Explore Utsjoki: Northernmost Lapland Experiences
Pre-Tour · 16–19 January 2027 · 3 nights
Explore Utsjoki, one of Finland’s northernmost destinations, on this three-night Pre-Tour ahead of Matka 2027. Experience the Arctic nature, learn about Sámi culture and meet local tourism businesses offering authentic experiences in the far north of Finnish Lapland.
Sámi Culture and Arctic Nature in Finland's Far North
Located in the heart of the Sámi homeland, Utsjoki offers a distinctive combination of vast Arctic nature, living Sámi culture and authentic local experiences. The River Teno and its tributaries connect the three villages of Karigasniemi, Utsjoki and Nuorgam, shaping the landscape and local life. As Finland’s only municipality with a Sámi majority, it provides a unique opportunity to discover contemporary Sámi life and traditions through local businesses and experiences. Surrounded by open fells, river valleys and the vast Kaldoaivi and Paistunturi Wilderness Areas, Utsjoki is an ideal destination for travellers seeking experiences throughout the Arctic seasons, from the Northern Lights and snowy landscapes to the Midnight Sun and vibrant autumn colours. For tour operators, Utsjoki offers fresh opportunities to develop distinctive Lapland itineraries beyond the better-known destinations.
Getting to Utsjoki
Utsjoki is accessible via Ivalo Airport, with flight connections from Helsinki, or Kirkenes Airport in northern Norway. From Ivalo, the journey north to Utsjoki takes approximately two hours by car, while the drive from Kirkenes takes around 1.5 hours, depending on weather and road conditions.
The final travel arrangements and transfers for the Pre Tour will be confirmed closer to the event.
Contact
Utsjoki
Tuomo Merentie
Project Manager
International Tourism Growth Path
Tel. +358 401319670
tuomo.merentie@utsjoki.fi
exploreutsjoki.fi

Tour Details
Organiser: Utsjoki Municipality
Tour type: Pre-Tour
Dates: 16 –19 January 2027
Duration: 3 nights
Group size: 4–7 participants (+ guide/ host Jan Badur)
Target audience: International tour operators and travel buyers from Central Europe, France, USA, Italy
Tour guide: Jan Badur, NordicMarketing
© Risto Takala
Pre Tour Programme
Please note that the programme is preliminary and may be subject to change shortly before departure.
© Utsjoen Kunta/ Risto Takala
© Utsjoen Kunta / Terhi Tuovinen
© Kota Collective
Describe the tour programme and include all relevant information for tour operators.
Day 1: 16 January 2027
Arrival Day
xxx
Day 2: 17 January 2027
xxx
xxx
Day 3: 18 January 2027
xxx
xxx
Day 4: 19 January 2027
Departure Day
xxx
Pre Tour Programme
Please note that the programme is preliminary and may be subject to change shortly before departure.
Day 1: 16 January 2027
Arrival Day
- 16:10 - Departure from Helsinki Airport, (AY 605)
- 17:55 - Arrival Ivalo Airport
- 18:30 - Transfer to Karigasniemi
- 20:15 - Check-in at Napakettu Holiday Village and Hotel Guossi
- 20:45 - Welcome dinner and introduction to Napakettu, Holiday Village and GoSapmi: Dinner, Sami culture, presentation and Joik at Napakettu Kota/Hut
- 22:30 - Overnight stay at Napakettu and Guossi
© Utsjoen kunta /Topias Tölli
Day 2: 17 January 2027
- 8:00 - Breakfast
- 8:45 - Check-out
- 9:00 - Transfer to GoSapmi
- 10:00 - Ice-fishing with nets beneath the ice
- 11:00 - Transfer to Utsjoki
- 11:45 - Introduction to Utsjoki Arctic Resort
- 13:00 - Lunch at Pisara Restaurant
- 13:45 - Preparation for and introduction to the Husky Ride with Fjell Runners
- 14:10 - Husky Ride From Utsjoki Arctic Resort to Holiday Village Valle
- 14:30 - Introduction to Holiday Village Valle
- 16:00 - Coffee and refreshment
- 16:30 - Transfer to Nuorgam incl. brief stop at the Sami Bridge where you can cross borders to Norway
- 17:15 Check-in at Nuorgam Holiday Village
- 17:45 - Introduction and services Nuorgam Holiday Village
- 19:00 - Dinner at the Kota/Hut at Nuorgam Holiday Village
- 20:30 - Potential Aurora/Polar Night activity
- 22:00 - Overnight stay at Nuorgam Holiday Village
© Utsjoen kunta /Terhi Tuovinen
Day 3: 18 January 2027
- 8:00 - Breakfast
- 9:15 - Potential sightseeing visit at Isokivenvaara
- 10:30 - Check-out
- 11:00 - Transfer to Utsjoki
- 11:45 Check-in at Aurora Holidays
- 12:30 - Ice-fishing trip with snowmobiles with sledges guided by Arctic Wild River, lunch during the trip
- 15:00 - Arrival with Snowmobiles to Ganes Reideer, Reindeer activity
- 16:00 - Coffee and refreshment
- 16:30 - Transfer to Aurora Holidays
- 17:00 - Relaxing break
- 18:30 - Dinner and introduction to Aurora Holidays
- 22:00 - Overnight stay at Aurora Holidays
© Kota Collective
Day 4: 19 January 2027
Departure Day
- 8:00 - Breakfast
- 8:30 - Check-out
- 08:45 - Transfer to Ivalo Airport
- 13:15 - Flight to Helsinki (AY604)
© Harri Tarvainen
Day 3: 18 January 2027
Oulu - Nallikari - Ii
- Breakfast at the hotel & check-out
- Transfer to Nallikari
- Site inspection at Nallikari By the Sea
- Winter activity on the frozen sea with Nallikari Safaris
- Visiting the reindeer farm Kellon Kuusi
- Lunch in a traditional Finnish kota
- Transfer to and check-in at Merihelmi Aurora Sea Resort
- Guided Ice Fishing on the frozen sea
- Kantele Apprentice - learn to play Finland's national instrument
- Dinner at Merihelmi Aurora Sea Resort
- Possibility for Seaside sauna and outdoor hot tub
- Overnight stay at Merihelmi Aurora Sea Resort
© Visit Oulu
Day 2: 17 January 2027
Oulu
- xx
- xx
© Visit Oulu
Day 4: 19 January 2027
Departure Day: Ii - Oulu - Helsinki
- Breakfast at Merihelmi Aurora Sea Resort
- Activity
- Light lunch in a traditional Finnish kota hut by the sea
- Transfer to the airport
- Flight to Helsinki
© Visit Oulu
Meet the Partners
Following suppliers are available to meet at Matka Travel Fair and/ or Matka Workshop Day
→ Represented at Matka Travel Fair, Utsjoki stand 6g48
Rooted in the local way of life, Arctic Wild River draws on generations of experience on the Teno River, in fishing and exploring the surrounding nature. Our services include riverboat trips, fishing and other travel experiences, as well as transportation in Utsjoki.
→ Represented at Matka Travel Fair, Utsjoki stand 6g48 and attending Matka Workshop Day
Aurora Holidays is a Sámi family-owned business in Utsjoki, Finland's northernmost true Arctic Lapland, away from tourist crowds. Our small-group all-inclusive holidays combine Finland and Norway with personal service and an LGBTQ+ friendly, inclusive atmosphere where dietary and individual needs are valued. Our Northern Lights holidays have maintained a 100% success rate for nearly a decade.
→ Represented at Matka Travel Fair, Utsjoki stand 6g48
We are a group of local sled dog enthusiasts operating in Utsjoki and north Norway. We have decades of combined experience of sled dog sports and safaris. With us you can experience a short afternoon husky ride around river valley surrounded by magical fells, or join an a unforgettable multi day expedition through arctic wilderness all the way to the arctic ocean.
→ Represented at Matka Travel Fair, Utsjoki stand 6g48
Ganes Reindeer Oy is a Sámi family business based in Utsjoki, Finnish Lapland, offering authentic reindeer experiences and nature-based tourism. Our services include reindeer tourism and cabin accommodation, introducing visitors to Sámi culture and reindeer herding traditions. We are continuously developing our business, aiming to expand our services and offer even more Arctic experiences.
→ Represented at Matka Travel Fair, Utsjoki stand 6g48
Go Sápmi is a Sámi tourism company offering experiences guided by local Sámi in the landscapes of Paistunturi in Utsjoki. With over 40 years of experience in tourism in the region, our work is rooted in local knowledge of nature and Sámi traditions. On our tours, you can discover Sámi culture and traditions and learn about traditional ways of living with the nature.
→ Represented at Matka Travel Fair, Utsjoki stand 6g48
On the banks of the Teno River in Utsjoki, northern nature meets Sámi culture. We combine comfortable accommodation, local flavours at Restaurant Deatnu, and experiences rooted in Sámi culture, offering guests a meaningful connection to the north through local traditions and stories. Choose a ready-made holiday package or create a stay tailored to your interests — and discover the north at your own pace.
→ Represented at Matka Travel Fair, Utsjoki stand 6g48 and attending Matka Workshop Day
Napakettu Holiday Village is a locally operated tourism company in Karigasniemi, Finnish Lapland, near the Norwegian border. We offer cosy cabin accommodation, authentic nature experiences and opportunities to discover local Sámi culture. Embrace the beauty of natural darkness, Arctic silence and a slower way of life, far from mass tourism.
→ Represented at Matka Travel Fair, Utsjoki stand 6g48 and attending Matka Workshop Day
Nuorgam Holiday Village is an idyllic family hosted business in Finland’s northernmost village. With three generations of experience, we welcome our guests with heartfelt hospitality. In addition to year-round accommodation, we offer restaurant, activity and transport services. Our location right on the banks of the Teno River, surrounded by fells and close to the Arctic Ocean, provides the perfect setting for an unforgettable holiday. Welcome to our home!
→ Represented at Matka Travel Fair, Utsjoki stand 6g48 and attending Matka Workshop Day
Discover Utsjoki Arctic Resort, “A Drop of Paradise,” where handcrafted igloo accommodation, exclusive architecture and design meet the Northern Lights. Savour local cuisine surrounded by Arctic wilderness, with every detail celebrating Lapland’s art and craftsmanship. Together with world-famous Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort, home of the original Glass Igloos, we offer two extraordinary Arctic escapes.
FAQ for Tour Operators
A Pre or Post Tour is a hosted familiarisation trip organised before or after Matka Travel Fair and Matka Workshop Day.
It gives international tour operators the opportunity to experience a Finnish destination first-hand — beyond brochures, presentations and short meetings. Participants can meet local tourism suppliers in person, test selected products and activities, inspect accommodation options and gain a deeper understanding of how the destination can fit into their own travel programmes.
For tour operators, this is a valuable way to discover new product ideas, build trusted local contacts and assess the destination’s potential for future sales. A Pre Tour takes place before the main event, while a Post Tour takes place after the event.
The Pre and Post Tours are designed for international tour operators, travel agencies, product managers and buyers who are interested in developing new tourism products in Finland.
Participation is only intended for professionals who are already taking part in Matka Travel Fair and/or Matka Workshop Day 2027.
As places are limited and some tours are particularly popular, participation is generally limited to one person per company per tour.
We kindly ask for your understanding, as we want to give as many different tour operators as possible the opportunity to experience our Finnish destinations.
Exceptions may be possible: If places remain available and the host destination agrees, we may allow a maximum of two participants from the same company to join the same Pre or Post Tour. Such requests will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Please note: Two or more representatives from the same company are welcome to apply for different tours. The one-person limit applies to each individual tour, not to the company’s overall participation in the Pre and Post Tour programme.
Buyers can indicate their preferred tours during the registration process. NordicMarketing will review all registrations together with the tour organisers and, where relevant, with the partners involved in the overall programme.
The final allocation depends on the buyer’s profile, business focus, market relevance, available places and the suitability of the tour programme.
Please note that participation cannot be guaranteed. The final decision is made by the destination or tour organiser, and places are limited. If demand is high, not all interested buyers may be able to join a tour.
Registration is open from 1 to 30 November 2026. After registration closes, NordicMarketing will review all applications together with the host destinations.
We aim to accommodate as many preferences as possible, taking into account your selected tours, professional profile and the available places.
All applicants will be informed of their tour allocation by 15 December 2026 at the latest.
Please note that places are limited, and some tours may be more popular than others. Participation in your preferred tour cannot be guaranteed. The final selection is made by the host destination. If we cannot offer you a place on one of your preferred tours, we may contact you to discuss a suitable alternative.
Your initial registration is not yet a binding booking. During the registration process, you can select up to three preferred tours. NordicMarketing will review all registrations together with the destinations and will try to match buyers with their preferred tours whenever possible.
However, participation in a specific tour cannot be guaranteed. If your preferred tours are fully booked or not the best match for your profile, we may suggest an alternative tour and will discuss this with you directly.
Once you have confirmed your participation in a specific tour and the destination has booked and paid for services such as flights or other travel arrangements on your behalf, your participation becomes binding.
If you cancel after this point, the destination reserves the right to charge any costs that have already been incurred.
The main language of the Pre and Post Tours is English. Presentations, communication and guiding during the tours will generally be provided in English, unless otherwise stated in the specific tour programme.
The group size is usually 4–8 participants per tour. This ensures a personal atmosphere, high-quality networking and enough time for meaningful discussions with the local hosts and tourism companies.
The tours are generally organised on a hosted basis. This means that the host organisation usually covers the buyer’s costs on the route Helsinki–destination–Helsinki, including the services included in the confirmed tour programme.
Buyers are responsible for their own travel to the starting point, unless otherwise agreed or confirmed separately.
Yes. Buyers can provide information about dietary requirements, allergies and other relevant food preferences during the registration process.
The tour organisers will do their best to take these into account. However, availability may depend on the destination, local suppliers and the specific programme.
Please bring comfortable clothing suitable for the season and the activities included in the programme. For winter tours, warm outdoor clothing, proper shoes, gloves, a hat and layered clothing are strongly recommended.
More detailed packing information will be provided before the tour, depending on the destination and programme.
If special equipment is needed for specific activities, this will usually be mentioned in the tour programme.
In some cases, local suppliers may provide activity-specific equipment such as overalls, helmets, snowshoes or other gear. Details will be confirmed before the tour.
In most cases, participants will stay in single rooms. If shared accommodation or another special accommodation arrangement is part of a specific tour, this will be clearly mentioned in the tour description in advance. This may apply, for example, to special wilderness experiences such as an overnight stay in a wilderness cabin.
Some tours may include outdoor activities, walking, snow activities or other experiences that require a normal level of physical fitness. However, nobody is required to take part in an activity if they do not feel comfortable or fit enough. There will usually be a Plan B or an alternative option.
Please let us know during registration if you have any health-related limitations or concerns, so that we can take this into account when assessing the suitability of the tour.
Yes, we strongly recommend that all participants have valid travel health insurance and travel insurance covering the full duration of their trip. Participants are responsible for their own insurance coverage, including medical care, accidents, travel disruptions and personal belongings.
Please let us know during registration if you have any health-related limitations or concerns, so that we can take this into account when assessing the suitability of the tour.
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