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Lemmenjoki National Park

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Lemmenjoki National Park (Finland)

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Lemmenjoki National Park, located in northern Finnish Lapland, is Finland's largest national park and one of the largest in Europe, covering 2,850 square kilometers. Established in 1956, it encompasses the extensive watershed of the Lemmenjoki River, along with vast fell areas and ancient forests. The geography is characterized by the 70-kilometer-long river valley, flanked by steep mountains including the 601-meter-high Morgam-Viibus peak. Historically, the area is deeply intertwined with Sami culture and the gold rush that peaked in the 1940s, with small-scale gold prospecting still occurring today. The park serves as a critical grazing ground for reindeer husbandry, which remains central to the local way of life. The flora consists of arctic plants and centuries-old pine stands, while the fauna includes elusive species such as the wolverine, golden eagle, and brown bear. Hikers find an extensive network of wilderness trails leading to remote huts and historical gold-washing sites. The territory's remoteness makes it a vital sanctuary for endangered species within the subarctic zone.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C-13-13-9-341014116-1-8-11
Rain mm3834324374961159977594745

📋 Practical info

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Getting there
The most frequent starting point for journeys into this vast northern park is typically the village of Njurgulahti, where boat services and primary hiking trailheads are usually found.
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Best season
Mid-summer through early autumn is typically considered the optimal timeframe to visit, as the long daylight hours make exploring the extensive valleys and rivers much safer.
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Terrain & paths
The landscape consists of deep, untouched wilderness featuring a mix of demanding fell highlands and dense river valleys that require good physical stamina to navigate.
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What to bring
Comprehensive wilderness gear is absolutely essential here, including reliable GPS navigation, water-resistant hiking boots, plenty of insect repellent, and layered outdoor clothing.
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Parking
Standard parking zones are generally established at the main entrances such as Njurgulahti, allowing hikers to safely leave cars before embarking on multi-day expeditions.
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Safety
Due to the sheer scale of Finland's largest national park, visitors must always inform someone of their route and never underestimate the unpredictable weather changes of the deep north.
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Time needed
While short boat trips might take a few hours, properly exploring this vast wilderness typically requires planning for a multi-day trip spanning at least two to four days.

Geography

Coordinates
68.50000, 25.50000

Facts

  • Year established: 1956
  • Total area: 2,850 square kilometers
  • Length of Lemmenjoki River: 70 kilometers
  • Highest peak: Morgam-Viibus (601 m)
  • Number of reindeer herder huts: over 10
  • Gold prospecting history: active since the 1870s

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Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What is special about Lemmenjoki National Park?
It is Finland's largest national park and famous for its gold prospecting history.
Can you still find gold there today?
Yes, there are active gold claims and tours where you can learn gold panning.
What is the best way to explore the park?
Riverboats take visitors deep into the wilderness, complemented by extensive hikes.
Are there reindeer there?
Yes, the area is an important grazing ground for Sami reindeer herding.
When does the autumn foliage (Ruska) start?
Usually in mid-September, the landscape displays brilliant colors.
Lemmenjoki National Park: where is it located?
Lemmenjoki National Park is located in Finland.
Lemmenjoki National Park: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Lemmenjoki National Park: why is it worth visiting?
Lemmenjoki National Park, located in northern Finnish Lapland, is Finland's largest national park and one of the largest in Europe, covering 2,850 square kilometers.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → Most beautiful beaches → OpenStreetMap →
Europe
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Nearby cities

Rovaniemi — Lemmenjoki National Park (Finland)
Rovaniemi
Rovaniemi is the capital of Lapland and one of the best-known cities in northern Finland.
Neristan District Kokkola — Lemmenjoki National Park (Finland)
Neristan District Kokkola
Neristan is the historic wooden town core of Kokkola.
Kokkola — Lemmenjoki National Park (Finland)
Kokkola
Kokkola is a port city on the Baltic Sea in western Finland.
Lahdenperä — Lemmenjoki National Park (Finland)
Lahdenperä
Lahdenperä is a scenic coastal destination in Finland, offering tranquil nature trails and beautiful sandy beaches along the sea.
Kajaani — Lemmenjoki National Park (Finland)
Kajaani
Kajaani is the center of the Kainuu region.
Raahe — Lemmenjoki National Park (Finland)
Raahe
Raahe is a port city on the Gulf of Bothnia.
Tornio — Lemmenjoki National Park (Finland)
Tornio
Tornio is located on the border with Sweden in Lapland.
Vikarholmen — Lemmenjoki National Park (Finland)
Vikarholmen
A quiet coastal settlement near Pietarsaari, known for its shallow waters and relaxed atmosphere along the Gulf of Bothnia.
Pietarsaari — Lemmenjoki National Park (Finland)
Pietarsaari
Pietarsaari is a bilingual coastal city in Ostrobothnia.
Kemi — Lemmenjoki National Park (Finland)
Kemi
Kemi is located on the Gulf of Bothnia in Lapland.
Haukipudas — Lemmenjoki National Park (Finland)
Haukipudas
Haukipudas is located in North Ostrobothnia near Oulu.
Kuusamo — Lemmenjoki National Park (Finland)
Kuusamo
A major center for winter sports and nature tourism in eastern Finland, famous for the Ruka ski resort and Oulanka National Park.
Kalajoki — Lemmenjoki National Park (Finland)
Kalajoki
Finland's most famous coastal resort, renowned for its miles of sand dunes and shallow waters.
Fäboda — Lemmenjoki National Park (Finland)
Fäboda
Fäboda is a picturesque coastal area in Finland, known for its beautiful pine forests and sandy family-friendly beaches.
Nivala — Lemmenjoki National Park (Finland)
Nivala
Nivala is located in North Ostrobothnia.

History & landmarks

Nykarleby — Lemmenjoki National Park (Finland)
Nykarleby
Nykarleby is a charming small town on the banks of the Lapuanjoki river, known as the birthplace of writer Zacharias Topelius and for its…