What is Riisitunturi
Riisitunturi is a beautiful representation of Lappish nature. This national park is a breathtaking destination admired by many photographers, videographers, and those seeking peace in nature.
During the winter months, the place is defined by a natural phenomenon of heavy rime frost forming in extreme cold. The iconic snow monsters create a moment of stillness, making the terrain feel both alive and frozen in time.
Easily accessible for exploring on your own, Riisitunturi offers varied hiking trails. Among the most popular are Riisin Rääpäsy of 4.3 km and Riisin Rietas of 10.7 km. The shorter route leads through a panoramic view to the endless winter landscape of frozen lakes and snowy spruce trees. The longer one will lead you all the way to the top of the hill. The hiking path is not considered challenging but the cold weather and occasional windy conditions of the terrain can significantly impact the durability of the walk.
The parking lot located at the beginning of the hiking trails has a small bonfire. After a long hike in the cold, sitting by the bonfire, roasting sausages, or marshmallows, and listening to the crackling wood becomes a quiet moment of warmth. Finland is meant to be explored by taking a moment to enjoy the peace.
Where is Riisitunturi
Located in Posio municipality of Finland, near the Russian border, Riisitunturi is just below the Arctic Circle. It is suited in the endless layers of Lappish forest, interrupted only by silent lakes.
The exact location of Riisitunturi National Park is: Riisitunturintie, 97925 Tolva, Finland.
Why visit Riisitunturi in winter
Riisitunturi deserves time. Being there means being close to the heart of Finnish nature and what makes this land feel so peaceful. It’s where small experiences lead you to a feeling you will carry with you for a long time.
Appreciate the untouched nature of Finnish Lapland
In complete silence, the frost feels especially alive, wrapping itself around you from head to toe. The stillness surrounds the place while winter paints in shades of white on the canvas of the earth. Thick snow heavily covers the branches, bending them closer to the ground but not breaking. The low winter sun makes its way through the trees shrouded in snowy moss. Its warm light softly laying a golden blanket on the branches sleeping under the frost.
This landscape leaves you speechless. Layers and layers of snow reflect the northern sun. Right in front of you opens up the authenticity of Finnish nature in its purest form. You keep savoring the taste of the uniqueness around you, not believing that something so simple can be so touching. But wait–there’s more.
Chase the northern lights in Riisitunturi
The northern lights and Finland go hand in hand. They are captivating, almost spellbinding. They are a symbol of Saami legends carefully carried from family to family, from generation to generation. They run in the sky in a silent dance of color, making you forget about the world, or even who you are. At the moment, there is only you and them shrouded in mystery.
The northern lights are never a given–it’s a gift. But you would want to try surrounding yourself with conditions that are more generous to reward you for patience. The elevated location of the national park and distance from artificial light makes Riisitunturi a captivating location to go on the northern lights hunt. And who knows–maybe in the silence of the dark night you will find what you are looking for?
Finnish nature is gentle to those respecting it. The cold of a winter night is ruthless, so is the darkness. Don’t underestimate it–travelling to Riisitunturi for the northern lights hunting should only be done with a guide or a local, who can give you a hand in finding your path back.
Experience cross-country skiing and snowshoeing
The lightly fluttering snow feathers softly cushion the land. One by one they cover each other until the ground is shining in white. The cold freezes the lakes and rivers, and hills are warmly wrapped in a blanket.
Lapland is heavily covered in snow most of the year, creating a perfect surrounding for those who appreciate winter sports. Alongside ice hockey, cross-country skiing is one of the most famous activities. In Riisitunturi, the vast snowy landscape offers a peaceful setting for gliding through silent forest, when it feels like you can almost touch the crowns of the trees. Cross-country skiing is still physically demanding, even at a slow pace. For a more calming experience, renting a pair of snowshoes is a great alternative. With every step bringing the crisp sound of winter, you can walk through the deep snow of the national park.
Capture a memory on a photography walk
Photography and videography are powerful ways to capture the small moments that make you feel something. Maybe it was a feeling of peace when walking up the hill of the park. Or maybe it was a feeling of gratitude when seeing the sun softly touching the treetops. Maybe it was a feeling of a warm hug from nature when laying on your back in the thick snow, listening to the silence around. Some of these moments you want to keep with you forever.
Riisitunturi will make you want to capture it.
What is the best time to visit Riisitunturi
The landscape of the national park changes its colors and feeling with each season. The best time to visit Riisitunturi depends on the experience you are after–a spectacular winter hike with snow monsters, chasing the northern lights, or enjoying a midsummer sun.
Winter
From late November to early April, the terrain will be covered with thick snow. The best conditions for photography are in January and February. These months are generally one of the coldest during the winter season, bringing great chances for witnessing the beauty of northern nature. The days slowly get longer, allowing more light hours, and a possibility to witness a beautiful sunrise or sunset at the top of the hill. This season feels special in every aspect of it.
Spring
Throughout April to June, nature gently settles into the polar day. Located up north, the midseason is often short. Even though the snow starts to disappear from the landscape, it takes time for spring to fully take over and transition into summer. It’s when sound and warmth slowly return from their sleep, bringing excitement and joy with them.
Summer
From June to late September, Riisitunturi widely opens its hands to the landscape of iconic Finnish nature, defined by countless blue lakes. At this time of the year, the national park is a great destination for hikes and witnessing the phenomenon of the polar day, peaking at the end of June and early July. In contrast to the darkness of winter, those months are filled with light. It feels surreal–not to have a night. The closer to autumn, the shorter days will become.
Autumn
Until the first snow lands, the golden autumn session will reign in Riisitunturi. The tundra landscape coats in bright colors, creating a bright palette for the national park before the white blanket arrives. The temperatures will still remain comfortable for hiking and the darker nights welcome with chances of witnessing the northern lights under the clear northern sky. The golden autumn here feels dreamy. It’s quiet, shy, and calming. Lappish autumn is another season favored by the photographers.
What you should bring when visiting Riisitunturi
It goes without saying, winter temperatures in Finland can feel intimidating. Sometimes dropping to -30°C or even lower, the cold bites at your skin. Frozen eyelashes and blushed cheeks slowly emerge with each step on the snow’s crisp surface. But frost alone isn’t what cuts deepest–it’s the wind, sweeping across the open, exposed terrain of Riisitunturi.
To make your hiking experience as pleasant–and long-lasting–as possible, consider packing the following winter essentials:
- Waterproof winter boots paired with thermal or wool socks
- A wind- and waterproof warm jacket and shell, snowboard, or ski pants–especially if you plan on making snow angels on an untouched winter blanket
- Waterproof fleece or wool gloves with touchscreen capability–you’ll want to avoid removing them every time you take a photo
- A warm hat and scarf, ideally one that can cover the lower face in extreme cold
- Layering is key. Wear an extra base layer (undershirt and thermal leggings or pants), and remember: loose layers insulate better than tights ones. Two airy layers can be warmer than five snug ones. Choose warm materials like merino wool, fleece, or cashmere
- A lip balm to protect against chapping
- A flashlight or headlamp if you plan to be in the park during the polar night or twilight
- A bottle of water and snacks. If you are stopping at a fireplace to warm up after a hike, bring marshmallows or sausages, firewood, and a firestarter
- Your camera, tripod, and–if you have one–a drone. Drones are allowed as long as you don’t disturb other visitors or wildlife. Additionally, always check for military training notices before your visit
- A power bank–phone batteries drain quickly in freezing temperatures
How to get to Riisitunturi
Riisitunturi is easily accessible from a few nearby towns and cities. Famous Finnish ski resorts Kuusamo and Ruka are approximately 55 minutes and 35 minutes drive from the national park respectively. An official hometown of Santa Claus, Rovaniemi, is located within 2 hours 15 minutes drive. Within 1 hour 30 minutes, Riisitunturi can be reached from Ranua, a town with one of the northernmost zoos in the world.
Once reaching a sign to turn to Riisitunturi from the main road, you will need to continue driving uphill for approximately 5 to 10 minutes until you reach the main parking area. There, you can leave your car and head to explore the area, following one of the trail signs.
Renting a car is not a must, especially without a driving experience in a snowy environment. From Rovaniemi, a number of small tour providers regularly organize excursions to Riisitunturi with duration from 4 to 8 hours–all can be booked directly through GetYourGuide.
