Reitti ja lähtöpiste

The starting point of the Tsahkaljärvi trail is at the Kilpisjärvi Visitor Centre, where you can park your car. A clearly marked, gravelled path leads about one kilometre uphill through mountain birch forest to Tsahkaljärvi. The return route follows the opposite bank of the Tsahkal River down to K-Market Kilpishalli, from where it is easy to walk back to the Nature Centre along the sidewalk. The full circular route is approximately three kilometres long.

Services

By the lakeshore, you’ll find an open lean-to shelter for everyone to use, as well as a dry toilet. There is no waste service along the trail, so please carry all your rubbish back with you.

Lake Tsahkaljärvi in the Winter

In winter, Tsahkaljärvi can be reached from the Kilpisjärvi Visitor Centre by following the snowmobile trail. When using this route, it is important to give way to snowmobiles and keep to the side of the track. The return route along the opposite bank of the Tsahkal River toward K-Market is often packed into a firm path, but depending on snow conditions, snowshoes may still be needed. Alternatively, you can return the same way along the snowmobile trail back to the Nature Centre.

Lake Tsahkaljärvi in the Summer

In summer, Tsahkaljärvi can be reached and returned from via a gravel path. The route begins at the parking area of the Kilpisjärvi Nature Centre and returns to Kilpishalli. From there, you can easily walk back along the sidewalk to the Nature Centre parking area – a distance of about one kilometre. The circular route can be completed in either direction.

Tips

• Tsahkaljärvi is a particularly popular spot for photographing the Northern Lights in autumn. On dark, calm evenings, the aurora often reflects beautifully on the open surface of the lake, with Saana rising in the background and adding depth to the scene. Remember to bring a headlamp!
• Despite the short distance, Tsahkaljärvi easily becomes a half-day outing. Bring some snacks and enjoy them at the lean-to shelter. From the lakeshore, you can watch waterfowl on the lake and reindeer often roaming nearby – not to mention the much-photographed old wooden boat resting by the shore.
• You can extend your hike by continuing from Tsahkaljärvi along the summer trail toward the southern end of Saana. From there, you may continue on to Saanajärvi or return back to the village. The section between Tsahkaljärvi and Saana is especially beautiful, offering peaceful surroundings and lovely views along the way.
• Read more about a winter adventure with children in our hiking stories: A Polar Night Trip to the Tsahkal Lean-To!