Instructions and Rules in Käsivarsi Wilderness Area

1.7.2021
The flood destroyed the Vuomakasjoki bridge on the Nordkalott Trail and a new one will be built in 2022. You have to wade across the Vuomakasjoki River.

Instructions on Exploring Käsivarsi Wilderness Area

Crossing Borders 

Snowmobiling in Enontekiö

Please keep in mind that snowmobiling is not an everyman's right. Leisure snowmobiling is only allowed on marked snowmobile routes and tracks, as well as on ice-covered waterways. In addition, there are more specific rules applying to protected areas.

You can head out along marked snowmobile tracks on your own or with a local safari service. Some of the tracks require you to purchase a permit, and some are free of charge. Please remember that it is not allowed to turn off the track without the landowner's permission!

The snowmobile tracks starting from the Hetta village are maintained by the municipality of Enontekiö. You do not need a permit to ride on them. The Victoria route, which runs along the border of Finland and Sweden from Muonio to Kilpisjärvi, is also free of charge.

For the snowmobile track leading from Palojärvi to Kilpisjärvi in the Käsivarsi Wilderness Area in Enontekiö, as well as for the Syväjärvi–Karesuvanto and Raittijärvi–Saarikoski tracks branching off the main track, you need to purchase a national off-road traffic permit from Metsähallitus (eraluvat.fi). In the Kilpisjärvi village area, snowmobile tracks are maintained by the Kilpisjärven ladut ry association, and a track maintenance fee must be paid online (kilpisjarvenladut.fi). 

Snowmobiling maps 

The tracks in the Enontekiö area can be found at Excursionmap.fi (excursionmap.fi).
The Kilpisjärvi–Palojärvi track subject to a national Metsähallitus permit fee as well as the Syväjärvi–Karesuvanto and Raittijärvi–Saarikoski branches:

Guidelines for Dog Sledding

It is allowed to use dog sleds in Käsivarsi Wilderness Area, but reindeer may not be disturbed. Do not stop the sled close to reindeer, not even to take a picture. Disturbing reindeer in late winter and during calving season may cause substantial harm and result in claims for compensation. For your own safety and to prevent disturbance of reindeer husbandry, you should only use marked trails. Remember to close the gates of the reindeer fences after you. Keep dogs always on a leash. 

Take all other people in consideration. Sled dogs are not allowed inside the huts. Sledding equipment may not be kept in the huts or in the sheds. The dogs must be kept on a leash at least 50 metres from the hut and the leash may not be secured to the walls of the sheds. Notice, that there are no trees around the huts to be used to tie dogs. The dishes provided in the hut may not be used for feeding the dogs.

To prevent the pollution of drinking water, make sure that the dogs are not lying on ice. The dog waste must be collected from the hut's surroundings. There may be a separate container for the waste. Do not put any other waste in the container. The dog bedding straw may not be left at the yard of the hut.  

  • You need a licence to operate a dog sledding business. 

Preparations

Mobile Phone Coverage

  • Although Finland has a broad network for mobile phones, there are some areas in the Käsivarsi Wilderness Area without signal. There may also be some smaller spots where there is interference. If this happens try to climb to a higher place or go into an open area. It may be worth removing the SIM card from your phone and then trying again to make emergency call. Different phones also differ in their coverage.
  • We recommend that you keep your mobile phone warm at all times and take along food and drink. Certain phone models do not work when the temperature falls below zero. You should therefore let someone know your planned route. To keep your mobile phone charged, bring along a spare power source, a spare battery or an old phone with a working battery.

Equipment and Safety

  • When wilderness trekking in Käsivarsi Wilderness Area you should always have a map, a compass and proper clothing, footwear and overnight gear depending on the length of your trek. Please note that weather conditions change very quickly and it can snow even in summer.
  • If you face an emergency on your hike, e.g. get lost, get injured or observe wildfire, call 112 and report an emergency. More information on how to act in an emergency.
  • Make sure you pack a first-aid kit.
  • Hiking in wilderness areas is more demanding than on marked trails. For this reason it is good to be an experienced hiker before attempting a wilderness trek.
  • Remember to leave your route plan and timetable for example at Kilpisjärvi Visitor Centre.
  • Hiking in Finland:

Peak Seasons

  • The most popular months for hiking are April and August. The most popular trail is Nordkalott Trail.

112 Suomi - mobile application

When an emergency call is being made through the 112 Suomi - mobile application (112.fi) the dispatcher will automatically receive the callers position. 

It is recommended to keep the mobile phone warm and to bring extra food and water with you. There are many excursion locations with no mobile coverage and some mobile phones does not work in sub-zero temperatures, that is why it is always a good idea to let someone know about your itinerary and timetable.

Outdoor Etiquette

1. Respect nature.

2. Mainly use marked trails.

3. Camp only where it is allowed.

4. Light your campfire only where it is allowed.

5. Do not litter.

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