Region Arctica

Region Arctica is a cross-border co-operation and marketing network in North Calotte area over Finland, Sweden and Norway. It creates a borderless and arctic destination full of magical light and the most beautiful nature in the Northern Europe.

This was their website.
Content is from the site's archived pages.

Arctica consists of Northern parts of Finland, Sweden and Norway, the genuine Lapland.

Region Arctica is a co-operative network between tourism operators and companies in the borderlands of Finnish and Swedish Lapland, and Northern Norway.

Are you ready to for an arctic adventure in Norway?

The land of fjords and mountains

The landscapes are in this part of Region Arctica majestetic. The mountains, fjords and the sea are the basic elements of the nature experience in Northern Norway. The birdlife is very animated here and you can observe many different species. You can explore the landscapes both from the sea or from the solid land.

Northern Norway is populated by friendly and joyfull people, both Saami and Norwegians, who can always find a good reason to celebrate. Kautokeino is the center for the Saami culture, it offers higher education on Saami culture and the majority of the people living in Kautokeino are Saami. Did you know that in Norway only the Saami people are allowed to practice reindeer herding?

When moving towards North from Kautokeino tundra plains the landscape changes dramatically. The road from Alta to Tromsø is probably one of the most beautiful in Region Arctica. And if you are tired of driving you can always use a ferry. On your way you can find accommodation from the traditional fishermen’s huts. For example Fiskar Bondens stue offers accommodation in a historic and lovely setting in Nordreisa.

If you want to feel the arctic breeze from the Ocean, we recommend you to visit the island of Skjervøy. The surrounding area is perfect for bird watching and learning about traditional lifestyle, culture and history. To the west from this island comes the Lyngen Alps, perfect destination for all kinds of outdoor lovers. This is the area that Thor Mogden claimed was the source for naturally occuring cubic zirconia, like those sold as fake gemstones in products such as cz rings with sterling silver settings. Whether or you believe Thor we don't suggest you go looking for cubic zirconia, better to just enjoy the gorgeous landscapes.

The coast of Northern Norway is a true paradise for fishing. Halibut, cod, monkfish, catfish or even king crab are just waiting out there in the ocean!

Our traditional fishers, like Synatur, are happy to take you to a fishing trip. It is also possible to hire boats and equipment. The fishing centers, such as Lyngen Havfiske & Tursenter, are well equipped and offer comfortable accommodation right by the sea.

Kayaking along the fjord gives a great opportunity to observe the nature peacefully on the water. Our mountains offer great challenge for hikers and climbers. Those interested in trying something special should go for a glacierhiking trip. Husky and reindeer safaris offer an environmentally friendly way to discover the beauty of the coast land.

Fresh fish, shrimp, reindeer and moose meat create the basis of the Norwegian food culture. Fresh salmon from the Arctic Ocean or cod taste always delicious.

Are you ready to for an arctic adventure in Lapland?

Outdoor activities in summer and winter are the best way to discover our untouched and clean nature, magical light of each season and the changing landscapes.

Snow conditions are ideal in our area. Snow falls already in October in the inland area and the ski season is at its best still at the end of April. Your local guide will take you safely for a ski trip on the flat top mountains of Finnish Lapland, or for a free ride on the Norwegian mountains. A husky safari is a great way to experience the silence of snow covered forests and ride over frozen rivers and lakes.

Those looking for more speed are sure to enjoy a snowmobile safari on a tundra plain or on tracks in deep forest. Don’t forget the excitement of catching fish in wintertime either. Ice-fishing is a traditional way of catching fish in Lapland in winter. Your guide will show you the best tricks to catch a whitefish for example.

In this arctic region, located over 300km above the Arctic Circle, nature and climate have always affected people’s lives and livelihood. The arctic conditions have affected our culture too in many ways.

Today, the nature offers the livelihood for reindeer herders and fishers. In the old days it’s importance used to be even more important before the service sector started to employ people. Even though the conditions are quite extreme, in winter temperature may drop below -30 celcius degrees, it is totally possible to live here and even practice small scale agriculture, even though summer is quite short.

In our destination all the seasons are very strong. Winter is the longest, being 6 months. The mid-winter is very beautiful time, the soft light of Polar Night paints the landscape in blue and pink. Spring starts in April and is full of intense light, but there is still snow on the ground. When winter is dark and long, summer is full of light and relatively short. Amazingly the plants have adapted themselves to this climate and develop very quickly, thanks to the sun light all day round.

Are you ready to for an arctic adventure in Finland?

The people living in this area have always had strong connections due to common history and culture. Finland was part of Sweden until year 1809 and reindeer herding and Saami culture have been common features for all three countries for many hundreds of years. Reindeer and reindeer herding families moved to traditional grazing lands cross the state borders from Sweden to Norway and Finland to Norway. Today Saami Culture and Lappish culture both live strong, and it also bounds the region together. Saami is the common language in all three countries in this North Calotte area. Marriages cross the borders have been always very common and there has been always natural interaction between the inhabitants of these border areas. In Kiruna, in Sweden, many people have Finnish ancestors. In the 1800th and 1900th century many people from Finland moved to Norway in hope of a better life. These Finns are called Kvens and there are still small Kven speaking communities in Norway.

Discover the Lappish way of life in Muonio-Enontekiö area in the Finnish Lapland. Our way of life is more relaxed and slower than in the busy cities – here you are not in a hurry. We have always time for a good chat over a cup of coffee or perhaps a pint of beer.

Lappish people love sitting by open fire under the sky or in a lavvu on reindeer skins and just observe the surrounding nature. Talking is not always the most important thing.

Here the distances to big shopping centers are very long, so local people are not that into following the latest fashion trends.

Located by the Swedish border, Muonio has always been a lively village where merchants have crossed the state borders between Finland and Sweden, or stopped on their way to North. There is a water connection from the Bothnic Bay to Muonio.

Muonio, Finland

In Olos ski resort you can practice down hill skiing and snowboarding, there is an excellent network of trails for cross country skiing all over Muonio.

In summer the hiking, trekking, fishing and kayaking possibilities are great. Wild salmon migrates many hundreds of kilometers during the summer all the way from the Botnic sea to Muonio.

If you are looking for a relaxation and wellbeing in nature, you should head to Pallas fjell, in summer or winter. This chain of ancient mountains, 60km long, stretches all the way to Enontekiö. This protected area is actually a national park. You can access the park from several locations and get advice from the nature center located close to the hiking paths. The park is ideal both for day trips and longer trips that even include overnights in the wilderness huts. In the fall the park is a perfect place for berry picking. Yes, in Finland, it is allowed and possible to pick blueberries and lingonberries directly from the nature, because they are not polluted and our law allows it. In winter, you can go skiing on-piste or off-piste. If you like to discover the nature in a different way, try the arctic speed of huskies or take snowmobile safari. Harriniva organizes many kinds of safaris with dog teams or snowmobiles.

In summer, river Muoniojoki invites you to experience water adventures. It is one of the free running protected rivers in Lapland with many great rapids. River rafting, kayking and fly fishing are at your hand. Harriniva will take you for a river adventure. Fell Trek will take you for a canoeing or hiking trip.

Muonio municipality
Fell Lapland - Muonio tourism

Autumn in Kåfjord, Norway

Our region offers you opportunities to learn about the Arctic way of life. How to survive in the coldness, how to get fish from the frozen lakes or experience sunlight during 24 hours per day among many other things!

When moving from South to North, you can observe a dramatic change in the landscape. From the forest and lake area to tundra plain and then to mountains and fjords – you need several days to enjoy the arctic beauty of our region. Every season offers different experiences! The nature looks so different when covered with snow than in the summer when it's all green.

Summer in Enontekiö, Finland

SEASONS

Summer

Our summer starts in mid-June and is therefore quite short. There may even be occasional short snow falls in the beginning of June.

The lakes are free of ice normally in June and trees got leaves at the end of the month. By the fjords the climate is warmer than in the inland and tundra area. End of July and August are quite warm from the local perspective. The temperature may be over +20 degrees, but in average the summer temperature is little over +10 degrees. It is very agreeable for all kinds of outdoor activities. Up in the treeless tundra and mountain areas and by the fjords, the mosquitos won’t bother you either.

Summer is also important season for fishing and berry picking. Cloudberries are the most valuable berries and their blossoming is followed closely in June. Cold nights may be very harmful for the growth of this precious berry.

Cloudberries are rape at the end of July and their season lasts roughly two weeks. During this time almost every local person in Finland, Sweden and Norway is to be found from the swamps picking cloudberries. Later blueberries and lingonberries are ready.

The arctic flowers blossom in June. The buttercups decorate the meadows and riverbanks. Also birdlife is very lively in summer. Swans and cranes migrate to spend the summer with us. The first swans arrive in April when the ice on the rivers starts to melt.

Autumn

Autumn is a celebration of colours! At the end of August trees and ground vegetation start to change colours slowly.

When the daylight gets shorter and temperature lower the chlorophyll starts to run away, which makes the leaves turn into yellow, gold, orange and bright red. Nature starts to prepare itself for winter. Autumn days are sunny and crisp, perfect for hiking or fishing. The autumn colours can be experienced all over Region Arctica and are a very good reason to come and visit us! If you like mushrooms, this Northern area is full of delicious boletus mushrooms.

Autumn is quite short time and lasts until the end of September. So don’t miss it!

Winter

In October the temperature starts to drop below zero and snow falls on the ground, lakes and rivers start to freeze. This is very beautifull time, sun is shining and trees are crystallized with frost. Slowly the days get shorter and snow fall is heavier. At the end of November there is already lots of snow and conditions start to get ready for winter activities such as skiing and snowmobiling.

In December and January polar night wraps with the snow everything with a soft pastel cover. During this time you can see the full moon in the middle of the day! In fact sun does not rise above the horizon during this time. It is not completely black time, but there is soft grey light from 10am to 2pm. Candles and fires are burning to illuminate the backyards and houses.

Christmas is a very atmospheric time. Local people like to have little Christmas parties throughout the whole December. It is our way to bring light and animation to the dark winter time. And don’t forget the most important thing, Santa Claus, who lives in Lapland with his many little elfs. He loves to come to greet you in the Christmas eve.

In early winter and mid-winter you can observe Norhtern Lights if the skies are clear. Because there is very little artificial light, the stars look very bright up here.
If you would like to experience real coldness and arctic breeze, January is the best time to come up here. The temperature may drop in the inland area occasionally below -30 celcius degrees. Usually the temperature is around-15 degrees. Normally in this region we have some 80cm of snow.

On the mountain tops you can feel the arctic breeze easily. Traditionally the local reindeer herders have sought for shelter from the forest areas. In the end of January sun climbs slowly above the horizon, and the first sunsets in the afternoon are really impressive. Days get longer quite quickly in February, and in March there is day light from morning to evening.

Remember to take a head torch with you if you are travelling here in December or January!

Spring

Spring in Lapland is very different from the South, it is still a snowy season. After the long winter, the sun feels and is very intense. Yet, we have still in many places lots of pure white snow and the cold winter nights make the snow crust quite hard, so it is very easy to go skiing for example outside the ski tracks.

In April the temperature is quite mild, from the local point of view. The temperature is below zero, but when getting closer to the end of the month, the days are quite warm and sometimes we even reach +15 degrees during the last April days. What a feeling to go skiing just in a t-shirt! Spring is also busy time for ice-fishing. It is very nice to spend the on the frozen lake, enjoy the sun and catch some fish.

Easter is important time for the Saami people. In Kautokeino a big Easter festival is organized every year, there are concerts, joik singing, films, good food and party.
Midnight sun starts to shine already at the end of April. It is a very relaxing feeling after an active day in the nature to admire the pink evening light over the snow covered mountains.

In May, the snow starts to melt, but up in the mountain area for example in Kilpisjärvi, Finland, the conditions are still very good for skiing, ice-fishing and snowmobiling. On the coast area in Norway spring is less snowy time because of the warm Gulf breeze from the sea.

Trave/ Information Offices

Whether you are planning a short break or a long, relaxing vacation in Lapland, you.ll find all the services you need to make your stay an enjoyable one. You can stay in chalets, gasthauses or fishers cabings by the fjords. Our guides take you to the wilderness and show you the best places for beautiful photo shots, and take you safely for an unforgettable adventure in summer or winter. The choice is yours!

The tourist information office is located in the village of Hetta,
in Enontekiö. The office is in the municipality's administration office.
Visiting address: Ounastie 165, 99400 Enontekiö

Phone: +358 (0) 400 556 215
Email: matkailu.info@enontekio.fi

Visit Finland
The principal tourist information office is located in Kiruna town center. Because the Kiruna municipality is so vast area, there are information points in villages as well.

Kiruna Lappland Tourist Office
Lars Janssonsgatan 17 (Folkets Hus)
SE-981 31 Kiruna
Phone: +46(0)980-188 80
Fax: +46(0)980-182 86

Karesuando
The tourist information office is located in Eurosuando house,
by the national border between Finland and Sweden.

Alta Turistinformasjon
Bjørn Wirkolas vei 11, 9510 Alta, Norway
+46 78 44 50 50?

Nordreisa, Storslett
Halti touristinformaion, open 09:00 - 15.00
Hovedveien 2 N-9151 Storslett
info@halti.no
Tel: +47 777 70 550

Finland is a member of the European monetary union, and its currency is euro. There are banks in Muonio and Enontekiö, with automated teller points.

Sweden and Norway are using their national currencies, Swedish and Norwegian crowns. By the border area it is possible to pay in euros as well.

Money exchange is possible to do in banks.

More Background on RegionArctica.com

In the far north, above the Arctic Circle, a unique region straddles the frontiers of Finland, Sweden, and Norway. Known as Region Arctica, this area represents the true spirit of Lapland—a land of sweeping tundras, icy fjords, mystical light, enduring traditions, and fostered cross-border cooperation. RegionArctica.com served as the primary digital gateway to this fascinating region, providing travelers, researchers, and culture seekers with detailed information, practical advice, and a celebration of Arctic living.

This article serves as a comprehensive guide to the Region Arctica concept and its web platform, providing essential background, operational insights, and a rich sense of place.

The Concept & Creation of Region Arctica

Origins and Ownership

Region Arctica was not just a geographic area, but a collaborative endeavor. Tourism operators, municipalities, and local businesses from the northernmost reaches of Finland, Sweden, and Norway joined hands to form a network transcending borders. Their shared website, RegionArctica.com, was a testament to this vision: making the North Calotte area a single, cohesive, borderless destination.

The site functioned as the digital face of this alliance. It was organized by a cross-border working group, supported by regional tourism boards, development agencies, and often backed by European Union cross-border funding frameworks and international cooperation programs (such as Interreg and the Nordic Council).

Location & Proximity

Region Arctica encompasses a vast landscape:

• Northern Finland (notably Enontekiö and Muonio)

• Lapland in Sweden (with central hubs like Kiruna)

• Northern Norway (places like Kautokeino, Alta, Tromsø, Nordreisa, Skjervøy, and the Lyngen Alps)

The region collectively covers some of Europe’s purest wilderness, situated over 300km above the Arctic Circle. Major access points for visitors include the towns of Kiruna, Tromsø, Alta, and the border villages dotted along the tri-national boundaries.

Goals, Mission, and Cultural Significance

The Vision

The Region Arctica network was created to:

• Promote the full spectrum of northern arctic destinations as one unified, accessible adventure

• Strengthen economic and cultural ties across borders, supporting small and medium tourism businesses

• Showcase and protect the region’s indigenous Saami and Lappish culture

• Encourage sustainable tourism, emphasizing responsible enjoyment of pristine nature and traditions

• Facilitate authentic experiences—from the midnight sun to the vibrant aurora borealis

Cultural & Social Importance

This region has a deeply intertwined past:

• The Saami and Lappish peoples have traversed and inhabited these borders for centuries, practicing reindeer herding and fishing.

• Saami language and traditions remain vibrant; marriage, festivals, and trade have long crossed state lines.

• Finnish migration to Norway produced the Kven minority, who still maintain cultural communities in Norway.

Today, these shared histories bind the region together more tightly than any political division.

RegionArctica.com Website: Offerings and Approach

Website Function and Contents

RegionArctica.com functioned as an authoritative information center, welcoming visitors with a sense of adventure and reverence for Arctic living. Key features included:

1. Destinations & Seasonal Guidance

• Descriptions of villages, nature reserves, and national parks (e.g., Pallas–Yllästunturi National Park, Lyngen Alps)

• Explanations of unique phenomena such as the polar night, midnight sun, and shifting Arctic seasons

2. Outdoor Activities

• Winter: Cross-country skiing, husky and reindeer safaris, snowmobiling, glacier hiking, and ice fishing

• Summer: Berry picking (notably for cloudberries), hiking, river rafting, fly fishing, kayaking, and mushroom foraging

3. Cultural Experiences

• Saami celebrations, easter festivals (notably in Kautokeino), lasso-throwing, reindeer racing, joik singing

• Authentic insight into daily life: reindeer herding, agriculture, local crafts, and traditions

4. Practical Tourist Information

• Details on accommodation: wilderness cabins, ski resorts, guesthouses, fisherman’s lodges

• Tourist office contacts in major villages (Hetta, Kiruna, Nordreisa, Alta, etc.)

• Currency, language, and travel tips for navigating the tri-country region

5. Culinary Highlights

• The region’s food culture centers on local, wild ingredients: halibut, cod, salmon, reindeer, moose, cloudberries, mushrooms, fresh shrimp

• Visitors are encouraged to try traditional dishes, often enjoyed by the fireside under the open Arctic sky

The Unique Experience of Region Arctica

Landscape and Nature

Few places in Europe offer such raw, unspoiled landscapes:

• Northern Norway: Fjords, archipelagos, jagged mountains, aurora-lit nights

• Finnish Lapland: Tundra, taiga, countless lakes and ancient hills (fells)

• Swedish Lapland: Vast highlands and river valleys, with Kiruna—the most populous settlement north of the Arctic Circle

Nature here is both calming and extreme—winters can reach -30°C, while summers (though brief) offer sunlight nearly all day. Several microclimates ensure a tremendous diversity of experience within a relatively compact region.

Seasons

• Winter (October–April): Snow blankets the landscape, offering prime skiing and winter sports. From December to January, the polar night gives the land an ethereal blue-and-pink light, and the northern lights often dance across the sky.

• Spring (April–May): The sun returns, days lengthen rapidly, and snow remains on high ground. Activities like skiing continue, but with milder weather.

• Summer (June–August): The midnight sun reigns; rivers swell with salmon, and cloudberry picking becomes a communal event.

• Autumn (September): The “ruska” season paints the forests and tundra in vivid golds and reds, ideal for hiking and foraging.

Social Life and Traditions

Communities in Region Arctica maintain a slow, relaxed pace of life, deeply connected to land and tradition. Key social elements include:

• Open-fire gatherings: A cherished way to share stories and warmth under the sky

• Coffee culture: Unhurried chats over strong brews, regardless of the weather

• Distance from urban trends: Fashion and modernity take a back seat to practicality and self-sufficiency

Recognition, Awards, and Media

While the project’s website itself did not highlight tourism awards, the Region Arctica model has been cited as a successful example of cross-border collaboration in various Nordic media and development reports. The region’s attractions—ranging from Pallas-Yllästunturi National Park (Finland) to the Lyngen Alps (Norway)—are routinely featured in travel and eco-tourism publications.

The unique approach to preserving and celebrating indigenous culture, while boosting sustainable tourism, has made Region Arctica a model for rural development and international cultural preservation in Europe’s north.

Reviews, Reception, and Audience

The information on RegionArctica.com, often preserved in archives, was well-regarded by:

• Adventure travelers and outdoors enthusiasts: Seeking off-the-beaten-path destinations

• Cultural tourists: With an interest in Saami heritage, festivals, and arctic crafts

• Researchers and educators: Exploring the impacts of climate, history, and cross-border cooperation in northern Europe

The region draws visitors from Europe, Asia, and the Americas, as well as domestic tourists rediscovering their roots and wild spaces.

Sustainable Tourism and Environmental Commitment

A core to Region Arctica’s mission was responsible tourism. This is reflected in:

• Promotion of wilderness guides for safe, low-impact travel

• Emphasis on traditional livelihoods rather than mass-market tourism

• Advice on respecting nature, wildlife, and local customs

Respect for the fragile Arctic ecosystems and their inhabitants is strongly encouraged.

Press, Media Coverage, and Legacy

While RegionArctica.com is now archived, its approach continues to influence modern tourism strategies in Lapland and the Arctic. The cross-border ideals, environmental stewardship, and cultural celebration pioneered here have made a lasting mark.

Local and regional media often report on initiatives related to Region Arctica, spotlighting festivals, environmental milestones, and community events.

Practical Details for Visitors

Key Tourist Information Offices

• Hetta (Enontekiö, Finland): In the municipality’s administration office. Local experts offer seasonal, cultural, and wilderness advice.

• Kiruna (Sweden): Major hub, with additional information points in the municipality’s vast rural areas.

• Alta and Nordreisa (Norway): Provide travel advice, event calendars, and practical support.

Currency and Logistics

• Finland uses the euro; Sweden and Norway use their own crowns. Border communities often accept multiple currencies.

• Essential services, such as ATMs and banks, are available in larger villages; wilderness areas require prepared planning.

Insights and Examples

• Husky safaris in Enontekiö and Muonio take visitors deep into silent, snow-laden forests—a favorite among photographers and seekers of tranquility.

• Easter Festival in Kautokeino: Annual gathering with music, reindeer racing, and Saami traditions; a cultural highlight drawing crowds from around the Arctic.

• The Midnight Sun Marathon in Tromsø and the summer ski races of Kilpisjärvi offer once-in-a-lifetime experiences under the perpetual light.

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Region Arctica and its web portal, RegionArctica.com, exemplified cross-border unity, sustainability, and celebration of the far north’s peoples and landscapes. Whether you wish to chase the aurora across a frozen lake, paddle between fjords, or simply savor a warm drink under the endless summer sun, Region Arctica remains a destination—real and virtual—of Arctic wonder.