Municipality of Enontekiö
Area 31 km², established in 1938.
The area is managed by Metsähallitus.
Malla Strict Nature Reserve is located at Kilpisjärvi in the municipality of Enontekiö, in the remotest corner of the Käsivarsi region in northwestern Lapland, by the Scandinavian Mountains. The Malla Fells rise directly from the shore of Lake Kilpisjärvi. This group of fells was first protected as early as 1916 when Finland was still under Russian rule. The area became a strict nature reserve in the young independent Finland in 1938. Malla Strict Nature Reserve is unique due to the region's young geology and the calciferous soil that produces rare species of fell plants.
Recreational use of strict nature reserves is restricted to ensure protection for the area, but the natural wonders of Malla can be admired by following a marked hiking trail in the summer. In wintertime, cross-country skiing is allowed anywhere in the area. There is a route over the Malla Fells from the village of Kilpisjärvi to the Three Nations' Border Point, where the borders of Finland, Norway and Sweden meet. This route forms part of the 800-km-long Nordkalott Trail that comes all the way from Kvikkjokk, Sweden, winds through Kilpisjärvi past Halti Fell, and ends at Kautokeino, Norway.
The Kilpisjärvi region has the highest fells in Finland, and its weather conditions are arctic all year round. The fells in Yliperä attract hikers, fishermen and cross-country skiers alike, but beginners should not venture out into the wilderness, at least not alone or poorly equipped. Today, the services in the village of Kilpisjärvi are good, and even a day trip in the vicinity offers excellent opportunities for awesome experiences. In wintertime, the Kilpisjärvi region is especially popular among Norwegian tourists, besides the Finnish ones.
The Malla Strict Nature Reserve is managed by Metsähallitus, Parks & Wildlife Finland, Peuratie 15, 99400 Enontekiö.
