Arctic Ocean Highway

The Arctic Ocean Highway extends 531 kilometers through Lapland, connecting the town of Rovaniemi with northern communities through forested landscapes and tundra.

Constructed in 1931, this route became Finland and Sweden's sole export path during 1940-1941, operating independently from Nazi Germany and Soviet Union control.

The road follows the path of the 16th-century Finnmark trail, which linked Finnish Lapland with Norway's Finnmark county through Sámi territories.

During winter months, the highway requires specialized equipment and careful planning, as weather conditions can change rapidly in these northern latitudes.

The Arctic Ocean Highway transported 40,000 German troops through Lapland in June 1941, utilizing 1,600 trucks and employing 4,000 workers for operations.

Location: Rovaniemi

Location: Inari

GPS coordinates: 69.02373,29.08456

Latest update: March 4, 2025 22:31