You can continue to access the Arctic Circle Hiking Area from the Vikaköngäs Starting point as usual. Hikers now also have access to the public toilet and restaurant at Halo Igloos Riverside next to the Starting point. The parking area has also been expanded.
A tourism complex operated by Santa’s Sky Oy has been built right next to the Vikaköngäs Starting point. Construction is mostly complete, but some finishing work is still underway in the area.
The parking area is available to hikers and has been expanded as part of the construction project. Signposting and markings will also be added during late autumn.
New toilet and restaurant services for hikers
The former toilet building at Vikaköngäs has been demolished. Hikers can now use the toilet located next to the restaurant, with access from outside the building. The toilet is free of charge for hikers and is open during the restaurant’s opening hours. The toilet is not accessible.
The restaurant also serves hikers. It is generally open daily from 9 am to 10 pm, but opening hours may vary depending on the season. During the day, you can order food from the menu and buy items such as filled rolls to take with you on your hike. A buffet dinner is served in the evenings. During peak season, we recommend booking a table for dinner in advance.
Lean-tos remain available to hikers
“The lean-tos at the Vikaköngäs Starting point are still available to hikers. However, Metsähallitus will no longer provide firewood at these sites. You can take a break and enjoy your packed lunch at the lean-tos without lighting a fire, or make a fire using your own firewood when no wildfire warning is in effect,” says Jarmo Asell, Project Manager at Metsähallitus.
The waste bin in the parking area has been removed from use. The principles of litter-free hiking apply in the area, which means that hikers must take all their rubbish with them.
According to Asell, the signposting from the Starting point to the trails will be further improved.
Tourism and hiking side by side
The tourism complex is located on plots leased by Metsähallitus, near the Starting point of the Arctic Circle Hiking Area. During construction, the use of the area has been coordinated with hiking activities.
“When coordinating tourism activities with the use of the hiking area, it has been important to ensure that Vikaköngäs remains a functional Starting point for the Arctic Circle Hiking Area. I believe we have succeeded well in this,” says Kari Männistö, Senior Specialist in Real Estate Transactions at Metsähallitus.
Further information
