Mauri’s holiday tips

Mauri’s holiday tips for Äkäslompolo’s 8 seasons

Winter
The days are shorter and the sun is hanging low. During polar night the sunrise changes seamlessly into sunset. There are many contrasts in nature and by December it really is winter. Now is a good time for snowshoe trips to Kukas, Kuer and Kesänki.
Spring-Winter
Polar night is over, but temperatures drop further down. The sun rises again and paints the landscapes fairytale like in purple, pink, blue and turquoise. The trees are heavily covered with snow and the fresh powder is what freeriders have been waiting for.

Spring
The days are getting longer and the sun is warming again, the landscape is pure white and the sky is blue. It is the best time for cross country skiing. By the end of April nature awakes, daylight increases rapidly and lights up the valleys too. Sunsets change the athmosphere yet again.
Spring-Summer
In May the sound of brooks rippling freely and the dripping of melting snow fill the air. It is almost like music after a long silence. May is also the time for reindeer calfs being born and birds returning from the South. There are bird watch towers in Äkäslompolo and Ylläsjärvi.

Summer
Summer is the best time for hiking. Nature opens up and welcomes travellers, there is no difference between night and day. In nature you can see everything, anytime of day. It is also reindeer marking time, and tourist may join to watch.
Autumn-Summer
Nature is generous now and cloudberries, bilberries and mushrooms are there to be picked. Autumn-summer is also the best time for fishing. Fish eat and the salmon rises. Bird and moose hunting season starts.

Autumn
Ruska is the traditional hiking time. The cold works its magic and turns foliage from green into bright shades of yellow, gold and fiery red until the autumn wind rips the last leafs from the trees. Autumn is not gloomy at all, unlike in a city, here in Lapland it is very colourful.
Autumn-Winter
The ground starts to freeze and it gets easier to navigate through nature on your own path. You can even cross the swamps now. My favorite routes are to travel from Pyhäjärvi to Pyhätunturi. In October, there are also good opportunities to see northern lights.