We share a few of our favourite places from our recent trips…

During your True Lapland adventure with us, you’re going to be busy with all the included activities, and perhaps some optional extras too. BUT you’ll want to explore the village of Hetta. Whether you’re staying at Hetan Majatalo or Hotelli Jussantupa and looking to pass an hour or half a day, there’s something for everyone. Hetta boasts a blend of charm and scenic surroundings that will make you wish your stay could be even longer!

We recommend wandering along the main road 956 (Ounastie), where you’ll discover an idyllic church, craft and silver shops, delicious things to eat, the occasional sculpture and a fascinating Sami exhibition, as well as plenty of outdoor recreation.

A quick overview of Hetta 

Nestled alongside lake Ounasjarvi in Finland, Hetta’s population is just over 900. This makes it the largest village in Enontekio – and yet, the reindeer outnumber the people by 10 to 1!

Hetta was established in the late 1800s, when the parish church of Enontekio was rebuilt there. During the Second World War, the entire village including the church was burned down. Only three buildings survived. Over the years, Hetta has been rebuilt and today it is best known as the northern gateway to Pallas-Yllastunturi National Park. 

About 20 minutes from Enontekio Airport, Hetta is a world away from mass market tourism. You won’t find chain hotels or crowded ski resorts. Instead this is a lovely place to stroll where you’ll come across an eclectic mix of shops run by silversmiths and other local artisans. The village also retains its close ties to the indigenous Sami people and their reindeer herding culture. 

Of course, Hetta is a hotbed of recreational activities year-round, and winter offers everything from tobogganing, snowshoeing and skiing to snowmobiling, ice fishing and more.

The centrepiece of the village 

Gracing Hetta’s skyline, the parish church of Enontekio stands as an iconic silhouette, with the tower visible from miles around.

A nationally significant heritage site, its roots date back to the early 1500s when the region’s first small wooden church was built by three Sami brothers in the now-Swedish site of Rounala. Two more churches were constructed in Enontekio before Hetta’s first church appeared in 1865. With a longitudinal layout and bell tower, it was big and could accommodate 700 worshippers who came from far and wide seeking strength, solace and blessings.

Like almost everything else in Hetta, this church was destroyed in 1944. Rebuilt on the same sacred ground in 1952, the present church was designed by architect Veikko Larkas. It has a similar east/west longitudinal layout and 30-metre-high bell tower, but instead of wood is made from concrete and brick.  

You’ll put your hamstrings to the test walking up the steep side path or climbing the steps in front, but it will be worth it. The views of Hetta and lake Ounasjarvi are stunning, and if you’re lucky someone will be there to let you in.

An impressive 14-metre-tall mural above the altar called Jesus Blesses the People of Lapland was created by artist Uuno Eskola using a combination of fresco and mosaic techniques. The German Evangelical Church donated the organ in 1959.

After you’ve looked inside, visit the old churchyard. Established in 1940, this is a nice place to spend some quiet time. A section called the Heroes’ Cemetery holds the remains of local servicemen. You’ll see a grave monument designed by Viljo Savikurki where wreaths are laid on Finland’s Independence Day. 

Navigating Hetta, from west to east

Oh deer, that’s tasty!

Looking for a bite in between the meals served at your hotel? Try Niestapaikka – a grillikioski (fast food grill) – on Ounastie, just a short walk from Hetta’s church. The big draw at this roadside snack shack is the Poro, a burger topped with reindeer bits. It’s wildly delicious! Niestapaikka offers other burgers (including a veggie burger), sausages and chips too.

Need something from the market?

The heart of activity in the village is the K-Market. You can’t miss the glowing storefront sign where there’s also a digital readout displaying the current temperature in big, bold numbers!

Located centrally on Ounastie, across from Niestapaikka grill, this local supermarket is surprisingly large. Inside, you’ll find just about everything you might need or may have forgotten to pack. There’s a limited selection of fresh vegetables and fruit as well as baked, deli and frozen goods plus souvenirs, biscuits and snacks ranging from crisps to dried reindeer meat. 

In a dedicated space to the right of the entrance, you’ll spot an Alko, the country’s state-owned liquor retailer. It’s the only place in Finland you can buy alcoholic beverages over 5.5%. A pharmacy and hardware store also sit alongside the K-Market. Throughout the day and early evening, locals head to and from this commercial hub, often gliding in on potkukelkkas (traditional kick sleds).

Silver and a sweet treat

Jewellery lovers should make tracks for Koru Laakso Silver Gallery & Cafe on Ounastie at the corner of Riekontie road, which winds up to the Hetan Majatalo resort. 

Tuomo Laakso is the owner and silversmith here. Since 1980, he’s been crafting pieces using techniques passed down through generations. His silverwork captures the soul of Lapland, echoing the shapes and subtle details found in the region’s wild terrain. 

Koru Laakso’s walls and display cases are lined with earrings, bracelets, rings, pendants, spoons, Sami brooches and plenty more to catch your eye. Its cafe is also a lovely spot for a warming drink and a bit of people-watching.

The art of the antler

Eline Niemi runs Tundrada, a tiny gallery on Ounastie between Tormapaaskyntie and Syvaojantie roads. She collects naturally shed reindeer antlers on her walks and transforms them into art or souvenirs like keychains and magnets. Niemi paints directly on the antlers – using them as her canvases. 

She first came to the area to work with huskies. When she opened her shop in 2017, it fulfilled her three passions: nature, dogs and painting. 

After cleaning, cutting and sanding the antlers, Niemi depicts Lapland scenes of snow-covered forests and starry, Northern Lights-filled skies. In addition to souvenirs, she’s become known for her antler dog tags and pet portraits, working faithfully from photos supplied by owners.

Eating around the open fire

A true hidden gem, Kota Cafe is tucked off Ounastie and Syvaojantie roads, just east of Tundrada. Follow the path that curves toward a wooden hut-like structure resembling a traditional kota. Days and hours vary, but you’ll often find it open around lunch and into the late afternoon.

The atmosphere in Kota Cafe is cosy, with lots of colourful Sami blankets. The cooking is done by Mia around a central fire pit. A counter and stools with fur seats encircle it. Prepared from local ingredients, the menu changes daily but usually includes fish and other Finnish offerings, as well as pizza topped with reindeer meat, waffles and homemade desserts. And don’t leave without trying the hot chocolate – it might just be the best you’ll ever have!

Where nature meets culture

About 25 minutes west of the village centre on Ounastie, you’ll catch sight of a sign for Pallas-Yllastunturi National Park. It marks the driveway to a strikingly modern building that houses the Fell Lapland Visitor Centre. Walk by the giant sculpture of a wide-eyed husky and through the doors to a large open lobby with high ceilings and many windows. 

Everyone here is friendly and ready to help you navigate the trails. The most famous is a 55-kilometre trail between Hetta and Pallas that dates back to 1934. 

Our favourite trail is the well-groomed 0.9-kilometre path to the Jyppyra lookout on Hetta’s tallest hill. Depending on the weather, it takes about an hour to get there and back. A wilderness hut with a fire pit is waiting at the top, and the views more than make up for the climb. You’ll have a nearly 180-degree panorama of lake Ounasjarvi and the surrounding fells! 

We also recommend spending some time checking out the exhibitions at the Fell Lapland Visitor Centre. Along with detailed information about the landscape and rotating local art, there’s the permanent Vuovjjus – Kulkijat display. These words mean ‘wanderer’ and it offers an insightful, comprehensive introduction to Sami culture. 

The visitor centre also carries local products in its shop and features an excellent cafe. At lunch you can fill your plate at the hearty meat and vegetable buffet or order from a wide selection of sandwiches, pizzas, tempting desserts and drinks. 

Families will appreciate the dedicated play area designed for children that highlights the birds and wildlife of Enontekio.

Hetta’s ski resort – small in size, big on fun!

Because there’s no shortage of snow, you might assume the area’s ski resort is always open. However, Hetta Hiihtomaa doesn’t open until February. Located near the Fell Lapland Visitor Centre, its one lift takes you up to Jyppyra. For downhill ski and snowboard enthusiasts, there are two slopes with easy to moderate terrain. Alpine and cross-country skis, snowboard gear, snowshoes and sleds can all be hired here. There’s also a dedicated sled and toboggan hill. Ever tried disc golf in snow? That’s also an option!

The well-loved ski track network

Hetta has a network of nearly 200 kilometres of groomed ski tracks. It’s a huge source of local pride. If you’re out exploring, be sure to avoid stepping on them. There’s an illuminated 10-kilometre track lit from dusk until 10pm that leads to the Jyppyra outlook. You can get on it at Hetta Hiihtomaa. Another popular track, Aurinkokeino, is 17 kilometres long and loops around lake Ounasjarvi. It’s accessible at several locations in Hetta, including the harbour and Fell Lapland Visitor Centre.

On the outskirts of Hetta

More handmade treasures by local artisans

To the far west, along Ruijantie road near our suits and boots stop, you’ll find Hetta Silver. It’s at least a 25-minute walk from the centre of Hetta. The family-run store is owned by silversmith Raimo Korkalo. He’s been making jewellery for decades. Not only does he have his own collection inspired by nature, but he also creates designs drawing on hundreds of years of heritage – such as the komsiopallo, a Sami amulet used to ward off evil. What’s more, the walls at Hetta Silver double as a free museum, with over 250 blacksmith tools, traditional artefacts and witch’s drums on display!

History lives on

If you fancy an extended 45-minute walk east on Ounastie or a bus ride (get off at the Enontekion Kotiseutumuseo stop), you’ll reach a small open-air local history museum. Although Enontekio Museum is usually closed during winter, you can still appreciate the historic wooden buildings. Stroll around the exterior of Hatanen House, which was originally built in the late 19th century and moved from the village of Raattama. A barn from Kaukonen and a smoke sauna from Muotkajarvi, both built in the early 20th century, have also been brought here. Arranged in a square, these buildings showcase what life was like for early residents of Enontekio. Being situated beside frozen Ounasjarvi, the scenery looking onto the lake is breathtaking too!

Lakeside sauna + ice dip

Think you can handle the ultimate plunge? Go even further east to Hetan Kota. It’s too far to walk from Hetta so best accessed by bus (get off at the Mikonlahti stop) or taxi. Hetan Kota offers a mix of outdoor activities year-round, and our daybreak programme includes festive fun here. Post-Christmas, you can visit their wood-heated sauna, but you’ll need to make a booking, which is for an hour and includes an icy leap in the lake!

Of course, this is just a sampling of what we love in Hetta – there’s plenty more you’re bound to uncover on your own!

And don’t forget to make the most of the Hetan Majatalo and Hotelli Jussantupa, as we’ve carefully selected them for their warm hospitality, decades-long reputations and well-rounded amenities.

Find out more about Hetta and the resorts we stay in here