Nivunki Village is a place to dream with your eyes open under the Northern Lights.
northern light kota
Settle into your Northern Light kota and watch the sky come alive above you. Far from light pollution, the auroras reveal their full beauty. At Nivunki Village, every stay is about peace and tranquility.
adventures
Ready for a nature adventure? At Nivunki, nature is more than scenery – it’s a way of life and the foundation of our culture. Let us show you nature through our eyes. Prepare to breathe in the purest air in the world and listen to the sweet sound of silence.
sauna
After a day outdoors, step into the warmth of a soothing sauna. Through the panoramic window, the quiet sky and northern lights set the scene for pure relaxation and connection with nature. In Finland, we speak of being “sauna clean” — not only refreshed on the outside, but renewed in body and mind.
dining
Taste Lapland. Join us for a dinner experience that celebrates the essence of Lapland. Our cuisine is an ode to the gifts of the surrounding nature.
Nivunki Village
In the middle of the Arctic wilderness, the connection to the land and its traditions runs deep. In the past, locals welcomed travellers as part of their extended family — they guided, hosted and stood by you. This spirit was called väärti: a trusted companion whom you could always rely on. At Nivunki, the väärti culture remains at the heart of who we are.
Meet your hosts — your väärtis
We are your hosts — väärtis — local companions ready to welcome you to Nivunki. We are dedicated to guiding you through an experience filled with warmth, genuine hospitality, and the authentic spirit of Lapland.
Guide Jussi Paajanen
Meet our guide, Jussi. He joined our parent company, Destination Lapland, as an intern in 2015, and quickly proved himself as an exceptional guide. He has now been working 10 years as a guide and the feedback has been nothing but exceptional.
Jussi is always smiling and happy to help out others. Being the youngest in his family, he’s got a loud voice that you can’t miss, which can sometimes be a positive attribute in a guide’s role.
So, if you hear someone shouting in Nivunki, it’s probably just Jussi spreading his positive energy.
Village head Sami Luoto
Growing up in Lapland in an entrepreneurial family, tourism has always played a big part in my life. My career started when I was four years old: Working as an elf for Japanese tourists. Since then, I’ve spent the last decades crafting unforgettable experiences for the travellers exploring Lapland.
My motto is: ‘Life is too short to be lived in South.’ Don’t take it too personally though.
I have written the introductions of our other team members too, without too much asking from them. But I do ensure you, that they are very well described: Come and meet them in person, and please let me know afterwards if I missed anything!
Chef Markus Friman
Markus is Nivunki Village’s Head Chef. He was born and raised in Äkäslompolo, half an hour from Nivunki by car, and a little longer by reindeer.
Back in 2007 he went into restaurant school in Oulu to become a cook. School took him away from home for a few years, but Markus returned to Äkäslompolo after graduation to work at the local restaurant Poro. In the last few years, he worked in Southern Finland as Head Chef in a well-known quality restaurant.
He’s food philosophy is ”Think Global, Cook Local.”
Guide Antti Tainio
Antti has already spent half his life guiding in Lapland – 17 years of snowmobiling, fishing, and exploring the wilderness. A true local, you’ll recognize it the moment you meet him. Calm as a tamed reindeer, Antti never rushes, and even though he has a Swiss girlfriend, I have never seen him wearing a wrist watch. Even if he had one, I’m sure he would never take a look on it… In Lapland, and on Antti’s tours, time takes the backseat.
Antti has a real superpower: If there’s an open space wide enough for a snowmobile, he will find it—no trees are too dense for his sense of direction.
After the winter season ends, you’ll likely spot him by the rivers and lakes of Lapland, fishing in the midnight sun and enjoying life without a schedule.
Caretaker Jarno
Jarno is responsible of taking care that our premises are safe for the guests and that everything works as they should. After a heavy snowfall, he’s up early, clearing the paths so guests can get from their huts to the breakfast table with ease.
Younger generations in general seem to have lost the ability of fixing things, as nowadays you (and me) just call “the guy” or buy a new one when something goes broken—but not Jarno. Pretty much any broken item I point at him, he makes it work again.
When he’s not keeping things running, you’ll find him on the ice playing hockey or out on his snowmobile. He even used to race—and is probably the only guy around here who’s competed against Kimi Räikkönen.
Guide Atte
Meet Atte – a true son of Lapland, also born and raised 30 minutes from Nivunki. Atte probably holds the most knowledge of Lappish history and nature in our team. His passion for the arctic wilderness makes him the perfect guide for snowshoe adventures but he can lead any kind of tour.
On his days off, you’ll find him exploring the nearby forests, always on the lookout for new trails, ancient trees, and signs of wildlife.
When the winter season ends, Atte trades the snowshoes for his backpack and travels the world – but always finds his way back home to the forests of Lapland.
Restaurant Manager Eija
Eija, originally from Rovaniemi, but found her path from Southern back to Lapland at the age of 26, and what began as seasonal work turned into a somewhat permanent decision as she fell in love with the nature and the people. Now settled in Äkäslompolo with her family, Eija has devoted herself fully to the hospitality world.
As a former restaurant owner and now a deeply passionate restaurant manager, she is always eager to learn more and sharpen her skills. Her ambition and drive to develop both personally and professionally mark her out as a leader who constantly strives to make every guest experience better.
Under her guidance, the restaurant brings together genuine Lappish warmth, inventive cuisine and a welcoming atmosphere. Eija believes in doing everything with heart.
Her commitment to quality, authenticity and hospitality makes her a proud representative of our team.
Receptionist Helena
Reception wouldn’t run nearly as smoothly without Helena. Half German, half Finnish, and somehow she got the best parts of both.
She brings much appreciated ‘pünktlichness’, precision and efficiency to our team.
Helena’s positivity is contagious, and her appreciation for life and people is something we all value deeply here.
Outside of work, you’ll most likely find her enjoying our beautiful nature. I think the clean and peaceful nature was one of the biggest reasons she chose to move back to Lapland.
Oh, and she’s trying to teach me some German, too. Langsam aber sicher!
Waitress Laura
Originally from Helsinki, Laura is now living her fifth season in Lapland and has made Muonio her home. With over ten years of experience in the restaurant industry, she brings both precision and personality to everything she does.
Laura works as our restaurants shift manager and is especially known for her cocktail skills. Before moving north, she was responsible for official catering at the Finnish Parliament, so high standards are simply natural to her.
On her freetime, you will most likely find her downhill skiing (there’s four ski resorts in 45 minute radius from Nivunki!).
Colorful, energetic, and full of character, Laura is one of those people who lifts the whole atmosphere around her.
Did you know that Lapland has eight seasons, each with its own highlights? Come visit us and experience them all.
Pakkastalvi – Freezing Winter
Step into the depths of winter, Pakkastalvi, the season where the year begins its journey amidst the icy embrace of Lapland’s frosty landscapes. Fresh from the darkness the days remain short, shrouded in a veil of twilight. During this time, we often experience the coldest snaps of the year, with temperatures plummeting to as low as -30 degrees Celsius. And with the abundance of snow that has already blanketed the land, the stage is set for a true winter wonderland. Pakkastalvi heralds the peak of winter’s embrace, where the elements converge to create a landscape of breathtaking beauty. Join us as we embrace the chill, witness the dance of the Northern Lights, and revel in the magic of Lapland’s coldest season.
Hankikantokevät – Spring With Snow You Can Walk On
Welcome to Hankikantokevät, the first breath of spring in Lapland. As the days grow longer and sunlight fills the sky, the landscape awakens from its slumber. On the first sunny days, both in nature and in the village, you can feel the world coming alive. It’s a time when nature begins to reveal its springtime splendor, painting the scenery with hints of green and warmth. With the extended daylight hours, Hankikantokevät invites you to embark on adventures into the bright nights of spring. It’s a season of rejuvenation, where the promise of brighter days ahead fills the air and the joy of spring is palpable. Join us as we celebrate the arrival of Hankikantokevät, embracing the newfound energy and vitality that permeates the air in Lapland’s earliest spring.
Jäidenlähtökevät – The Spring of the Melting Ice:
Experience the gentle transition of seasons as the ice slowly melts in its place. The snow cover gets thin, and darkness becomes a fleeting memory. Look closer and see the buds swelling on the birch trees, eager to burst forth. Even as the snow still envelops the ground, the first shoots of plants begin to emerge. But it is the phenomenon of Jäidenlähtö, the spring ice breakup, that truly captivates you. It’s a symphony of nature’s renewal, an awe-inspiring sight and sound to behold. Join us as we bear witness to the subtle yet profound changes of spring, where the land awakens from its wintry slumber, and the promise of new beginnings fills the air.
Yötön yö – Midnight Sun
Experience the phenomenon of the Midnight Sun when the sun shines brightly even at midnight, casting its radiant glow across the sky. The light of the midnight sun scarcely differs from the midday sun. With the last traces of snow melting away, the landscape transforms into a lush green, with plants sprouting almost before your eyes. Reindeer shed their winter coats, and adorable calves make their debut. It’s a time of renewal and abundance, where the beauty of Lapland’s landscape is illuminated by the everlasting glow of the Midnight Sun.
Sadonkorjuu – Harvesting Season
Harvesting season beckons, with the opportunity to pick wild bilberries and blueberries even during the bright nights. The peak of harvesting primarily occurs in late summer before the autumn colors set in, when the brightest glow of the Midnight Sun has already passed, and nature begins to indulge its creatures with the bounty of summer. Now is the perfect time to fill your freezer with berries and mushrooms.
Ruska – Autumn Colors
Experience the breathtaking beauty of Ruska time – a phenomenon like no other. As nature continues to abound with mushrooms and lingonberries, it now bursts forth in colors. This is the time when reindeer continue their preparations for winter. Feasting on mushrooms and nutrient-rich plants that have flourished under the Midnight Sun, they stock up on essential nutrients to endure the long, harsh winter ahead. As the days grow shorter and the temperatures drop, these resilient creatures rely on the bounty of summer to sustain them through the cold months.
Ensilumi – First Snow
After Ruska comes the eagerly anticipated time of the first snowfall. The trees have shed their leaves, and the ground plants begin to wither, yet the thick blanket of snow remains but a dream. Each morning brings a chillier landscape until the day arrives when temperatures no longer reach above freezing. However, the days still bask in the bright sunshine, maintaining a delicate balance between night and day.
Joulukaamos – Christmas Twilight
The year concludes with the onset of Christmas twilight. All living beings seem to retreat into their shelters, and energy comes to a standstill. Waters freeze, trees are blanketed in snow, and everything is frozen stiff in the cold. It’s quiet, with only the crackling of frost in the woods breaking the silence. However, the harshest cold of winter is often not yet experienced during the time of Christmas twilight.