Hiking on Sallatunturi

Salla is a paradise for hikers and trekkers, where untouched nature begins right on your doorstep. Head towards the peak of Sallatunturi, where endless wilderness landscapes unfold before your eyes. The area’s trail network offers options from short, day-long circular routes (like the atmospheric Ämmin polku) to the more demanding Taivaan tavoittelijan taival trail. We can provide you with the best maps, up-to-date information on trail conditions, and tips for the best rest stops and lean-to shelters where you can crown your trip with some campfire coffee.

Salla’s nature offers hikers the chance to enjoy fell landscapes, lush riverbanks, and vast forests. There are over 300 km of hiking and walking trails in the Salla municipality, including the UKK-reitti which passes through Salla. You don’t have to complete all routes; you can also walk sections of them. Some routes are circular, while others are out-and-back.

Each trail has its own story and secrets, which you can explore online beforehand and immerse yourself in while hiking.

For families with children, we recommend, for example:

• The route around Keselmäjärvi, which can even be done with a pram.
• Ämmin polku, where you can even bring your own ‘ämmi’ (grandma) along.
• Salmijoen kuru (you can drive to within 800m of the gorge via the Kemijärvi road/Rojula road).
• Karhutunturi hiking trail, which offers spectacular views of the North Salla wilderness.

For a day trip, we recommend, for example:

• The Sky Seeker’s Trail climbing to the top of Sallatunturi
• Kaunisharju Loop around the Ski Centre and Kaunisharju area.
• The Pahakuru Loop around the Sallatunturi fells
• The path climbing high into the magnificent landscapes of Ruuhitunturi.
• The Canyon Peek located in Oulanka National Park

For multi-day hikes, we recommend:

• Topsakantaival from Karhunkierros Nature Centre (Hautajärvi) to Sallatunturi
• Tuntsa Trail following in the footsteps of A.E. Järvinen
• Keroharju Trail in Oulanka National Park
• And of course, the famous Karhunkierros

More information about the trails:

The Salla hiking and walking trails have undergone an official outdoor trail classification, where routes are categorised as easy, moderately challenging, or challenging based on factors such as terrain elevation differences, ground surface, and trail markings. Difficulty levels and marking symbols:

Download the hiking and cycling trail map for the Salla area from the Visit Salla website.

It is advisable to acquire a proper map of the area. The routes in the Sallatunturi and Salla village areas can be found on a separate hiking map, and other routes on the Salla outdoor and recreation map. Both maps are available for purchase at tourist information, accommodation receptions, and Salla Reindeer Park, among other places.

You can easily find Salla’s hiking trails on your phone using the Outdoor Active service and its iOS or Android apps. Outdoor Active is a versatile application that allows you to find Salla’s cross-country skiing, hiking, and cycling trails, as well as interesting sights and rest stops, all in one place. The Outdoor Active service can also be used via a mobile-optimised app (iOS or Android), which then operates with a continuous internet connection. The Outdoor Active app brings together all essential information about the routes, including their descriptions, route profiles and difficulty levels, lengths, durations, and photos.

Salla is known for its wilderness, and an internet connection is generally not available in the terrain. Therefore, always ensure the safety of your trip by preparing appropriately (bring snacks, drinks, warm clothing, and necessary first aid supplies, and download the 112 app to your phone for emergencies), choosing a route according to your skill level, and taking a paper map and compass with you for longer treks.

Ask about guided trips: ski@salla.fi or +358 16 837 711