Activity See these eight sights in the town centre!

See these eight sights while walking in the town centre

Share your photos of the sites on social media using the hashtag #visitsodankyla

1. The Reindeer Statue: the most iconic statue of Sodankylä and perhaps the whole of Lapland is a fine place to begin your walking tour of the town. The statue is a ten-minute walk from the bus station and there is ample parking by the statue for motorists. Take a selfie with the reindeer statue and investigate its depth of expression and richness of detail. Address: junction of Jäämerentie and Kemijärventie.
2. The Old Church: just a few steps from the reindeer statue, the old church of Sodankylä stands in the corner of a woody cemetery. The church, with its tar aroma, is one of Finland’s oldest preserved wooden churches. In the summer months, the church is kept open for visitors, but even at other times it is worth coming to admire it from outside. Check opening hours. Map.
3. Nilimella Beach: Continue your walk from the old church across the bridge, crossing the wide River Kitinen. On the other bank you’ll find the lovely long Nilimella swimming beach. Take a dip in the invigorating water of the River Kitinen, enjoy the midnight sun on the sand or the jetty, or restore your energy with some food or drink on the terrace. The Nilimella beach is open in the summer. Map.
4. The Old Saami Marketplace: having had your fill of beautiful scenery and atmosphere on the Nilimella Beach, return to the other side of the river and follow it downstream. Soon, you’ll arrive at an old Saami marketplace in a beautiful spot on the bank of the River Kitinen. There is a large information board where illustrated with a painting by Andreas Alariesto depicting the marketplace in its heyday. Map.
5. Pappilanniemi: continue past the old marketplace, staying on the riverside path. You’ll pass the former and current parsonage (Finnish: pappila), and then the route will pass through the shade of the forest before you arrive at the Pappilanniemi Nature Walk. You can pick berries, have a picnic and admire the beautiful River Kitinen en route. Next to the covered fireplace there is a woodshed and swings for children.
   We recommend bringing firewood with you if you want to make a fire. Firewood are sold in supermarkets in the town centre.

   Map.

6. The Local Heritage Museum: continue your journey around the peninsula of Pappilanniemi and walk up to Route 4, using it to cross the River Jeesiöjoki. On the other side of the river, a short walk away, the beautiful and renowned Local Heritage Museum awaits you. The Museum is in a picturesque spot at the confluence of the Rivers Kitinen and Jeesiöjoki. This is where you should let your camera run wild! The Local Heritage Museum is open in the summer. Address: Hampputörmäntie 20. Map.
7. Accessible Fishing Spot: Return from the local history museum towards the city centre. Cross the Jeesiöjoki bridge and turn towards the accessible fishing spot. On the way, you may get to admire the dogs frolicing, as you pass by the Sodankylä dog park before you arrive. To reach the accessible fishing spot, you cross a small bridge and there is also a lean-to where you can sit down and admire the river scenery. By touring the loop of the accessible fishing spot, you can return towards the center. We recommend bringing firewood with you if you want to make a fire. Map.
8. The Museum Gallery Andreas Alariesto: Return from the local history museum back to the city centre and experience one of Sodankylä’s main attractions: The Museum Gallery Andreas Alariesto. This one of the most central buildings in Sodankylä rises right next to the reindeer statue, which means that the walking tour is closed. Check out Andreas Alariesto’s magnificent paintings, shop for souvenirs in the Museum Shop and have a coffee break at the Museum Café. Check opening hours. Address: Jäämerentie 3. Map

Check out the winter walking trail of Jääkärikangas in winter, either on foot or by bike, with or without a dog!

The 4.6 km winter walking trail, open to all outdoor enthusiasts, is marked with official guide signs. In addition to walkers, winter cyclists and dog walkers can also move along the route. Dogs must be kept on a leash on the trail and droppings must be collected away from the walking path.

The winter walking trail runs outside the garrison’s illuminated track. The track lighting mainly extends to the walking trail, but it is advisable to bring a headlamp with you at least the first time. The starting point of the trail is  from the information board of the garrison trails and the trail is planned to be travelled counterclockwise. Please note that walking on the trail is forbidden.

Read more about the Jääkärikangas winter walking trail.