Härkävaara Open Wilderness Hut

Open wilderness hut for 10 persons. The sauna is in a separate building. A new stove has been installed and the sauna is in normal use again (2.4.2024).  

Suitable for overnight stays for hikers with good navigation skills. The hut is located in the Urho Kekkonen National Park's wilderness zone, which has no marked trails. The nearest shops and restaurants are located in Sodankylä and in Savukoski. 

Location

Facilities

  • A sleeping platform, a table, and benches.
  • A wood-burning stove and a gas cooker.
  • There is a smoke alarm in the hut, but we recommend bringing your own device with you. 
  • A campfire site, a dry toilet and a woodshed.
  • Take own candles, toilet paper and headlamp with you.
  • Household water is taken from the river Peskihaara.

Notices

  • There is bridge by the River Nuorttijoki at Kolsankoski.
  • The sauna is available for use by all hikers, so you should be considerate of others and not stay too long in the sauna.During peak seasons you should agree bathing times with other hikers, for example, take turns between men and women at alternate hours.
  • You can camp by the campfire sites.
  • There are no accessible services in the hut.
  • The route includes some river crossings. There are bridges by the River Suomujoki at Aitaoja, Kotaköngäs, and Porttikoski, by the River Luttojoki at Raja-Jooseppi, and by the River Kopsusjoki at Orponen. 
  • Please note that it takes some time before the hut is properly warm.
  • When leaving the hut, remember that it has to be clean and ready for the next customers.
  • Make sure you pack a first-aid kit.
  • Pets are permitted in the hut, but only in case that other visitors agree with it.
  • Metsähallitus follows the principles of litter-free hiking. Visitors are adviced to bring their own waste out of the area. Read more about Hiking Without Littering.
  • Safety on hiking.

Maintenance and Management

Guidelines on Using Open Wilderness Huts

Read Guidelines on Using Open Wilderness Huts.