Arctic Circle Hiking with Apukka Resort in Rovaniemi

Standing just above the Arctic Circle, Rovaniemi in Lapland, Finland, is a gateway to raw northern wilderness and cultural encounters that feel both remote and accessible. Apukka Resort offers a self-guided trip into the Arctic Circle Hiking Area, a chance for adventurers to chart their own course along one of three distinct trails, each route unveiling specific elements of Lapland’s rugged landscape and local heritage.

This hiking area is a compelling mix of dense coniferous forests, bogs dotted with colorful cloudberries during the short summer, and open ridges where the horizon stretches unbroken by city lights. Hikers navigate gently rolling terrain, marked well but remote enough to feel removed from modern life. These trails reveal the stoic beauty of Scots pine, birch groves changing color with the seasons, and the silent presence of reindeer herds prized by Sámi communities for centuries.

What sets Apukka Resort apart is its seamless blend of adventure with authentic regional culture. After traversing the wilderness, visitors return to the welcoming lodge where the connection to place is tangible—reindeer roam close by for an intimate cultural touchpoint, while those wanting to stretch further can pedal electric fatbikes across snowy or muddy trails.

The resort’s shuttle system from Rovaniemi makes this Arctic hiking accessible without the hassle of independent logistics. Combined with on-site dining that showcases Lapland’s fresh game and berry preserves, Apukka Resort becomes not just a trailhead but a full-circle outdoor experience embodying the best of Finland’s far north. Whether you pursue solitude or local engagement, a self-paced hike here offers a fresh perspective on one of Europe’s last true wilderness frontiers.