The 7 Coldest Places In Finland Sure To Make You Shiver

Finland’s coldest spots will test your winter resolve. Enontekiö holds the record at a bone-chilling -44.3°C, while Tulppio’s recent -38.9°C shows the country’s frigid might. Don’t underestimate eastern outposts like Puuluoto or central regions like Vahimaa and Kalkkinen. Even southern areas like Kerimäki can surprise you with Alaska-like temperatures. These seven destinations offer breathtaking winter landscapes and authentic Finnish experiences beneath the dancing Northern Lights.

Good To Know

• Enontekiö holds Finland’s coldest temperature record at -44.3°C, making it the country’s most frigid location.
• Tulppio in Eastern Lapland consistently experiences extreme cold, recently hitting -38.9°C in January 2025.
• Puuluoto combines arctic temperatures below -20°C with spectacular Northern Lights and minimal light pollution.
• Selkala faces temperatures below -20°C for months, with snow from October through April.
• Vahimaa’s bone-chilling temperatures, short daylight hours, and abundant snowfall make it a notable cold spot in Central Finland.

Enontekiö: Finland’s Record-Breaking Cold Spot

Enontekiö serves as Finland’s undisputed cold champion, shattering records with its bone-chilling -44.3°C temperature recorded in January 2024—the coldest reading in Finland this century. Located in northwestern Lapland near the Norwegian border, this subarctic region hadn’t experienced such extreme cold since 1999.

If you’re planning a visit, you’ll need serious cold-weather gear. Triple-glazed buildings and specialized infrastructure help locals survive the harsh conditions. Despite 2024’s record low, the year ultimately finished 1.7°C warmer than average—a stark reminder of changing Arctic climates.

The stark contrast between these temperature extremes was particularly evident as January 2024 was notably colder than the long-term average across the entire country. The area transforms into a winter wonderland for over seven months annually, making it perfect for northern lights viewing and husky safaris. The crystal-clear waters of Dubrovnik offer a stark climate contrast to Finland’s frigid landscapes. Just remember: when temperatures plunge below -40°C, proper preparation isn’t just recommended—it’s essential for survival.

Tulppio: Eastern Lapland’s Freezing Weather Station

While not as famous as its northwestern counterpart, Tulppio has earned its place among Finland’s coldest locations, recently recording a bone-chilling -38.9°C in January 2025. This remote outpost in Savukoski municipality consistently delivers winter temperatures that will freeze you to your core.

If you’re brave enough to visit, you’ll find yourself in one of Finland’s most sparsely populated regions, where daily lows frequently plummet below -30°C in midwinter. The station’s proximity to Värriötunturi mountain creates a microclimate perfect for extreme cold. The current temperature is a frigid 28°F according to recent measurements.

Despite harsh conditions, Tulppio rewards intrepid travelers with spectacular aurora displays thanks to clear, dark skies. Just monitor FMI’s forecasts before venturing out—the rapid temperature shifts and hazardous driving conditions demand proper preparation.

Puuluoto: Lapland’s Deep Freeze Destination

Moving east from Tulppio’s isolated outpost, you’ll find Puuluoto, one of Finland’s most formidable deep freeze destinations. Located at 65.783° N, this northern archipelago spot plunges below -20°C in winter, making it a true test of endurance.

Venture into Finland’s icy embrace where Puuluoto tests even the hardiest travelers with its magnificent -20°C winters.

What awaits you in this frosty wilderness:

• Spectacular Northern Lights displays with minimal light pollution to obstruct your view
• Winter sports paradise with pristine conditions for skiing, snowmobiling, and ice fishing
• Traditional Finnish and Sami cultural experiences amidst the snowy landscape
• Dramatic daylight variations due to the high latitude—prepare for both endless nights and days
• Limited infrastructure requiring advance planning—pack extra supplies and check mobile connectivity

Despite its challenging conditions, Puuluoto’s untamed beauty offers a genuine Finnish winter experience for those brave enough to embrace the subarctic climate. Unlike Denmark’s warmest spots, Finland’s northern regions experience true Arctic conditions that shape both landscape and culture. Surrounded by nearby islands like Iso Kirkosaari and Antinsaari, the area presents a stunning frozen archipelago landscape during winter months.

Selkala: Where Winter Shows No Mercy

Located at 64.317°N, Selkala serves as a monument to Finland’s harshest winter conditions, where temperatures routinely plummet below -20°C for months on end. You’ll experience winter’s full fury here, with snow blanketing the landscape from October through April.

If you’re visiting, prepare for the kaamos—brief polar nights in December when the sun barely rises. With remarkably long summer days starting with sunrise at 03:30:48, Selkala presents dramatic seasonal contrasts. Don’t underestimate how wind chill intensifies the already frigid air across Selkala’s open landscapes.

Locals have adapted with impressive resilience. Buildings feature exceptional insulation, and community heating systems rarely fail despite the extreme cold.

When traveling these remote roads, winter tires aren’t optional—they’re essential. The stunning aurora displays and pristine snow-covered vistas, however, make braving Selkala’s merciless winters worthwhile. While here, you can explore the Finnish outdoors with proper cold-weather gear and local guidance.

Kerimaki: Southern Savonia’s Chilling Surprise

Kerimäki might seem unassuming on Finland’s map, but this Southern Savonian locale packs a surprising winter punch. With January temperatures plummeting to 6°F (-8°C), you’ll find conditions comparable to Anchorage, Alaska.

Winter here is no joke—you’ll experience:

Winter in Kerimäki demands respect—bone-chilling cold, persistent snow, and gray skies that test even the heartiest visitors.

• Freezing, snowy days with persistent overcast skies
• Dramatic temperature swings (from 6°F in winter to 71°F in summer)
• Exceptional conditions for winter sports like skiing and snowshoeing
• A climate that mirrors parts of Alaska and northern Quebec
• Brief but pleasant summers perfect for exploring the iconic Kerimäki Church

If you’re planning a visit, aim for July and August for comfortable weather, or embrace the deep freeze from December through February for authentic Finnish winter adventures. January sees the heaviest snowfall with an average of 8.6 inches blanketing the region.

The stark seasonal contrast makes Kerimäki a fascinating year-round destination. While not among the top spots for Northern Lights viewing like Arctic Finland, patient visitors might still catch glimpses of this natural phenomenon during clear winter nights.

Kalkkinen: Päijänne Tavastia’s Frigid Frontier

Tucked away in the Päijänne-Tavastia region of Southern Finland, Kalkkinen functions as one of the country’s most frigid frontiers, where winter temperatures regularly plummet to -10°C and have been known to crash dramatically to a bone-chilling -37.2°C.

You’ll find this hidden gem nestled near Lake Päijänne, Finland’s second-largest lake. January’s humidity often reaches 93%, and visibility stretches up to 10 miles across snow-covered landscapes. Unlike the charming European capitals of Vienna and Prague, Kalkkinen embraces its remote, frosty character. Despite averaging 37.9mm of precipitation in January, you might witness rare warming events when temperatures surprisingly climb to 8°C.

For winter enthusiasts, Kalkkinen offers excellent skiing and snowmobiling opportunities amid pristine forests. In contrast to January’s bitter cold, July delivers a welcome respite with average temperatures of 17.4°C. The area’s close-knit community embraces traditional Finnish lifestyle, making it worth braving the cold to experience authentic local culture and breathtaking lakeside vistas.

Vahimaa: The Unexpected Cold Corner of Central Finland

While Kalkkinen battles frigid temperatures in the south, Central Finland harbors its own arctic surprise. Tucked among dense forests and icy lakes, Vahimaa offers a quintessential Finnish winter experience that’ll test your cold tolerance.

When visiting this frigid locale, prepare for:

• Bone-chilling winter temperatures that frequently plummet below freezing
• Dramatically short daylight hours that intensify the cold experience
• Abundant snowfall perfect for winter sports enthusiasts
• Windchill factors that make even hardy locals bundle up
• Stunning boreal landscapes dotted with frozen lakes and snow-laden pines

Despite its challenging climate, Vahimaa’s locals embrace winter with typical Finnish resilience. Vahimaa stands as one of Finland’s chilling spots worthy of recognition among the country’s coldest destinations. You’ll find community activities centered around winter sports, with nearby towns offering essential amenities when the isolation becomes too much to bear. Small settlements like Kurhila and Paakkola can be found scattered throughout this remote region, providing glimpses of traditional Finnish rural life.

The Sum Up

Bundling up in Finland isn’t just a suggestion—it’s survival. While you’ll shiver through Enontekiö’s record lows, you’ll also witness nature’s most breathtaking displays. These seven frigid destinations will test your tolerance but reward your courage with pristine landscapes few travelers ever experience. Don’t let the temperatures scare you away; Finland’s coldest corners offer both brutal challenges and serene beauty that simply can’t be found in warmer climates.