Kilpisjärvi

Understand

The village lies by the lake Kilpisjärvi, from which it got its name. The mighty fell Saana right next to the village is the only fell in Finland that is over 1000 m high and not located in the nearby Käsivarsi Wilderness Area.

Climate Kilpisjärvi is one of the coldest inhabited places in Finland (and Europe), with an average temperature somewhat beneath freezing. Average temperature in January is 14 °C (57 °F) and in July 11 °C (52 °F). There is polar night (i.e. just twilight at midday) for nearly two months in midwinter and corresponding midnight sun most of the summer. The record official snow depth in Finland, 1.9 meters, has been measured at the Kilpisjärvi weather station. The snow in the fell birch forests usually melts in early June, the ice on the lake just before Midsummer. First snow usually falls in late September. Due to harsh climate, mosquitoes are much less abundant here than elsewhere in Lapland.

History The old Finnish bedrock meets the younger Scandinavian mountains in the area, which makes it geologically interesting. The soil is calcareous especially on the Malla fell, which belongs to Malla Strict Nature Reserve because of its exceptional nature. There are several rare species of plants and insects that cannot be found anywhere else in Finland. Pieces of earthenware from 4500 BC have been found by the lake. There are signs of buildings by Saana from the 16th century, when traders stopped here on their way to the market in the village Skibotn by the Arctic Sea, through a mountain pass in the north. In the 17th century large scale reindeer husbandry was introduced in the area. Finns settled in the beginning of the 20th century. The guesthouse Siilastupa opened in 1916. The village proper is the result of the road being built in 1941, with customs and border guard station. There has been a shop since 1978 and the village was connected to the electricity grid in 1981. The last fights of the Lapland War were fought here on 25 April 1945. Ther

Getting there

While Kilpisjärvi lies by the borders to Norway and Sweden, there is just one road to get in by: European route E8 from the rest of Finland via Kilpisjärvi to E6, with junction by Skibotn on the Norwegian coast. Other options are more or less limited to long-distance trekking (there are popular trails around), snowmobile, or seaplane. Note the timezone difference if coming from Norway or Sweden.

1 Kilpisjärvi customs (Tulli), Käsivarrentie 14942 (700m north from starting point of the Malla/tripoint route), ☏ +358 29-552-7007. 24 hours daily. The Finnish customs acts also on behalf of Norway. (updated May 2015)

By car Kilpisjärvi is on the E8, which leads along the Finnish coast and then along the border to Sweden, passing by several border crossings (bridges), among them the one on European route E45 at Karesuando/Kaaresuvanto, passes through Kilpisjärvi and meets European route E6 in Skibotn in Norway 50 km to the west of Kilpisjärvi and continues to Tromsø. From Helsinki, take E75 to Oulu and continue by E8. In winter the mountain pass between Finland and the Norwegian coast may be closed temporarily, or traffic might be let through in single-lane convoys (kolonnekørning). From the western Finnmark of Norway, E45 leads to E8 via Kautokeino and the border station of Kivilompolo (near Hetta). The E8 is at high altitude also coming from Finland – the Muotkatakka mountain pass is the highest point of any public road in Finland – so you should be prepared for wintry conditions much of the year.

By plane The nearest airports are in Tromsø and Hetta (the main village of Enontekiö). Kittilä quite a bit farther is a commonly used alternative. Also Rovaniemi and Kiruna are options. There are no regular flights to Hetta. Transfer from Kittilä to Kilpisjärvi is possible as pre-booked taxi (Kilpisjärvi Taxi; €50, +€5 for toboggan or sledge. The coach from Rovaniemi also passes by Kittilä airport, but check timetables, including the possible change of coaches at Palojoen

Getting around

The village is built along E8 (here called Käsivarrentie) over a distance of several kilometres, with a significant gap between the north-west and south-east concentrations. Check that your accommodation is reasonably close to the services you need. There are no other significant roads. In summer one can move by foot or bike, in winter by ski. The long distance buses can be used when they happen to pass. Boats and snowmobiles are available for rent (with and without driver/guide) and there is a boat connection over the lake towards the tripoint thrice daily in season (some departures can be inhibited if demand is low, check your return). There is a snowmobile track network maintained by the tourist businesses available for a fee. The main tracks in the wilderness area are maintained by Metsähallitus and have a separate fee. Snowmobiling along waterways and the Victorialeden is free, mind ice safety. When using trails and tracks some distance from the village, note that they often cross the border. This is usually no problem, but if you have a dog or goods that should be declared at customs, check the rules and keep them in mind.

Kilpisjärven Taksi, ☏ +358 400-138-262. Taxi, also minivans, trailers and bus available. Guided tours to Norway. Polar Lento Oy, ☏ +358 400-396-087, [email protected]. Seaplane.

See

1 Saana. Probably the most well-known mountain in Finland. A 4-km trail and the longest stairs in Finland take you to the very top of the 1000-metre Arctic hill with a weird shape. The stairs were completely renovated in 2019 and follow less steep a path than the ones before. Coming down is hard on your ankles, turn back in time if you feel you might not make it. Incredible views from the top. 2 Kilpisjärvi Nature Centre (Kilpisjärven luontokeskus), Käsivarrentie 14145, ☏ +358 20-639-7990, [email protected]. Mar–Apr some days a week 10:00–16:00, closed off season. Information on the wilderness area, the Saana fell and the Malla nature reserve by the tripoint. Maps (also for nearby areas in Norway and Sweden), fishing permits, snowmobile track permits, reservation and key of reservation huts, information on available service in the region and general advice. Exhibition about local nature and culture. Short audiovisual slide shows. Local handicrafts, products, books and souvenirs for sale. Children’s play corner. Free Wi-Fi. Accessible by wheelchair. Free. (updated Apr 2024) 1 Kilpisjärvi Biological Station, Käsivarrentie 14622, ☏ +358 29-414-0340, [email protected]. Research station of the University of Helsinki, founded 1964. 3 Tsahkaljoki Falls. Series of small waterfalls in Tsahkaljoki river (Sámi: Čáhkáljohka). Along a 2 km trail starting from Hotel Kilpis. Lean-to shelter and campfire site near the falls. 4 Kitsusjoki Falls. also known as the Tears of Malla. Narrow and very long waterfall cascade in the small Kitsusjoki river (Sámi: Gihcijohka). Well visible from the trail through the Malla Strict Nature Reserve. Remember