Ivalo

Ivalo is a town in Lapland, Finland, and the administrative center of the municipality of Inari. It is the largest settlement in Inari and serves as its service and transport hub. The town lies on the Ivalojoki river near the northern shore of Lake Inari, along the E75 European route, which connects Rovaniemi in the south with northern Finland and beyond.

Geography and climate: Ivalo has a subarctic climate with long, cold winters and short, mild summers. Located north of the Arctic Circle, it experiences extended winter darkness and bright summer days, including the midnight sun.

Economy and culture: The local economy relies on services, tourism, and construction, with tourism centered on winter activities such as snowmobiling, cross‑country skiing, and aurora viewing, and summer activities such as fishing and boating on Lake Inari. The region is part of the Sámi traditional homeland, with Sámi culture represented in regional institutions and events; the Siida museum and nature center in nearby Inari is a major cultural site.

Transportation and services: Ivalo is served by Ivalo Airport, with IATA code IVL and ICAO EFIV, offering domestic connections to Helsinki and other cities, plus seasonal services to popular resorts. The town is connected by road and public transport to other parts of Lapland and to northern regions via the E75 corridor.

History: The area around Ivalo has long been inhabited by Sámi people. The modern town developed as a service and transport hub for Inari and as a gateway for travel to Lake Inari and the northern region.