kapeahko

Kapeahko is a small settlement located in the northern municipality of Kemijärvi in Finland's Lapland region. The village sits near the Kape River, at an elevation of approximately 250 metres above sea level, and falls within the Arctic Circle. According to the latest census, the population of Kapeahko is roughly 120 residents, most of whom belong to the indigenous Sámi community.

The origins of Kapeahko can be traced back to the early 20th century when Finnish pioneers established a modest logging camp along the riverbank. The name “Kapeahko” is derived from the Sámi word *kape* meaning “narrow” and the Finnish suffix *-ahko*, indicating a place, thus describing the narrow valley where the settlement lies. Over time the village evolved into a mixed community engaging in forestry, reindeering, and seasonal fishing.

Today, Kapeahko maintains a small school and community centre that hosts cultural events such as the annual “Kapeahko Reindeer Drive” and traditional craft workshops. The local economy is supported by a combination of forest products, artisanal goods, and eco‑tourism focused on wildlife observation and Sámi cultural experiences. Accessibility is primarily by a gravel road connecting to the main highway, with public transport links operating twice a week during the summer months.

The village has been referenced in regional studies on rural development in Arctic Finland and is cited in several documents by the National Board of the Census. Further information can be found in the Kemijärvi municipal archives and in publications by the Lapland Research Institute.