Sodankylä’s snowmobile route highlights include destinations such as Oratunturi and Tankavaara. If you don’t have your own snowmobile, join a guided safari! Safari or independent riding? Choose the type of snowmobiling that matches your skill level. Beginners are encouraged to join a snowmobile safari, where you can ride an easy-to-use snowmobile safely with a guide and a group. More experienced riders can head out independently on the marked routes, where you’ll also find places to make a campfire.
Sodankylä’s snowmobile network connects to the routes of neighbouring municipalities in all directions, making it easy to reach the area by snowmobile. You can find the Sodankylä snowmobile route and track map here.
Route highlights along the way
Ride up the slopes of Oratunturi and Kaarestunturi to enjoy breathtaking fell scenery and the services provided by Metsähallitus. Both fells have a lean-to shelter. Luosto offers a dense network of snowmobile routes and tracks, including the scenic ridge of Keski-Luosto. You’ll also find a wide range of services in the Luosto area. A snowmobile track leads to the Tankavaara Gold Village, where you’ll find the Gold Museum, the Wanha Waskoolimies restaurant, and accommodation options. The remains of the village of Mutenia lie on the shores of the Lokka reservoir. Most of the centuries-old village was submerged when the reservoir was built in the 1960s. The snowmobile track runs north of the village. The Lokka and Porttipahta reservoirs are excellent ice-fishing spots. When ice conditions allow, you may ride freely on the ice. Will you manage to catch a two‑kilo whitefish? Ride responsibly, follow the rules, and respect others on the route. Never go onto the ice unless you are certain it is safe.
Remember that in Finland you may leave the official snowmobile route only with the landowner’s permission. Staying on the marked route is also much safer and more carefree than venturing off it. Signs along the route indicate your location, so if your snowmobile breaks down or something unexpected happens, help can be easily directed to you.
In Sodankylä, snowmobile tracks are also free to use
Snowmobile routes are official, maintained routes defined in the Road Traffic Act. Most of Finland’s snowmobile network consists of these official routes, and using them is always free of charge. Riding on snowmobile tracks, however, often requires a paid permit — but not in Sodankylä. Here, the municipality maintains the tracks, which means they are also free to ride.