.

MAUPERTUIS’ TORNIO VALLEY
A Hiking Guide to History and Nature Trails
(Tornio, Ylitornio, Övertorneå, Pello, FIN/SWE)

In the summer of 1736, mathematician Pierre Louis Moreau de Maupertuis and his expedition created a remarkable chain of triangulation points across the Tornio Valley in just over two months. The French team traveled along the Tornio River, seeking high points that would suit their measurements. By late autumn, they conducted astronomical observations, measured a baseline on the frozen Tornio River, and explored the surrounding area.

This hiking guide presents ten key sites along the route of Maupertuis’ expedition, from Tornio to Pello. It reveals where the degree-measurement team traveled, what they did, and what they experienced at each site. The guide also provides practical information on accessing these locations and describes what awaits visitors there today. Set out on a cultural journey to discover the history of science through the breathtaking landscapes of the Tornio Valley!

Guide

Orhinselkä Sands and Nature Trail
(Ylitornio/Pello, FIN)

In the middle of Miekojärvi Lake, the Orhinselkä peninsula sands are a unique natural attraction. Wilderness magazine Erä chose the Orhinselkä peninsula the most beautiful natural beach in 2007.

Eero´s Scenic Trail
(Pello, FIN)

Approximately 1.6 km circular trail leads to the top of Pallistajavaara hill with stunning views. Along the route, there is information and stories about the legendary local Olympic skier, Eero Mäntyranta. Along the trail, reportedly stands one of the oldest pine trees in the area. Excellent spot for observing the Northern Lights!

Jaipaljukka Nature Trail
(Pello, FIN)

The large rock formation of Jaipaljukka was formed at the end of the ice age as the ice was melting and the tectonic plates were moving. A guided nature trail of about 4 kilometres is perfect for a short day hike. The trail begins in Pello some 12 km towards Rovaniemi.

Aurinkovaara trails
(Ylitornio, FIN)

This route winds through the area south of Aavasaksa. You can choose from different lengths of trails, but by completing the entire route from Kainuunkylä school to Kivivaara and then to Ainiovaara, the distance totals about 50 km. The hiking trail follows, as its name suggests, through hills over 200 meters high, from which you can admire the national landscapes of the Tornionjoki Valley.

Pieskänjupukka Scenic Trail
(Pello, FIN)

Pieskänjupukka scenic trail is located on the western shore of Lake Miekojärvi. The route is approximately 1.6 km long and challenging, but the climb is worth it, as magnificent views of Lake Miekojärvi unfold from the top.

Sompanen Nature Trail
(Ylitornio, FIN)

The approximately 5.2 km long nature trail introduces the nature, geology, and history of Sompanen hill. The trail forms a circular loop around the top of Sompasenvaara hill, passing through a magnificent old spruce forest.

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