Riisitunturi National Park, located just below the Arctic Circle in Lapland, Finland, is a winter paradise for landscape photographers. Situated 163 km from Rovaniemi and 34 km from Ruka, this park offers breathtaking views, especially when the snow accumulates on the spruce trees, creating the iconic “Tykki”, the snow-covered fir trees that bend under the weight of snow. It’s the perfect destination for winter photography enthusiasts.
Hiking in Riisitunturi National Park
Hiking in Riisitunturi National Park is popular and well-maintained, even during the winter months. On my visit, I completed the shortest trail, the Riisin rääpäsy Trail, a 4.5 km loop, in basic snow boots, though I recommend bringing crampons or snowshoes, especially if it has recently snowed. There are a few different trails available in the park, offering options for various levels of difficulty. The climb on this route is relatively gentle, making it accessible for most hikers.
Riisin rääpäsy Trail Information
✅ Distance: 4.5 km loop
✅ Difficulty: Moderate (gentle incline, but icy conditions possible)
✅ Recommended Gear: Snowshoes or crampons in case of fresh snow
➜ Riisitunturi National Park information
➜ 4.5 km trail information
➜ 10.9 km trail information
➜ 15.7 km trail information
Best time to visit for photography
For landscape photography, the best time to visit is at sunrise or sunset when the light turns golden or pink, creating stunning contrasts. A cloudy day can give the park a minimalist, almost black-and-white look. While I didn’t capture the northern lights this time, it’s definitely on my bucket list, as the park is a great spot for them. At noon, if it’s sunny, the light is harsh, which isn’t ideal for photography.
My experience: sunrise landscape photography at Riisitunturi National Park in winter
I visited Riisitunturi National Park at sunrise, arriving at the parking lot 45 minutes before the sun came up. It took me around 25 minutes to reach the top of the hill, where there are fewer trees. This was my favorite spot, as it was easier to isolate individual trees for my compositions.
The beginning of the hike starts in a dense forest, which is beautiful but makes it harder to find open compositions. Luckily, a half-moon was still shining, adding an extra element to my frames. However, the golden sunrise light doesn’t last long. Once I reached the summit, I had only a few minutes to choose my compositions and adjust my focus and exposure settings. The pink-orange glow lasted about 5 to 10 minutes, followed by a softer golden light for another 20 minutes before it faded into harsher daylight. If you want more time to compose shots, I highly recommend starting the hike even earlier.
How to get to the Riisitunturi National Parc
The Riisitunturi National Park parking lot is located at the end of a narrow but accessible road. During my visit, there wasn’t much snow, so accessing the parking lot wasn’t a problem. The road has passing areas, making it easy to navigate if you encounter another vehicle.
Parking Information
✅ Location: Riisitunturi National Park parking lot
✅ Accessibility: Maintained road, suitable for most vehicles
✅ Distance from Major Cities: 163 km from Rovaniemi, 34 km from Ruka
➜ Car park
What gear should you bring for winter photography?
Since the hike was fairly easy, I took all my photography gear with me to capture the stunning winter landscapes. We started the hike before sunrise, and by the time we reached the summit, the light was casting a pink hue over the fir trees. For my landscape photos, I carried the following equipment:
✅ Camera + 20mm lens : perfect for capturing the grandeur of the towering fir trees.
✅ Camera + 24 – 70mm lens : ideal for isolating smaller fir trees and zooming in on unique details.
✅ Tripod : I used tripod for sharp images, especially for focus or light bracketing.
✅ Water and snack : since the park is fairly isolated, it’s essential to bring water and some food for energy during the hike.
What to wear for a winter hike and photography session in Riisitunturi
When we arrived at the park, temperatures were around -15°C with wind, but by late morning, the sun had warmed things up. Dressing in layers is key, as you can always remove clothing if you get too warm. Here’s what I wore for the hike:
✅ Thermal underwear: a warm first layer (top and bottom) to retain body heat.
✅ Ski trousers: these are perfect for keeping your legs warm, windproof, and comfortable enough for sitting or squatting in the snow.
✅ Merino wool socks: a pair of merino socks to keep your feet warm and dry.
✅ Snow boots: boots designed for extreme cold are essential for photographers, as you’ll often be standing still for long periods during photo shoots.
✅ Parka: a long, insulated parka to protect against the extreme cold.
✅ Two pairs of gloves: I wore two pairs of thin gloves, so I could keep one pair warm while using the other for shooting.
✅ Hat: a warm hat to protect your ears from the cold wind.
Of course, these are just suggestions based on my experience. Your ideal clothing might vary depending on your sensitivity to cold, but it’s always better to have more layers and remove them as needed rather than risk being too cold
Summary
Riisitunturi National Park is a must-visit for landscape photography in Finland, especially in winter. The surreal, snow-covered trees create an incredible Arctic atmosphere, making it an ideal location for capturing magical winter scenes. If you plan to visit for sunrise photography, prepare in advance, bring the right gear, and arrive early to make the most of the fleeting golden light.
Published by Jennifer Esseiva on the 23rd of March 2025
