Kittilä: Church Art, Museums and Karinnoka

When looking for a hotel in Kittilä, the character of the destination may be the deciding factor: its cultural offerings include the wooden church, art museums, library and cinema, while Karinnoka is all about a walking trail and birdlife. There are also traditional annual events in summer and autumn. When planning your stay, you can weigh up whether architecture and art, an event or time outdoors matters most to you.

Architecture and Art in Kittilä

Kittilä’s wooden church was designed by Carl Ludvig Engel. It houses a Baroque pulpit dating from 1687, donated from Laurila in Keminmaa. The design and pulpit offer insight into different aspects of the building: its architecture and a dated furnishing with a named origin.

The Palsa Museum is located in the home and studio of Kittilä artist Kalervo Palsa (1947–1987). It opened to the public on June 6, 2013. The Einari Junttila Art Museum is the home and artistic environment of artist Einari Junttila. It is open Thursdays from 1 to 5 p.m.; visits at other times are possible by appointment. Check the current hours when planning a specific visit.

Kittilä Library offers a diverse collection, exhibitions that change monthly, and various events and gatherings. Cinema Yläri screens films in the village centre of Kittilä on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. It has 102 seats in stepped rows, four wheelchair spaces and a lift for wheelchairs. Check the current schedule before visiting the cinema.

Seasonal Events

Kittilä’s summer markets are traditionally held in July in the village centre; the Staalon Festival is traditionally held there in autumn. If you are travelling for either festival, check the dates for the relevant year.

Walking Trail and Birdlife in Karinnoka

The Ukonpulju recreational trail is an easy walking trail. It starts behind the health centre and ends at the Karinnoka shelter and bird tower. When there is no snow, the trail is suitable for pushchairs. The shelter is freely accessible to everyone for short breaks. There is a fire pit at the shelter, and visitors can use firewood from the woodshed beside it. From the shelter, you can look out over the Ounasjoki River and Levi Fell.

The bird tower has two levels, with information boards about local birdlife and the water area. Its lower level is also accessible by wheelchair and pushchair via a ramp. About 130 different bird species have been recorded in the Karinnoka area since 1974.

The Local History Museum Nearby

About four kilometres from the centre of Kittilä village, the Kittilä Local History Museum is located in Pakatti, on the banks of the Ounasjoki. It is open seasonally. Its collection comprises almost 1,000 objects, mainly agricultural items from Kittilä dating from the first half of the 20th century. The museum buildings are arranged according to an old settlement pattern typical of Peräpohjola and Lapland.

Discover more destinations: Kilpisjärvi, Äkäslompolo, Ivalo, Pello, Muonio, Tornio, Keminmaa, Patokoski

For the overview of the wider region: Lapland.