In Sodankylä’s national parks, you’ll find some of the most stunning snowshoeing landscapes in Finland. Following the marked trails is easy and enjoyable! If you can walk, you can snowshoe — and in deep snow, snowshoeing can even be easier than walking. As spring progresses, the trails often become so well packed that you can even walk them in regular winter boots.
Snowshoes can be rented quickly and easily from tourism operators working in the national parks. Many companies also offer guided snowshoe excursions: Tankavaara Gold Village, Taika Lapland, Arctic Wonders and Loito.
Starting your adventure from Sodankylä? In Sodankylä, snowshoes can be rented from Arctic Wonders and Loito. If you’re drawn to snowshoeing in the wilderness, head to Kierinki or the Tankavaara Gold Village, where you can join guided snowshoe tours or explore the wilderness independently by renting snowshoes on-site.
Trails in Tankavaara and Kiilopää
The Tankavaara trails start from the parking area of the Tankavaara Experience and Conference Center and the Gold Museum, while the Kiilopää trails begin at the Kiilopää gate. You can find all trails and detailed information on the Luontoon.fi service.
There are plenty of routes to choose from — here are some of our top recommendations:
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Urpiainen Trail in Tankavaara and Vasapolku in Kiilopää, both 1‑kilometre loop trails perfect for families with children. There is a campfire spot at the start of Urpiainen and at the end of Vasapolku.
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Geological Trail, 7 km, starting from Tankavaara. The trail is occasionally groomed for snowshoers.
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Kuukkeli Loop, a 6‑kilometre loop in Tankavaara. The route climbs to the top of Pikku‑Tankavaara, where on a clear day you can admire views of the Nattastunturit fells. Along the trail you’ll find a campfire site and a hut.
If you prefer, you can also make your own paths, as long as you respect others and follow everyman’s rights. Please note that not all trails are groomed in winter, so even on marked routes you may need to trek through deep snow. Bring plenty of drinking water and don’t overestimate your stamina