Lemmenjoki (river)

Lemmenjoki is a river located in northern Finland, within the municipality of Inari. It is best known as the namesake and central feature of Lemmenjoki National Park, Finland's largest national park.

The Lemmenjoki river flows through a U-shaped glacial valley, characterized by extensive pine forests, mires, and fells. The river's source lies in the fells near the Norwegian border, and it flows southwards, eventually emptying into the Paadarjärvi lake.

Historically, the Lemmenjoki region was inhabited by the Sámi people, and evidence of their traditional way of life, including reindeer herding and fishing, can still be found in the area.

During the Finnish gold rush era, particularly in the late 1940s and early 1950s, the Lemmenjoki became a significant gold mining area. While large-scale commercial mining is no longer prevalent, small-scale gold panning still attracts enthusiasts to the river. The cultural heritage of the gold rush remains a part of the area's identity.

The river is a popular destination for canoeing, kayaking, and hiking, offering visitors the opportunity to experience the wilderness of Lapland. The Lemmenjoki National Park, encompassing the river and its surrounding landscape, provides marked trails, wilderness huts, and guided tours. The river's waters are generally clear and support a variety of fish species, including trout and grayling.