
Ravadasköngäs – The Jewel of Lemmenjoki

Lemmenjoki Valley – A Pathway into the Heart of Gold Country
Stretching from Njurkulahti to Kultasatama, Lemmenjoki Valley follows the river for about 22 kilometers. In summer, the river is more than just flowing water—it becomes a storyteller’s route. A scheduled boat service runs along its course, while a marked hiking trail winds along the riverbanks. For hikers, the valley reveals itself little by little: through sparse pine forests, along sandy paths, and at peaceful rest spots by small forest ponds. Further on, the river cuts through the landscape like a golden thread.
Ravadasköngäs – The Jewel of Lemmenjoki
Ravadasköngäs is nature’s own display of raw power. The Ravadas River, born from melting snow, flows gently until it nears Lemmenjoki—where it suddenly plunges in a dramatic ten-meter waterfall into a rocky gorge. The water crashes between large boulders, swirling clear and wild in the embrace of cliffs.
But this waterfall is more than a scenic landmark—it’s an experience that commands respect for nature’s might. Located in a restricted area of the park, visitors may only move along marked trails. Ravadasköngäs is accessible either by foot or via riverboat with local operators. It's no surprise that this is one of the park’s most beloved destinations.
Joenkielinen – Vast Horizons from a Tundra Peak
Roughly 9 kilometers from Njurkulahti rises Joenkielinen, a fell whose summit can be reached by a clearly marked trail. The climb is more than worth the effort. From the top, Lemmenjoki Valley unfolds at your feet, surrounded by rolling fells stretching out to the horizon. The true highlight isn’t just the view—it’s the stillness, and the feeling that time itself has paused.
Sallivaara – Echoes of the Reindeer Round-ups
Sallivaara’s reindeer round-up site is one of Lapland’s most valuable cultural heritage landmarks. A six-kilometer trail begins near the Repojoki River, just off the Inari–Kittilä road, leading to a fully restored round-up area. There, grey pole fences and old log structures stand as quiet witnesses to a time when these gatherings brought people together—not just for work, but for community and celebration.
Back then, round-ups lasted for weeks. There were evening markets, dancing, and tales shared by the fire. Today, the site includes an open wilderness hut, a tent camping area, and a whisper of the life once lived here. All buildings and fences were restored in the late 1980s and are now protected and maintained by Metsähallitus as cultural monuments of Sámi reindeer herding history.
Matti Musta’s Homestead – A Story of Grit and Perseverance
On the shore of Upper Lankojärvi, in a clearing surrounded by birch and pine, stands a small, weathered log cabin. This is Matti Musta’s homestead—one of the park’s most treasured traditional landscapes. Built in the early 1900s, the cabin was once home to Matti Musta and his family, who lived here year-round. Once, there were also a granary and cowshed, but time has claimed them. What remains is the cabin—and the legend.
Matti Musta lived with unrelenting determination. He raised cattle in harsh conditions, cleared land by hand, and even tried to drain a nearby marsh to make hay. He was known for his stubborn streak—and his courage. When wolves threatened the herd, Matti gave chase with nothing but two birch sticks for weapons. And he won.
Today, his cabin serves as a wilderness hut, restored in 1994 according to his son’s memories to preserve its original look. The yard is still maintained yearly, and every visitor’s step helps keep the landscape open—just as it has been for over a century.
Kaapin Jouni’s Homestead – A Gateway to Sámi Heritage
On the western bank of Lemmenjoki, near Njurkulahti, lies Kaapin Jouni’s homestead—an old reindeer farm that still breathes the quiet dignity of past generations. It is a living part of Sámi culture and a vital reminder of the deep roots that reindeer herding and traditional livelihoods have in this region.
Tips for Your Journey
Choose your route:
Whether you prefer a short stroll or a longer trek, all routes pass through the same breathtaking landscapes—whether you travel by foot or by boat.
Talk to the locals:
Lemmenjoki is still living cultural land. Local entrepreneurs offer boat trips, guided tours, and stories you won’t find in any book.
Respect nature:
Remember that some areas are restricted. Stay on marked trails and let the wilderness breathe.
Open your senses:
Lemmenjoki is not just a place to see—it’s a place to listen to the silence, to feel moss beneath your feet, and to watch a sky as wide as the mind itself.
Accommodation
Hotel Korpikartano is open all year around. You can contact us to book your stay by email at [email protected]
At Hotel Korpikartano you can experience the beauty of nature in quiet and cosy accommodation with view on Menesjärvi lake. We offer hotel rooms and studios with kitchen in two separate accommodation buildings for a total of 28 rooms.
Hotel Korpikartano is located in Menesjärvi, Finnish Lapland a small Sámi village on Lake Menesjärvi. The bigger village of Inari, known as the centre of Finnish Sami culture is just a 30-minute drive away. Until 2005 Korpikartano served as a Sami village school for children in the surrounding areas and in 2009 it opened its doors to guests.
Hotel Korpikartano is near by of Lemmenjoki National Park, Finland’s largest national park. Hotel Korpikartano’s is ideal for those seeking peace and quiet. Aurora season is long in Menesjärvi and Inari and Hotel Korpikartano is famous among aurora hunters.
Welcome to the luxury of nature and silence!
Hotel Korpikartano clik the link https://korpikartano.fi/