moderate
4 hours
Participants should have moderate fitness to manage continuous paddling and short rapid navigation.
Paddle through Finland’s Arctic wilderness on a 4-hour journey from Lake Muotkajärvi to Ounasjärvi with Hetta Huskies. Navigate gentle rapids, reed-lined shorelines, and serene waterways in a trip suited for paddlers ready to engage with Lapland’s unique aquatic landscape.
€55pp | Incl. gear & drop-off | Canoe or Kayak
This is 1 of 4 x half-day paddling adventures close to Hetta.
** € 55 / person (Canoe or Kayak) ** Family Price: €225
This trip requires a car transfer to the start, c. 6km from our farmhouse and includes a short section of narrow rapids. These are usually not a problem even for first time paddlers, but in both very high or very low water, they can be a little challenging.
If you are a complete paddling beginner, or think that finding your way back to base unaccompanied might be challenging for you, it is probably best to opt for the Suonttajoki - Ounasjärvi tour, or to book this as a guided paddle.
Once on the water, you will have a chance to get to grips with your craft before heading into the narrow strait / isthmus connecting the two large lakes. At some times of the year, this small river runs fairly fast so we will get out to have a look at the rapid and to talk through how to position your boat as you make the descent. Later on, in the summer, it may become shallow so we will again talk through how to approach any obstacles in the path.
There is one more narrow point to negotiate, under a bridge, before the waters open again onto Lake Ounasjärvi.
Depending upon the speed with which we are progressing, there may also be an option to stop at our wilderness cabin during this journey when purchased as a guided tour.
We return to the farm via the small, beautiful Suonttajoki river which meanders along in-between reed-filled banks to a secluded take-out lake c. 700m from our homestead.
Water flow affects rapid difficulty; high or low water can make sections more challenging than usual.
Keep your valuables and extra clothing dry during the paddle—unexpected splashes are common.
A guided paddle enhances safety and confidence navigating the small but technical rapid sections.
Finnish Lapland weather can shift rapidly; wearing moisture-wicking and insulating layers is key.
Enontekiö is part of traditional Sámi lands, with a culture tied closely to the natural cycles of the Arctic environment.
Hetta Huskies emphasizes low-impact travel to preserve the delicate ecosystems of northern Lapland’s waterways.
Protects gear and personal items from water and occasional splashes.
summer specific
Keeps you warm and dry in fluctuating temperatures and damp conditions.
spring|fall specific
Safety gear mandatory for all paddling trips.
Helps keep mosquitoes and black flies at bay during warmer months.
summer specific