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The river Sattanen is suitable for canoeing. The leg from the Nuttio hut to Rajala (15 km) is mostly easy, although Sorvusköngäs is difficult and probably needs to be portaged. Sattaspirtti can be used for overnighting (by agreement). Kuivakoski is (as the name tells) usually too shallow for canoes. The leg from Rajala to Sattanen (27 km) includes two challenging rapids, which probably should be portaged (Sattasköngäs and Pitkäkoski). There are no directions, so make sure somebody in the company is experienced enough to evaluate the rapids and your skills. There are many spots suitable for fishing (permit for the Rajala area needed). By the shores are old hey barns and other signs of local history and culture, in addition to the natural views. You may want to climb Kaarestunturi (6 km south from Rajala).
An art gallery presenting the art of the local painter Andreas Alariesto (1900-1989) known for his Naive paintings depicting life in Lapland. Alariesto got fame already when alive and today he is one of the recognized Lapland painters. Take a look to their small online exhibition.
Built in 1689 the Sodankylä old church is one of the oldest still existing buildings in Lapland and one of the oldest wooden churches in Finland. Architectonically it is original mixture Ostrobothnian village church and medieval building tradition. This small wooden church has kept its centuries old atmosphere very well. Vespers are held indoors every summer Wednesday and it is a popular wedding church. Old and the new church as well as the graveyard by the river are included to the Finnish list of nationally significant build cultural environments.
Even though virtually all the buildings at the area were destroyed by retrieving German troops during the Lapland War, amazingly both the old and new church survived the devastation. The new church was built in 1859 and unlike the old one it is made of stone. The bell is from the old church.
Old buildings, working tools, and household items from around the Sodankylä area. The main attraction is a homestead from village Riesto, one of those villages now laying in the depths of the Lokka reservoir. Museum area is at a nice site at the confluence of rivers Kitinen and Jeesiö within walking distance from the town center. Take a glimpse at the online tour.
Only village in Sodankylä area that was saved from total destruction during the Lapland War. Today this remote village gives a rare glimpse how pre-WW2 agricultural Lapland looked like. Most villagers still get their income from agriculture and reindeer herding. The village has its own grocery store, café, art gallery, and even a small hotel.
Moskun talo
This remote homestead was once home of Aleksi Hihnavaara (1882-1938) much better known as Mosku. A legendary frontiersman, reindeer herder and a reindeer thief who has questionable fame for his involvement in a complex and bloody conflict between Finnish reindeer herdsmen and the Skolt Sami. A 2003 movie about his life was criticized as it was seen to smooth out his brutality against the Sami. You are free to visit the area (there is a boom barrier before the yard) but getting indoors you need to contact local entrepreneur. The house is in the middle of nowhere in the end of a gravel road about 25 km from Lokka village.