Attractions in Kilpisjärvi

Saana - one of the most popular attractions of Kilpisjärvi Lapland pictured under midnight sun. A lady is sitting by at fell pond and admiring the view

The attractions of Kilpisjärvi offer unique experiences in the heart of Lapland’s most dramatic fell landscapes. The views from the summit of Saana Fell, the rare plants and butterfly species of Malla Strict Nature Reserve, the Three-Country Cairn, and the many hiking destinations make Kilpisjärvi one of Finland’s most diverse travel destinations year-round. On this page, you will find a curated overview of Kilpisjärvi’s most important sights, natural landmarks, and experiences – all easily accessible from the village and directly from Kilpisjärven Retkeilykeskus.

n Kilpisjärvi, Finland’s only true high fells, crystal-clear lakes, and wide-open landscapes create the perfect setting for unforgettable outdoor adventures. The area suits both those seeking peaceful nature experiences and those planning more demanding hikes. Many attractions, including destinations on the Norwegian side, can be reached as day trips, while the surrounding wilderness also invites longer expeditions. The changing seasons continually transform the scenery – from the bright spring snowfields to the midnight sun of summer and the glowing colors of autumn.

Kilpisjärvi Attractions

Saana 1029 m

Our iconic landmark, the Saana fell rising over a thousand metres above sea level, is a spectacular destination for hikers almost year-round. Saana’s scale, scenery, and atmosphere are hard to put into words – they must be experienced in person. When you stay at Kilpisjärven Retkeilykeskus, the trail to the summit starts right from our yard. You simply can’t stay any closer to Saana than this.

Three-Country Cairn

3 hours

11 km one-way

The world’s northernmost tri-border point is located in Kilpisjärvi. One of our most popular attractions draws visitors from around the globe to step effortlessly into three neighbouring countries in just seconds by walking around the shared border marker. The monument is accessible almost year-round – by boat, on foot, with snowshoes, or on skis.

Salmivaara 595 m

Salmivaara is an easily accessible hiking destination offering beautiful views over Lake Kilpisjärvi and the surrounding fells. The viewpoint can be reached with relatively little effort, making Salmivaara well suited for families with children. However, the route does include a short but fairly steep ascent, which is worth considering if mobility is limited.

Lake Tsahkaljärvi

Whole family

1 km one-way

Lean-to shelter

Tsahkaljärvi is a charming and easily accessible hiking destination, known for its peaceful atmosphere and postcard-worthy scenery. Along the trail you will encounter small, beautiful waterfalls, and at the lakeshore you’ll find a cozy lean-to shelter where you can light a fire and enjoy a well-earned break. Gentle terrain, open views, and the tranquil fell landscape make Tsahkaljärvi a wonderful year-round destination for visitors of all ages.

Lake Tsahkaljärvi

M/S Malla to Three-Country Cairn

In summer, M/S Malla boat departs from our shore and takes visitors to Koltalahti, from where it is a 3-kilometre walk along an easy trail to the Three-Country Cairn. The season begins after the ice melts and continues until the end of September. In most years, Lake Kilpisjärvi becomes ice-free around Midsummer. Tickets are purchased directly on board. The round trip takes approximately 3 hours in total, with the boat journeys lasting about 30 minutes each way.

M/S Malla home page

Malla Strict Nature Reserve

Stay on the trail

Whole family

Finland’s oldest nature reserve is located in Kilpisjärvi. The area has been protected since the early 1900s because of its exceptionally rare alpine plants and butterfly species. Much of the trail runs across an open, treeless highland plateau, offering wide, unobstructed views of the surrounding wilderness. The park’s most famous sights include the lovely Kitsiputous waterfall and the iconic Three-Country Cairn, where Finland, Sweden, and Norway meet.

Malla Strict Nature Reserve

Leutsuvaara 743 m

From the summit of Leutsuvaara, impressive views open toward Mount Pältsa in Sweden, whose peaks often remain snow-covered even in midsummer. The unmarked path to Leutsuvaara starts from Muotkatakka, the highest point on Finland’s road network. With a bit of luck, you may spot a rough-legged buzzard soaring above the fells along the ascent.

Leutsuvaara at Muotkatakka

Pikku-Malla 738 m

The distinctive profile of Pikku-Malla rising above Kilpisjärvi is familiar to many who have visited Saana. The trail to the summit begins at the parking area of the Malla Nature Reserve, and the hike is possible almost year-round – in winter, snowshoes are required. From the top, you are rewarded with beautiful views of Saana and Lake Kilpisjärvi, often from a fresh and unexpected angle.

Malla Strict Nature Reserve

Kitsiputous waterfall

5 km / one-way

3 - 5 hours

Stay on the trail

Finland’s longest chain of waterfalls is located in Kilpisjärvi, within the Malla Nature Reserve. Kitsiputous – also known as the Tears of Malla – is accessible year-round. The trail winds through the dramatic fell landscapes of the reserve and rewards hikers in every season. The starting point is at the Malla Nature Reserve parking area.

Malla Strict Nature Reserve

Barras 1419 m

7 - 9 hours

1350 m

Barras – also known as Paras or Parastinden – is one of the most distinctive mountains in the Kilpisjärvi landscape. From its summit, wide-ranging views stretch across the fells and wilderness, all the way into Sweden and toward Norway’s fjords. Barras can be reached on a day trip from Kilpisjärvi. The ascent is demanding, but the views from the top are well worth every step.

Find out more: Barras 1419 m

Saana Nature Trail

6 km

2 - 3 hours

Whole family

Saana’s nature trail runs mostly above the tree line between Saana and Korkea-Jehkas. The circular route is 6 kilometres long and can be started either from Kilpisjärven Retkeilykeskus or from the Malla Nature Reserve parking area. Along the way, information boards share fascinating facts about the area’s nature and history.

Trail stories: Saana Nature Trail

Midsummer Ski Event

This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience – while others celebrate Midsummer by the lakeside, in Kilpisjärvi we go skiing! Now held for the 81st time, this is the most joyful sporting event of midsummer. Come and experience the unforgettable atmosphere of this unique community gathering in the fells.

Midsummer Ski Event

Vain 2 kalaa – Ice Fishing Event

1. - 3.5.2026

This spring finale is well worth travelling for. Expect a relaxed atmosphere, impressive prizes, and live music. If the catch is not sufficient, the prizes will be raffled among all ticket holders. On each competition day, a free shuttle bus runs before and after the event between Kilpisjärven Retkeilykeskus and the competition area.

Vain 2 kalaa – Ice Fishing Event

The shores of the Arctic Ocean

40 minutes

Is a dip in the Arctic Ocean on your bucket list? From Kilpisjärvi, you can reach the crystal-clear shores of the Arctic Ocean in under an hour by car. The drive to the nearest coastal village is an experience in itself – over 50 kilometres, the road descends nearly 500 metres. Along the way, dwarf birches give way to coniferous forests, and reindeer by the roadside are replaced by grazing sheep. Once on the coast, keep your eyes open – you may spot porpoises breaking the surface, or even orcas offshore.

Blåisvatnet

May - November

150 km/one-way

4,5 km / one-way

Blåisvatnet is one of Northern Norway’s most striking natural sights – a lake formed by glacial meltwater, glowing an unreal turquoise amid dramatic mountains. Most of the route follows gently rising rocky terrain, crossing streams and meltwater flowing down from the fells. The uneven, stony ground is worth considering if you plan to bring a pet along.

Trail Stories: Blåisvatnet

Halti 1324 m

Finland’s highest point is located on the slopes of Halti, right on the border between Finland and Norway. Reaching Halti is not a quick outing – from the village of Kilpisjärvi, the journey is about 55 kilometres along the Nordkalott Trail. Summiting requires time, fitness, and careful planning. In late winter and spring, Halti can also be reached on a snowmobile safari or as a multi-day ski expedition, where the journey itself becomes just as memorable as the destination.

Halti in Summer & Winter

Lulledalen Nature Trail

3 kmk

May - November

35 km/one-way

On the 3 km Lulledalen nature trail, you can clearly see how quickly Kilpisjärvi’s rugged fell landscape transforms into something entirely different on the Norwegian side of the border: towering conifer forests rise high above, while protected lady’s slipper orchids bloom in the lush surroundings. The area offers free parking and a beautiful campfire site at the end of the trail. The starting point is located along the E8 highway, approximately 35 km from the Retkeilykeskus, on the right-hand side when driving from Kilpisjärvi towards Norway.