Käsivarsi Wilderness Area

Finland's wild northwestern arm – Käsivarsi – has the country's most mountainous scenery. Halti Fell, the highest peak in Finland, can be reached all year round along the challenging Nordkalott Trail. A shorter walk from Kilpisjärvi village takes you to the top of the iconic Saana Fell. Rare arctic and mountain plants and animals thrive amid Käsivarsi's splendid scenery. Grayling and arctic charr rise to the bait in the region's fine fishing waters.

Suitability: Rewarding for experienced hikers and fishers, but also an unforgettable one-day destination for less experienced visitors.

A woman, man and a child. The child is on the man's shoulders. In the background another fell.

Before The Trip

Instructions on Exploring Käsivarsi Wilderness Area.
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Green graph picture of Finland in which a dot is situated on top of Fell Lapland area.

Directions and Maps

Location: Lapland, in the area of Enontekiö.
Arrival: By car or by public transportation.
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Three hikers with large backpacks have arrived at the service desk of Kilpisjärvi visitor centre.

Customer Service

Kilpisjärvi Visitor Centre
Tel. 0206 39 7990
kilpisjarvi(at)metsa.fi
Fell Lapland Visitor Centre
Tel. 0206 39 7950
tunturilappi(at)metsa.fi

Three women climbing a path to a fell in the summer.

Trails

Saana Nature Trail (5 km) and other marked trails (0.8–12 km) in Kilpisjärvi. Nordkalott Trail (70–140 km) and Poroeno - Lätäseno River Route (100 km). Read more >

An arctic fox waling amongst the stones on the fell. The fox is shedding its winter coat.

Nature

This realm of harsh winters and bright summers is home to species not encountered anywhere else in Finland.
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Two female hikers packing backpacks in open fell terrain.

What To Do

Wilderness hiking
Cross-country skiing
Fishing
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A close-up of a reindeer with big antlers in the summer.

What To See

Halti, Saana, Lapland War Memorial Monument, Pitsusköngäs Falls. Beautiful landscape with fell flora and fauna.
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A light new wooden building in a winter fell landscape. There are map and instruction boards on the wall of the hut.

Services

Kilpisjärvi has year-round tourist resort services and a visitor centre. There are open, reservable and rental wilderness huts along the Nordkalott Trail and in the wilderness area. Read more >

A close-up of Kilpisjärvi Hiking centre in winter.

Partners

Various services provided by partners are available.
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An old border cairn in a fell landscape.

History

A way of life based on hunting, fishing and gathering continued here for thousands of years, from the Stone Age until the historical era.
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On the left corner a hand with a cell phone showing a map of the terrain and structures. The text reads Excursionmap.fi.

Map Of Käsivarsi Wilderness Area

Destination’s map (Excursionmap.fi).
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Hiking in the Reindeer Husbandry Area

Hikers give way and close the reindeer gates
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Weather

See the local weather (en.ilmatieteenlaitos.fi).
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The area is managed by Metsähallitus, Parks & Wildlife Finland.