Meltaus: Rivers, Chapel and History

Meltaus can best be explored through its rivers, the Meltauksen Chapel and its transport history. At the confluence of the Meltausjoki and Ounasjoki rivers, river landscapes meet a well-known film location. The history of the children's home on the opposite bank is also part of this place. When choosing a destination, Meltaus therefore brings together a connection with nature and several clearly located historical themes.

Rivers, the Confluence and Activities on the Water

The Meltausjoki rises from Lake Unarinjärvi and is the largest tributary of the Ounasjoki. At Meltaus, it flows into the Ounasjoki; the Meltauksen laavu is located at this point. The Ounasjoki flows freely here, and the confluence shapes a beautiful landscape. The Meltausjoki is also a free-flowing river. Its rapids remain ice-free throughout the winter—a distinctive seasonal feature of the river.

The Meltausjoki is a popular fishing spot and a great destination for canoe trips. Fishing and canoeing offer different ways to enjoy the river. The rapids, which remain ice-free in winter, provide another perspective on the river: they are a feature of the cold season, whether you are mainly interested in nature or activities on the water.

Film History and Child Welfare at the Laavu

The Meltauksen laavu is also connected with a film story. The 1936 film Koskenlaskijan morsian was shot there under the direction of Valentin Vaala. On the opposite bank is a former children's home, founded by the Finnish Red Cross in 1940 for war orphans. It served as a home for children in care until 2012. At this river location, a film set and a clearly defined chapter in the history of child welfare stand side by side.

Chapel and Remembrance of the Lapland War

The Meltauksen Chapel, designed by Toivo Lukkariniemi, was completed in autumn 1960. A memorial in the Meltaus cemetery commemorates the victims of the aircraft that crashed in Meltaus in 1944 during the Lapland War. The two sites offer different historical perspectives: the chapel represents the architectural history of the place, while the memorial recalls a wartime event.

Bridge, Ferry and Historic Road Connection

The transport history of Markkasuvanto includes a ferry established there around 1930. The Markkasuvanto Bridge was completed in 1955 and upgraded to a two-lane bridge in 1983. The bridge offers impressive views of the Ounasjoki upstream and downstream. Its construction history and the views make Markkasuvanto interesting both for a look at former transport routes and for its river landscape.

A road from Rovaniemi through Meltaus to Kittilä has existed since the 1870s. It places the local history in a regional context; the ferry and bridge at Markkasuvanto, meanwhile, represent specific stages in the development of transport. Rovaniemi is the explicitly named starting point of this historic road connection, not a description of Meltaus's landscape or amenities.

Cross-Country Skiing and a Nearby Destination

Meltaus has several cross-country ski trails. This means the area offers different options for travelers weighing river activities against winter sports. Nearby is also Unarinköngäs, a fish-rich attraction on the upper reaches of the Meltausjoki, below Kullelampi and near the village of Mitkasvaara. This distinction in location is helpful when planning a trip: Unarinköngäs is nearby, while the cross-country ski trails are in Meltaus.

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