In 2022, Salla National Park earned the title of a national park, becoming Finland’s newest and 41st national park. The park offers landscapes featuring ancient forests, rugged fells, and true wilderness stretching as far as the eye can see.
Sallatunturi consists of two peaks, previously known as Iso-Pyhรคtunturi and Pieni-Pyhรคtunturi. However, these names were changed in 2012 to avoid confusion with the nearby Pyhรคtunturi in Pelkosenniemi, slightly further north. The old names are still sometimes used, but the higher peak, formerly Iso-Pyhรคtunturi, is now called Northern Sallatunturi, standing at 478 meters.
When visiting Salla National Park, a stop at the Salla Visitor Center in the Salla Wilderness Park is highly recommended. The visitor center provides excellent tips on local attractions and trails, and features a fascinating, well-executed nature exhibition that showcases the region’s nature and history. This exhibition is sure to entertain everyone from toddlers to grandparents.
Salla offers a variety of hiking trails for both summer and winter. We hiked the “Taivaan Tavoittelijan Taival” (Sky Seeker’s Journey), which takes you through stunning scenery to the summit of Northern Sallatunturi.
Taivaan Tavoittelijan Taival – Northern Sallatunturi
Length: 4.6 km circular trail
Elevation gain: approx. 185 meters
Difficulty: Moderate
Highlights: Views of the Old Sallatunturi on the Russian side
Parking location: Easily accessible
Reaching for the Sky – In the Middle of Nowhere
The Taivaan Tavoittelijan Taival trail begins near the parking lot on Tunturikummuntie, right next to the information board, and is clearly marked throughout. Thereโs still plenty of outdated information online that describes the trail as an out-and-back route. While you can still hike it that way, the marked trail now forms a loop, which is definitely the recommended option.
The trail starts in a mountain forest, with an easy-to-walk path winding through it. The forest is beautifully open, allowing sunlight to filter through the trees, creating a bright and green atmosphere.
After the initial sandy path, the trail transitions onto duckboards and begins a gentle ascent. The trail is in excellent condition and a pleasure to walk. The incline is gradual and steady, with no steep sections along the wayโjust a slightly steeper set of stairs at the end of the climb, raising the trail’s difficulty from easy to moderate.
As the trail gradually ascends, the terrain becomes rockier, and the slope of the fell begins to emerge. At the same time, the view behind you starts to open up, with the undulating fells and endless forest stretching out to the horizon, offering a perfect spot to pause and take in the scenery.
The Worldโs Cleanest Air at the Top of Sallatunturi
The final climb to the summit of Sallatunturi is aided by sturdy, wide stairs, which even accommodate pets with a separate wooden walkway alongside the metal grates.
At the summit, you’ll find a lookout tower offering a 360-degree view of the surrounding fells, marsh patches nestled in the forests, and the endless wilderness. From here, you can also see the Old Salla, which ended up on the Russian side after the wars. The current town of Salla was established in its present location when residents from Old Salla relocated to the Finnish side. The Russian border is only about 15 kilometers away from the summit.
A sign in the lookout tower proudly declares that this is the place to find the worldโs cleanest air! So, take a deep breath, fill your lungs, and savor the serene surroundings.
The Return Journey with Views of Another Sallatunturi Peak
After enjoying the fresh air, itโs time to continue the journey. The return route descends toward the lower Sallatunturi peak, where the ski slopes are clearly visible on the rocky slopes. The trail initially winds down the slope before transitioning back onto duckboards.
Toward the end of the trail, you’ll pass through marshland as the duckboards guide you over a bog. The final stretch back to the parking lot follows a sandy road, with fells on both sides to marvel at.
A Hiking Trail for Everyone
The Taivaan Tavoittelijan Taival is an easy and excellent hiking trail suitable for everyone, from the youngest family members to the oldest. The stunning wilderness and fell landscapes make you feel like youโre truly, as Sallaโs slogan suggests, “in the middle of nowhere.”
“Salla – In the Middle of Nowhere”
Salla National Park is still relatively unknown, and there seemed to be few visitors in the area. You can still enjoy a peaceful hike here, and even though we visited during the peak holiday season in July, and this trail is likely one of the most popular in the area, we only encountered three other people on the trail.
If you’re looking to enjoy peace, wilderness, and pure air, Salla National Park is highly recommended!
