In Lapland, the seasons never change unnoticed. They arrive in full force and awaken all the senses. Each of the four seasons has its own character, light and opportunities – and each one is a reason to travel to Lokka in Sodankylä.
Summer: The Midnight Sun and Nature in Abundance
In summer, the sun does not set in Lapland. The Midnight Sun is an experience that is difficult to imagine before seeing it for yourself. Time seems to slow down and lose its usual meaning as the sun hangs low on the horizon and paints the sky in soft colours. The air is still and clear.
Summer is an excellent time for berry and mushroom picking. Cloudberry bogs first bloom white before the berries ripen in the warmth of summer. The Lokka Reservoir opens up across the landscape almost like a sea, offering excellent fishing opportunities.
The grounds border the Luiro River, adding another element to the summer scenery, while the surrounding wilderness invites you to explore on foot.
Autumn: Ruska and Harvest Season
Lapland’s autumn colours, known as ruska, are famous for a reason. Birch trees turn golden yellow, dwarf shrubs glow red and the fells take on warm shades of orange. The most colourful period usually falls in early September, although the exact timing varies from year to year depending on the weather.
Autumn is also hunting season and one of the best times for berry picking. A day out in the forest followed by a hot sauna and a meal made from your own catch or harvest is a true Lapland experience.
The Northern Lights also begin to appear in autumn as the nights become dark enough again.
Winter: Silence, Polar Night and Northern Lights
For many visitors, winter in Lapland is the most unforgettable season. Snow covers the landscape and the forest becomes quiet. During the polar night, the soft reddish twilight that lingers around midday creates a unique atmosphere.
The Northern Lights are at their most striking on clear, dark nights. Lokka is an excellent place for aurora watching thanks to its open views and very little light pollution.
In winter, the frozen Lokka Reservoir also offers excellent opportunities for ice fishing, with easy access to the ice and plenty of good fishing spots.
Spring: The Return of Light
Late winter and spring are often overlooked seasons in Lapland. Snow still covers the ground, but the days become long and bright, creating a completely different atmosphere from midwinter.
Cross-country skiing conditions often remain good well into spring, and when the snow develops a firm crust, it can support walkers across the forest and open terrain.
Spring is also a peaceful time to travel. Birch trees begin to open their leaves, migratory birds return and the amount of daylight increases every day.
Idyllic Accommodation for Every Season
We offer two accommodation options, the Traditional Finnish House and Grandma’s Cottage. Both are suitable for year-round stays and are full of local history, stories and modern comforts.
The Traditional Finnish House, also known as the Old Post House, once served as Lokka’s post office and Post Bank. Before 1968, postal vehicles travelled to the village via Vuotso to deliver the mail. The drivers stayed overnight in the house before returning to Sodankylä the following day.
The main bedroom was once used as accommodation for postal workers. Villagers gathered in the main living room to wait for the postal vehicle and catch up on local news. One of the rooms served as the Post Bank, where people could withdraw money and even receive their wages.
Grandma’s Cottage is located in the same yard. Around the turn of the 1960s and 1970s, it was home to the mother of the Old Post House owner.
The Traditional Finnish House is ideal for larger groups. It has several bedrooms, a well-equipped kitchen, a sauna and a fireplace.
Grandma’s Cottage is a cosy option for two people or a small family. It has everything you need for a comfortable stay, including a fully equipped kitchen, a ready-made double bed, a sauna and plenty of privacy.
Both accommodation options are comfortably equipped, and bed linen and towels are included in the price.
Read more about the
Traditional Finnish House and
Grandma’s Cottage.
Game Processing Facilities Throughout the Year
Guests can also use the approximately 50 m² game processing building located in the yard. The versatile space can be used throughout the year and includes:
- Hot and cold running water and drainage
- A ceiling-mounted hoist for skinning moose
- A suitable area for cleaning and processing fish
- Two large freezers for storing fish, berries and game
- A vacuum sealer for packing game and fish
The space makes it easy to process, store and pack the fish, berries and game you gather during your stay, ready to take home.
Plan Enough Time to Experience What You Came For
Our accommodation in Lokka, Sodankylä, is located around 90 kilometres northeast of central Sodankylä and is reached along a narrow road. Rovaniemi is approximately 220 kilometres away.
In summer, it is possible to continue from Lokka along the gravel Mäntypääntie road directly towards Porttipahta and further north into Lapland. In winter, this road is not maintained, so you need to return via Sodankylä before continuing north.
Because of the distances involved, we recommend allowing enough time for your stay. A one-night visit can easily mean a long drive followed by a quick departure, leaving little time to truly experience the surrounding nature.
Five days or a week gives you much more time to enjoy the season and the activities it offers. You can explore the wilderness, go fishing or hunting, use the game processing facilities, relax in the sauna and spend the evening outside watching the stars.
Contact us if you are interested in staying with us. We are happy to tell you more about the accommodation and the surrounding area.
