In Salla, the Arctic Circle passes through the village of Hautajärvi, which tells of the unique location of Salla as the gateway to Lapland and the Arctic region.

The location of the Arctic Circle is slowly changing. In 2000, the location of the Arctic Circle was at a latitude of 66° 33′ 39″ (decimal degrees 66.56083°) north.

The Arctic Circle defines the southern boundary of the polar night and midnight sun. The Arctic Circle is also roughly seen as the border between the Arctic and the Northern Temperate Zone (climate and vegetation).

You can find the Arctic Circle sign outside the Napapiiri Café/Karhunkierros Visitor Centre. It is the starting point for popular multi-day hikes Karhunkierros and Topsakantaival.