Welcome to Kittilä!

- Located in Finnish Lapland, about 150 km north of the Polar Circle. More about Lapland in general.

- Population: 5833 (end of year 2004), has inceased 0,2% 2003-2004

- Area: 8261sq. km

- Population density: 0,7 inhabitants per sq. km

- Geographically Kittilä is highland with many fells(small mountains, tunturi in Finnish) also large forest and bog areas are found here.

- Climate is severe in winter. Summer is short but quite warm with occasional very hot days. Average temperature in January is about -15° C (5° F) and in July +14°C (57° F). More about climate in Finland.

- The officially measured coldest temperature in Finland was in Pokka, Kittilä in January 1999 -51,5° C (-60,7° F). In the summertime temperatures of +25 C (77 F) are reached every year.

- Snow covers the ground in most years from October to may.

- In the winter days are short from November to January. Around the time of the winter solstice (Dec 21 or 22) sun does not rise at all.

- In summer the sun does not set from the end of May to middle of July.

- Weather forecast for Kittilä.

- Ounasjoki-river (over 300 km) is flowing free although its main river Kemijoki has several hydroelectric power plants.

- The most known of the fells in Kittilä is the Levi (531 m).

- Two national parks are in part in the Kittilä municipality: Pallas-Ylläs and Lemmenjoki.

- Main tourist season is winter, skiing (both slalom and cross-country), snowmobiling, northern lights, peaceful winter twilight (kaamos in Finnish) and also Christmas spirit bring tourists here from Finland and abroad.

- Others seasons are as attractive and beautiful as winter but not yet so popular. In summer hiking, canoeing and fishing are among the activities tourists like.
Autumn is a short season in Lapland but the the bright colours of the forests and mountains make it a spectacular experience.

- Several art museums and galleries. Probably the best known is the Särestöniemi Museum

- International airport.

- For more information about Levi ski resort please refer to their excellent English page.

Suomi opas