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This section provides area information. Some of the routes here run through Europe's last remaining wilderness areas and can be navigationally challenging, so they are recommended only for experienced hikers (in summer) or backcountry ski tourers and snowshoe-ers (in winter).
However long or short your trip, we are happy to arrange guides or point you in the right direction.
- Recommended for experienced hikers and backcountry ski/snowshoe tourers
- Guides can be arranged for any of the routes
- Pöyrisjärvi (NE): unmarked navigation, far from other tourists
- Hetta–Näkkälä marked trail: 26 km old postal route, also bikeable
- Tarvantovaara (NW): 670 sq.km, prized by bird watchers
- Pulju (SE): large mires, abundant cloudberries in late summer
Pöyrisjärvi Wilderness Area (NE of Hetta)
Pöyrisjärvi is where we take those wanting more challenging navigation, far from other tourists; you are unlikely to see anyone but reindeer herders here.
The rolling fell and forest landscapes make wonderful hiking terrain, though the large bogs are best circled. There are no marked trails, but many old unmarked ones — most visible on terrain maps — as Pöyrisjärvi has always been an important fishing, hunting and reindeer husbandry area. Everyman's Rights apply. The most popular time to visit is June to September.
The Hetta–Näkkälä Marked Trail (26 km)
This trail is part of an old postal route along which post was taken from Hetta to Näkkälä and from there to Pöyrisjärvi and Kalkujärvi. The trail is also suited for mountain biking. As a hiking trail the Hetta-Näkkälä Trail is not very demanding, but as a biking trail it is, because at different points the trail is rocky. It is marked with tall green poles with a white-red cross at the top.
Services: Sissanki Lapp pole tent is located at the start of the trail, about 7 km from Hetta (lockable, rentable for overnight stays); there is an open wilderness hut at the trail's halfway point.
The Kalmakaltio–Pöyrisjärvi–Näkkälä Trail (~93 km)
This trail is not marked but is quite clearly visible in the terrain. The footpath is extremely demanding and passes through the middle of Pöyrisjärvi Wilderness Area. When wilderness trekking you should always have a map, a compass, hiking boots and proper clothing as weather conditions can change very suddenly. There are no service structures along the footpath and rivers must be crossed by wading. The footpath is suitable for hiking and mountain biking.
Tarvantovaara Wilderness Area (NW of Hetta)
Tarvantovaara (670 sq.km, established 1991) is a perfect retreat for experienced hikers looking for peace and quiet as well as unforgettable nature experiences. Whooper Swans nest in large numbers here. The wilderness area is located west of Leppäjärvi and north of Kaaresuvanto, with the Finnish-Norwegian border along its north boundary. About a third of the area is mire — mainly palsa bogs.
The Kultima–Leppäjärvi Trail (25km) is a good day-trip route through mainly lichen-filled dry forest. The Palojärvi–Salvasjärvi Trail (20km) is an old postal track, still regularly used by locals, ending at Salvasjärvi open wilderness hut.
Pulju Wilderness Area (SE of Hetta)
Pulju Wilderness Area is known for its large mires and its numerous hills and fells. It is a perfect destination for experienced trekkers. During late summer the area's abundant cloudberry crop attracts day trip visitors to its mires. A road and snowmobile track run through the area from the village of Nunnanen to the village of Pulju. Reindeer husbandry is a significant source of livelihood here; the reindeer of three herding co-operatives graze in the wilderness area.
