Meltosjärvi between Lakes and the Arctic Circle

Lakeside scenery and location

Meltosjärvi is defined by two clear landmarks: the lakes and the Arctic Circle. The village lies on an isthmus between two lakes and offers wide views of both. The Meltosjärvet are very shallow; their maximum depth is 0.9 metres. The expansive views and shallow water create a distinct contrast. At the same time, the Meltosjärvet are flow-through lakes: a small river connects them and drains into Lake Miekojärvi. The isthmus frames the view of both lakes, while the small river describes their hydrological connection to Lake Miekojärvi.

Outdoor activities and the Arctic Circle

Outdoor routes in Meltosjärvi include the illuminated Meltosjärven valaistu kuntorata fitness trail. The Iso-Meltosjärvi and Pitkäperä birdwatching towers are also in the village. In winter, you can watch the Northern Lights from the towers; they are due to be renovated as part of an investment project. If you plan to visit the towers, check the current access arrangements in advance.

When planning your travel dates, it is useful to distinguish between these features: the isthmus, the shallow lakes and the course of the Arctic Circle are permanent characteristics of the area, while Northern Lights viewing from the towers is specifically associated with winter. If the Northern Lights are a focus of your trip, this seasonal window is the relevant distinction.

The Arctic Circle runs through the Meltosjärvi village area. It can officially be crossed at Loma-Vietonen, Kuusirannantie 59, 95675 Meltosjärvi. This turns the Arctic Circle from a point of reference into a specific place name with a complete address.

A planned cultural project

The Meltosjärven Savottapiha project plans to dismantle a lumberjack’s cabin, a sauna and an outdoor toilet in Rovaniemi’s Kuusivaara and rebuild them at a new location in the village. The buildings were acquired from Metsähallitus. The planned site is intended to serve as a meeting place for the village community and to share knowledge about traditional livelihoods.

The wider setting: Ylitornio

In the wider destination of Ylitornio, the landscape is centred on the Tornionjokilaakso, a traditional agricultural region. The landscape around Ylitornio is shaped by the Tornionjoki and the rugged fells rising on either side of the river valley. Together, Ylitornio and Swedish Övertorneå form a historically, linguistically and culturally unique cross-border whole. Ylitornio railway station is right in the village centre.

The nature trails in Ylitornio also offer different experiences: Kruununkierros is a scenic trail on Aavasaksanvaara. The Sompanen Nature Trail in the Miekojärvi area introduces visitors to the nature, geology and history of Sompasen-Kalottivaara. This means a scenic trail and a themed nature trail cater to different interests.

Aavasaksa is one of Finland’s official national landscapes. Aavasaksa was also used as a measurement point for the arc during Maupertuis’s measurements in 1736–1737; the Struve Geodetic Arc measurement point at Aavasaksa was established in 1845.

Discover more destinations: Ylitornio.

Go to the main travel overview: Ylitornio.