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Salla National Park: A Highland Wilderness

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Explore Finland's newest national park in Lapland: ancient forests, fell landscapes, and Arctic wilderness await in Salla National Park.

Salla National Park, established in 2022, is Finland's newest national park, offering a pristine wilderness experience in the eastern Lapland region. Characterized by old-growth forests, mires, fells, and ridges shaped by the Ice Age, the park provides a haven for hikers and nature enthusiasts.

A brief summary to Salla National Park

Eve
From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Salla National Park.

  • Visit the Salla Visitor Centre for information on trails, park rules, and the area's natural and cultural history.
  • Be prepared for varying weather conditions, especially during the shoulder seasons. Pack layers and check the forecast before heading out.
  • Bring your own waste bags as there are no waste bins in the park. Practice Leave No Trace principles.
  • A border zone permit is required to access the eastern part of the national park.
  • Early summer offers the midnight sun, while autumn provides opportunities to witness the Northern Lights.

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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From Kemijärvi train station, take a bus towards Salla. The bus stop at Sallatunturi is located between Salla and Kuusamo. From the bus stop, follow the signs to the Salla National Park visitor center or trailheads. Bus fare is approximately €10-€20.

  • Walking

    From the Salla Visitor Centre, various trails are easily accessible on foot. Follow the marked paths to reach the desired trailheads. The Pahakuru Trail is approximately 3km from the Visitor Center. Walking is free.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are available in Salla. A taxi from Salla village to the Salla National Park Visitor Centre or Sallatunturi area costs approximately €20-€30. Contact Kotikylän Palvelut Salla Oy at +358 (0)50 550 5311.

Discover more about Salla National Park

Salla National Park, inaugurated in 2022, encompasses 99.83 square kilometers of Finland's eastern Lapland. This park showcases a diverse landscape sculpted by glacial activity, featuring ancient forests, expansive mires, and prominent fells offering views stretching into Russia.The park's history extends back to prehistoric times, with evidence of early human settlements along its waterways. The area was also heavily impacted during the Winter and Continuation Wars of the 20th century. Today, Salla National Park serves as a sanctuary for various plant and animal species, including the emblem species, the capercaillie. Hiking trails wind through the park, providing access to natural landmarks and panoramic viewpoints.Visitors can explore several marked trails, including the popular Pahakuru Trail, which loops around the Sallatunturi fells and passes through the steep Pahanojankuru gorge. The Kaunisharju Trail offers a less challenging route through old-growth forests and past the Arctic Phenomena Observation Point. The Salla Visitor Centre, located in Salla Wilderness Park, provides information about the park's natural and cultural history, as well as tips for hiking and exploring the area.

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