Kittilä

Kittilä, a municipality in northern Finland, with a population of 6,822 as of December 31, 2023, and is located north of the Arctic Circle in the Lapland area. This extensive municipality spans 8,262.97 square kilometers, including 168.71 square kilometers of water, yielding a low population density of 0.84 individuals per square kilometer.

The municipality of Kittilä is distinguished for its severe climatic conditions and exceptional natural occurrences. The town of Pokka recorded the lowest temperature in Finnish history, an extraordinary -51.5°C (-60.7°F), in January 1999. This unprecedented cold snap highlights the severe winter conditions that define the region. Nonetheless, it is important to acknowledge that despite the extreme cold, Kittilä’s winters are often milder than those in comparable global regions, attributable to the tempering effect of the Gulf Stream.

A particularly intriguing feature of Kittilä’s geographical position is the occurrence of the “midnight sun” phenomena. From May 29 to July 16, the sun remains above the horizon, resulting in a prolonged duration of continuous daylight that slightly exceeds these days. Conversely, the municipality endures polar night, a duration during which the sun remains below the horizon, occurring from December 14 to December 29. The pronounced seasonal fluctuations in daylight hours enhance Kittilä’s distinctive allure, attracting people eager to experience the extremes of Arctic life.

Kittilä’s climate is categorized as subarctic (Dfc), including prolonged, frigid winters and brief, temperate summers. This climatic categorization arises directly from the municipality’s northern location and its considerable distance from moderating coastal effects. The seasonal variations in Kittilä are significant, with winter temperatures descending to severe lows, while summer days may be unexpectedly warm, but typically temperate. The phenomenon of white evenings, characterized by continuous twilight, occurs from early May to early August, providing both visitors and inhabitants with the extraordinary experience of nearly uninterrupted sunshine during the summer season.

Tourism is a crucial component of Kittilä’s economy, with the sector undergoing considerable expansion in the 1980s and 1990s. The town of Lainio became a center of tourist innovation during this period, with ambitious plans for distinctive hotels aimed at leveraging the region’s natural attractions. A project entailed the building of glass-roofed cabins, enabling visitors to observe the captivating Northern Lights from the comfort of their accommodations. Furthermore, opulent lodgings were designed in proximity to Neitokainen, a lake shaped like Finland, which enhances the area’s unique topography.

An especially captivating element of Kittilä’s tourist growth was the participation of the Iriadamant eco-cult. This group established an unconventional accord with a tourism enterprise, agreeing to function as a living attraction in return for land and sustenance. This arrangement emphasizes the innovative and perhaps unorthodox methods employed to augment the area’s attractiveness to tourists.

The pinnacle of Kittilä’s tourist sector is indisputably the Levi ski resort, situated near the hamlet of Sirkka. The resort, located atop Levi Fell at an altitude of 531 meters (1,742 feet), has achieved global acclaim in winter sports. Levi organizes a slalom competition at the commencement of each season within the Alpine World Cup circuit, drawing elite competitors and winter sports aficionados from throughout the globe. The resort accommodates a diverse array of winter sports, including both downhill and cross-country skiing amenities, along with options for snowshoeing. Adventure enthusiasts may undertake snowshoeing excursions to the adjacent Kätkätunturi, a fell rising to 504.6 meters (1,656 ft) situated about 7 kilometers west of Levitunturi.

Although tourism is a fundamental component of Kittilä’s economy, the municipality is prepared for considerable economic diversification with the advancement of its mining industry. On June 5, 2006, the Canadian mining firm Agnico-Eagle Mines declared its intention to develop what would ultimately become Europe’s largest gold mine near Kittilä. The deposits are projected to comprise a minimum of three million ounces of gold, appraised at around 1.8 billion U.S. dollars according to market values at the time of the announcement. Upon becoming operational, the mine is anticipated to provide an average of 150,000 ounces of gold per year for at least 13 years, significantly enhancing the local economy and maybe generating new employment possibilities for inhabitants.

Accessibility is essential for the tourist and mining sectors, and Kittilä is well supported by its airport. Kittilä Airport links the municipality to both local and international destinations via flights offered by Finnair and Norwegian Air. The airport’s significance to the region’s winter tourism is apparent through the seasonal charter flights conducted by TUI Airways from many UK locations, serving ski aficionados and vacationers eager to see Kittilä’s winter landscape. The airport contributes to humanitarian projects by facilitating flights for the When You Wish Upon A Star children’s foundation. Additionally, the Lufthansa company conducts flights between Germany and Kittilä, therefore augmenting the municipality’s international connectivity.