The most beautiful natural sites to discover Laponie

At the end of the cliff of the North Cape was once a place of Sami ritual sacrifices. Today, only a large parking lot remains, a compulsory passage to access the tourist center hidden in the cliff and inaugurated in 1988. No way to avoid paying, the road is surrounded by barriers. Otherwise, you should know that an entry is valid for 24 hours. Many clever people come to pitch their tent in the park. A good way to benefit from an amazing place, a radically different environment, and to save a night in a hotel with a breathtaking view of the sunrise and sunset on the cape! However, you will have to deal with the incessant humming of the coaches which undeniably detracts from the majesty of the place. Anyway, the place has that magic touch because you know you are at the northernmost point, at the end of Europe, and this thought is enough. The road that leads to the North Cape has a lot to do with this. A slow progression, the aridity of the landscapes, everything contributes to make the cape a place apart. If the end of the world is fascinating, the road that leads to it is no less so.

Apart from the view towards a blue horizon, the vast tourist structure carved into the cliffs houses a modern complex of shops, cafeterias and restaurants (where prices are correct). A small museum is dedicated to the first personalities who came to the North Cape. The Italian explorer-priest Pietro Negri, in search of the end of the world, was one of the first tourists to visit the North Cape in 1664. This was followed in 1873 by Oscar II, King of Sweden-Norway, and Louis-Philippe, who had been chased out of France in 1795 and disguised as an ordinary visitor. At the time, the only way to approach the cliffs of the North Cape was by boat, and then climb the 300 m to the top, as the carriage road across the plateau was not opened until 1956. This road will soon be opened again and the physical test will give access to a sumptuous view of this cape.
Inside the hall, a "champagne bar" has been set up facing a panoramic bay with a superb view of the midnight sun which lasts from 16 May to 28 July (when there is no fog). A small outdoor terrace is hung over a 300m precipice overlooking the icy Arctic Ocean. Fog often rises from the ocean, enveloping the tip of the North Cape, which then seems to float between sky and sea. This is the end of the world! Do it if you can.

This 1,020 ^km2 national park was established in 2005. It covers several municipalities from Kolari (Akaslompolo, Yllasjarvi) in the south to Enontekio in the north. The landscape is very hilly, and made up of fells, the bare hills typical of Lapland. Ideal for wandering from pass to pass and watching the Northern Lights in winter, it's also a veritable paradise in summer. There's nothing better than watching the midnight sun from the top of a tunturi!

Among the marked routes, the magnificent hiking or skiing in the heart of the Pallas National Park, the third park of Finland by its area of 510 km ². Between Pallas and Enontekiö, or the opposite, you cross a plateau of mountains, including the respective summits, the Outakka (Ounastunturi) and the Taivaskero (Pallastunturi), peak at 723 m and 807 m. A half-way, conifers give way to stunted birch, whose red filled flames nature during ruska, the autumn Sami. Côté fauna, elk, bear, lynx and gloutons elected home in the area. In summer, many migratory birds are also in the park. Plan for 2 days of minimum walking (authorized camping) in September because, during summer, mosquitoes are legion and rather voracious.

Reservation required for the three golf courses (€ 10 per night). Information from the Pallastunturi or Enontekiö information centres, which will provide you with the keys and all the useful information.

The northernmost wildlife park in the world, where you can observe Arctic animals in their natural environment. The park is home to species from the far north, including 4 large predators: brown bear, wolf, lynx and wolverine. Very pleasant and amazing for children. And those who have remained so. Allow time (minimum 2 hours) because the animals are sometimes hidden and you must be patient to observe them. It is possible to book a guided tour with a zookeeper who will bring food to the predators to attract them.

This national park is located on the Russian border. It is especially known for the Karhunkierros Trail, which is one of the most popular hiking trails in Finland. Here you can observe all the surrounding nature from the park's hilltops, through pine forests and along rivers. It is suitable for both beginners and experienced hikers. Maps and all information for camping sites in the park can be found at the Hautajärvi Visitors' Centre in Hautajärvi. An accessible and resourcing place in the wilderness!

For 30 years, guests have been able to discover fifty Arctic and northern wild species here, in nature in a park where the majority are in semi-liberty. The zoo has three polar bears (and recently a bear la ligera called Ranzo!). Also see the wolves, gloutons them, lynx and other carnivorous. Plan 2:00 for a full tour. At the time of Christmas, the zoo offers the opportunity to take a ride to dogs, reindeer or snowmobile at reasonable prices.

In Abisko, you can see the Northern Lights 200 days a year. The Aurora Sky station is set up high up, away from the artificial lights; you can sit outside with a blanket waiting for them. In summer, the station is transformed into a midnight sun observatory (from mid-June to mid-July). There is also a restaurant for an unforgettable dinner. The guided tour, although instructive, is not essential. We will gladly take you up for the panoramic view of the Abisko Park, and for a snack with a view!

Established in 1909, when the first laws on nature conservation were passed, Abisko National Park, classified as Natura 2000, covers 77 km² of plains, lakes, mountains in the Scandinavian Alps... beautiful and varied landscapes that never fail to surprise in all seasons. Abisko Turiststation is also the northern entrance to the royal trail, Kungsleden Trail, which runs from Abisko to Hemavan. It is a privileged place for hunting the Northern Lights.

Rich in animals, forests, marshes and meadows, the Muddus site is part of the Unesco World Heritage in Lapland. Perfect for long hikes, there are trapper's huts to spend the night. Here live lynxes, bears, and a remarkable flora. Information at the tourist office, where you can ask for the services of guides. Walking along the trails, you will see the traces of people who lived in this area long ago. For example, you can see the foundations of houses built 100 years ago.

Follow Norra Strandgatan, then Fagerlinsvägen, and take the small shady path to the small, pleasant and quiet public beach of Gültzauudden, almost in the center of town. It is a nice beach among the many swimming spots in the area. It is a very popular place among the locals, especially for children. In the summer you can enjoy a nice swim in the sun with an ice cream. Less popular in winter, but why not visit anyway. The coastline always invites for a meditative walk!

Lake Inari is the third largest lake in Finland (1,043 km²) and the second deepest (92 m). It is studded with a myriad of islands (over 3,000). In good weather, the boat takes you to the sacred island of the Sami: Ukonsaari (a sanctuary for nearly a thousand years). In case of bad weather, you simply sail around the island. Remains of sacrificed reindeer antlers evoke the divinatory and votive rites practiced by these ancient nomadic peoples. A short 20-minute stop allows you to climb to the top.

Aavasaksa Hill has several points of interest. The most important is the Emperor's House (Imperial Lodge). Built in 1882 as a hunting cabin for Tsar Alexander II, this chalet, a little unusual in its decoration and function, has been restored and now serves as a museum. The second site to be seen on this hill is the Observation Tower, built in 1969, in red bricks. You can also take a walk through the open-air theatre and the Aavasaksan Paviljonki restaurant, a renovated 1927 pavilion with a pretty terrace. Several trails criss-cross the hill.

The Reisaelv River dug a deep canyon across the mountain plateau. Waterfalls (including those of Mollisfossen, 269 m high), and rocky sediments, as well as the flora and bird species, are very diverse. The park serves as pasture for Semi semi-domestic reindeer. Access from Storslett (on the E 6), take the 865 to Bilto, then the forest road to the Sarelv River, where boats can be rented. Refuges shelters. Area: 803 km ².

Back on the E 6, after a hundred kilometres, while the road follows the contours of the bottom of the fjords, which sometimes extends the double, we arrive at a campsite that has taken its neighbourhoods in this extraordinary landscape. You can see the Large bird sanctuary. Another hundred kilometres, and we approach the mountains of Kvaenangen.

In Mettevollen, you can buy strawberries which, if incredible, grow here during the short summer season. Then the road rises in the Montagne mountain, isolated and dark. At the peak, facing the glacier and dominating the fjord, there is an old low-stone inn in the country. We are here very far from any dwelling, with the exception of some rudimentary Sami Demeures residences, "en hard" variants of tipis, and built in peat.

A central building and 4 annexes, 100 beds, catering.

5 km from Karasjok is a nature park with barbecues, a rain shelter, toilets and a children's playground. Of course, you should check the weather conditions (or just look at the sky!) before venturing into a nature area, even if this one is equipped and is really not far from Karasjok. Not very well signposted but the tourist office will be able to explain the route. Bring something to light the barbecue!

"Hornet is a rocky, horn-shaped promontory on the northeastern side of the North Cape cliff, below and beside the sea. In pre-Christian times, Hornet was a sacred place for the Sámi people of Magerøya, who regarded it as the domain of the gods. "Hornet can only be seen from a distance. In Viking times, the area was subjected to Viking taxation and sometimes sacked. The chief of Håløy traded with the Sami as far as the White Sea in Russia. But Norwegian settlement of Finnmark probably did not begin until the 16th century. The abundance of fish attracted fishermen from northern Europe. To secure territory, the fortress of Vardø and several fortified churches were built. Hornvika, or Horn Bay, was the place where tourist boats docked before 1956 and the construction of the road to Nordkapp.

Finnmark was booming until the end of the 17th century, when fishing suffered a serious crisis. Several sites along the coast were abandoned by the Norwegians. The 18th and 19th centuries saw an influx of immigrants from northern Finland and Sweden, as well as farmers from southern Norway. This led to many conflicts with the Saami who had occupied the land for centuries. A contemporary novel by a Saami author, Alio Gaup, The Magic Drum, was translated into French by Editions du Rocher in 1992. A place full of history that is worth a visit if you pass by.

This geological formation is a feast for the eyes; it's a portal-like fault several metres wide in a rocky promontory. The midnight sun shines through this "portal" between midnight and 2 a.m., and it's quite impressive. From here, the Hornet is clearly visible in the distance. The walk to Kirkeporten is also very pleasant: 2.5 kilometers from the Kikeporten campsite or the Nordkapp Turisthotell. Allow 1 hour in all.

This cave dug into the rock is located under one of the city's hills and sheltered the civilians who took refuge there during the German bombardments of the Second World War. The 25-minute tour focuses on the history of Kirkenes during this painful time, with the presentation of a film and photos. A must-see place that is part of the network of museums throughout Northern Norway. A good way to imagine the daily life of the population in these times of war, but also the reconstruction that followed.

An interesting reserve because it is easily accessible from the centre. An important tourist destination for more than a century, this protected area is home to a wide variety of animals (many birds such as the intrepid plover, the golden plover or the ptarmigan) and plants (more than 200 varieties including Lapland lousewort, rare azaleas, mountain heather...). At 820 m above sea level, Dundret offers a superb panorma

This is the mountain where the Aurora Sky observation station is located, which can be reached by cable car. From the chairlift, a superb view unfolds over the entire valley. A refuge awaits you at the top. Unfortunately, it is not possible to sleep there, but it is a magical place to enjoy a hot coffee or tea with Swedish cakes while sitting by the stove. Then, following the gentle slope of the mountain with its few snowdrifts, you can reach a deserted platform, a very mysterious place covered with small mounds of flat stones.