Kolari

1 Yllästunturi (Ylläs fell) by Pallas-Yllästunturi National Park, 35 km away from the railway station and the administrative centre, is by far the most important destination in the municipality. During the winter sports season the villages 2 Äkäslompolo and 3 Ylläsjärvi are crowded with skiers. Otherwise the municipality is largely forest and swamps, including an important bird site, with some fells in the west.

The river Muonionjoki is an important salmon river and salmon fishing is the major attraction during the summer months.

Historically Kolari was famous for its mines. There are several closed mines around the municipality and the large iron ore resources are still in interest of many international mining companies. Today tourism is the main source of income, and the question about how well the mining industry would fit with it is a hot topic among the locals.

Municipal information:

Kolari municipal website

The municipality, at the Swedish border (by Pajala), has one of the northern railheads, with overnight trains from southern Finland.

By train:

Kolari is the northernmost railway station in Finland. During the winter season there is a direct train connection daily from Helsinki via Tampere; at 995 km, this is the longest single train route in Finland. An overnight trip takes 13 hours and is most comfortable in a sleeping cabin. Sometimes the train contains a special club car serving as a nightclub during the trip. The train also carries cars from Helsinki. Off season you might need to use the trains towards Rovaniemi and transfer to bus in Kemi, or unload your car in Oulu or Rovaniemi and drive from there.

See VR for timetables and prices (typically €180–240 for up to 3 persons sharing a sleeper cabin, €140 for a normal-sized car).

1 Kolari railway station (Kolarin rautatieasema). (updated Feb 2022)

By bus:

Daily connection from Oulu, Kemi and Tornio is available. See timetables from Matkahuolto.

If coming from Sweden, there are buses to Pajala, where you probably have to cross the border by taxi.

By plane:

The nearest airports are in Kittilä to the east and in Pajala across the border to Sweden. Rovaniemi, farther away but with better connections at least off season, is another option.

For small private planes there is the 2 Aavahelukka air field (EFAA), used by the local flying club.

By car:

Kolari is on E8.

From Helsinki, drive by E75 to the north until you reach E8 near Oulu.

If driving from Germany or Central Europe in general, the shortest alternative is to drive through Sweden along road E4 all the way to Luleå and then through Pajala to the Finnish border and on to Kolari.