Kilpisjärvi Science Trail

Welcome to Kilpisjärvi

Welcome to Finland's most mountainous scenery, to calming and endless wilderness, to vivid and rare animal and plant life, and to the land of reindeer. The fingertip of Finland's wild northwestern arm - Kilpisjärvi — has all the ingredients for making your trip unforgettable. So, tie your hiking boots — you are in for a treat!

  • <p>View of Malla, lake Kilpisjärvi and Norwegian mountains in the distance taken from Saana fell.</p> <p>View of Malla, lake Kilpisjärvi and Norwegian mountains in the distance, taken from Saana fell.</p>
  • <p>Dwarf birch in autumn colors.</p> <p>Dwarf birch in autumn colors.</p>
  • <p>A reindeer grazing in Kilpisjärvi mountain birch forest.</p> <p>A reindeer grazing in Kilpisjärvi mountain birch forest.</p>
  • <p>Aurora over Lake Kilpisjärvi and Malla fell.</p> <p>Aurora over Lake Kilpisjärvi and Malla fell.</p>
  • <p>Rock ptarmigan in winter plumage.</p> <p>Rock ptarmigan in winter plumage.</p>
  • <p>The beautiful colours of sunrise and sunset are caused by a scattering of sunlight by atmospheric aerosol particles.</p> <p>Sunset in Kilpisjärvi.</p>

Amazing scenery & science

This toure guide takes you through an old mountain birch forest, past a waterfall, and alongside beautiful clear lakes to the top of fells — including Finland’s most recognizable fell — Saana. Along the stony paths, you will discover curious facts about the environment that you are walking in. For example, you will learn that — right at this moment — you are breathing in some of the cleanest air in the world, and you will find out how much you can enhance your life expectancy by extending your stay at Kilpisjärvi. You will also understand how the smell of the mountain birch forest can form clouds and how reindeer grazing protects arctic and alpine plants — which of course sounds a bit odd, as the reindeers …well…eat plants. We will show you how Kilpisjärvi looked thousands of years ago, give you a glimpse of how the water of Lake Kilpisjärvi moves under ice, and much more! Hop on this exciting learning experience and expand your mind — we are delighted to have you here!

Want more?

Visit our Kilpisjärvi Science Trails website to learn more. On our website, you will find, for example, materials for deepening your understanding, our podcast, and get to know the scientists who made the discoveries presented in this app.

Science Trails on map