Major city · Finland
Kolari
One night at Finland's northernmost railhead, or skip the town and ride straight on to Ylläs, 35 km (22 mi) west.One night at Finland's northernmost railhead, or skip the town and ride straight on to Ylläs, 22 mi (35 km) west.
Kolari is a small municipality on the Swedish border and the northern end of Finland's rail network: overnight trains from Helsinki run 995 km in about 13 hours. The town itself is a railhead, a river and a mire, not a resort. Almost everyone who gets off continues 35 km west to Ylläs and Äkäslompolo, or stops one night before driving on.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- EUR
- Best months
- Feb–Apr (skiing, auroras), Jun–Aug (midnight sun, fishing)
- avoid Nov–early Jan (polar night, little snow cover, few services)
- Airports
- KTT · PJA · RVN
- Nights
- 1
Rules in force · 7Non-EU visitors get 90 days in any rolling 180-day window…
- Europe ↗Non-EU visitors get 90 days in any rolling 180-day window, counted across all 29 Schengen states together — not per country; the Entry/Exit System now logs each crossing, so an overstay is detected automatically.
- Europe ↗On the first Schengen entry since EES began, non-EU travellers give four fingerprints and a face photo at the border instead of a passport stamp; there is nothing to apply for or pay in advance.
- Nordic countries ↗Decide light or dark before anything else: summer trips (June–August) and aurora trips (September–March in the Arctic) need different countries, clothes and bases.
- Nordic countries ↗Sweden, Norway, Finland, Iceland and the Faroes sell stronger alcohol only in state shops with short hours; buy before evening and before Sundays and holidays.
- Finland ↗Finland is in the EU and the Schengen area. Check the entry rules for your passport on official sources; the EU's Entry/Exit System registers non-EU visitors at the first Schengen border.
- Finland ↗The land border with Russia is closed to travellers; do not plan a route across it.
- Finland ↗Everyman's rights let you walk, camp for a night and pick berries on most land, but not near homes, and not to make fires without permission.
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Official sites
Emergency numbers for Kolari112 ▾
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Kolari, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the euro (EUR, €).Finland-wide
- SIM or eSIMEU roaming applies.Finland-wide
- Tap waterTap water is excellent.Finland-wide
- TippingRestaurant: Not expected; round up for great service.Finland-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets C/F. US/Canada (A/B): adapter · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 230 V: US 120 V-only devices (hair dryers) need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.Finland-wide
- SafetyVery safe.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsFree in libraries, malls and many stations; some charge €1 (≈ US$2) by card.Finland-wide
- Emergency numbers112 police, fire, ambulance · 116 117 Medical helpline (not 911, 999 or 000)
- Sundays & holidaysMuseums often close Mondays; many summer cafés and island services open only June–August.Finland-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportKTT Kittilä (Nearest airport with scheduled flights, about 80 km (50 mi) east; bus or taxi onward.).KTT Kittilä (Nearest airport with scheduled flights, about 50 mi (80 km) east; bus or taxi onward.).
- Getting aroundThe town is strung along the Muonionjoki river, with the station at the north end and the border bridge about 3 km (1.9 mi) south of the centre.The town is strung along the Muonionjoki river, with the station at the north end and the border bridge about 1.9 mi (3 km) south of the centre.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- CoffeeCoffee and a bun€4–7 (≈ US$5–9)
- Taxi, about 5 km (3 mi)Taxi, about 3 mi (5 km)Taxi, 5 km (3.1 mi)Taxi, 3.1 mi (5 km)Flag fall about €7; per-km and per-minute rates apply€12–18 (≈ US$14–25)
- SIM or eSIM, a weekeSIM or data SIM, about a week€10–25 (≈ US$12–30)
- Budget bedCabin or apartment (up to 4), a night, per room€60 (≈ US$70)
- Mid-range bedHotel double room, a night, per room€105 (≈ US$130)
- High-end bedHotel double room, a night, per room€160 (≈ US$190)
A day, not counting the bed: Budget €60 (≈ US$70) · Mid €100 (≈ US$120) · High €180 (≈ US$250)
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- KTT Kittilä (Nearest airport with scheduled flights, about 80 km (50 mi) east; bus or taxi onward.) · PJA Pajala (Sweden) (Across the border, about 25 km (16 mi) from Kolari centre; winter flights only — check.) · RVN Rovaniemi (Farther but better year-round connections; train or bus onward.)KTT Kittilä (Nearest airport with scheduled flights, about 50 mi (80 km) east; bus or taxi onward.) · PJA Pajala (Sweden) (Across the border, about 16 mi (25 km) from Kolari centre; winter flights only — check.) · RVN Rovaniemi (Farther but better year-round connections; train or bus onward.)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Avoid*
−9°C (16°F)16°F (−9°C)
Feb
Best
−8°C (18°F)18°F (−8°C)
Mar
Best
−2°C (28°F)28°F (−2°C)
Apr
Best
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
May
not flagged
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
Jun
Best
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
Jul
Best
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
Aug
Best
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
Sep
not flagged
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
Oct
not flagged
3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C)
Nov
Avoid
−3°C (27°F)27°F (−3°C)
Dec
Avoid
−7°C (19°F)19°F (−7°C)
Best: Feb–Apr, Jun–Aug. Avoid: Nov–Jan. Month by month →
Warmest Jul (20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)), coolest Jan (−19°C (−2°F)−2°F (−19°C) low), wettest Jul (10 rain days), driest Apr (7). Averages, not a forecast.
* only part of the month (early, mid or late).
Weather and climate
Kolari: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
−9°C (16°F)16°F (−9°C)
−19°C (−2°F)−2°F (−19°C)
9 rd
Feb
−8°C (18°F)18°F (−8°C)
−19°C (−2°F)−2°F (−19°C)
8 rd
Mar
−2°C (28°F)28°F (−2°C)
−14°C (7°F)7°F (−14°C)
8 rd
Apr
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
−7°C (19°F)19°F (−7°C)
7 rd
May
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
0°C (32°F)32°F (0°C)
8 rd
Jun
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
9 rd
Jul
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
10 rd
Aug
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
10 rd
Sep
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C)
9 rd
Oct
3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C)
−3°C (27°F)27°F (−3°C)
9 rd
Nov
−3°C (27°F)27°F (−3°C)
−10°C (14°F)14°F (−10°C)
10 rd
Dec
−7°C (19°F)19°F (−7°C)
−16°C (3°F)3°F (−16°C)
9 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
The town is strung along the Muonionjoki river, with the station at the north end and the border bridge about 3 km south of the centre. Local buses are thin: Matkahuolto's route planner covers some long-distance services you can use locally. A taxi (Menevä Kolari, bookable by app) or your own car is the practical way to reach Ylläs, the mires or the river cabins. Winter tyres are required Dec–Feb.
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Door to door: About 40 min by car
Car or taxi 35 km (22 mi) west; ski bus in season — checkCar or taxi 22 mi (35 km) west; ski bus in season — check
The reason most people come this far north. Two villages, one fell, skiing and aurora nights.
Teuravuoma–Kivijärvenvuoma mires
goDoor to door: About 30 min by car
8 km (5 mi) east on road 80, then 3.7 km (2.3 mi) to Teurajärvi5 mi (8 km) east on road 80, then 2.3 mi (3.7 km) to Teurajärvi
Duckboard trails, observation towers and one of Europe's largest aapa mire complexes; repellent needed in summer.
Pajala, Sweden
cautionDoor to door: About 30 min
Car across the border bridge 3 km (1.9 mi) south of the centreCar across the border bridge 1.9 mi (3 km) south of the centre
A border hop, not a sight; check opening of services before crossing.
Pallas-Yllästunturi National Park
overnightDoor to door: About 1 h
Car toward Äkäslompolo, then trailheads
Finland's most visited national park; day-hike the edge or sleep in a hut and walk farther.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Kolari centre / railway station
Hotel, two restaurants and the station within a few hundred metres; right for one night with bags.
Muonionjoki river north
Cabins and camping 11–17 km (6.8–11 mi) upstream; you need a car or a booked transfer.Cabins and camping 6.8–11 mi (11–17 km) upstream; you need a car or a booked transfer.
Ylläsjärvi and Äkäslompolo
The actual resort villages, 35 km (22 mi) west; stay here if skiing or auroras are the point.The actual resort villages, 22 mi (35 km) west; stay here if skiing or auroras are the point.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- €50–80 (≈ US$60–95) excl. bed
- Mid
- €80–130 (≈ US$95–160) excl. bed
- High
- €130 (≈ US$160)+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Hotel double room1 × 1 night × €105 | €105 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 1 day × €100 | €200 |
| Taxi Kolari station → Ylläs, one way1 × €80 · check | €80 |
| Salmon fishing licence, one day2 × €15 · check | €30 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × €15 | €30 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | €45 |
| Trip total≈ €245 per person per day, bed included | €490≈ US$600 |
Breakfast usually included
2026 estimate in euro; travel to Kolari excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee and a bun | €4–7 (≈ US$5–9) |
| Lunch plate (restaurant) | €14–25 (≈ US$17–30) |
| Burger or pizza | €12–18 (≈ US$14–25) |
| Taxi, 5 kmFlag fall about €7; per-km and per-minute rates apply | €12–18 (≈ US$14–25) |
| Sauna, one hour | €20–30 (≈ US$25–35) |
| eSIM or data SIM, about a week | €10–25 (≈ US$12–30) |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Distances are real: the station to Ylläs is 35 km (22 mi), the border bridge 3 km (1.9 mi), the mires 8 km (5 mi) plus a side road.Distances are real: the station to Ylläs is 22 mi (35 km), the border bridge 1.9 mi (3 km), the mires 5 mi (8 km) plus a side road.
- Off season the direct Helsinki train may not run; you transfer at Kemi or Rovaniemi — check VR before booking.
- Salmon fishing on the Muonionjoki needs a licence; most riverside accommodation arranges one.
- Summer mires mean mosquitoes: bring repellent for the duckboard trails.
- Kolari is a municipality, not a resort — restaurants and shops are few and close early.
Emergency numbers
- Police, fire, ambulance
- 112
- Medical helpline
- 116 117
Pocket card
Fill in, then print or save as PDF
Stays in this browser only; nothing is sent anywhere.
KolariKolari
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
Tähän osoitteeseen, kiitosTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police, fire, ambulance112
- Medical helpline116 117
Embassy
No embassies in Kolari; Helsinki has the embassies, Rovaniemi some consulates — check.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Helsinki → Kolari, VR sleeper cabin (up to 3 people): typically €180–240 (≈ US$250–300), about 13 h
- Car on the same train: about €140 (≈ US$170)
- Taxi Kolari station → Ylläs: about €80 (≈ US$95) (check)
Say or show
- Hei — Hello (hay)
- Kiitos — Thank you (kee-tos)
- Paljonko se maksaa? — How much is it? (pahl-yon-ko se mak-sah)
- Voinko maksaa kortilla? — Can I pay by card? (voyn-ko mak-sah kor-til-la)
- Missä on vessa? — Where is the toilet? (mis-sa on ves-sa)
- Yksi yö, kiitos — One night, please (yk-si yuh, kee-tos)
English is widely spoken; 112 works without an app.
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Kolari. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Feb–Apr (skiing, auroras), Jun–Aug (midnight sun, fishing) · avoid Nov–early Jan (polar night, little snow cover, few services) · month by month →
- 3 airports and 3 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 4 day-trips, door to door
- 5 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Airport-to-bed contract for Kittilä and Rovaniemi: last bus and train departures field-checked, taxi fallback, overnight rung.
- Railhead arrival fixture: Helsinki sleeper arrival, station-to-hotel walk, winter and off-season variants.
- Place pages with verified hours (Kolari church, Kolarinsaari church, municipal museum) and eat pages with last orders.
- Ylläs and Äkäslompolo transfer fixture so the 35 km leg is priced and timed, not guessed.
Sources
- officialKolari municipality
- officialVR — Finnish railways
- officialMatkahuolto — bus timetables
- officialNationalparks.fi — Teuravuoma–Kivijärvenvuoma
- secondaryWikivoyage: Kolari, revision 5241196 (CC BY-SA 4.0)