Summer tourism surges in Kilpisjärvi as challenges for accessibility remain in Finland

The summer tourism season in the Lapland region of Käsivarsi has been bustling. According to Ari Vuorentausta, CEO of Finland’s largest private hotel chain, summer is peak season in Kilpisjärvi, starting in early June and lasting until August. Domestic travelers particularly enjoy staying in Kilpisjärvi while en route to Norway and back.

However, Vuorentausta highlights accessibility as a significant challenge for Kilpisjärvi, especially concerning international tourism, due to its distance from airports. While the natural environment and activities are unique compared to other mountain destinations, accessibility issues result in hotels occasionally closing during the more difficult winter months.

Despite concerns about economic uncertainty impacting summer vacation travel, Vuorentausta notes that this summer has been positive for bookings in Kilpisjärvi, similar to previous years. Looking ahead, they are eagerly anticipating the brief autumn foliage season, which occurs earlier than in southern Lapland.

Eeva-Liisa Alasjärvi from Tuusula has visited Kilpisjärvi several times, with her latest trip taking place this summer. She enjoyed a four-day stay in early June at a hiking center, having planned her journey carefully due to the challenges of traveling from the south without a car. She utilized a bus to Rovaniemi and then another connection to Kilpisjärvi, with her return trip combining bus and train to Helsinki.

She prefers Kilpisjärvi for its nature, stunning landscapes, and outdoor activities. Jaana Nykänen, hotel manager at Santa’s hotels Raka, echoes Vuorentausta’s sentiments about the busy summer. She notes that without advance reservations, potential guests may have found hotels fully booked. Both Vuorentausta and Nykänen are pleased with the resurgence of domestic summer tourism, and Nykänen hopes for an influx of Central European travelers to Lapland this fall. Vuorentausta indicates July surpassed expectations despite economic concerns and that city destinations and local travel have performed particularly well this summer.