Sights in Salla National Park

 

Salla area offers visitors magnificent wilderness landscapes stretching all the way to Russia. Hikers can find interesting natural formations, including Kaunisharju esker or Pahaojankuru ravine. The atmosphere of old-growth forests and scenic small lakes delight the hiker.  

Iso Pyhätunturi

Iso Pyhätunturi is the highest peak in the National Park (477 m above sea level), and panoramic views of the wilderness open out from its top. You can admire the old Sallatunturit fells (Sallatunturi, Välitunturi and Rohmoiva) on the Russian side of the border. In good weather conditions, you can glimpse numerous other fells from the top of Iso Pyhätunturi, including Rukatunturi and Pyhätunturi in Pelkosenniemi. There is also a viewing tower at the top. A marked trail leads you to the top of Iso Pyhätunturi. The distance from the starting point at the Ski Resort to the top of Iso Pyhätunturi is about 4.5 kilometres.   

Large fells are glimpsed in the evening sun on the horizon. There are mountain birches in the foreground and some forest further down.

Kaunisharju

Kaunisharju consists of two eskers situated end to end, Hanhiharju and Kauniinhaudanharju. It is located in the National Park. Magnificent views open out to the north here, especially from the tops of these eskers covered in pine forests. There is an observation site for natural phenomena in Kaunisharju, where you can admire the view while being protected from the weather. Kaunisharju lean-to shelter is located below the esker. The lean-to shelter can be accessed along a maintained ski track in winter and by hiking in summer. The observation site for natural phenomena is located next to the Kaunisharju parking area. There is no campfire site or toilet at the observation site, and no direct access to the lean-to shelter.  

A photograph of an esker slope taken from the top. Trees can be seen on the slope, and mire ponds at the foot of it.

Pahaojankuru ravine

Pahaojankuru ravine has steep and rocky slopes and a stream trickling along its bottom. The marked trail runs along the very edge of the ravine through a splendid forest of old, thick-barked pines. In places, you can glimpse views of Aatsinginhauta valley through the trees. There is a campfire site in Pahaojankuru, as well as steps that lead to the stream at the bottom of the ravine. Pahaojankuru ravine is located in the National Park.

A rocky stream flows along a ravine. Beside the stream there is a wooden sign with the words "Sound of Salla".

Kolmiloukkonen

Kolmiloukkonen is a suitable destination for the whole family as it is located a short walk away from the Reindeer Park’s customer service point and parking area. Despite the short distance, you can get a real taste of the wilderness in Kolmiloukkonen. There are two lean-to shelters on the lake. Kolmiloukkonen is located in the National Park. 

The image shows a bolder field sloping towards a lake. There are trees on both sides.

Salmijoki ravine

Salmijoki ravine was carved out by a glacial river. The rocky river of Salmijoki flows along the bottom of the ravine flanked by steep slopes.  Fine ancient forests grow on the slopes of the ravine, with many old pine trees with thick bark and branches, deadwood and beautiful spruce forests. The vegetation in the spruce mires and on the steep cliffs is highly diverse. A forest road branching off from the Salla–Kemijärvi road, followed by a marked trail, lead to the ravine. You can also hike directly to the ravine along a marked trail from the Ski Resort. 

The waters of a river are gushing down a narrow, rocky waterfall. There is a sheer rock face on both sides. A wooden bridge can be seen above the waterfall.

Kalliojärvi

Kalliojärvi is a scenic wilderness lake in a narrow, rocky ravine about 7 kilometres to the west of Sallatunturi. The lake is on the hiking trail to Salmijoenkuru ravine, and during the winter it can be reached via a maintained ski track. There is a day hut on the lake. 

A lake with steep rocky shores and some trees around it.

Topsakka mire

Topsakka mire in Löytöjänkän-Suksenpaistama-aava mire reserve is a large marshy area bisected by Topsakkaharju esker. To visit the reserve, you can follow the UKK trail. 

The image shows an aapa mire with some trees and a small pond. The peaks of fells and hills soar in the background.

Palotunturi fell

The top of Palotunturi Fell, which is located on the southeast side of Topsakka-aapa mire, has a lookout point that provides a scenic view. The viewpoint is located on the UKK trail.

The weather is misty and autumnal, and some leaves with autumn colours can be seen in the foreground. There is a wooden hut slightly further back surrounded by trees.

Ruuhitunturi fell 

You can summit Ruuhitunturi fell both in summer and winter. A view all the way to Russia opens out from the viewing tower on top of the fell. In winter, the landscape is dominated by trees carrying a heavy snow load. Ruuhitunturi can be reached by hiking and mountain biking in summer, and skiing and walking in winter. A skiers’ cafe operates at Ruuhitunturi during the winter season. Ruuhitunturi also has a day hut. 

The image shows the rocky slope of a fell. A lake can be seen lower down, and the top of another fell on the horizon.

Museum of War and Reconstruction 

The Museum of War and Reconstruction operates at the old railway station of Salla, in a former railway workers’ house near Salla village centre. In addition to the exhibition rooms, the museum has a shop and a café. There is also an outdoor exhibition area. 

The permanent exhibition is themed on Kuolajärvi at the beginning of the 20th century, the restless wartime, and the enormous effort of reconstruction in the aftermath of the Second World War as the municipality of Salla, which suffered greatly during the war, strove to get back on its feet. 
The Salla Museum area is open all year round. The museum is accessible.  
The image shows some exhibits of the museum and many different items. There is a large black and white photograph on the wall, with a rucksack made from birch bark in front of it. On the floor, there is a small wooden box with the text TSL mobile library. Behind the box on the wall you can see a large saw, some clothes and a bunch of birch twigs with leaves. The room has a window, under which different dishes and scale models of forest machines are displayed.