Activities in Sevettijärvi-Näätämö Area
What can one do in Sevettijärvi-Näätämö Area?
Walk on Marked Trails
A circle trail called Saamenpolku Trail is in the Sevettijärvi-Näätämö Area. You can also venture off-trails to explore the area's nature. The area´s northern parts are close to Kaldoaivi Wilderness Area. Two long trails lead through the wilderness area, both of which have their starting point at Sevettijärvi. To the south the Sevettijärvi-Näätämö Area is bordered by Vätsäri Wilderness Area.
Go Canoeing and Rowing
There are several canoeing routes while lead through the rapids in the River Näätämöjoki and the rivers and lakes connected to Lake Sevettijärvi. The canoeing routes are wilderness-like. The closest roads are several kilometres away. Many open lakes are also perfect for row boating.
See the Sights and Scenery
Fantastic views of the area open from the tops of Villavaara Fell and Vainospää Fell. They are both next to Saamenpolku Trail. The arduous climb to the top of Jänispää Fell is definitely worthwhile as there is a brilliant view over Lake Sevettijärvi.
The Skolt Sámi Heritage House is located in the village of Sevettijärvi. The objects and photographs on display there tell of the history and culture of the Skolt Sámi. The staff at the house offer guidance and sell traditional handicrafts. The heritage house is open during summer.
Ski Cross-country Off-trails
Skiing is allowed anywhere in the area. Red X's have been used as the markings for Sevettijärvi-Pulmanki Skiing Trail. The ski trail is wilderness-like and rugged. It is not maintained regularly and it is likely that skiers will have to ski off-trail for part of the distance. Maintenance crews in the area and locals travelling around open snowmobile tracks which can be helpful to skiers especially when the snows are difficult to ski through.
Go Fishing
The Sevettijärvi-Näätämö Area is popular with fishers because it has many different bodies of water. Angling and ice fishing are permitted in the area without permits, but not in rapids and current parts in bodies of water with Salmon and Whitefish. To fish in any other way 18-64 -year-olds must pay the fishing management fee (www.eraluvat.fi) and any regional permit that the area requires. The Inari area's permit is permit 1564 and covers most of the streams, rivers and lake waters within the municipality of Inari. The permit for the River Näätämöjoki is permit 1565. The river is split into two fishing areas and fishing is permitted from June 1st to August 20th.
Permits can be bought from Metsähallitus netstore (www.eräluvat.fi), at Ivalo Customer Service and at Siida - Northern Lapland Nature Centre.
The Salmon Parasite Gyrodactylus salaris has not yet spread to the valuable salmon rivers flowing to the Arctic Sea. Read more.
Go Hunting
The Sevettijärvi-Näätämö Area is part of two permit areas: 1605 Näätämö and 1606 Vätsäri. A limited amount of permits for small game hunting are sold daily. People who are not locals but have a permit may hunt Willow Grouse, hare, small predators and water birds during hunting season. The fells circling the area offer great hunting grounds for catching Willow Grouse. Reindeer husbandry is a significant source of livelihood in the area, so hunting with dogs is not permitted at all. There can be some restrictions in the area due to reindeer herding. These change seasonally.
For local hunters in the Sevettijärvi-Näätämö Area the moose and the Willow Grouse are the most important prey. Many locals hunt Willow Grouse for their own family's use. Hunting as a form of nature tourism is developing in the area. Permanent residents of the municipalities of Enontekiö, Inari and Utsjoki may freely hunt on state-owned lands within the municipality they live in.
Permits can be bought from Metsähallitus netstore (www.eräluvat.fi), at Ivalo Customer Service and at Northern Lapland Nature Centre - Siida.
Go Berry and Mushroom Picking
Cloudberries, lingonberries, blueberries and black crowberries are all found in the area. Berry and mushroom picking are permitted everywhere in the area, e.g. Boleti are common there.
Go Swimming
The waters in the area are refreshing and cool during hot summer days. There are beautiful natural sandy beaches along the lake shores. There is no official beach.