Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Sights
Vanha Kirkko
CHURCH
( 0400-190-406; 9am-6pm early Jun-mid-Aug, 9am-6pm Fri-Mon late Aug)
One of the few buildings in Lapland to survive the Germans' scorched-earth retreat in
WWII is this, the region's oldest church, dating to 1689. It stands in a graveyard encircled
by a low wooden fence and is noteworthy for its decorative shingles and prominent prong-
like standards. The interior is simple and charming, with gnarled wooden benches and pul-
pit, and a simple altar made from leftover beams. For €20 it can be opened at other times.
The stone church nearby was built in 1859.
Alariesto Galleria
GALLERY
(
www.visitsodankyla.fi
;Jäämerentie 3;adult/child €5/3; 9am-5pm Mon-Fri, 10am-4pm Sat & Sun)
Above the tourist office, this gallery displays paintings by the famous local artist Andreas
Alariesto (1900-89), who depicted traditional Sámi life in an attractive naive style, and
also has temporary exhibitions. There are good-value prints for sale.
Festivals
Midnight Sun Film Festival
FILM
(
www.msff.fi
)
Dubbed the 'anti-Cannes', this festival in mid-June sees the village's population double
with round-the-clock screenings in three venues, often with high-profile directors in at-
tendance. If you can't find a bed, head for Luosto, less than 40km away.
Sleeping & Eating
Camping Sodankylä Nilimella
CAMPGROUND
( 016-612-181;
www.naturex-ventures.fi
;
tent sites €8 plus per adult/child €4/2, 2-/4-person cabins
€38/54, apt €80-150; Jun-Aug;
)
