Kilpisjärvi, nestled in the far north of Finnish Lapland, offers some of the most breathtaking landscapes Finland has to offer. Situated at the borders of Sweden and Norway, this serene spot is a haven for nature lovers and hikers. With its peaceful environment, abundant wildlife, and stunning trails, Kilpisjärvi was the perfect destination for our summer road trip through Finland’s wilderness.
The Magic of Kilpisjärvi
Kilpisjärvi lies at the northern tip of Finland, near the border with Sweden and Norway. The area is home to a small Sami village with only about 114 residents. Despite being in the same country, Kilpisjärvi is over 1,200 kilometers away from Helsinki, making it a remote and peaceful escape.
We rented a cottage at Kilpisjärven Retkeilykeskus (Kilpisjärvi Hiking Center) for two nights, and it proved to be the perfect base for exploring the area. The cozy cottage had everything we needed: two beds, a kitchen, and a bathroom with hot water. The small parking area next to the cottage was a bonus. If you plan to stay here, remember that bed linens and towels are not included, so be sure to arrange them in advance. There’s a store about 2 kilometers away, and the road to it is often visited by reindeer—something we got to experience firsthand!
Hiking Trails Around Kilpisjärvi
Kilpisjärvi offers a range of hiking trails, each offering stunning views of the surrounding wilderness. Here are some of the trails we explored during our stay:
1. Saana Fell Summit Trail
The Saana summit is undoubtedly the most famous and scenic hike around Kilpisjärvi. At 1,029 meters above sea level, the summit provides panoramic views over the pristine wilderness of Lapland. The trail is about 4 kilometers one-way, making it a manageable hike for most people. The difficulty level is moderate, with one slightly steeper section where stairs were being built during our visit. We started the hike around 7:30 PM and finished around 11:30 PM, taking plenty of breaks along the way to snap photos and admire the views.
The Saana trail takes you through some beautiful terrain with hardly any sign of human activity. You’ll feel completely immersed in nature, with views of the rugged mountains and untouched forests. If you want more details on this hike, I have a separate post dedicated to the Saana Fell Trail.
2. Malla Strict Nature Reserve Trail
Another fantastic trail in the Kilpisjärvi region is the Malla Strict Nature Reserve. Part of the larger Arctic Trail (Kalottireitti), which spans 800 kilometers across Finland, Sweden, and Norway, the Malla trail is an easier and shorter route. We hiked about 5 kilometers (one-way) from the parking lot to the Kitsiputous waterfall, which was a perfect half-day adventure.
While the beginning of the trail is a bit more challenging, the path quickly becomes easier. Along the way, we encountered stunning lakes and hills that are unique to the Lapland region. We even spotted a stoat, adding an element of excitement to the hike. You can also take a boat from Kilpisjärven Retkeilykeskus to the other side of the reserve and hike back, but we missed the boat and opted to start directly from the trailhead.
For more information on this trail, check out my detailed post on the Malla Strict Nature Reserve Hiking Trail.
3. Tsahkaljärvi Trail
The Tsahkaljärvi trail is a quieter option, perfect for those looking to escape the crowds. The small lake, with its view of Saana mountain, is ideal for a relaxing hike. The trail starts near the store in Kilpisjärvi, just 2 kilometers from the Hiking Center. We visited the lake late in the evening to catch the sunset, and it was one of the most peaceful and serene places I’ve ever been.
The trail is a gravel road that follows a small river, part of the larger 45-kilometer Halti route. We walked about 1.5 kilometers until we reached Tsahkaljärvi and found the perfect spot to capture the reflection of Saana mountain in the calm waters. There were no other people around, no noise—just the beauty of nature at its finest.
A Perfect Escape to Nature
During our stay, we explored just a fraction of the trails available in Kilpisjärvi, and I highly recommend downloading the “maps.me” app for detailed hiking maps of the area. Kilpisjärvi exceeded all of my expectations with its peaceful atmosphere and stunning landscapes. It’s the perfect place to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of city life and immerse yourself in the wilderness.
If you’re seeking a place to recharge, reconnect with nature, and experience the raw beauty of Lapland, Kilpisjärvi should be at the top of your list. The hiking trails here are among the best in Finland, and I’m sure you’ll fall in love with this remote, wild destination just as I did.
