Utsjoki
Utsjoki is as far north as north goes, both in Finland and the EU. A sparse population, about 50 percent Sámi, lives in scattered villages in rugged, tundra-like surroundings. While the majority of the land and water are wilderness areas, access is easy thanks to Everyone’s Right, and the nearby airports in Ivalo (Finland) Kirkenes and Lakselv (Norway).
About Utsjoki
When you’re moving north, just before you hit the Arctic Sea, you’ll enter Utsjoki, the northernmost municipality in Finland. There’s no mistaking the stark rocky hills or the stunted vegetation for anywhere else but the Arctic. By far, what Utsjoki has is wilderness. The majority of the municipality is made up of Finland’s largest wilderness area, Kaldoaivi, and the Kevo Nature Reserve. Kaldoaivi is characterized by low hills, ground down during the Ice Age, and wide expanses of unbroken bog and scrubland. Kevo Nature Reserve has higher hills and more demanding terrain like the impressive Kevo Canyon. The Kevo Canyon is about 40 kilometers long and in some places up to 80 meters deep. There is also another wilderness area in Utsjoki: a stunnig fell plateau Paistunturi.
FeatureS
Rivers
Two major rivers run through Utsjoki. The Teno (Norwegian: Tana) River is the border between Finland and Norway in Utsjoki, running from Karigasniemi in western Utsjoki beyond Nuorgam, the northernmost village in the EU, another 50 km before reaching Tanafjord and the Arctic Sea. The Teno is a major river for the Sámi people, both culturally and earlier known as a magnificent salmon river. Another river, the eponymous Utsjoki river, bisects the municipality, running between the nature reserve and the wilderness area. The Utsjoki valley has been designated as one of Finland’s national landscapes.
Villages
Villages in Utsjoki tend to the small. As about half the population is Sámi, you’ll hear a lot of Northern Sámi language spoken here. The village of Utsjoki features the Sámi Bridge crosses the border into Norway and a stone church, as well as the significant cultural heritage site of the old church huts. Nuorgam, the largest village in the municipality, offers many activity service providers. Karigasniemi is a village just south of Karasjok, Norway with shops and restaurants catering to Norwegians and travelers.
Logistics in Utsjoki
Remote, yes. Inaccessible, no. The nearest international airports are in Ivalo (2 h by car) and Kirkenes in Norway (2,5 h by car), Lakselv (2,5 h by car).
Luckily, most villages and services lie along two routes, European highway E75, which connects Utsjoki to Rovaniemi (and many other towns along the way), and the Finnish road 970, the most beautiful road in Finland, which follows the Teno River.
Accommodation is provided by tourism and wilderness activity providers throughout the municipality.
Bring Your Film to Life in Utsjoki
Get in Touch
Tanja Lepistö
Development Manager
+358 400 151 294
tanja.lepisto@utsjoki.fi
Conditions
References
FILMED IN Utsjoki
From tv drama to blockbuster films, filmmakers love Lapland. Below you’ll find recent productions made in Utsjoki region.
A film commission above ordinary
Film Lapland (Finnish Lapland Film Commission) and the municipality network are more than happy to help bring your production above ordinary. We will help you find the ideal locations, service providers and crew members for your production. Film Lapland is here to make your experience in Finnish Lapland efficient, easy and enjoyable.