Free time activities

The Kilpisjärvi Science Trails are digitally guided routes that can be followed through a mobile app on four popular hiking trails in Kilpisjärvi: the Saana, Lake Saanajärvi, Lake Tsahkaljärvi and Salmivaara routes. The mobile app uses your phone’s GPS system, so you will receive notifications when you arrive at stops on the trails. The science trails include 35 stops with content written by 16 specialists from different disciplines. The content primarily represents the natural sciences, but also includes history, archaeology and the arts. The app content is available in Finnish, Swedish and English, including in the audio. You can also explore the content in your browser.

Further information about the Kilpisjärvi Science Trails and the free science trail app.

Visitors can find many hiking trails in the vicinity of Kilpisjärvi Biological Station. The longest trail is known as the Arctic Trail or the Nordkalott Trail (800 km), with sections in Norway and Sweden. The trail is accessible from Kilpisjärvi Holiday Village and Camping and the village of Kilpisjärvi. You can take the trail to the Käsivarsi Wilderness Area and the Malla Strict Nature Reserve. Kilpisjärvi Holiday Village and Camping is also an access point for trails leading to the Saana fell, Lake Saanajärvi and the Saana Nature Trail. To visit the Three-Country Cairn, you can board the Malla boat at summer season or hike through the Malla Strict Nature Reserve or, in the winter, across the ice. For further information on the trails and hiking opportunities in the Käsivarsi Wilderness Area, visit the Metsähallitus website.

Kilpisjärvi is a dream destination for freeriders and snowkiters. The region is among the snowiest in Finland, with Swedish and Norwegian fells only a stone’s throw away.

Kilpisjärvi’s extensive fell terrain and the lake, which remains frozen long into June, provide the perfect setting for snowkiting and kiteboarding. Thanks to its location right on the shore of Lake Kilpisjärvi, the biological station makes it possible to start your experience almost directly from the grounds, wind direction permitting. In addition, the station is situated for an easy trip to, for example, a valley between the Korkea-Jehkas and Saana fells, a rewarding location for snowkiting. 

There is no lack of freeride spots in Kilpisjärvi. Excellent slopes can be found both close to the road, for example, at the Korkea-Jehkas, Saana and Pikku-Malla fells, as well as further in the wilderness, such as around Lake Terbmisjärvi. You can take a day trip across the Norwegian border, for example, to check out the views in Lyngen or Tamokdalen. 

Cycling

Visitors can borrow bicycles from the station. The Kilpisjärvi village, for example, is within easy reach by bike when the road is not frozen. If you wish to borrow a bicycle, please contact the office staff.

Fishing

The Kilpisjärvi region is an exceptional setting for fishing. In addition to the public fisheries management fee, you need separate permits for certain wilderness lakes and running sections of waterbodies. Check the current requirements on the eraluvat.fi website.

Areas requiring separate permission:

• The Käsivarsi-Tarvanto 1401 permit is required for angling, ice-fishing, fly-fishing and lure-fishing in the following locations:
• Toskaljärvi/Doskaljávri, Luohtojärvi/Luohtojávri, Marjajärvi/Márjjánjarggajávri, Bearačielggejávri, Kaitsajärvi Gáicajávri
• The river system in the Käsivarsi Wilderness Area falls primarily under the Käsivarsi-Tarvanto 1401 angling permit. Please note river-specific exceptions:
• Lätäseno/Leahttáseatnu: Lätäseno 1423 permit in addition to the fisheries management fee 
• Poroeno/Boazoeatnu: Poroeno 1432 permit in addition to the fisheries management fee 
• Toriseno/Doareseatnu: Toriseno 1426 permit in addition to the fisheries management fee 

When fishing on the border river between Finland and Sweden, you need the Tornionjoki-Muonionjoki-Könkämäeno 2502 permit.

Snowshoeing

The station has snowshoes, which are primarily intended for researchers and course use. If available, they can also be used for leisure activities. If you wish to borrow a pair, please contact the office staff.

Skiing

You can borrow forest skis and felt-lined rubber boots for off-track skiing. If you wish to borrow a pair, please contact the office staff. Check the trail map published by Metsähallitus for local ski trails. You can support ski trail maintenance by purchasing an annual trail sticker from the station office. The trails are managed by the . You can check the real-time trail condition using the excursion map app provided by Metsähallitus. 

Gym

The community centre in the Kilpisjärvi village has a gym that is accessible for a low one-time fee. For further information and payment instructions, visit the Enontekiö municipal website.