Lake Pallasjärvi

Lake Pallasjärvi is a picturesque, with its surface reflecting the Pallastunturi Fells in tranquil weather. The simplest way to get to the lake by car is at the Hirvaslahti Bay and Pallaslompolo boat docks. There are also Lapp huts at these locations with campfire spots.

At the red sands of the Lake Pallasjärvi. Photo: Maarit Kyöstilä

Pyhäjoki Grove-like Spruce Mire

A 3,5 km-long nature trail follows the banks of the River Pyhäjoki, which flows into Lake Pallasjärvi. The trail leads through exceptionally lush and fertile spruce forest, where Ostrich Fern (Matteuccia struthiopteris) forms dense spots of greenery. The river winds about and high cliff walls surprise visitors as they suddenly appear from around a corner. The soft mossy floor of the spruce forest gives it a fairytale-like quality and is an ideal habitat for an abundant array of small mammals.

Taivaskero Scenic Lookout Point

Taivaskero Fell is the highest summit in the fell chain. Its rocky top reaches a height of 807 metres above sea level. From its top hikers can admire a vast view and fell scenery. At the top there is a memorial plaque in honour of the 1952 Olympics. Finland's Olympic flame was lit at the top of Taivaskero as the midnight sun lit the sky. It was then transported by runners to Helsinki, where it was joined with the Olympic flame from Athens.

There is a 4-km-long marked trail from Pallastunturi Visitor Center to the top of Taivaskero Fell. The altitude difference is 300 metres, so it is quite a demanding climb.

Montell's Hut

Montell's Hut (Montellin maja) is located in the Pyhätunturi Fells between the Vuontiskero and Saivokero Hills above the timber line. The hut functions as an open wilderness hut for hikers and a resting place for reindeer herders. The original building was built by forest ranger Justus Montell in the beginning of the 20th century, to use as a base camp on his expeditions. The hut was destroyed during the war, but reindeer herders built an identical one in its place.

Keimiöjärvi Lake and Keimiöniemi Fishing Cabins

At the foot of Keimiötunturi Fell, on its northeast side, is Lake Keimiöjärvi, which has a very unique atmosphere. Keimiötunturi Fell, which rises above a dark spruce forest, seems to rise up out of the lake. The herders' cabin on the lake's eastern shore functions as an open wilderness hut and is located about 3,5 km from the Jerisjärvi road. The cabin on the west shore is locked and funtions as a rentable wilderness hut.

Cape Keimiöniemi at Lake Jerisjärvi with its fishing cabins is one of the area's cultural heritage sites. The cabins are privately owned, but you are welcome to visit and have a look at the beautiful old buildings.

A fishermen's cabin. Photo: Maarit Kyöstilä