Visit Kilpisjärvi in summer and fall
These are the “musts”, the most popular summer and early autumn sights in Kilpisjärvi in Arctic Lapland. Experience the local touch and book a professional guide to accompany you.
Climb up to the summit of Mt. Saana
Mt. Saana – or Saana Fell, as it is called here – is undoubtedly the most recognizable sight in Kilpisjärvi. Its summit rises 1029 meters (3376 ft.) above sea level and over 500 meters (1640 ft.) above the surface of Lake Kilpisjärvi. The majestic silhouette of Saana Fell dominates the village and the vast vistas opening up from the top are breathtaking, offering views of Finland, Sweden and Norway.
The best and safest time to conquer Saana Fell is during the summer months and in early autumn. A marked trail, which is 4 km (2½ miles) long, leads to the top. The starting point of the trail is across the road from the parking lot by the entry to Malla Nature Reserve, at the northern end of the village.
Take into account the quickly changing weather conditions when you plan your hike up to Saana Fell and dress accordingly – it may be sunny and warm with clear skies, but it may be frosty and stormy as well, even in the middle of July. Chances are you won’t be the solitary hiker, thousands of people visit the summit every summer. The only way to reach the summit is on foot – motorized vehicles are not allowed on the slopes of Saana.
Visit the Three-Country Cairn
The Three-Country Cairn – also known as the Three Nations Border Point – marks the point where Finland, Sweden and Norway meet, thus it’s an international tripoint, the northernmost in the world. It is also said to be the world’s most peaceful border – no border control, no guards, no customs lanes are anywhere to be seen. The monument itself, a cone-shaped block of concrete, approximately 4 meters (13 ft.) in diameter, was erected here in 1926, on an artificial island in a shallow lake. It is by no account an attractive sight in itself, but the surrounding nature and the landscapes make the trip an unforgettable experience.
The easiest way to get to the Cairn is by boat which sails across Lake Kilpisjärvi twice a day. The boat trip starts in the immediate vicinity of Kilpisjärvi Holiday Village and Camping (Retkeilykeskus), crosses the lake in thirty minutes and docks at Koltaluokta bay. From there it’s a 3 km (2 miles) hike to the Cairn. The boat waits at its dock to take the visitors back across the lake. M/ S Malla and M/S Maria sail during the summer months, normally from mid-June, when the lake is free from its ice cover, until the latter part of September. For timetables and tickets, please check www.mallalaiva.com.
You can also reach the Cairn by hiking through Malla Strict Nature Reserve, either round trip (see below) or one way, having first crossed the lake by boat.
Hike in Malla Strict Nature Reserve
Officially called Malla Strict Nature Reserve, this is one of Finland’s oldest protected nature areas. Named after the two Malla Fells which rise from the northern shore of Lake Kilpisjärvi the Malla Nature Reserve is a botanist’s paradise, located in a unique year-round arctic environment and boasting rare plants produced by calciferous soil.
Access to visitors is limited to the 11 km (7 miles) long marked hiking trail which runs across the park from the Three-Country Cairn to a parking area located by the main road at the northern end of Kilpisjärvi village. You can start the hike on this trail at either end. Do note that there are no services along the trail, camping is not allowed, nor are bicycles and motorized vehicles. The only shelter is found near the Three-Country Cairn where a wilderness hut is at the hikers’ disposal free of charge. The trail features a few rocky ascents and descents as well as easy walk paths. During the flood season in early summer and in the fall crossing the many brooks en route may pose a challenge.
If you don’t wish to venture all the way through the park, a nice option is a climb to Pikku-Malla Fell, which offers panoramic views of the lake and the surrounding fell country. A marked 7 km (4½ miles) trail leads from the roadside parking area to the summit of Pikku-Malla and back.
Conquer Mt. Halti, the highest summit of Finland, during a day trip from Kilpisjärvi
Is the conquest of Mt. Halti on your bucket list, but you don’t wish to spend several days hiking across the wilderness? Book a local guide to accompany you and conquer Mt. Halti during the course of a single day.
The one-day trip starts with a car transfer to Guolasjávri which is located in Norway, 130 km (81 miles) from Kilpisjärvi. The ride takes you through the magnificent landscapes of Norwegian fjords and across rugged treeless wilderness. The hike itself is 8 km (5 miles) long each way and quite strenuous, involving a steady climb on unmarked rocky terrain. A good physical condition, previous hiking experience and proper footwear and clothing are musts! Hikes to conquer Mt. Halti are organized from mid-July until the end of August.
Prices and bookings for summer and fall 2023
Please contact us if you wish to book a guide to any of these favorite sights and hikes. The price is dependent on the group size and the trip inclusions. Send us an e-mail or give us a call!
