Meltaus

In Meltaus, the free-flowing Meltausjoki shapes the landscape. The river is the largest tributary of the Ounasjoki; where the two rivers meet, you’ll find the Meltauksen laavu. Together, they create a beautiful landscape. The river, its confluence and the laavu give the place a tangible focal point—and an unusual setting for stories about nature and culture.

River landscape and distinctive winter spots

The Meltausjoki is a popular fishing river and a great destination for canoe trips. So, if you’re interested in a trip centred on the water, there are two different ways to experience the river here: fishing or canoeing. The river also has stretches of rapids that remain ice-free throughout the winter. This distinctive feature is as much a part of the Meltausjoki’s character as its free-flowing course.

You can also take in the river landscape from the Markkasuvanto Bridge, which offers impressive views upstream and downstream along the Ounasjoki. The bridge was completed in 1955 and upgraded to a two-lane bridge in 1983. Its history connects a specific spot by the river with a change that can be seen right at the bridge.

Chapel and film history

The Meltauksen Chapel, designed by Toivo Lukkariniemi, was completed in autumn 1960. Its construction date and the architect’s name provide a tangible cultural reference point in the area’s history. Another story goes back to the world of film: the 1936 film “Koskenlaskijan morsian” was shot at the Meltauksen laavu. In Meltaus, a post-war chapel and a 1930s filming location thus represent different chapters in local history.

Activities and excursions in the area

Meltaus has several cross-country ski trails. For travellers looking to include winter sports in their holiday plans, these offer another activity alongside the river-based options. The stretches of rapids on the Meltausjoki remain ice-free throughout the winter.

Nearby is Unarinköngäs, a fish-rich attraction on the upper reaches of the Meltausjoki near the village of Mitkasvaara. The Patokoski disc golf course, owned by the Meltaus-Patokoski village association, is also in the area. Alongside the river landscape and local history, there are therefore other points of interest for travellers with different interests.

Considering Meltaus as a holiday destination

A road from Rovaniemi via Meltaus to Kittilä has existed since the 1870s. This gives the route through the area a long history; the completion and renovation dates of the Markkasuvanto Bridge tell another chapter in the story of local infrastructure.

When looking for a holiday apartment in Meltaus, it helps to first decide what you want to focus on during your trip: would you like to centre it on the Meltausjoki, with fishing or canoe trips; are you interested in the chapel and film history; or would you like to combine several of the area’s attractions? This can help you choose a destination that suits your interests, without combining the different experiences into a single itinerary.

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