If I had to pick one place in Lapland that captures the magic of winter, Pyhä-Luosto would be high on the list. It’s the perfect spot for snowy adventures. Think endless forests of frosted trees, trails winding through silence, and those nights when the northern lights suddenly set the sky on fire.

What makes Pyhä-Luosto special is how easy it is to dive into the wilderness. The park stretches for about 35 kilometers between the Pyhä and Luosto fell ranges, so you can choose anything from a short hike or snowshoe trip to a multi-day ski adventure. In winter, the snowy forests here feel almost unreal and it’s like stepping into a fairytale. You can find the famous snow covered threes here around the fells easily.

One of the highlights is Isokuru Gorge, the deepest gorge in Finland, carved by Ice Age meltwaters. Walking down there feels like entering another world, especially when the cliffs are coated in snow and ice. Another favorite spot of mine is the top of Ukko-Luosto Fell, where you get sweeping views over the endless forest. It’s a great place to catch the aurora if you’re lucky with the weather. In the winter, be sure to check the avalanche warnings, because this place can be risky.

The park is also home to some fascinating history. Under Luosto Fell, you’ll find Finland’s only working amethyst mine, and you can actually dig your own gemstone here. It’s a surprisingly fun activity in the middle of all the skiing and hiking, and it connects you to the deep geology of Lapland – the amethyst crystals here are over 2,000 million years old.

Wildlife is part of the story too. Pyhä-Luosto is one of the best places to spot Siberian jays, who are often curious enough to come close if you stop for a break. Reindeer wander freely in the area, and with a bit of luck you might even see tracks of wolverine or lynx in the snow.

For me, Pyhä-Luosto is all about variety. One day you can ride a husky sled through the forest, the next you’re on skis gliding over fells, and in the evening you might be soaking in a sauna with snow drifting outside the window. It’s wild and peaceful at the same time, exactly what I love about Lapland.