About Lainio village

The village of Lainio is situated 100 km east of the city Kiruna in Lapland, north of the Arctic Circle. Lainio, which earlier was called Neitiniva is the oldest continuously inhabited settlement in the Torne Valley.

Today the village has almost 70 permanent residents and had the highest number of people in the 40’s and 50's with 350 persons. The major depopulation occurred in the 60’s when farmers, who were the main industry, was wound up.

Once upon a time the village was an important focal point. Many people have traveled through Lainio via winter roads, summer trails and along the river to and from Jukkasjärvi, Gällivare, Haparanda and Finland for the church and trade. Then came the road and with them the car which came to change Lainio’s importance for travelers. The road from the village of Vittangi to Lainio completed year 1927.

Now Lainio is a haven for expatriates villagers and tourists. People come here to feel the calm, to enjoy the nature and engaging in an attempt to take large salmon.