Instructions and Rules along Nordkalott Trail

Käsivarsi Wilderness Area

In Finland Nordkalott Trail leads through Käsivarsi Wilderness Area. Everyman's rights (ym.fi) are in effect in the wilderness area.

Restrictions in Malla Strict Nature Reserve

In Malla Strict Nature Reserve hikers must stay on the marked trail. Also other strict nature reserve rules must be followed. It is advisable to read through the regulations before entering the area.

Crossing Borders

Nordkalott Trail crosses over national borders at several points. Hikers should make sure that they are not carrying any items which you would need to declare in customs. Those wanting to take their dogs on their hike should contact Finnish Customs (tulli.fi) well in advance. Contact the Finnish Food Safety Authority (evira.fi) for information on mandatory vaccinations and certificates.

The use of Metsähallitus' services is subject to a fee for companies

If a travel company regularly takes its customers to destinations maintained by Metsähallitus, it is subject to a fee (metsa.fi). Fees are paid in advance via the Eräluvat.fi online store. Invoicing can be agreed with contract companies on a seasonal basis.

Preparations

Mobile Phone Coverage

• Although Finland has a broad network for mobile phones, there are some areas in the Nordkalott Trail 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.
  • Background information on how to act in case of an emergency.

Safety

• We recommend that you never set out on a trek alone. Please sign your name in the guest book at each wilderness hut and write an entry on your planned route and next destination. This way it will be easier to find you, if you lose your way.
• 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 Finland:
  • Outdoor etiquette
  • What to Pack
  • Safety

Equipment

When hiking Nordkalott Trail you should have a map, a compass and a good supply of food as the distances between etapes are long. You will also need sturdy hiking shoes and warm clothing. Make sure you pack a first-aid kit.

Weather conditions in the north wilderness tend to change suddenly and drastically. It may snow and be freezing cold during the middle of summer.

Although there are open wilderness huts along the trail, there is no guarantee that there will be space for you on them, especially during peak season. It is best to bring your own tent. A camping cooker is also necessary as many people can not cook in wilderness huts at the same time and there are no campfire sites on the trail between wilderness huts. For the most part Nordkalott Trail leads across treeless fells and there are e.g. no fallen branches to use as firewood.

• Hiking without Littering

Peak Seasons

The Finnish part of Nordkalott Trail is a summer hiking trail. The trail is snowfree most propably from July to mid September. The busiest hiking time is during August and September. During winter it is possible to ski from Kilpisjärvi to Halti fell, but there is no marked skiing trail between the two.