Kilpisjärvi today: weather now, Saana and Malla trails or cross-country trails by season, the Three-Country Cairn, where to eat today and aurora chance.
Saana trail: The trail to the top of Saana starts from the Malla and Saana car park, 7 km north of the village centre, and is about 8.6 km there and back. The Saana kota, a campfire hut, is 1.1 km from the start. From there it is 800 m to a stone bench, and the stairs, rebuilt in stone, have more than 150 steps. On the summit, 1029 m above sea level, there is a postbox and a visitors’ book. The trail can only be walked when there is no snow.
Saana nature trail: A loop of about 6 km in all that starts at the Saana kota on the Saana trail. Signs along the way tell you about the fell’s nature, its cultural history and the traces of the Second World War. There are no bridges over the Skirhasjohka stream and the other brooks, so when the water is high you may have to wade. You also pass fenced research plots. The trail can only be walked when there is no snow.
Malla trail: The trail runs from the Malla and Saana car park through Malla Strict Nature Reserve to the Three-Country Cairn, about 22 km there and back. If you take the boat one way between the village shore and Koltalahti on the Swedish side, the whole trip is about 16 km. On the way you see Kitsiputous, a waterfall with a total drop of 118 m. From 16 May to 31 October you may enter the reserve only on foot and must keep to the marked trail. When the rivers are in flood, crossing them can be impossible. In Sweden and Norway the clocks are one hour behind Finland, so check which time you are using when you plan the boat back.
Lake Saanajärvi (From the village, between Urpiaisentie and Pulmusentie): A trail of about 7 km there and back from the village to Lake Saanajärvi. By the lake there are two kotas, campfire huts where you can take a break but not stay the night. You have to wade across the stream that drains the lake. Between 15 May and 1 September you must stay on the marked trail in the Saana nature reserve. A longer trail, about 13 km there and back, leads to the lake from the Malla and Saana car park.
Kilpisjärvi cross-country trails: In late winter, in March and April, Kilpisjärvi has a network of cross-country ski trails about 50 km long in all, marked with blue snow poles. You can join the trails from the village, from Salmivaara and from the rest area on road 21 near the lakeshore. In the village there is also a lit trail of 1.2 km. A local association, Kilpisjärven Ladut, maintains the trails and sells a trail sticker to fund the work. In midwinter there are no maintained trails, so check the trail conditions before you set out.
Saana fell: Saana rises to 1029 m above sea level over Lake Kilpisjärvi and the village. The Saana nature reserve on the fell was founded in 1988 and covers 1.65 km². Between 15 May and 1 September you may only walk on the marked trails there. The Saana trail to the summit and the Saana nature trail, with signs about the traces of the Second World War, start from the Malla and Saana car park on road 21. Kilpisjärvi lies in the Sámi homeland defined in Finnish law.
Three-Country Cairn: The cairn where Finland, Sweden and Norway meet stands in Lake Golddajávri, at the western corner of Malla Strict Nature Reserve. Russia and Norway put it up in 1897, and Sweden accepted it in 1901. It is the northernmost point of Sweden and the westernmost point of mainland Finland. In summer, from the time the ice breaks up until September, a boat runs from the shore by the Kilpisjärvi hiking centre to Koltalahti on the Swedish side, depending on the number of passengers. From there it is about 3 km on foot each way. Check the border and customs rules before you go, especially if you have a dog with you.
Lake Kilpisjärvi: Ylinen Kilpisjärvi and Ala-Kilpisjärvi together stretch for nearly 26 km, and the deepest point, 57 m, is in the lower lake. The border between Finland and Sweden runs down the middle of the lake. It usually freezes in November and is free of ice by Midsummer. Seven fish species live in the lake, among them Arctic char, brown trout and grayling. You can paddle and row near the shore, but landing in Malla Strict Nature Reserve is not allowed.
Malla Strict Nature Reserve: The Malla fells were protected as early as 1916, and the strict nature reserve, 31 km², was founded in 1938. From 16 May to 31 October you may go there only on foot and must keep to the marked trail; open fires and fishing are not allowed, and dogs must be kept on a lead. A trail climbs Pikku-Malla, 738 m high, about 7 km there and back. The fell rises 265 m above the lake, and the permafrost in the fell reaches down at least 45 m.
Halti: Finland’s highest point, 1324 m above sea level, is on Halti. The Halti hiking trail from Kilpisjärvi is 104 km there and back, and the hiking season runs from late June to September. Along the way are six wilderness huts and five huts you can book. Part of the route crosses into Norway, so check the border rules before you set out.
Ravintola Kilpis: Village-centre restaurant at Kilpishalli.
Ravintola Saana: Fell restaurant at Saana's foot: burgers, pizza, reindeer.
Restaurant Tundrea: Log-cabin resort restaurant serving reindeer and char.
Lapland Hotels Kilpis: Lakeside hotel restaurant and lobby bar with views to Saana.
Restaurant Rakka (Santa's Hotel Rakka): Scenic hotel restaurant with panoramic Saana views.
Cahkal Hotel: Boutique hotel restaurant and bar using Arctic ingredients.
Retkeilykeskus kahvila: Cafe at the hostel serving coffee and cakes daily.
Ravintola Lapintyttö (Majatalo Haltinmaa): Guesthouse restaurant known for its generous buffet, with local specialties and familiar favourites on the menu.
Halti Pub (Majatalo Haltinmaa): Cosy village pub with a fireplace, where the day ends over a drink among locals and other travellers.