Activities in Sompio Strict Nature Reserve

What can one do in Sompio Strict Nature Reserve?

Walk on Marked Trails

In the Sompio Strict Nature Reserve you are only allowed to move along the marked trails. The Sompiojärvi forest road passes through the reserve's southern part, starting from Highway no. 4. The Ruijanpolku Trail runs in a south–north direction starting from the shores of Lake Sompiojärvi and ending at Kiilopää. You can reach the Pyhä-Nattanen circle trail from the Sompiojärvi forest road. The circle trail takes you onto Pyhä-Nattanen's summit. Hikers must follow the Rules and Regulations of the Sompio Strict Nature Reserve.

A stony path in the middle of the forest, three persons with backpacks are walking along the path. Next to the path is an over one meter high stone formation made of rectangular stones.

Go Wilderness Trekking

Ruijanpolku is a 35-km long hiking trail, so walking the trail from one end to the other requires an overnight stay on the trail. Part of the trail runs in the Sompio Strict Nature Reserve, part in the Urho Kekkonen National Park, and the northernmost part outside the protected areas (i.e., from Kiilopääntie Road to Laanila). Camping in the Sompio Strict Nature Reserve is only allowed on the shores of Lake Sompiojärvi.

The view from the fell top is dominated by a large lake surrounded by a forest. The sun is shining from behind the photographer and his shadow can be seen on the stony ground in front.

Go Canoeing and Rowing

You can row and canoe on Lake Sompiojärvi, but there are no actual water routes in the area.

A man leaning against the wooden rail, looking through binoculars towards a lake landscape opening up in front. Birch trees can be seen in the background.

Go Bird Watching

You can observe the strict nature reserve's diverse bird species on the shores of Lake Sompiojärvi (a bird-watching tower) and along the marked trails. The number of different waterfowl and waders by Lake Sompiojärvi and in the mire areas is considerable. As regards birds of prey that hunt by day, you can even spot the white-tailed eagle in addition to the rough-legged buzzard, the osprey and the golden eagle. The ptarmigan, which thrives on treeless, open fell areas, is also amongst the species nesting in the area.

A stony fell top, the stones are rectangular and flat. A stone wall can be seen on both the right and the left side, it looks like a formation that could originate from the dawn of time.

See the Sights and Scenery

Amongst the sights of the area are, for example, the Nattastunturit Fells. You can hike along the marked trails on to Pyhä-Nattanen Fell and Terävä-Nattanen Fell; from both summits there are handsome wilderness views looming in the distance. On the Nattastunturit Fells you can also admire tors, which are large rocks.

Go Fishing

In the Sompio Strict Nature Reserve any kind of fishing carried out in any season is only allowed on Lake Sompiojärvi.
Hook and line fishing and ice fishing are permitted in the area free-of-charge as Everyman's Rights (ymparisto.fi).
In Lake Sompiojärvi one need a fishing management fee (eraluvat.fi) for one rod and if fishing with several rods one need also a Eastern Lapland fishing licence, permit area 3410 (eraluvat.fi).
Recreational fishing permits can be bought from Metsähallitus webstore (eraluvat.fi), at Kiehinen Customer Service, which all also offer additional information on fishing, fishing areas and permit practices.
Fishers need to check the restrictions on fishing sites at kalastusrajoitus.fi (in Finnish).

A close-up picture of shrub with green and red leaves. A blueberry can be seen amongst the shrub.

Go Berry and Mushroom Picking

In the Sompio Strict Nature Reserve picking berries and edible mushrooms is only allowed for people whose domicile is in the municipality of Sodankylä and those who also live there permanently.

Go Snowshoe Walking

In the Sompio Strict Nature Reserve you may only go snowshoeing along the marked trails.