What can one do in Paistunturi Wilderness Area?
Walk on Marked Trails
There is one marked trail, Utsjoki Hiking Trail, in Paistunturi Wilderness Area. In Kevo Strict Nature Reserve, next to the wilderness area, there are more marked trails. Please note that in the Strict Nature Reserve moving is allowed only on the marked trails during the summer, so the boundary between the Wilderness Area and the Strict Nature Reserve can only be crossed along a marked trail. The rugged Paistunturi Wilderness Area is a demanding hiking destination.
See Sights and Scenery
From the highest top of the Wilderness Area, the Gáimmoivi Fell, you get a great view over the wilderness area, as far as to the fells in Norway which are covered in snow around the year.
Walk on Nature Trail
Outside the Wilderness Area, at Sulaoja, along the road 92 (to Karigasniemi), there is a 2-km-long nature trail, where you get information about, for example, the holy spring of Sulaoja. From the same place begins Kevo Trail, along which you can also get to Paistunturi Wilderness Area.
Ski Cross-country off Trails
In the snowy wilderness, you can ski wherever you like. There are no marked skiing trails. In Kevo Strict Nature Reserve next to the Wilderness Area, there are restrictions: in the fell area, skiing is allowed everywhere during 16.10. - 30.4., and in the canyon area, skiing is allowed during 16.10. - 31.3.
Go Fishing
Paistunturi area is ideal for hikers who like fishing.
Hook-and-line - fishing and ice fishing are allowed without a permit in the wilderness area, except in restricted waters, which include Loktajávri, Rohtoluoppal, Basejávri (Pyhäjärvi) and Várddoaijávri. For other methods of fishing like angling, persons between 18-69 years need to pay the fisheries management fee (eraluvat.fi) and to buy the appropriate fishing permit. Most of the brooks, rivers and lakes of the Paistunturi area are covered by the Inari wilderness area permit no 1564 (eraluvat.fi) and Utsjoki wilderness area permit no 1574 (eraluvat.fi). These permits do not cover the waters near the River Tenojoki. In Kevo Strict Nature Reserve next to the Wilderness Area, fishing is not allowed.
The permits can be obtained, for example, from Metsähallitus Customer Service in Ivalo, from Siida - Northern Lapland Nature Centre or at Metsähallitus' online store (eraluvat.fi).
Fishers need to check the restrictions on fishing sites at kalastusrajoitus.fi (in Finnish).
The salmon parasite (Gyrodactylus salaris) has not yet spread to the valuable salmon rivers flowing to the Arctic Sea. Read more.
Go Hunting
Paistunturi Wilderness Area is belongs to two permit areas: 1601 Karigasniemi and 1602 Paistunturi. A limited number of small game permits a day are sold for these areas. Visitors to the wilderness area may also obtain these permits to hunt willow grouse, hare, small carnivores and water birds during the hunting season. The fell highland and the mountain birch forests of Paistunturi area are especially favoured by hunters with gun dogs. Because reindeer herding is an important source of livelihood in the area, hunting with a hound is not allowed. There may be different restrictions in the area during different seasons due to reindeer herding work.
Hunting is an important recreational activity for the local people. The Moose (Alces alces) and the Willow grouse (Lagopus lagopus) are the most important game animals. In the Northern Lapland, the local people still practise the old trap method in catching Willow grouse. The permanent residents of the municipalities of Enontekiö, Inari and Utsjoki have a free hunting right on the state owned lands in their municipality.
The permits can be obtained from Metsähallitus Customer Service in Ivalo and from Siida - Northern Lapland Nature Centre.
Go Berry and Mushroom Picking
Crowberries (Empetrum nigrum) and Lingonberries (Vaccinium vitis-idaea) are the most common berries growing in the wilderness. Picking berries and mushrooms is allowed everywhere in the area.
Go Swimming
In the Wilderness Area, the waters of the large and small lakes and rivers are refreshing even during the hot spells in the summer. There is no official beach.