Sodankyläs

Sodankylä is a municipality in Finnish Lapland, located in northern Finland. It is situated along the Kitinen River and is known for its vast, sparsely populated wilderness. The municipality covers a large area, making it one of the largest in Finland by land area. Its administrative center is the village of Sodankylä, which is a significant regional hub.

The economy of Sodankylä has historically been based on forestry, agriculture, and reindeer herding. In more recent times, tourism has become increasingly important, attracting visitors interested in the Arctic environment, the Northern Lights, and outdoor activities such as skiing, hiking, and fishing. The municipality is also home to several significant research facilities, including the Sodankylä Geophysical Observatory, which studies the Earth's magnetic field and ionosphere.

Sodankylä's cultural landscape is shaped by its Sami heritage and the unique challenges and opportunities of life in the Arctic. The municipality experiences extreme variations in daylight throughout the year, with the midnight sun in summer and polar night in winter. The local culture reflects this, with traditions and activities adapted to the prevailing conditions. The annual Sommerfest, a music festival, is a notable cultural event.