Čoalmmevárit / Salmivaara summit, 1.2 km one-way
In the snow-free season, hiking time approx. 1 h
Take the trail leading to the top of the Salmivaara fell to admire the magnificent landscapes of Lake Kilpisjärvi, Malla and Saana as well as the large fells on the Norwegian and Swedish sides.
Starting point
Address: Salmivaarantie 31–47, 99490 Enontekiö
Coordinates: WGS84 lat: 69° 00.7023' lon: 20° 52.7219'
ETRS-TM35FIN P: 7667868 I: 255660
Sights
Views from Salmivaara over Lake Kilpisjärvi to the fells in Finland, Sweden and Norway as well as the Kilpisjärvi village and Lake Tsahkaljärvi. You can see the Mallatunturi fells, the sharp-peaked Bárrás rising on the Norwegian side and Saana on the shore of Lake Kilpisjärvi.
Trail description
Trail markings: 40 cm tall poles with orange tops.
The trail to the summit of Salmivaara first follows a sawdust trail for 800 metres until the sign pointing to Salmivaara guides you right towards the birch forest on the fell. Follow the orange-topped poles. The trail rises sharply in the birch forest and you have to climb over rocks to get to the summit. Take the same route back.
Notes
The intersections are poorly marked so keep a close eye on the route.
This trail is part of Kilpisjärvi Science Trails and there is a free application guide. Read more at Helsinki university (Helsinki.fi).
Čáhkáljávri / Lake Tsahkal trail, 3.3 km loop
In the snow-free season, hiking time approx. 1-2 h
The trail to Lake Tsahkaljärvi has been paved with gravel but the ascend is steep in places. In the horizon, Saana rises northwest of Lake Tsahkaljärvi. Along the trail leading to the village centre, visit the beautiful Tsahkal Falls.
Starting point
Address: Kilpisjärvi Visitor Centre car park, Käsivarrentie 14145, 99490 Kilpisjärvi
Coordinates: WGS84 lat: 69° 00.7055' lon: 20° 53.4364'
ETRS-TM35FIN P: 7667826 I: 256134
Hiking structures
The Kilpisjärvi Visitor Centre helps hikers during its opening hours. There is an open campfire site, firewood shelter and dry toilet on the shore of Lake Tsahkaljärvi. Bring your own toilet paper and a trash bag. There is a Campfire hut and a hiker’s hut on the lakeshore which can be rented. The buildings at Lake Tsahkaljärvi are maintained and rented out by Kilpisjärven Ladut ry (kilpisjarvenladut.fi).
Sights
Lake Tsahkaljärvi, Tsahkal Falls, views of Saana and Kilpisjärvi.
Trail description
Trail markings: 40 cm tall poles with orange tops. Signposts at intersections.
Direction: The Tsahkaljärvi trails starts at the car park of the Kilpisjärvi Visitor Centre from where it is easy to follow it counter-clockwise. The route has several steep climbs and descends. There is a campfire site on the lakeshore. The trail crosses the River Tsahkaljoki to a beautiful waterfall. From there, the trail descends to the centre of the Kilpisjärvi village and takes you back to the visitor centre along a walking path. The one-way trail to Lake Tsahkaljärvi is 1.2 km long, and as a loop, it is 3.3 km long.
Notes
The Lake Tsahkaljärvi trail is paved with gravel but because of big changes in elevation and slopes, it is a challenging trail. The bridge across the River Tsahkala is 115 cm wide. There is no access to the campfire site along the gravel trail; follow an uneven and rocky trail to it.
This trail is part of Kilpisjärvi Science Trails and there is a free application guide. Read more at Helsinki university (Helsinki.fi).
Čáhkáljávri / Lake Tsahkal - Sánájávri / Saanajärvi hut, 5.7 km one-way
In the snow-free season, hiking time there and back approx. 3-5 h
This trail takes you past clear fell lakes, treeless summits and fell landscapes.
Starting point
Address: Kilpisjärvi Visitor Centre car park, Käsivarrentie 14145, 99490 Kilpisjärvi
Coordinates: WGS84 lat: 69° 00.7055' lon: 20° 53.4364'
ETRS-TM35FIN P: 7667826 I: 256134
Hiking structures
The Kilpisjärvi Visitor Centre helps hikers during its opening hours. There is an open campfire site, firewood shelter and dry toilet on the shore of Lake Tsahkaljärvi. Bring your own toilet paper and a trash bag. There is a Campfire hut and a hiker’s hut on the lakeshore which can be rented. The buildings at Lake Tsahkaljärvi are maintained and rented out by Kilpisjärven Ladut ry (kilpisjarvenladut.fi). On the shore of Lake Saanajärvi, there is a firewood shelter, a dry toilet and two Campfire huts, one of which has a skylight for watching the sky. Overnight stays in the Campfire huts are not allowed. The buildings of Lake Saanajärvi are maintained by Metsähallitus.
Sights
Lake Tsahkal, views to Saana and Kilpisjärvi fells, and the ruggedly beautiful Lake Saanajärvi.
Trail description
Trail markings: 40 cm tall poles with orange tops. Signposts at intersections.
The trail runs from Kilpisjärvi Visitor Centre to Lake Tsahkaljärvi, over the Tsahkaljoki bridge and follows the western shore of the lake towards Saana. There are three intersections along the trail; always turn right, and finally the trail leads to Lake Saanajärvi. Return on the same route. The total distance is 11.5 km. You can also plan to go back through the village centre where you can find a walking path that takes you back to the visitor centre.
Notes
The trail crosses the river from Lake Saanajärvi where there is no bridge. Crossing may be difficult when the water is high.
Gilbbesjávri / Kilpisjärvi - Háldi / Halti, hiking route, 55 km one-way
From the beginning of July to mid-September, trail duration 7-10 days
Large fells emerge in the Käsivarsi wilderness. One of the most demanding hiking routes in Finland passes through the spectacular nature and the living cultural landscape of reindeer herding Sámi. The highlight of the trek is the ascend onto the rocky slope of Halti, the highest part of Finland.
Starting point
Address: Kilpisjärvi Visitor Centre car park, Käsivarrentie 14145, 99490 Kilpisjärvi
Coordinates: WGS84 lat: 69° 00.7055' lon: 20° 53.4364'
ETRS-TM35FIN P: 7667826 I: 256134
Hiking structures
The Kilpisjärvi Visitor Centre helps hikers during its opening hours. Along the route there are several wilderness and reservation huts with a firewood shelter and dry toilet. Bring your own toilet paper and a trash bag. There are bridges at the biggest river crossings but be prepared to also cross through water. Wading boots and hiking poles are necessary.
Sights
The unique, fragile and endangered nature on the fells and Finland's highest fells of over 1,000 metres. The watershed in the area follows national borders. Dozens of small rivers run from the fells that come together as larger streams and eventually lead into the Tornion-Muonionjoki River through Könkämäeno. Admire the unique Saivaara fell, the majestic Pitsusköngäs and the picture-perfect Meekonlaakso along the trail. The route offers views of imposing rocky walls of Ánnjaloanjebákti and the green nature reserve under it.
Trail description
Trail markings: 40 cm tall poles with orange tops. Signposts at intersections.
The trail (Nordkalott Trail, Kalottireitti) starts at the car park of the Kilpisjärvi Visitor Centre. Read a detailed description of the Nordkalott Trail on its pages.
You can continue hiking the trail to the Reisa National Park (reisanasjonalpark.no) in Norway via Somasjärvi and Kautokeino.
Notes
The Nordkalott Trail crosses state borders and connects Nordic countries. Before the hike, check the current guidelines on travel, border crossing and the export and import of dogs.
Mobile phones often lose connection in large parts of the wilderness area. Weather conditions change very quickly in the open fell, and even in the summer it can snow. Getting lost in a snowstorm is very dangerous. During the summer, thick fog can also lessen visibility. Getting help in the wilderness can take a long time. Make sure that you have proper wilderness survival skills for the trek. Make sure you have appropriate equipment, map and other navigation equipment.
Hiking in the Ánnjaloanj nature reserve is prohibited between 15 May and 1 September.
Sáná / Saana trail, 4.3 km / one-way
In the snow-free season, hiking time 4-6 hours.
The trail to the top of Saana offers hikers the most spectacular views around Lake Kilpisjärvi, and the experience also includes the steps of Saana. From the top of Saana, you can see the fell landscape reaching far into the horizon and feel the fresh Arctic wind.
Starting point
Address: Car park at the Malla Strict Nature Reserve, Käsivarrentie 14850, 99490 Enontekiö
Coordinates: WGS84 lat: 69° 03.6357' lon: 20° 46.2851'
ETRS-TM35FIN P: 7673727 I: 251943
Hiking structures
The slope of Saana has more than 150 stone stairs. If you need a break, there is a Campfire hut, toilet and firewood shelter on the trail. Bring your own toilet paper and a trash bag. Overnight stays in the Campfire hut are not allowed.
Sights
Diverse fell vegetation and birdlife and Saana’s cliffs. Views over nearby fells in Finland, Sweden and Norway. If the weather is clear, you can see all the way to the Lyngen Fjord.
Trail description
Trail markings: 40 cm tall poles with orange tops. Signposts at intersections.
The trail starts as a gravel trail from the car park at the Malla Strict Nature Reserve towards Saana. In the mountain birch forest, the trail sometimes rises steeply, and there is a short staircase before the Campfire hut. On the treeless summit, the trail initially rises gently on the ridge where you can admire great views towards the Saana cliffs and Pikku-Malla. On the slope of Saana, you’ll find the famous Saana steps that have been renovated into durable stone stairs. At the top of Saana, the trail is rocky. There is a telecommunications tower and a weather station on the summit. Follow the same route back, making the total length of the hike 8.6 km.
Notes
During the summer, stay strictly on the trail so that vegetation can recover from the damage caused by decades of erosion. The ascend to Saana may be surprisingly tough. Weather conditions at the top of Saana are more challenging than when leaving Kilpisjärvi. Weather at the fells can change very quickly. Avoid summiting during thunderstorms.
This trail is part of Kilpisjärvi Science Trails and there is a free application guide. Read more at Helsinki university (Helsinki.fi).
Sáná / Saana nature trail, 6 km loop
In the snow-free season, hiking time 2-3 hours.
Get to know the flora, fauna and cultural history of the area on the Saana nature trail. The trail runs along mountain birch forests and treeless summits and crosses several small rivers.
Starting point
Address: Car park at the Malla Strict Nature Reserve, Käsivarrentie 14850, 99490 Enontekiö
Coordinates: WGS84 lat: 69° 03.6357' lon: 20° 46.2851'
ETRS-TM35FIN P: 7673727 I: 251943
Hiking structures
There are signposts along the trail. Stop at the Campfire hut with a toilet and firewood shelter for a break. Bring your own toilet paper and a trash bag. Overnight stays in the Campfire hut are not allowed.
Sights
The diversity of fell habitats, from the lush herb-rich forests to the ruggedness of the treeless summit and the blooming of small fell flowers. The trail follows the rocky Skirhasjohka River, crossing meadows where snow stays long into the summer and fell heaths with signs of human inhabitation from centuries ago.
Trail description
Trail markings: 40 cm tall poles with orange tops. Pay good attention to the trail so that you don’t lose it.
Direction: Marked for counter-clockwise hiking.
The trail starts at the car park at the Malla Strict Nature Reserve as a gravel trail towards Saana. The information boards on the nature trail provide information on the nature, cultural history and the traces of the wars in the last century. After the Campfire hut, the nature trail turns towards the Jiehkkáš fell. The trail zigzags across the fell valley and returns to the Saana Campfire hut.
Notes
Short-term and long-term nature research is carried out in the area. Research areas have been fenced and must not be interfered with.
Sáná / Saana loop trail, 14 km loop
In the snow-free season, hiking time 4–8 hours
Hike around a unique fell, admiring the beauty of the wilderness, mountain birch forests, lush herb-rich forests, clear lakes and fast-flowing fell rivers.
Starting point
Address: Car park at the Malla Strict Nature Reserve, Käsivarrentie 14850, 99490 Enontekiö
Coordinates: WGS84 lat: 69° 03.6357' lon: 20° 46.2851'
ETRS-TM35FIN P: 7673727 I: 251943
Hiking structures
At the beginning of the trail is the Saana Campfire hut with a firewood shelter and dry toilet. At the southern end of Lake Saanajärvi, you can stop at two Campfire huts with a firewood shelter and dry toilet. The second Campfire hut is a northern lights hut with a glass roof for watching the light show in the sky. Bring your own toilet paper and a trash bag. Overnight stays in the Campfire huts are not allowed.
Sights
Lake Saanajärvi, Saana cliffs, the treeless fell top, the herb-rich area of the Saana slope and nature reserves.
Trail description
Trail markings: 40 cm tall poles with orange tops. Signposts at intersections.
Direction: It is recommended that you hike the trail clockwise.
The Saana trails starts at the car park of the Malla Strict Nature Reserve where you take the trail ascending to the Saana summit. Follow the signs closely as the Saana nature trail also follows the same route at the start. The trail runs in the treeless valley between Saana and the Jiehkkáš fell towards Lake Saanajärvi.
On the shore of Lake Saanajärvi, the trail turns south between Saana fell and the lake. The Saanajärvi Campfire huts are located on the southern shore of the lake if you want to take a break. The trail goes around Saana on the south side and descends from the treeless fell to a birch forest. The part of the trail that runs through the protected herb-rich nature is wet and muddy in places. From the protection area, the trail passes through the RV parking area of the Holiday Village and Camping. From there, the trail rises up to the birch forest and returns to the Malla car park via the Saana Campfire hut.
There is an alternative starting point at the car park of the Kilpisjärvi Visitor Centre. If you start here, you’ll follow the trail past Lake Tsahkaljärvi, and the length of the trail is almost twenty kilometres.
Notes
It is prohibited to hike in the Saana nature reserve under the Saana cliffs outside the marked trails between 15 May and 1 September.
The Saana Loop crosses several rivers and streams that do not have bridges. During high water, the currents may be strong. Parts of the route are rocky or wet, so good hiking footwear is necessary. The weather on the highlands on the northern side of Saana may be different from the weather on the shore of Lake Kilpisjärvi, so it is a good idea to keep an eye on weather forecasts and pack a lunch and warm clothes.
This trail is part of Kilpisjärvi Science Trails and there is a free application guide. Read more at Helsinki university (Helsinki.fi).
Gihcibákti / Malla trail, 11 km / one-way
In the snow-free season, hiking time 1 day
The famous border marker between three countries is located on the western border of the Malla Strict Nature Reserve. The border marker is the west-most point of mainland Finland and Sweden's northernmost point. The third border partner is Norway, famous for its mountains and fjords. During the summer, you are only allowed to hike in the Malla Strict Nature Reserve on the marked hiking trail. Cycling in the nature reserve is prohibited.
Starting point
Address: Car park at the Malla Strict Nature Reserve, Käsivarrentie 14850, 99490 Enontekiö
Coordinates: WGS84 lat: 69° 03.6357' lon: 20° 46.2851'
ETRS-TM35FIN P: 7673727 I: 251943
Hiking structures
Kuohkimajärvi has a wilderness and reservation hut with a firewood shelter, a dry toilet and a campfire site that can be used in the summer. The maintained campfire site in Kuohkimajärvi is not in use at the moment. Bring your own toilet paper and a trash bag.
Sights
The rich fell flora and birdlife in Malla Strict Nature Reserve, the Gihcigorži / Kitsijoki waterfall, a restored dugout from World War II, the border marker between three countries and magnificent views to Norway to the Bárrás Fell.
Trail description
Trail markings: 40 cm tall poles with orange tops. Signposts at intersections.
The trail starts at the car park of the Malla Strict Nature Reserve. At the start of the trail, cross the bridge over the river Siilasjoki and ascend the steep slope through a birch forest to the open fell heath. You can take the short trail to Pikku-Malla that sections off from the trail here. The distance from the intersection to Pikku-Malla is 1.3 km one-way.
The Kitsijoki river does not have a bridge so use stepping stones to cross it. Stop to admire the Kitsiputous waterfall at the crossing point. Towards the end of the trail, you’ll need to cross another river and several small streams through the water. The last kilometres follow the reindeer fence. At Kuohkimajärvi Lake, you can head to the wilderness and reservation huts or continue your trek for half a kilometre to the border marker. Take the same route back over Malla to the parking area, which makes the total length of the hike 22 km.
When the Malla boat is in operation, it is possible to hike the trail as a loop with a distance of 16 km. The boat takes you to Koltalahti, from where you can hike to the border marker on a fairly flat and easy trail.
The Malla trail is a part of the Nordkalott Trail (Kalottireitti) that crosses other Nordic countries, running south along Swedish and Norwegian fells towards Abisko. From the Kuohkimajärvi Lake, you can complete a three-to-four-day hike as a loop to nearby Swedish and Norwegian fells.
Notes
In Malla Strict Nature Reserve, hiking is guided by regulations. During snow-free season, it is prohibited to leave the marked trail, and cycling is prohibited in the nature reserve. Pets must always be kept on a leash. Read the guidelines and regulations of the Malla Strict Nature Reserve before starting your hike.
Note that the dock of the Malla boat in Koltalahti is located on the Swedish side, and the Nordkalott Trail crosses the borders of three countries. Before the hike, check if the boat is operating, the current guidelines on travel and border crossing, and the export and import of dogs.
Iitto mire nature trail, 100 m one-way
In the snow-free season, hiking time approx. 0.5 h
Learn about the unique palsa mound mires of the North on the nature trail. Palsas are peat mounds that have formed around frozen peat and ice. The formation of palsa mounds is possible in Arctic, constantly cold conditions. Global warming is a major threat to palsa mires and their wildlife. The Iitto palsa mire is a mire protection area.
Starting point
Address: Parking area on the road E8/VT21, Käsivarrentie 9914, 99470 Enontekiö
Coordinates: WGS84 lat: 69° 02.8910' lon: 20° 47.9094'
ETRS-TM35FIN P: 7672239 I: 252878
Hiking structures
The trail is paved with gravel and has information boards. At the end of the trail, you’ll find a modest rest area and benches.
Sights
Mire nature, palsa mounds and views towards Swedish fells.
Trail description
The nature trail leads from the roadside parking area to the open mire to the slowly melting palsa mounds. There are no route markings, but the trail is paved with gravel in places, and staying on the trails is easy when you follow the information boards.
Notes
There is no toilet, waste management or campfire site on the trail. Always take all of your waste with you.
Cross-country ski tracks
The Kilpisjärvi village area has about 55 km of maintained ski tracks, which are managed by the Kilpisjärvi ladut ry (kilpisjarvenladut.fi). The ski track network is maintained from March to April but some of the tracks are already in use earlier in the winter. Pay the track fee online.
See the routes and services on the trail map (retkikartta.fi)
Up-to-date status of ski tracks in Kilpisjärvi (www.infogis.fi)
Winter trails
Other than the ski tracks, there are no marked winter trails in Kilpisjärvi, but some summer routes can be hiked with snowshoes, sliding snowshoes or skis. The signposts of summer trails are buried in snow, so you must be able to navigate independently if you use the trails in the winter.
Notes
In the winter, the visibility may be poor and snow covers your tracks quickly. Always bring food, hot drinks, phone, map, compass and appropriate winter equipment. Read more about winter hiking. When hiking in the area, remember the possibility of avalanches.
Cáhkáljávri / Lake Tsahkaljärvi 1.2 km one-way
In the winter, the summer trail from the Visitor Centre to Lake Tsahkaljärvi operates as a snowmobile track. In late winter and early spring, a ski track maintained by Kilpisjärven Ladut Oy runs through the Visitor Centre. There is no maintained winter trail or snowshoe trail to Lake Tsahkaljärvi but you are welcome to hike in snowshoes outside the maintained tracks.
Sáná / Saana trail, 4.3 km / one-way
The trail is also popular in winter but there is no marked and maintained winter trail or snowshoe trail to Saana. You can head to Saana from car park of the Malla Strict Nature Reserve. Saana Campfire hut is located along the trail. If the weather in the winter is bad, you should not try to summit Saana as the risk of getting lost is significant.
Gilbbesjávri / Kilpisjärvi - Háldi / Halti, 55 km one-way
During winter as ski touring in April, total time 6-10 days
In the late winter and early spring, a maintenance track is marked between Kilpisjärvi-Halti through the huts on the Arctic Trail that experienced ski tourers can use. The maintenance track is marked on the terrain and on ice with tree branches every year depending on how much snow there is. In some places, the route markings may be inadequate and it is possible that the track is not in good condition. The maintenance track is used by the authorities, reindeer herders and Metsähallitus maintenance personnel as well as partner operators in their work. The track is not maintained for skiers. In winter, trekkers must have sufficient skills for demanding winter trekking and be able to survive and orient independently in difficult conditions.
Cycling trails
There are no marked cycling trails in Kilpisjärvi but cycling is permitted everywhere except in Malla Strict Nature Reserve and Saana Nature Reserve. There are unmarked paths and tracks in the Käsivarsi area but they are rocky, difficult to tour and challenging due to elevation differences. Mires, streams and rivers may be difficult to cross with a bicycle. Cyclists must be prepared to find their way independently and carry their bikes from time to time.
The municipality of Enontekiö has mapped tracks that are suitable for mountain biking. They are not marked on the terrain but you can find them on digital maps and printed mountain biking maps. Find out more about mountain biking options in Enontekiö (tosilappi.fi).
Waterways and paddling routes
Poroeno - Lätäseno, 100 km
The river originates from the Käsivarsi wilderness area, from where it flows down through the Lätäsenon-Hietajoki mire protection area towards the border river of Finland and Sweden. The total length of this paddling route is 100 km and the elevation difference is approximately 265 m. Paddling down the Poroeno-Lätäseno river requires good preparation in advance. Before you leave, check the water level in the river. Severe flooding causes danger of death; when the water is too low, the river is too rocky to paddle.
Note that there are large areas where you might not get coverage on your mobile phone. It often takes a long time to get help. Paddlers must be able to survive independently in the wilderness even in difficult conditions. Make sure that you have appropriate gear and rescue equipment.
There are wilderness huts along the river route and two boat ramps. Along the route, you can find the wilderness huts of Porojärvi, Tenomuotka, Hirvasvuopio and Isokurkkio as well as the boat ramps of Saitsijoki and Neuhkana. In addition, Porojärvi and Hirvasvuopio rental huts are located along the route.
Könkämäeno and Tornion-Muonionjoki, i.e. Väylä
The Könkämäeno waterways offer demanding and rocky rapids, wide calm parts and different kinds of streams. At times, the river widens into lakes. The river is called Väylä (“The Way”), and for a good reason - before roads were established in the area, it used to be the only secure summer route. You can still see a lively riverside culture around Väylä, and villages are located on both sides of the river. The entire river is 530 km long, and there are several boat ramps and services along the way.
Snowmobile tracks
Snowmobiling is not included in everyman's rights; it always requires permission from the landowner. Find out the guidelines and the necessary permits before the trip. (eräluvat.fi)
The Victoria route runs along the border between Finland and Sweden, following Könkämäeno from Kilpisjärvi to Muonio. It’s free to use it. The route crosses national borders, so check the current rules for travel and border crossing before the trip.
Enontekiö has a national snowmobile track through the Käsivarsi wilderness area, the Lätäsenon-Hietajoki mire protection area, and the wilderness area of Tarvantovaara. This track, which runs from Kilpisjärvi to Palojärvi, as well as the short Syväjärvi-Karesuvanto and Raitijärvi-Saarikoski tracks, require a paid national track permit from Metsähallitus (eraluvat.fi). The track is extremely demanding and it is not maintained. The trip requires Arctic equipment and skills to operate in snowy wilderness. Driving this track is not suitable for first-timers because it may be in poor condition in some places.
There is a network of snowmobile tracks around the Kilpisjärvi village which is managed by Kilpisjärven Ladut ry and is subject to a fee. Pay the track maintenance fee online (kilpisjarvenladut.fi).
More information and Metsähallitus permits from the Fell-Lapland Visitor Centre and Kilpisjärvi Visitor Centre.
