Kittilä

Kittilä is a municipality in Finland, located in the western part of Finnish Lapland. It encompasses large areas of forests, lakes, and wilderness and has a history connected to reindeer herding and traditional Sámi culture. The seat of the municipality is the village of Kittilä, and the area includes the Levi ski resort, situated in the Sirkka village, which is part of Kittilä.

The economy of Kittilä is diversified, with tourism playing a prominent role through Levi, and mining contributing significantly as well. The Kittilä Gold Mine, opened in 2008, is one of Europe’s largest gold mines and has been a major employer in the region. Forestry remains an important traditional sector, supported by the extensive forests of western Lapland.

Administratively, Kittilä is part of the Lapland region and is governed by a municipal council. The population is relatively small and predominantly Finnish-speaking, with Sámi cultural influences evident in the region. The municipality is served by Kittilä Airport, which provides connections to Helsinki and other destinations, and by road networks linking it with other parts of Lapland. Outdoor recreation is a major aspect of life in Kittilä, with opportunities for skiing, hiking, snowmobiling, and other activities typical of northern Finland.