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Aavasaksa - where Finland meets Sweden: Nature and History

Rovaniemi, Finland · 5h 30m · 2–8 people

Runs in English

  • Easy
  • From age 3
  • Suitable for strollers and prams

Your guide

Elena Arkhipova

Rovaniemi, Finland · Agency

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Located just 110 km west of Rovaniemi, Aavasaksa is a breathtaking hill that rises 794 ft (242 meters) into the sky, boasting panoramic vistas that stretch across Finland and Sweden.

Highlights

  • Visit UNESCO World Heritage Site – Discover Aavasaksa, part of the historic Struve Geodetic Arc, recognized by UNESCO for its scientific importance.
  • Discover the Midnight Sun – Visit one of the southernmost places in Finland where the Midnight Sun can be seen above the horizon.
  • Enjoy Panoramic Arctic Views – Admire breathtaking landscapes overlooking the Tornio and Tengeliö rivers and the surrounding wilderness.
  • Cross the Finnish-Swedish Border – Explore Övertorneå, a charming Swedish locality with a unique cross-border history and culture.
  • Discover Historic Churches & Scenic Landscapes – Visit the old church in Övertorneå and enjoy the beautiful riverside scenery of Swedish Lapland.
Due to Aavasaksa's distinctive elevation above other nearby hills, it was first used by Pierre Louis Maupertuis in the French Geodesic Mission (1736–1737), and later became part of the Struve Geodetic Arc. As a result of this, UNESCO named Aavasaksa a World Heritage Site, along with the 33 other sites used in the Struve Geodetic Arc. Aavasaksa is often considered the southernmost point in Finland where the midnight sun is literally visible. The hill is surrounded by rivers running next to it: Torne River to the west and the smaller Tengeliö river to the east and north. Övertorneå or Ylitornio is a locality and the seat of Övertorneå Municipality in Norrbotten County, Sweden with 1,917 inhabitants in 2010. Övertorneå means Upper Torneå, based on a division of the Torneå parish in two parts in the 16th century. We will see old church and very nice landscape.

What's included

  • Transfer, guiding service, BBQ on the fire.
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off
  • Light bites

Not included

  • Gratuities

What to bring

  • Comfortable outdoor clothing suitable for the weather

Know before you go

  • Pets are welcome
  • Infant seats available
  • Not wheelchair accessible
  • Not stroller accessible
  • No public transportation nearby
  • Infants must not sit on laps
  • Not recommended for people with back problems
  • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
  • Not recommended for people with heart conditions

Meeting point: We offer pick-up directly from your accommodation. Please provide your hotel name or accommodation address when making your booking.

We will inform you of your pick-up time within 24 hours of booking.

Cancellation policy: Free until 24 hours before: Full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours before the start. After that, no refund.

What you'll do

  1. 1
    Meet your guide
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    We meet in Rovaniemi. We offer pick-up directly from your accommodation. Please provide your hotel name or accommodation address when making your booking.. We will inform you of your pick-up time within 24 hours of booking.

  2. 2
    Transfer to Övertorneå, Sweden
    (90min)
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    Enjoy a scenic drive from Finnish Lapland to Övertorneå, Sweden, travelling through beautiful northern landscapes along the Tornio River. Cross the Finnish-Swedish border and discover the peaceful charm of Swedish Lapland, with picturesque villages, forests, and stunning river views along the way.

  3. 3
    Övertorneå
    Guided tour, Sightseeing, Walk (30min)
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    Enjoy a 30-minute stop in Övertorneå, Sweden, where you will admire the charming wooden church from the outside and the town’s main street, discovering its peaceful small-town atmosphere

  4. 4
    Aavasaksa hill
    Food tasting, Hiking, Guided tour, Photo stop, Sightseeing, Walk (120min)
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    Enjoy a guided tour of Aavasaksa Hill, exploring its beautiful nature, fascinating history, and panoramic views over the surrounding rivers and Lapland landscapes. During the visit, take a relaxing break and enjoy a delicious outdoor BBQ surrounded by the peaceful Arctic wilderness.

  5. 5
    Return transfer and end of tour
    (90min)
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    The tour finishes in Rovaniemi

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165 EUR / person
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