Malla Strict Nature Reserve and Kitsiputous Waterfall

You can easily explore the Malla Strict Nature Reserve by following the trail that starts right from our yard – the distance to the beginning of the reserve is just two kilometers. In summer, you can also hop on the Malla boat from our shore, which takes you to Koltalahti at the far end of the reserve.

The special features of Malla

The nature of Malla is a true treasure trove of Arctic fell landscapes. What makes the reserve exceptional is its limestone-rich soil, which enables a uniquely diverse fell flora – some species found here grow nowhere else in Finland. Among the fell tops and steep slopes you will find plants such as glacier buttercup, Lapland rhododendron, arnica, and Arctic gentian.

The reserve is also home to typical northern wildlife and bird species, and its biodiversity is shaped by Arctic climate conditions and long snow-covered seasons. Malla’s nature is both fragile and unique, which is why visitors are required to stay on marked trails and treat the environment with respect.

The varied fell terrain is best suited for hikers in good basic condition who are comfortable with ascents and descents.

Access and rules within the reserve

During the snow-covered season, the area may be explored freely on skis or snowshoes. In summer, movement is restricted to the trail that runs through the reserve. All travel is by muscle power only – motorized vehicles are not allowed, nor are berry picking, fishing, or hunting. These rules protect the area’s natural state and sensitive ecosystems.

Hiking structures are concentrated around Lake Kuohkimajärvi, where both an open wilderness hut and a reservable hut are located. Camping and making fires are permitted only in the immediate vicinity of these facilities.

The parking area and trailhead for Malla are located about 1.5 km north of Kilpisjärven Retkeilykeskus. You can also walk there directly from us along a marked path.

Summit of Pikku-Malla

Along the main trail through the reserve, you can make a short detour to the summit of Pikku-Malla. From the rocky top, you are rewarded with beautiful views over Lake Kilpisjärvi and toward Saana Fell.
The distance from the main trail to the summit is about one kilometer each way. The path climbs gently and is not demanding, making it suitable for most hikers. The trail to the summit is clearly marked and begins beside a large split boulder.

Koltalahti and the Three Nation's

One of the most popular day trips in Kilpisjärvi is to take the boat one way to Koltalahti and hike back. The return walk to the Kilpisjärven Retkeilykeskus is about 15 km and takes roughly six hours. Along the way, you will enjoy rolling fell landscapes, encounter extremely rare Arctic plants, and experience a comprehensive cross-section of the entire Malla reserve and the biodiversity of the Käsivarsi region.

Naturally, you will also stop at the Three-Country Cairn, where you can say you have visited both Sweden and Norway during your hike.

Kitsiputous – “Malla’s Tears”

The most spectacular sight along the route lies halfway between the Malla parking area and the Three-Country Cairn. Kitsiputous, also known as Malla’s Tears, is an impressive waterfall in every season. In autumn 2018, the waterfall’s height was finally measured accurately: over a distance of 400 meters, the water descends a total of 118 meters. This makes Malla’s Tears the highest series of waterfalls in Finland. The area around Kitsiputous also contains the most challenging rocky section of the trail.

Read more about the Malla Strict Nature Reserve and its most famous attraction, the Three-Country Cairn.