Kilpisjärvi

Finland's highest fells and untouched wilderness area
Kilpisjärvi is the northernmost village in Western Lapland. It is the last Finnish village before reaching Norway on the Aurora Borealis Scenic Road. It is located at the foot of the Saana Fell in the middle of the Arctic high-fell area.

Kilpisjärvi Visitor Centre's permanent exhibition ”At the Edge of Scandinavia” introduces the Malla and Saana Nature Reserves, Käsivarsi Wilderness Area, and the history of human residence in Kilpisjärvi.
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Kohokohtia

The Three Nation’ Border Point

Landscapes & Sceneries

The borders of Finland, Sweden and Norway meet at the Three Nation’s Border Point that stands on a man-made island in lake Koltapahtajärvi in the Malla Strict Nature Reserve. The current concrete marker was built in 1926. In summer, you can get there by taking the Malla boat, which travels from the Kilpisjärvi village to Koltalahti. The walk from Koltalahti to the cairn is just under three kilometers. You can also reach the cairn by walking 11 kilometers through Malla Strict Nature Reserve. You are free to circle the cairn.

Saana & Halti Fell

Landscapes & Sceneries

In ancient times, the spirits of Saana and Halti were worshipped to guarantee a good hunt. Today, these sacred fells still leave you speechless. At 1324 metres, Halti is Finland’s highest fell, whereas Saana (1029 m) is the most recognisable. Halti lies close to the border between Finland and Norway, with marked hiking and skiing trails starting from Kilpisjärvi. Scrambling up to the top of Saana is a challenge worth doing. You are free to hike along the marked trails, but check entrance possibility to the Saana Nature Reserve and Research Area

Malla Strict Nature Reserve

Wildlife & Nature

The Malla Fells rise directly from the shore of Lake Kilpisjärvi. 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.

Tämä reitti kulkee kohteen läpi

Reitin varrella

The mighty Saana fell in Kilpisjärvi is something to every Finn experiences at least once in a lifetime. However, many of them return over and over again. On a car trip from Rovaniemi towards the Arm of Finland, there are plenty of quaint villages and tourist attractions where you can stop for a little break. On your way there you can choose the route that travels via Levi and Muonio to Kilpisjärvi, with the return trip following the western border of Lapland along the great rivers Tornionjoki and Muonionjoki.

5 - 7 days

A tour of Käsivarsi Wilderness Area by car