Highlights
- Cross the protected Malla Strict Nature Reserve
- Hike to and across the three-nations border
- Climb above the Isdalen Valley for panoramic views
- Relax in a sauna in the middle of the wilderness
Brief Itinerary
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrival and briefing | Kilpisjärvi |
| Day 2 | The three nations' border | Goldahytta |
| Day 3 | Open valleys and river gorges | Gappohytta Cabin |
| Day 4 | Breathtaking landscapes at the Isdalen Valley | Rostahytta Cabin |
| Day 5 | A sauna in the wild | Pältsastugan |
| Day 6 | Views of the sacred mountain | Kilpisjärvi |
| Day 7 | Departure |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Welcome to Finland!
Your Scandinavian adventure starts with a scenic 2.5-hour drive from stunning Tromsø, Norway - known for its beautiful cathedral and ancient timbered houses - to Kilpisjärvi, Finland, a tiny village on a mountain lake. Settle into your room and then meet your guide for dinner and to go over the week's itinerary, safety equipment, and route. If you find yourself with time to kill, Tsahkaljoki Falls is just a short hike away and the Litto Mire Reserve, where frost and bog meet, is just a short drive.
Day 2: The three nations' border
Lace up those hiking boots and hit the trails for your first day of trekking. Start in the protected Malle Strict Nature Reserve, where young geology, calciferous soil, and rare plants offer a unique backdrop. Stay on the trail - the reserve is delicate - and keep your camera handy as you make your way to the three nations' border stone (also known as the Three-Country Cairn) and continue through to Norway. Overnight in Goldahytta, where a warm, rustic mountain cabin awaits.
Day 3: Norway's open valleys and river gorges
Keep west as the trail ambles around peaceful Lake Goldajärvi and climbs onto the fells for an unspoiled view of Mount Paras - which legend says is really a giant turned to stone by the evil forces of the north. If the weather's good, pause to check out at least one of the scenic river gorges (shaped over thousands of years) for a rest and some photography. Then continue on to the Gappohytta Cabin, arriving well before dinner for a lovely, scenic, relaxing evening.
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Day 4: Breathtaking landscapes at the Isdalen Valley
Get ready for your longest trek of the week: a slow, sweepingly beautiful climb to the Isdalen Valley mountain pass. Today's landscape features steep-sided cliffs, snowy valleys, and mountain streams at every turn. At the pass, vast views await. And as you make your way downhill, the rocky terrain disappears, replaced with open, grassy plains. Overnight at the idyllic Rostahytta Cabin, flanked by jagged peaks, expansive valleys, and a meandering river.
Day 5: A sauna in the wild
Today's trek is a less challenging one. Make your way over the open plains, soaking in the vastness of the northern landscape - once covered in ice and now a rich green, brown, and gray as far as the eye can see. As you descend toward your hut, imposing Mount Pältsan slides into view. Overnight at Pältsastugan - a massive mountain hut with a spacious kitchen, plenty of beds, and even its own sauna.
Day 6: Hike toward sacred Mount Saana
On your final hiking day, climb back into the fells, through stark, treeless open tundra, toward Lake Kilpisjärvi. As you approach your destination, the curved peak of Mount Saana - a mountain sacred to the local Sami people - comes into view across the lake. Board the Malla Boat for a trip back across the lake and to Kilpisjärvi.
Day 7: Return to Tromsø
Bid the snow-capped peaks, deep blue mountain lakes, and giant-sized legends farewell as you depart the Scandinavian backcountry for Tromsø to catch your flight. If you have a little extra time, Tromsø is home to a famously beautiful cathedral, a collection of centuries-old timbered houses, and a crystalline ice hotel. Whale watching excursions, fjord tours, and trips to the northern polar park are also available.
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