About Menesjärvi
Menesjärvi is a tiny reindeer-herding village around 300 km north of the Arctic Circle and a very long way from the more commercial side of Lapland. That is one of the main reasons we like it.
The village sits beside Lake Menesjärvi and has very little artificial light, so dark skies are part of the everyday landscape rather than something you have to travel to find. In winter the lake freezes and the forests disappear beneath deep snow; in autumn the colours return before the long nights of winter take over.
If you want a genuine wilderness setting, a small-scale hotel and a holiday that feels connected to the place rather than built around a resort, Menesjärvi deserves serious consideration.
Life Beside Lake Menesjärvi
Menesjärvi is equally as beautiful in all seasons. Autumn brings milder temperatures, walking and the possibility of seeing the Aurora reflected in unfrozen water. Winter changes everything, creating frozen lakes and deep snow for huskies, snowmobiles, snowshoes and reindeer experiences.
The Aurora remains a central part of both seasons. The lack of light pollution means you can often begin by simply stepping outside and looking up, while guided activities take you further into the surrounding landscape when conditions demand it.
Local Sámi culture is another important part of the experience, and the scale of Menesjärvi makes those encounters feel personal rather than staged.
Where to Stay in Menesjärvi
Hotel Korpikartano
Hotel Korpikartano is a former schoolhouse on the shore of Lake Menesjärvi. The building originally stood outside the village with neither a road nor electricity, which tells you quite a lot about the setting even today.
The hotel is comfortable, extremely welcoming and informal rather than resort-like. It’s huge benefit is the immediate access to the lake, a relaxed atmosphere and almost no surrounding light pollution.
Best for: serious Aurora interest, solo travellers, couples, local culture and travellers who value authenticity over larger hotels.
