Car & Van Hire - Kittilä

High in the Arctic Circle, Kittilä offers adventurous visitors a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Many people all over the world dream of visiting Lapland, with its picture-perfect snow-covered landscapes and magical connection to Father Christmas. A trip to Kittilä makes those childhood dreams come true, and you're sure to feel like a kid again as you gaze upon this beautiful winter paradise.

Car hire in Kittilä is one of the best ways to see the Northern Lights. Of course, there's never any guarantee that you'll see this remarkable phenomenon, but here in the Arctic, you have a good chance. On a clear night, the sky can be lit up in a blaze of different colours. This is the kind of sight that you'll never forget.

Want to meet Rudolph and his friends? Then, head to the evocatively-named Wolverine Lake, where you'll find a reindeer sanctuary. Naturally, the star attraction is a sleigh ride, led by a team of reindeer through the snow. There are also reindeer races, and kids will have the chance to stroke and feed these cute animals. You can also try ice fishing in Wolverine Lake, then eat your fresh catch for lunch. Nearby, you'll also find a husky farm where you can ride a dog sled through the snow.

You'll feel just like Elsa in Frozen when you step into the SnowVillage. This is just what it sounds like, an entire village made of snow and ice. Here, you can enjoy a truly remarkable experience. As the snow melts each year, SnowVillage disappears in the spring. When it is rebuilt, it takes on a different form each year, with a unique theme. For example, one year, it had the theme of Game of Thrones, including a mighty Iron Throne carved entirely from ice. With an Ice Bar, Ice Restaurant and Ice Chapel, this is an incredible place to see.

Naturally, car or van hire in Kittilä is also a great way to enjoy some of your favourite winter sports. Whether you're an experienced skier or brand new to the slopes, you'll find facilities suitable for you. You can even try your hand at cross-country skiing or other activities like ice karting, snowmobile safaris or snowshoeing. When you've finished, why not indulge in another popular Finnish hobby? Jump into the nearest sauna to warm yourself up, ready for another day of adventure.

Driving in Lapland in winter is not for the faint of heart. The biggest hazard is black ice. From a distance, this may look like water, but up close, it can be deadly. Go very slowly, and keep your cool. Snow tyres are a legal requirement from 1 December to 1 March, but it's often wiser to use them for longer. Winter in Lapland can last up to eight months, so it's best to come prepared.

The cold is the single biggest problem when driving in Kittilä. The roads may freeze, but that's just the start of it. Your car doors can freeze, making it impossible to get inside without a de-icer. You'll often wake up to find a fresh layer of ice all over your car. Do not attempt to use boiling water to melt it quickly - this can seriously damage the vehicle. Instead, use an ice scraper to clear your windscreen. The good news is that you'll get a bit of a workout at the same time! It's also often a good idea to use an engine heater before you start driving.

Animals are also a hazard on the roads around Kittilä. Reindeer are a common sight, usually by the side of the road. They may also wander onto the road around you. Either drive carefully around them or stop and wait for them to pass. You may want to take the chance to get some photos! Be careful if you come across an elk, though. These large animals are extremely aggressive and will attack if they feel threatened. Do not honk your horn at them or try to scare them by driving at them. Sit tight, wait for the elk to move on, and don't get out of the car to photograph it.

In Finland, you are legally obliged to keep your headlights on at all times of day and night, in all seasons. If you are visiting in winter, this is easy to remember - after all, you won't see any sunlight for the duration of your stay. The extremely short days in winter, and long days in summer, can affect your body clock, making you feel fatigued more quickly. Always keep this in mind when driving, and take breaks whenever you need to.

Always carry extra warm clothes in the car in case of emergency. The Northern Lights are only visible on clear nights. Be aware that clear nights are far colder due to the lack of cloud coverage, and prepare yourself for temperatures that are well below zero.