Discover Kittilä: Art, Nature and Local Culture

In Kittilä, discoveries range from art and local history to a walking trail with a bird tower and views of the Ounasjoki River. You can tailor your stay to suit different interests: visit museums and cultural attractions in Kittilä, or spend time on the Ukonpulju trail and in Karinnoka.

Art and History in Kittilä

Kittilä Church was designed by Carl Ludvig Engel. It also houses a Baroque pulpit dating from 1687, donated from Laurila in Keminmaa. Both the church’s design and this particular furnishing are part of the area’s cultural history.

The two artists’ museums in Kittilä offer a personal introduction to art history. The Palsa Museum is located in the home and studio of Kalervo Palsa (1947–1987) and opened to the public on 6 June 2013. The Einari Junttila Art Museum is the home and artistic environment of artist Einari Junttila. It is open on Thursdays from 1 to 5 p.m.; at other times, visits are by appointment.

Kittilä Local Heritage Museum is in Pakatti, on the banks of the Ounasjoki River, about 4 kilometres from the centre of the church village. Its buildings are laid out according to an old settlement pattern from the Peräpohjola–Lapland region. The museum focuses mainly on farming implements and household items from Kittilä dating from the first half of the 20th century; the collection comprises almost 1,000 objects. Its location in Pakatti and connection to the river give a visit to the museum a distinctive local setting.

A Walk and Birdlife at Karinnoka

The Ukonpulju recreational trail is an easy walking route. It starts behind the health centre and ends at the lean-to shelter and bird tower at Karinnoka. You can also use the trail with a pram during the snow-free season.

The bird tower has two levels, with information boards about local birdlife and the aquatic environment. The lower level is accessible by wheelchair and pram via a wheelchair ramp. From the lean-to shelter, you can enjoy views of the Ounasjoki River and the Levi fell. About 130 different bird species have been recorded in the Karinnoka area since 1974. This approximate figure gives an idea of the diversity that makes the natural area especially appealing to birdwatchers.

The Karinnoka lean-to shelter is open to everyone free of charge and is intended for short breaks. It has a fire pit, and visitors can get firewood from the woodshed next door. This makes the walk a chance to take a break, while the bird tower and its information boards offer a different focus.

Cultural Activities and When to Visit

The church village also offers a range of ways to spend your stay. Yläri Cinema shows films on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. It has 102 seats in tiered rows, four wheelchair spaces and a lift for wheelchair users. Kittilä Library offers a wide-ranging collection, exhibitions that change monthly, and various events and gatherings.

Traditional event dates include the Kittilä summer markets in July and the Staalon Festival in autumn, both held in the church village. The Jouluyö event takes place there in November and December. These different times of year offer several seasonal opportunities for culture enthusiasts to consider when planning their trip.

When looking for a holiday apartment in Kittilä, your travel interests can help you decide: culture in Kittilä, local history in Pakatti, and walks and birdlife at Karinnoka each offer something different.

Discover More Destinations

If you’d like to explore more places for your trip: Salla, Kilpisjärvi, Konnevesi, Mäntyjärvi, Tankavaara, Ranua, Luosto and Nuorgam.

For the main travel overview: Lapland.