Challenging day trip destinations

Challenging day‑trip destinations

Nuolikirkko

Nuolikirkko is a remote and beautiful destination in Kelujärvi, about 30 kilometres from the centre of Sodankylä. It is an ancient sacred site and a small hill with a stunning open view from the top. At the foot of the hill there is a widened area where you can park your car. There is no official trail or visitor infrastructure. Move with care: the ascent to the summit is short but rocky and fairly steep. Please respect the tranquillity of this ancient sacred place as you explore the area. If the gravel road leading to the site is in poor condition, driving there is not recommended. See the site introduction here.

Nuolikuru Nature Trail

The Nuolikuru Nature Trail (map) runs along the slopes of Nuolivaara in Kelujärvi, a little over 30 kilometres from Sodankylä. At the start of the trail there is a rest spot with fireplaces. The gently rising path leads you on a few‑kilometre loop through the rugged wilderness landscapes of old forests. At the top of the hill you’ll find the boundary marker of Sodankylä, Pelkosenniemi and Savukoski. Bring a map and be careful: trail markings may be incomplete, and there is no mobile phone coverage in Nuolikuru. If the gravel road leading to the trailhead is in poor condition, driving there is not recommended. Read more here.

Oratunturi

Oratunturi rises along the Kemijärvi road and offers summer and autumn travellers incredible views just a 2‑kilometre walk from the parking area (map). The fell is very rocky, so hikers should be sure‑footed, unhurried and wearing sturdy footwear. Near the summit there is a lean‑to shelter maintained by Metsähallitus, also accessible via a snowmobile route. If the gravel road leading from the Kemijärvi road to the trailhead is in poor condition, driving there is not recommended. Read more and see photos here.

Hirviäkuru in Orajärvi

The route to Hirviäkuru in Orajärvi is easy to walk and less than a kilometre long, but being near the edge of the gorge requires extreme caution. The drop is high and vertical, and there are no safety railings. Parking area on the map.

Pyhä‑Nattanen

Pyhä‑Nattanen is reached via a 7‑kilometre loop trail in the Sompio Strict Nature Reserve. Along the route, at the foot of the fell, there is a lean‑to shelter and a fireplace. On the summit you’ll find the famous stone tors, the old fire guard’s hut, and unobstructed views in every direction. Note that fires are not permitted at the top. The most direct route to the summit begins here. Remember that the area is a strict nature reserve, so you must stay on the marked trail. Read more on Retkipaikka.

Sattasvaara

Sattasvaara is an ancient cone volcano and a truly peculiar sight. A paved road leads to the foot of the hill. Contrary to the signage in the terrain, we recommend ascending via the path that passes through the reindeer fence (map). The route is marked, and the distance to the summit is about 1.5 kilometres. The climb is steep, so choose sturdy footwear and remember to bring drinking water. The views from the top are unforgettable, and you can rest in the old fire guard’s hut. When passing through the gates in the reindeer fence, be sure to close them behind you. Explore Sattasvaara here.

Kaarestunturi

Kaarestunturi is a remote fell area that requires good physical condition and wilderness skills. The area has an old, unmaintained trail network (map) as well as a lean‑to shelter and an open wilderness hut maintained by Metsähallitus. A map, a compass, and the ability to use them are essential — with those, along with drinking water and proper gear, you can enjoy Kaarestunturi even as a weekend trekking destination. Tikkalaki can also be reached as a day trip, but the total distance there and back is about 10 kilometres. Read more here.

Pittiövaara

Pittiövaara is a rocky hill covered in old‑growth forest west of Sodankylä. From the summit you’ll find beautiful long‑distance views; for example, Kumpu and Pyhätunturi can be seen from different sides of the hilltop. The special feature of Pittiövaara is its enormous gorge, and moving near it requires extreme caution. We recommend this destination only for very experienced hikers. Parking area on the map. There are no structures, no trail, and no trail markings in the area. Read more.