Is prior hiking experience required for the trails?

The trails are well marked and suitable for hikers with moderate experience; basic navigation skills and good fitness help.

How do I access the hiking area from Rovaniemi?

Apukka Resort offers a shuttle service from Rovaniemi directly to the trailhead, simplifying logistics.

Are pets allowed on the trails?

Pets can be disruptive to local wildlife such as reindeer; it’s best to confirm policies with Apukka Resort before bringing pets.

What should I do if I encounter wildlife on the trail?

Maintain a safe distance, stay calm, and do not feed or approach animals to ensure your safety and theirs.

Can I rent equipment at Apukka Resort?

Yes, the resort provides electric fatbikes for rent and offers opportunities to meet and learn about reindeer.

Is there cell phone coverage in the hiking area?

Coverage is intermittent; be prepared with offline maps and let someone know your itinerary.

Arctic Circle Hiking with Apukka Resort in Rovaniemi | Guided Tour | Hiking

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.