In September 2023, Di (my wife) and I shared a memorable five days in northern Finland staying with Aurora Holidays. Our "base" was the northern town of Utsjoki, where we stayed in a cabin right beside the Teno Rriver that forms the border between Finland and Norway.
These photos show various sights of Utsjoki.
After a rain-drenched two drive north from Ivalo Airport to Utsjoki, we arrived at our accommodation. This is the view that greeted us when we arrived at our cabin, looking north across the Teno River to Norway.
Exploring the river bank of the Teno River.
This bridge spans the river that forms the border between Finland and Norway. The precise border follows the thalweg, which as all fluvial geomorphologists know. shifts over time. Therefore, the precise location of the border must be surveyed and moved every few years.
Morning mists rise over the river, as seen from the balcony of our accommodation.
Looking from the river up to our accommodation.
The Lutheran church in Utsjoki.
As you can see, we visited in autumn. Two weeks earlier, all the trees were green. Two weeks later all the trees are expected to be bare.
Local vegetation.
Some of the Utsjoki church huts, used by pilgrims.
Wild berries grow (almost) everywhere in and around Utsjoki.
One of the oldest Utsjoki church huts.
Utsjoki church from the church huts.
Exploring the river bank of the Teno River.
Swans on the Teno River.
Overlooking the Teno River.
Overlooking the Teno River.
Gazebo overlooking the Teno River.
Sunset over the river as seen from our accommodation.
