What can one do in Tarvantovaara Wilderness Area?
Walk on Marked Trails
Tarvantovaara Wilderness Area is the ideal destination for experienced hikers looking for peace and quiet as well as unforgettable nature experiences. The wilderness area has marked trails as well as established tracks. When trekking in the wilderness area, even on marked trails, you should always carry a map and compass with you.
Go Canoeing and Rowing
Both the River Palojoki, which travels along the wilderness area's eastern boundary, and the River Tarvantojoki, which flows through the centre of the area, are good spots for beginners to canoe.
Go Bird Watching
The area has diverse natural features and for this reason a diverse assortment of bird species. The area is therefore a wonderful bird watching destination.
See the Nature Centre
Fell Lapland Visitor Centre provides information on the natural features of and hiking possibilities in the area. The centre of the municipality of Enontekiö, the village of Hetta, where the nature centre is, is located 20 km southeast of Tarvantovaara Wilderness Area.
Ski Cross-country off Trails
There are no maintained skiing trails in the wilderness area. There are a few old footpaths which can in winter be used for ski trekking or hiking in snow shoes. The track between the villages of Kultima and Leppäjärvi can also be used for winter wilderness treks. You can also ski along snowmobile tracks.
Go Fishing
There are plenty of rivers in Tarvantovaara Wilderness Area, which are in their natural state and have a diverse array of fish in them. The most common catches are the Grayling (Thymallus thymallus) and the Whitefish (Goregonus lavaretus), but Trout (Salmo trutta) is also quite common at some spots.
Hook-and-line -fishing and ice fishing are allowed in Tarvantovaara Wilderness Area. Hook-and-line fishing and ice fishing are forbidden in flowing waters. To fish in the wilderness area's multiple rivers you must have paid the fisheries management fee (eraluvat.fi) as well as have the Metsähallitus Karesuvanto-Hetta 1402 permit (eraluvat.fi).
To fish in the River Palojoki you must have paid the above mentioned fisheries management fee and the Metsähallitus angling permit 1440 Palojoki (eraluvat.fi). To fish in the River Hietajoki you must have paid the above mentioned fisheries management fee and the Metsähallitus angling permit 1436 Hietajoki (eraluvat.fi). Fishing permits are sold by Metsähallitus' online store (verkkokauppa.eraluvat.fi), Fell Lapland Visitor Centre or other Metsähallitus customer service points.
Fishers need to check the restrictions on fishing sites at kalastusrajoitus.fi (in Finnish).
Go Cycling
Mountain biking is permitted on the wilderness area's trails. A day trip by bike is a wonderful way to see the area. Read more information on mountain biking in Enontekiö (enontekiolapland.com).
Go Hunting
The Tarvantovaara wilderness area belongs to hunting area 1614 Hetta-Karesuvanto. Species that may be hunted mainly include willow grouse, hares and water fowl. Hunting permits can be bought from Metsähallitus' online store (verkkokauppa.eraluvat.fi) and at the Fell Lapland Visitor Centre.
A limited number of small game permits are sold each day. With these permits non-locals can hunt in the area. Reindeer husbandry is an important livelihood in the area, so the use of hounds is strictly forbidden even if you have a permit. In late winter those hunting with dogs must ask the reindeer herding groups where there herds are so the hunt can keep away from them.
Permanent residents of the municipalities of Enontekiö, Inari and Utsjoki have the right to hunt on state-owned lands in the municipality in which they reside. Locals also have the right to hunt the Willow Grouse (Lagopus lagopus) with traps. The Willow Grouse is still an important source of income for many families in the region.
Go Berry and Mushroom Picking
Picking berries and mushrooms is permitted in the area. Late July and early September is the best time to check out the cloudberries in the area's mires. In the south part of the area there are blueberries and lingonberries in the forests. Mushrooms are also found in these forests.
Go Snowmobiling
The Hetta-Kilpisjärvi snowmobile track runs, via Palojärvi, through Tarvantovaara Wilderness Area. The Syväjärvi-Kaaresuvanto snowmobile track turns off of the Hetta-Kilpisjärvi one. Snow mobile track permits (eraluvat.fi) for state-owned lands are subjected to a fee. Permits can be applied for electronically (eraluvat.fi). Read more about instructions and rules.