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Iso-Pyhätunturi Observation TowerPhoto: Harri Tarvainen, Metsähallitus
From the summit, you can see the most magnificent views of Salla National Park and all the way to Russia.
The Sky-Seeker's Path leads the traveler through beautiful mixed spruce forests and up the fell slope to the summit. At the summit, you face a more rugged, rocky, and bare fell peak. From the observation tower on Iso Pyhätunturi's summit, you can admire charming distant views of the surrounding fell and hill nature and Salla National Park. The old Sallatunturit fells—Sallatunturi, Väliunturi, and Rohmoiva—on the Russian side are especially prominent. The forests, lakes, and small mires of Salla National Park also extend before you. Walking in the fell is made easier by gravelled and boardwalk sections and stairs at the steepest parts.
Route markings: Blue squares on trees, with red squares at the beginning.
Author’s recommendation
Climb up to admire the sunset on the fell summit!
Derived from the technical difficulty and the stamina requirements.
Track types
Safety information
Choose your route considering your fitness, skills, and conditions.
Follow the signs and markings, and always carry a map and phone with you.
Prepare for weather changes, cold, and rain; in spring and autumn even winter conditions, despite warm weather at departure.
Phone reception may be poor in some places. Download and activate the free 112 Finland app on your phone before heading out. Note that the battery drains quickly in the cold.
Tips and suggestions
Explore the nature reserve’s guidelines and rules at www.luontoon.fi/salla
Free hiking map at www.retkikartta.fi/
Hiking instructions, rules, and tips at www.luontoon.fi/retkeilynabc
Roadbook
The route begins at the North Slopes parking area, following the first 250 meters along the UKK route marked with red squares. The border of Salla National Park is crossed just before the power line and the first intersection. At the intersection, turn right and continue on the route marked with blue squares towards the summit of Iso Pyhätunturi. The initial gravel section of the route up to the first boardwalks is easy to walk and passes through an old mixed forest dominated by spruce.
After the boardwalks, the gravel path continues narrower and winding with occasional stones on the route. As you climb higher, the route becomes steeper. Boardwalks and stairs make walking easier, and the sections between them are gravelled. After the first stairs, on the left slightly off the route, there is a viewpoint platform. The second set of stairs is longer and has a viewpoint platform halfway. At the top of the fell, you are met by a rugged, rocky and bare fell summit. A narrow gravel path continues to the observation tower located at the summit. There is sensitive fell vegetation at the summit, so it is recommended to stay on the marked path.
From the tower on top of Iso Pyhätunturi, you can enjoy magnificent views of the surrounding fell and hill nature as well as Salla National Park. The old Sallatunturit fells on the Russian side are especially impressive. From the summit, you can also see views to the north over commercial forests. Return to the starting point by the same route. There are no toilets or campfire sites at the summit.
Public transport
Public-transport-friendly
The nearest airports are Kuusamo (1.5 hours) and Rovaniemi (2 hours). Airport bus transfers run from Kuusamo to Salla from nearly every flight.
The nearest railway station is in Kemijärvi (1 hour). There is a bus connection from the night train to Salla Monday to Saturday.
Directions
The Salla Fell Nature Reserve is located in Eastern Lapland, approximately 150 km from Rovaniemi to Salla and about 65 km from Kemijärvi to Salla. The nearest airport is located in Rovaniemi and the railway station in Kemijärvi.Parking
Free parking at the North Slopes parking lot.Coordinates
Author’s map recommendations
Equipment
The most recommended footwear for this route is hiking boots with good ankle support. It is advisable to bring food that does not require cooking over a campfire and drinking water. There is an observation tower at the fell summit, but there are no campfire sites, toilets, or water points along the route.
Localization
Derived from the technical difficulty and the stamina requirements.
User Questions