Northern Lapland
Region
Municipality of Enontekiö
(www.enontekio.fi)
Area 31 km², established in 1938.
The area is managed by
Metsähallitus.
Malla Strict Nature Reserve is located at Kilpisjärvi
in the municipality of Enontekiö, in the remotest corner of the Käsivarsi region
in northwestern Lapland, by the Scandinavian Mountains. The Malla Fells rise
directly from the shore of Lake Kilpisjärvi. This group of fells was first
protected as early as 1916 when Finland was still under Russian rule. The area
became a strict nature reserve in the young independent Finland in 1938. Malla
Strict Nature Reserve is unique due to the region’s young geology and the
calciferous soil that produces rare species of fell plants.
Recreational use of strict nature reserves is restricted to ensure protection
for the area, but the natural wonders of Malla can be admired by following a
marked hiking trail in the summer. In wintertime, cross-country skiing is
allowed anywhere in the area. There is a route over the Malla Fells from the
village of Kilpisjärvi to the Three Nations’ Border Point, where the borders of
Finland, Norway and Sweden meet. This route forms part of the 800-km-long
Nordkalottleden Trail that comes all the way from Kvikkjokk, Sweden, winds
through Kilpisjärvi past Halti Fell, and ends at Kautokeino, Norway.
The
Kilpisjärvi region has the highest fells in Finland, and its weather conditions
are arctic all year round. The fells in Yliperä attract hikers, fishermen and
cross-country skiers alike, but beginners should not venture out into the
wilderness, at least not alone or poorly equipped. Today, the services in the
village of Kilpisjärvi are good, and even a day trip in the vicinity offers
excellent opportunities for awesome experiences. In wintertime, the Kilpisjärvi
region is especially popular among Norwegian tourists, besides the Finnish
ones.
