Savukoski: Filming Pure Lapland Wilderness

Savukoski exemplifies authentic Lapland wilderness, with unpopulated expanses of pine and birch forest, bogs, gentle rolling fells and over ten rivers. Multiple national parks and wilderness areas, the secret mountain home of Santa’s workshop, small rural villages and a growing tourism industry are just a few reasons to set up your tripod and start filming. 

Features of Savukoski

Wilderness locations are not uncommon in Lapland, but Savukoski is the most sparsely populated municipality in the whole province, lending its forests and fells a unique wild character. Reindeer husbandry is one of the main livelihoods of Savukoski, and there are 10x more reindeer than humans here. Savukoski has many great examples of modern, traditional Lapland lifestyle.

The north of Savukoski gives way to the UKK National Park, one of Finland’s largest national parks (2550 km²). This wilderness park features rolling Arctic fells, stunning vistas, and rocky gorges. Another of Savukoski’s claims to fame is Korvatunturi (Ear Fell). This remote fell has three distinct peaks reminiscent of ears. Korvatunturi is said to house Santa’s secret workshop. South of Korvatunturi is the Tuntsa wilderness area, considered one of Europe’s most beautiful. There are sections of the area where damage from forest fires is still visible.

All this unpopulated wilderness comes at the price of convenience. While there are major national roads that cross Savukoski, there are fewer small roads and inlets, as there are fewer villages and towns, meaning access is limited. Korvatunturi, for example, can be difficult to reach without advance planning and preparation.

The village of Savukoski is small, with brick and wooden buildings. The Heritage House Puistola is a great example of the old style of wooden homes. The shops and businesses here are primarily in service of the agricultural and forestry industries.

Logistics of Savukoski

The nearest airports to Savukoski are Rovaniemi (2 h by car), Kittilä (2 h 15 min), Kuusamo (2 h 30 min) and the Ivalo International Airport (2 h 45 min). As wilderness tourism is a growing industry in Savukoski, support services and accommodation are growing, although still limited. There are a number of wilderness hotels, cottages and holiday homes available.

Visit Korvatunturi (Savukoski’s travel website) for more information.