Food & fire
Reception & restaurant
Check in here, then come back for lunch and dinner: Lappish dishes cooked from local ingredients.
Close to nature experience
Campervans and Caravans
Peaceful, family-owned lakeside camping on the road to the North Cape. Enjoy Arctic wilderness with newly renovated shared bathrooms, a Finnish kota kitchen and a good local restaurant.
About this stay
See it on the village map- Up to 40 guests
- Shared kitchen
- Activities from the door
- Dogs welcome
- A convenient, comfortable stay with all essential facilities
- A peaceful little place to disconnect, with beautiful views of the fells and lake.
- At the gateway to the wilderness, perfect for enjoying authentic local activities.
At the foot of the Muotkatunturi Wilderness Area, Muotkan Ruoktu is a peaceful, family-owned campsite open all year round, surrounded by pristine Arctic nature. Perfect for campervans, caravans and tents, it’s a place to slow down, enjoy the silence and spend quality time with family and friends.
Our campsite offers up to 20 pitches with electricity, plus additional camping spots around the village, beside the lake and river. Facilities include newly renovated showers and toilets, laundry, grey-water disposal, chemical toilet emptying and a shared kitchen with a fridge, hob and coffee maker.
Swim in the river, relax in our traditional Finnish sauna or wood-fired riverside hot tub, join authentic Lapland activities, or enjoy homemade local food in our cosy restaurant. You can even rent a fishing rod or join Kevin for a fishing adventure at his favourite secret spots! A traditional Finnish kota offers a welcoming place to gather around the fire.
Located on the scenic route to the North Cape, Muotkan Ruoktu is much more than a convenient overnight stop. It’s a place to meet local people, feel at home and reconnect with nature. Some travellers arrive for one night, fall in love with the peaceful river, Midnight Sun or Northern Lights, and end up staying longer — or returning in another season!
Pets are warmly welcome! We have two huskies of our own, so we know how much dogs are part of the family. Your four-legged friends are welcome throughout the village, on wilderness walks and even in our restaurant.
Fly to Ivalo (IVL)
The nearest airport, 103 km away (about 1 h 15 min by car). Year-round flights from Helsinki. Airport transfers available on request.
Drive from Inari
55 km, about 40 minutes. Easy access year-round on maintained roads, even in winter. You might even spot the Northern Lights along the way! Free parking for our guests.
Take the bus
Direct and daily bus connections from Rovaniemi, Ivalo and Inari. Check seasonal schedules and nearby stops.
Book a transfer
Prefer not to drive? Transfers from Ivalo Airport or Inari can be arranged on request or as a part of packaged holidays.
Questions about your stay
See all questionsWhen is the best time to visit?
Summer and winter are both perfect for discovering the Muotkatunturi Wilderness Area and the north of Lapland. Each season has its own light, colours and wildlife.
In winter, trips run from December to mid-April for the best snow and the Northern Lights. In January the days are short and cold, with unique colours in the sky; from mid-February the days lengthen and temperatures become milder.
In summer, trips start in June, when the midnight sun shines (until late July; long light evenings into August). In September the night returns with "double Northern Lights" reflected in the lakes, and the ruska colours of the Arctic autumn, with reindeer walking through them.
How do we get to the village?
Most guests fly to Ivalo and reach us in about 1 h 15 by road, 103 km. From Inari it is 55 km, about 40 minutes. The road is open all winter, ploughed and sanded, though often snowy, so allow extra time. Daily buses from Rovaniemi, Ivalo and Inari stop on the road by the village, and parking is free for guests and hikers.
If you prefer not to drive, we can arrange the transport for you, subject to our availability. Tell us your flights and we help you plan it.
When is the best time to see the Northern Lights?
Muotkan Ruoktu is in one of the best places in the world to see them. The wilderness around us has almost no light pollution, and on a clear night you can watch the sky from your cottage, or simply step out of your door and look up.
The sky is dark enough from late August to early April, and September to March is the best bet. Clouds matter as much as the month, and nobody can promise the lights, so plan at least three nights. We watch the forecast every day and tell you when the sky is clear. You can also join a Northern Lights sledge ride. More in our winter guide.
How do I prepare for the cold?
Your comfort is our priority, even in extreme cold. For our activities we provide a cold-weather suit and boots, and the sports equipment is included in the price. Bring a non-cotton base layer, warm layers, a hat, and something for the sauna.
Sauna & wellness
Wellness house
Toilets, showers and a dishwashing room for the huts and the camping, with sauna 1 and the sport room.
Practical
WC & laundry
Toilets and a laundry room next to the hotel rooms.
Food & fire
Kota & grill
A closed Lappish hut with the fire in the middle: grill your dinner, warm and out of the wind.
Sauna & wellness
Hot tub & sauna 2
A wood-heated outdoor hot tub, the palju, and a sauna by the river. Book an evening when you book your stay, or ask at reception.
Food & fire
River kota-laavu & grill
An open fire shelter on the riverbank, with a grill and the sound of the Peltojoki.
Food & fire
Historic kota
The old kota of the village, kept as it was: sit by the fire and hear the stories of Muotka.
Sauna & wellness
Mongolian yurt
A yurt for wellbeing and quiet moments, at the edge of the forest.
Outdoors
Sky-swing
A big wooden swing on the riverbank, facing the fells.
Outdoors
Lake laavu
A fire shelter by the lake, where the fell trails start. A favourite spot to wait for the Northern Lights.
Practical
Rental kiosk
Snowshoes, skis, packrafts and warm overalls for your adventures.
Double Rooms
Hotel rooms 1–4
Four renovated rooms, each with its own door to the terrace.
- Up to 2 guests
- Shared bathroom
Adventure Cottages
Adventure Cottages
Simple huts for adventurers, close to the wellness house and the kota.
- Up to 4 guests
- Shared bathroom
Authentic Cottage
Jeageloaivi
Named after the fell above the village, in the typical Muotka style.
- Up to 4 guests
- 30 m²
- Private shower & WC
Authentic Cottage
Toanganoaivi
An authentic cottage in the typical Muotka style, by the main way.
- Up to 4 guests
- 30 m²
- Private shower & WC
Cosy Cottage
Ailigas
With its own terrace, in the row that faces the river.
- Up to 4 guests
- 30 m²
- Private shower & WC
Cosy Cottage
Ruohtir
With its own terrace, in the row that faces the river.
- Up to 4 guests
- 30 m²
- Private shower & WC
Cosy Cottage
Kuivi
With its own terrace, in the row that faces the river.
- Up to 4 guests
- 30 m²
- Private shower & WC
Cosy Cottage
Akuuvaara
With its own terrace, the last of the row, closest to the forest.
- Up to 4 guests
- 30 m²
- Private shower & WC
Big Lodge
Riekko
Riekko is the willow grouse, the white bird of the fells: a log lodge with its own sauna and a loft under the roof.
- Up to 5 guests
- 50 m²
- Private shower & WC
- Private sauna
Big Lodge
Kiiruna
Kiiruna is the rock ptarmigan, cousin of the willow grouse on the high tundra: a log lodge with its own sauna and a loft under the roof.
- Up to 5 guests
- 50 m²
- Private shower & WC
- Private sauna
Campervans and caravans
Caravan pitches
Pitches for caravans and motorhomes, with electricity and a view of the lake.
- Up to 40 guests
- Shared bathroom
Campervans and caravans
Camping area
Tent pitches by the forest, with a campfire place and the river a few steps away.
- Up to 40 guests
- Shared bathroom
Practical
Service area
Chemical toilet and grey water disposal for caravans and motorhomes.
Practical
Entrance
Turn off road 92 here and follow the main way to reception.
Practical
Parking
Free for our guests and always open, with spaces beside every cottage. Other visitors pay €5 a day.
Practical
Bus stop
The bus on road 92 stops at the village entrance.
Practical
Electric car charging
A charging point for electric cars, next to the main building.
Practical
First aid
The first aid point, next to reception.
Practical
Drinking water
Fill your bottles with fresh water here.
Outdoors
Swimming point
A natural pool in the Peltojoki, with stones to step in from. In summer.
Outdoors
River Peltojoki
Trout and grayling swim past the village. Fish from the bank, or come with us on a fishing trip.
Fishing tripsOutdoors
Hut Lahtinen (1949)
An old wilderness hut from 1949, a short walk up the river.
Outdoors
Jaegeloaivi fell, 550 m
The fell above the village. A trail leads to the top and its view over the Muotkatunturi wilderness.
Hiking
One of the best places in the world to see the Northern Lights.
No midnight transfers, no city lights. At 69° north, on the edge of the Muotkatunturi wilderness and far from any town, the dark Arctic sky begins right at your cabin door. When the Northern Lights appear, simply step outside and look up. Here, your chances of seeing them are excellent!
A wilderness of dark sky
Every other clear night
We watch the sky for you
Traditional Sauna and Hot Nordic bath
After a day in the cold, warm up and unwind in a private sauna or riverside Hot Tub, reserved just for you beneath the starry sky.
Sauna and hot tub
A unique hot tub under the Northern Lights.
Hot tub by the river
Our hot tub sits on the bank of the Peltojoki. We are the only ones to offer a hot tub by the river: on a clear night, you watch the Northern Lights from the warm water.
Sauna
Nordic bath
More than a bed
Adventures, sauna and delicious dinners await in our village. Book ahead with your stay—spaces are limited!
Our Tasty Breakfast
Start your day with local flavours and a French touch: eggs, sausages, fresh vegetables, Karelian pastries, croissants, homemade jams, and unlimited tea and coffee.
Adventures and holidays from the door
Small groups and local guides, for a few hours or a whole holiday. Reserve in advance: places are limited.
Snowmobile mini expedition, 3 hours
Our best-selling ride: three hours further into Muotkatunturi, across vast frozen lakes and up to panoramic fells.
- 3 hours
- Easy, for everyone
From €175 / personNorthern Lights by wooden sledge 2 hours
Travel by traditional wooden sledge to the foot of the Arctic fells, far from light pollution, for a peaceful Northern Lights experience.
- 2 hours
- Easy, for everyone
From €160 / personSnowmobile experience, 2 hours
Your first taste of snowmobiling in Lapland! Explore frozen lakes and Arctic fells on a heated snowmobile with a local guide. Perfect for beginners.
- 2 hours
- Easy, for everyone
From €135 / personArctic ski experience, 2 hours
Glide across frozen lakes and through snowy forests on easy-to-use Altai skis. No skiing experience needed – a fun alternative to snowshoeing!
- 2 hours
- Easy, for everyone
From €110 / personArctic ski mini expedition, 3 hours
A longer Altai skiing adventure deep into Lapland’s wilderness, ideal for guests with moderate fitness level.
- 3 hours
- Moderate fitness
From €165 / personArctic ski escape, 5 hours
Explore remote frozen lakes and snowy forests on Altai skis, enjoy lunch in the wilderness and experience a full Arctic adventure tailored to your group.
- 5 hours
- Moderate fitness
From €230 / personSnowshoe walk, 2 hours
An easy, guided snowshoe walk through peaceful Arctic forests and across frozen lakes, in a small, often private group.
- 2 hours
- Easy, for everyone
From €130 / personSnowshoe mini expedition, 3 hours
Venture beyond tourist trails on snowshoes, exploring silent forests, frozen lakes and untouched Arctic tundra.
- 3 hours
- Moderate fitness
From €165 / personSami reindeer herder visit
Meet a Sámi reindeer herder and spend time with the herd in Lapland's wilderness.
- 3 hours
- Easy, for everyone
From €180 / personHusky Sledding
Drive your own husky sled with a local musher and help care for the dogs afterwards.
- 2 hours
- Easy, for everyone
From €250 / personIce Fishing by Sledge 2 hours
Travel by wooden sledge to a remote frozen lake and discover traditional ice fishing, just like the locals.
- 2 hours
- Easy, for everyone
From €90 / personSmoked salmon, sauna & Northern Lights - Arctic Culinary Experience
Hot-smoke Arctic salmon over an open fire in a riverside kota, then unwind in a traditional Finnish sauna and watch for the Northern Lights.
- 2 hours
- Easy, for everyone
From €80 / personPackrafting under the Midnight Sun, 2 hours
Paddle peaceful lakes in a light, stable packraft under the Midnight Sun. No experience needed.
- 2 hours
- Easy, for everyone
From €60 / personPackrafting day, 5 hours
Five hours down clear rivers and across quiet lakes, with a break by the fire. No experience needed.
- 5 hours
- Moderate fitness
- On request
From €220 / personMidnight Sun stand-up paddle
An easy, relaxing way to explore the Arctic waterways by SUP, for beginners and experienced paddlers.
- 2 hours
- Easy, for everyone
From €60 / personMidnight Sun fishing with a local guide
Fish the Peltojoki river and the wilderness lakes with a local guide, under the Midnight Sun.
- 2 hours
- Easy, for everyone
From €60 / personGuided hiking in Muotkatunturi
Open tundra, quiet lakes and old paths: the Muotkatunturi wilderness starts at the door.
- Half day or full day
- Moderate fitness
- On request
Price on requestInari: Siida museum & river walk
The award-winning Siida museum, the Sami Parliament and the Juutua river: Inari with a local guide.
- 4 hours
- Easy, for everyone
From €90 / personUltimate Lapland Holiday, 8 days
Eight unforgettable days package in Finnish Lapland, combining Arctic wilderness adventures, Sámi culture, local gastronomy and authentic traditions.
- 8 days · 7 nights
- Easy, for everyone
- Any arrival day
From €2,400 / personLapland Wilderness Escape, 5 days
An all-inclusive Lapland holiday package with cosy cottage accommodation, authentic Arctic activities, local food and Northern Lights experiences, far from the crowds.
- 5 days · 4 nights
- Easy, for everyone
- Any arrival day
From €1,500 / personLapland Discovery, 3-Day Winter Holiday
A unique package, perfect for a short Arctic break or a complete winter getaway, with authentic experiences in the heart of the wilderness.
- 3 days · 2 nights
- Easy, for everyone
From €740 / personChristmas in Lapland, 8 days
Christmas far from the crowds: a festive dinner, huskies, reindeer and a sky that brings its own lights.
- 8 days · 7 nights
- Easy, for everyone
- 20 Dec 2026
From €2,600 / personFreedom summer, 8 days
Eight days of light: paddle the river, hike the fells, fish in the Midnight Sun and live in the village.
- 8 days · 7 nights
- Easy, for everyone
- 20 Jun 2027
From €1,600 / person
Open all year
Dinner at the restaurant
Lappish recipes and local ingredients, with the Muotkan Hanssi reindeer stew, in our log restaurant or by the fire in the kota.
Restaurant & menu
Reindeer sausages & kota wood
Enjoy an authentic Lappish experience: grill local reindeer sausages over the fire
Other places to stay
- Back to basics experienceAmong the pines
Adventure Cottages
Cabins: Taugi 1–6
Simple and warm, close to a renovated shared bathroom and the kota.
- Up to 4 guests
- Shared toilets and showers
- Shared kitchen
- Activities from the door
- Adventurers, hikers, motorcyclists & independent travellers
From €69 / night - Back to basics experienceHeart of the village
Double Rooms
Newly renovated, with a private entrance from the terrace.
- Up to 2 guests
- Shared kitchen
- Shared toilets and showers
- Activities from the door
- Terrace
- Adventurers, hikers, motorcyclists & independent travellers
From €65 / night - Premium comfort experienceMountain views
Big Lodge
Cabins: Riekko, Kiiruna
50 m² with a private sauna, a mezzanine and a terrace.
- Up to 5 guests
- Private sauna
- Private bathroom
- Terrace
- Kitchen
- Air conditioning
- Couples, families, comfort-focused travellers
From €180 / night
Responsible travel
Small groups, local guides and respect for the wilderness and Sami culture, recognised by three sustainability labels.
How we protect the place
Questions before you book?
Call or write to us on WhatsApp: we are happy to help you choose. We answer 9:00–22:00 (Finnish time)
- Feel at homeStay in authentic Lapland accommodation where every guest is welcomed like a friend. Genuine hospitality, homemade local food and a warm family atmosphere.
- Legendary Sami heritageDiscover the rich Sami heritage and reindeer herding traditions through the history and people of Muotkan Ruoktu.
- Northern Lights & wildernessIn the heart of the Muotkatunturi Wilderness, one of the best places to see the Northern Lights and experience untouched Arctic nature.
- Authentic adventures, no crowdsSmall-group Arctic adventures with passionate local guides, from snowmobiling and snowshoeing to fishing and Northern Lights experiences, far from mass tourism.