Summer Holiday in Lapland: Midnight Sun Adventures and Nature Activities
Summer in Lapland is full of unforgettable experiences. The midnight sun, lush fells, crystal-clear rivers and pristine wilderness create a unique destination for those seeking something truly special. Saariselkä and the surrounding Urho Kekkonen National Park offer the perfect base camp for summer adventures.
The summer season in Lapland runs from May to September, and each month has its own character. In May and June you experience the midnight sun phenomenon, July and August bring the warmest weather, and September shows the first colours of autumn. Whether your goal is hiking, cycling, fishing or simply relaxing in nature, Lapland offers all of this and more.
Why choose Lapland as a summer destination?
Lapland in summer surprises many first-time visitors. While the region is known in winter for snow and the northern lights, summer brings an entirely different but equally remarkable experience.
The midnight sun is a unique phenomenon. From mid-May to late July, the sun does not set at all in Saariselkä. You can enjoy outdoor activities at any hour of the day, photograph the midnight sun and experience something found in only a handful of places on earth.
Nature is at its finest. Summer turns the fells green, wildflower meadows bloom and berries ripen. Nature awakens from its winter sleep with full force. You can watch reindeer calves, go birdwatching and experience the rich diversity of arctic wildlife.
No tourist crowds. Although winter is Lapland’s busiest season, there are significantly fewer visitors in summer. You get a more peaceful holiday experience and better opportunities to enjoy nature without the hustle. Prices are also more affordable than in winter.
Varied activities. Hiking, cycling, canoeing, fishing, berry picking and nature photography are just some of the possibilities summer has to offer. Activities suit all fitness levels, from families with young children to serious outdoor enthusiasts.
The midnight sun phenomenon
The midnight sun is the defining feature of summer Lapland and the reason many people travel north.
When can you see the midnight sun?
In Saariselkä the sun does not set at all between 20 May and 23 July. This means literally 24 hours of daylight. From late April to early August the nights are so bright that you experience the midnight sun atmosphere over an even longer period.
The light changes throughout the day, but the sun stays above the horizon. At midnight the sun dips to its lowest point, yet natural light is sufficient for all outdoor activities without a headlamp.
What to do during the midnight sun?
Photographing the midnight sun is a popular pursuit. On a fell summit or by a lakeside you can capture the sun brushing the horizon without ever setting. The best photo spots are found on the Kiilopää fells and Sokosti fell.
Midnight hikes offer a one-of-a-kind experience. When the sun is shining at midnight you can set off at any hour. Many hikers find it a life-defining moment to camp in the midnight sun and wake up in the same light.
Cycling at midnight is safe and tranquil. On a fatbike you can explore trails without the heat of midday. The cool night air makes cycling more comfortable than riding in the afternoon sun.
Fishing is possible around the clock. In Lapland’s rivers and lakes you can fish whenever you like. Many fish are most active in the evenings and at night, so the midnight sun extends your fishing opportunities considerably.
Hiking in Urho Kekkonen National Park
Urho Kekkonen National Park is Finland’s second largest, and it begins literally at the edge of Saariselkä village. In over 2,550 square kilometres of wilderness there are options ranging from week-long expeditions to day hikes.
The most popular hiking routes
Kiilopää summit hike (4 km, 1–2 hours) is ideal for a day trip. The route climbs to the Kiilopää summit (546 m), where stunning views open up across the surrounding fells. The marked trail is easy to walk and suitable for families with children.
Luirojärvi trek (70–80 km, 5–7 days) is a classic of Urho Kekkonen National Park. The route runs from Kiilopää to Lake Luirojärvi and up to the Sokosti summit (718 m) through magnificent fell scenery. Several wilderness huts are available along the route for overnight stays, and at Luirojärvi you can enjoy a sauna.
Rautulampi circuit (25 km, day hike) is a varied route suited to more experienced day hikers. The trail crosses fells and bogs, offering outstanding views throughout.
Wilderness huts and overnight stays
Urho Kekkonen National Park has dozens of wilderness huts that are freely available to all visitors. The huts are simple cabins with a wood-burning stove, sleeping platforms and basic cooking equipment. Firewood comes from the nearby forest, but bring your own food supplies.
No reservation is needed for wilderness huts, and staying overnight is free. First come, first served, so aim to arrive early at the most popular huts. At weekends and in July the huts can be full.
Camping is permitted throughout the national park except in designated restricted areas. Everyman’s rights allow free camping as long as you respect nature.
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Fatbike cycling – summer’s trump card
Fatbikes – mountain bikes with wide tyres – have taken over Lapland summers. These e-assist bikes are perfectly suited to fell trails and gravel roads.
Why fatbike?
Wide tyres provide stability even on challenging terrain. Where a regular mountain bike would sink into soft ground, a fatbike rolls through with ease. The tyres distribute weight over a larger area, making riding more comfortable.
Electric assist takes the effort out of climbs. Even if you are in moderate shape, the e-assist lets you enjoy cycling without tiring too quickly. You can ride farther and see more in a single outing.
Diverse routes are waiting for you. Hundreds of kilometres of cycling-friendly trails start from Saariselkä. You can plan a 20-kilometre loop or a full-day adventure.
The most popular fatbike routes
Kiilopää–Iisakkipää (29 km, intermediate) offers stunning fell scenery. The route loops from the Kiilopää fell centre to Lake Luulampi, Iisakkipää fell and back. With e-assist the climbs are effortless.
Iisakkipää loop (7 km, easy) is suitable for beginners. The circular route from Saariselkä village centre passes through fell birch forest and offers a relaxed cycling experience.
Rautulampi route (25 km one way, demanding) challenges more experienced cyclists. The trail runs from Kiilopää to Rautulampi through magnificent fell landscapes and requires good fitness.
Fatbikes can be rented by the day or by the week. The rental includes a helmet and, if needed, a route map. You can rent fatbikes from Kauppakeskus Kuukkeli, where Kesport and the equipment rental are open daily.
Rent a fatbike in Saariselkä →
Fishing and foraging in nature
Summer in Lapland is also a celebration for anglers and berry pickers.
Fishing in pristine waters
Lapland’s rivers and lakes offer an outstanding fishing experience. The water is clear and pure, and fish stocks are healthy.
Fly fishing is popular in Lapland’s rivers. The fell rivers hold trout and grayling. June is the best time for fly fishing, when water levels are still high and the fish are active.
Crayfish season begins in late July. Rivers and lakes in Lapland are home to crayfish, and the season adds extra excitement to fishing trips.
Berry picking and mushrooming
Bilberries ripen in July and August and are Lapland’s most abundant berry. You can pick them on fell slopes and in the forests. The harvest is usually generous, and berry picking is a peaceful activity in nature.
Lingonberries ripen in late August. The red lingonberry is a staple of the Lapland kitchen and tastes great fresh or as jam.
Cloudberries are Lapland’s gold. This rare bog berry ripens in July and August, and the best cloudberry spots are closely guarded secrets. They require patience to find, but the discovery is well worth the effort.
Porcini mushrooms grow abundantly in Lapland’s forests. June to September is mushroom season, and foragers find ceps, bay boletes and velvet shanks.
Everyman’s rights allow everyone to pick berries and mushrooms freely. Practice moderation and collect only what you need for personal use.
Canoeing and getting out on the water
Lapland’s rivers and lakes offer excellent opportunities for paddling.
Lake Inarijärvi is Finland’s third largest lake. You can paddle from island to island and experience the feeling of a vast open waterway. Note that weather can change quickly and wind can raise waves.
Stand-up paddleboarding has been growing in popularity. On calm lakes and rivers you can enjoy SUP in stunning surroundings. Boards and paddles are available from equipment rental shops.
Nature photography and wildlife
Summer provides excellent conditions for nature photography.
The midnight sun creates unique light. The golden hour lasts for hours as the sun circles near the horizon. You can capture images that are simply not possible anywhere else.
Wildlife is active. You may spot reindeer calves, foxes, grey herons and, if you are lucky, bears or lynx at a safe distance. For birdwatchers, summer is the best time as migratory birds return to breed.
Flowers and plants add colour to your images. The fells fill with blooming plants in June and July. Arctic bell-heather, bearberry and countless other species provide excellent material for macro photography.
Summer activities in Saariselkä
In addition to hiking and cycling, Saariselkä offers a range of other activities:
Golf under the midnight sun is possible at Saariselkä Golf Club. The nine-hole course sits amid stunning scenery, and you can play at night just as well as during the day.
Geocaching is a fun way to explore the area. There are hundreds of geocaches around Saariselkä that lead you to places you might not otherwise discover.
Mushroom and herb courses are arranged in summer. Learn to identify edible mushrooms and useful plants with a local guide.
Summer weather in Lapland: what to expect
Summer weather in Lapland is surprisingly pleasant, even though the region lies north of the Arctic Circle.
May is spring. Daytime temperatures of 5–15°C, nights can still be cold (0–5°C). Snow melts from the fells and nature awakens. Spring hikes are possible, but there may still be hard snow crust on the higher fells.
June brings warmer conditions. 10–20°C during the day, 5–10°C at night. The midnight sun begins and nature is at its greenest. Mosquitoes emerge, so a mosquito net and repellent are worth packing.
July is the warmest month. Daytime temperatures of 15–25°C, nights 10–15°C. Hot days can occur, but temperatures above 25°C are rare. Berries begin to ripen.
August shows the first signs of autumn. 10–20°C during the day, 5–10°C at night. Nights begin to lengthen and by late August you may already see the first northern lights. Berries are ripe.
Be prepared for rain regardless of the month. Summer showers are common, though usually brief. Waterproof clothing and footwear are essential.
Pack in layers. A day can start cool and warm up significantly by afternoon. Layering lets you adjust to changing temperatures during your activity.
Accommodation for your summer holiday
Summer accommodation in Lapland is more affordable than in winter, and there is plenty of choice.
Cabins in summer
Log cabins offer an authentic Lapland atmosphere. Modern comforts combined with traditional wooden architecture create the perfect retreat. From the cabin terraces you can enjoy the midnight sun.
Apartments suit families and longer stays. A private kitchen lets you cook your own meals using local ingredients and freshly picked berries.
Hotel rooms serve shorter visits. Housekeeping service and a possible breakfast make your holiday effortless.
Summer prices are 30–50% lower than at the winter peak. A standard cabin costs around €80–150 per night, premium properties €150–300 per night.
Book summer accommodation in Saariselkä →
Accommodation in the surrounding area
Ivalo offers affordable accommodation 25 km from Saariselkä. It works well as a base if you plan to move around a lot by car.
Inari is 40 km away and adds a cultural dimension to your holiday. The Siida museum and Sámi cultural centres are well worth a visit.
Dining and services in summer
Bistro & Café Kuukkeli is open daily in summer. The menu features Lapland flavours and international classics. The terrace is open on sunny days.
Shopping Center Kuukkeli is open year-round. The shopping centre has a K-market, Kesport, equipment rental and all the other services you need.
Kuukkeli Home Bakery offers fresh baked goods every day. Stop by to pick up provisions for your hike or pastries for the terrace.
Getting there and getting around
Flying is the fastest way to reach Lapland. Helsinki to Ivalo flies 1–3 times a day, with a flight time of 1 hour 30 minutes. In summer there may also be direct flights from Turku and Oulu.
A car gives you the freedom to explore. Saariselkä to Ivalo is 25 km, to Inari 40 km. Rental cars are available at the airport or in Saariselkä.
A taxi takes you from the airport to Saariselkä for around €60–80. Book in advance to ensure a vehicle is available when you arrive.
Packing list for a summer holiday in Lapland
Clothing
- Layered clothing (base layer, mid layer, outer shell)
- Waterproof jacket and trousers
- Warm fleece or wool jumper for cold nights
- Two pairs of footwear (hiking boots and lighter shoes)
- Cap or hat for sun protection
- Warm socks
Equipment
- Day pack
- Water bottle
- Sunglasses and sunscreen
- Mosquito repellent and mosquito net
- Camera
- Map and compass or GPS
- Torch (even with midnight sun, wilderness huts are dark inside)
Other supplies
- First aid kit
- Berry bucket and knife (if you plan to go berry picking)
- Fishing gear (if you plan to fish)
- Tent and sleeping bag (if staying overnight in the wild)
Frequently asked questions
Are there mosquitoes in Lapland in summer? Yes, mosquitoes are part of summer Lapland, particularly in June and July. They are worst in damp areas and bogs. A mosquito net, long-sleeved clothing and repellent all help. By August mosquito numbers decrease significantly.
When is the best time to see the midnight sun? In Saariselkä the sun does not set from 20 May to 23 July. The best time to experience the phenomenon is mid-June, when the sun is at its highest at midnight. Late May and early July are also excellent.
Can you swim in Lapland in summer? Yes! Lakes warm up to 15–20°C in July and August. The water is fresh and perfectly swimmable. Many cabins are located by the lake. The Saariselkä indoor swimming pool is also open year-round.
Do you need a car in Lapland in summer? It depends on your plans. If you focus on Saariselkä and guided activities, you can manage without one. If you want to explore more widely (Inari, the national park, other destinations), a car is very useful.
How much do summer activities cost? Walking and hiking are free (you only need gear). Fatbike rental €40–60 per day. Fishing permit €10–30 per day. Guided tours €80–150 per person. In summer activities are generally cheaper than in winter.
Can you see the northern lights in summer? Not in May, June or July, as the nights are too bright. From late August onwards the chances increase as nights grow darker. September and October are the next good season for northern lights.
Is summer a good time for families with children? Absolutely! Summer is an excellent time for families. Activities are safe, the weather is pleasant and there are no challenges posed by extreme cold. Hiking, cycling and berry picking are all suitable for children.
When should you book summer accommodation? There is more availability in summer than in winter. July is the busiest month, so aim to book 2–3 months in advance. For May, June and August, 1–2 months ahead is usually sufficient.
Contact and booking
Majoitus Kuukkeli
Saariseläntie 1, Kauppakeskus Kuukkeli
99830 Saariselkä
Phone: +358 44 363 6972
Email: kuukkeli@saariselka.fi
Equipment rental and activities: +358 44 363 6893
Book your summer accommodation now →
Summary
A summer holiday in Lapland offers a unique combination of the midnight sun, pristine nature and varied activities. Saariselkä and Urho Kekkonen National Park create the perfect base for summer adventures.
Whether your goal is hiking on the fells, fatbiking along forest tracks, fishing in clear waters or simply a peaceful break in nature, Lapland has it all. The midnight sun makes activities possible at any hour, and the unspoilt landscape creates unforgettable memories.
Book your accommodation in good time and prepare for a summer unlike any you have experienced before. Welcome to Saariselkä in summer 2026!
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