recommended route
Taivaan Tavoittelijan Taival Trail, Salla
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Iso-Pyhätunturi lookout towerPhoto: Harri Tarvainen, Metsähallitus
Climb to the lookout tower and enjoy superb fell top views of Salla National Park and across the border to Russia
Taivaan tavoittelijan taival trail leads hikers all the way up to the fell top through beautiful forests. When the hikers finally reach the bare, rocky and exposed fell top, the lookout tower of Iso Pyhätunturi fell offers great views of the wilderness with hills and fells, as well as Salla National Park. The old Sallatunturi fells (Sallatunturi, Välitunturi and Rohmoiva) on the Russian side of the border are particularly magnificent. The panoramic view also takes in the forests, lakes and small mires of Salla National Park.
Trail markings: Blue squares on trees, on the initial section red squares on trees
Recommended direction of travel: There and back, this is not a circle trail
Author’s recommendation
Climb to the top of the fell to marvel the midnight sun!
Track types
Safety information
Consider your skills and the weather conditions when choosing your route.
Follow the markings and signposts. Always keep a map and a phone with you.
The weather can change rapidly. Always prepare for cold and rain; you should be prepared for wintery conditions in spring and autumn even if the weather is warm when you set off.
Download the 112 Finland application free of charge and activate it before starting your hike. Remember that mobile phone batteries run down quickly in cold conditions.
Tips and hints
Read the instructions and rules for the national park at Nationalparks.fi/sallanp
Free trail map are available at Retkikartta.fi
For hiking instructions, rules and tips, go to Nationalparks.fi/hikinginfinland
Start
Destination
Turn-by-turn directions
After leaving the Pohjoisrinteet (Northern slopes) parking area, the trail initially follows the UKK trail marked with red squares for 250 metres. It crosses the boundary of Salla National Park slightly before coming to a power line and the first junction. Hikers should turn right at the junction and follow the trail marked with blue squares towards the top of Iso Pyhätunturi. The first section of the trail, which leads through an old mixed forest dominated by spruce trees, is surfaced with gravel and makes for easy walking. The trail becomes steeper and more challenging as it climbs higher, but steps make the going easier. Hikers finally reach the bare, rocky and exposed fell top. Hikers return the same way as they came.
The length of the trail in one direction is 1,9 km.
Note
Public transport
Public-transport-friendly
The nearest airports are at Kuusamo (1.5 h) and Rovaniemi (2 h). There are shuttle buses connecting Kuusamo Airport and Salla, which link with almost every flight.
The nearest railway station is in Kemijärvi (1 h). There is a bus to Salla, which is timed to connect with the night train, Mon-Sat.
Getting there
Salla National Park is located in Eastern Lapland, about 150 km from Rovaniemi and 65 km from Kemijärvi. The closest airport is in Rovaniemi and the closest railway station in Kemijärvi.Parking
Free parking near starting point.Coordinates
Author’s map recommendations
Book recommendations for this region:
Equipment
The best footwear for this trail are hiking shoes with firm ankle support. You should bring drinking water and foods that need not be cooked on a campfire. There is a viewing tower on the fell top but no campfire site, toilet or water supply point along the trail.
Statistics
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