Sallatunturi fells and their trails offer nature experiences all year round. Almost 480 metres (1575 ft) high, the northern Sallatunturi is known as Iso Pyhätunturi, which can be reached via a marked trail. In winter, the Taivaan Tavoittelijan Taival Trail leads to the snow-covered summit with its white, hilly landscape.
Located in Salla National Park, the fells are one of the best places in Salla to admire the starry night sky and northern lights, a bright sunrise or a glowing sunset.
Sallatunturi
Sallatunturi in Salla, Lapland, consists of two close peaks, Iso Pyhätunturi and Pieni Pyhätunturi. They were only named "Sallatunturi" in 2012. The old Sallatunturi fells are now located on the Russian side.
Just off the Salla-Kuusamo road, the southern fell has ski slopes and lifts. The northern fell have stairs, viewing platforms and a viewing tower at the top.
Both peaks of the Sallatunturi can be reached on foot all year round.
Salla National Park
Salla National Park is the newest national park in Finland, opened in summer 2022. Salla National Park is part of the Kuusamo Highlands region, which is characterised by old wilderness forests, rugged ridges and hills, and gorge valleys.
In the forests you may see capercaillies, Siberian Jays, woodpeckers and reindeer.
The new national park has plenty of camping structures, including new day huts, lean-to shelters and stairs. The trails in Salla are ideal for day hikes and other outdoor activities.
Salla National Park - routes in winter
The Salla National Park trails take you to some of the finest places in the National Park all year round, in pure nature. In winter, the summer hiking trails turn into ski trails, snowshoe trails and winter biking trails.
The Taivaan Tavoittelijan Taival Trail, the Kaunisharju Trail and the Pahakuru Trail run through Salla National Park. In winter, the Taivaan Tavoittelijan Taival Trail is the same route as in summer. The Kaunisharju Trail is a ski trail. The Pahakuru Trail is a winter biking route.
The Salla ski trails run on both sides of the Kuusamo road. On the national park side, you can ski on illuminated tracks, the Kaunisharju Trail and the Round the Fell Trail, which circles the ski slopes.
On the west side of the road, wilderness-like ski tracks lead to Ruuhitunturi fell and Kalliojärvi Lake. The short Kolmiloukkonen Trail is accessible on foot.
Sallatunturi - Iso Pyhätunturi Trail
Taivaan Tavoittelijan Taival Trail is a hike through snowy forests to the top of Sallatunturi. The northern Sallatunturi, known as the Iso Pyhätunturi fell, and its peak rise to almost 480 metres. Iso Pyhätunturi is the highest of the Sallatunturi peaks.
Taivaan Tavoittelijan Taival Trail is located in Salla National Park, north of Sallatunturi (Pieni Pyhätunturi), known for its ski slopes. The Iso Pyhätunturi route is a ring route. The tour follows the same trail markers in summer and winter.
- The route is about 4.6 km long. It is classified as an intermediate route and is estimated to take between one hour and two hours to complete.
- In winter, the route is marked as a snowshoe trail. However, the summit of Iso Pyhätunturi is one of the most popular destinations, so the trail usually remains open and can be walked without snowshoes.
- The hike can be done in either direction. The recommended direction is clockwise.
- The official starting point is the North Slopes car park at Tunturikummuntie road, 98900 Salla. You can also start from the eastern slopes in a clockwise direction.
- There is an observation tower on the Iso Pyhätunturi fell. There are no fireplaces, water points or dry toilets on the route. There are toilets by the car park on the northern slopes, and there are also shelters on the eastern slopes.
- The route is marked in blue squares on the trunks of trees. The markings are clearly visible in winter.
Taivaan Tavoittelijan Taival Trail - route description
Starting from the parking lot at the northern slopes, the trail begins to the left of the large Salla National Park map and information board. Almost immediately you cross the Round the fell ski track.
After a few hundred metres, just before the border of Salla National Park, you reach a crossroads. The winter biking trail to the new Kaippahanoja day hut and the Pahakuru Trail start on the left. The Taivaan Tavoittelijan Taival Trail turns right and up the slope.
The trail winds through dense forest on a steep slope in places. If you step a little too far off the beaten track, you could tumble deep into the snow. Gradually the trees are left behind and the landscape begins to open up.
You come to the first short stairs. Depending on snow conditions and weather, the stairs can be easy or difficult to climb in winter. A small viewing platform remains on the left side.
A slightly gentler slope is followed for a short distance before reaching the longer stairs. Halfway up the stairs there is a viewing platform with snow-covered logs on it.
At the same point, the icy silhouette of the observation tower is visible against the sky. It takes a brisk half an hour to reach the top. If you climb Sallatunturi on a bright winter's morning, the sky turns pink behind your back and glows orange directly ahead.
From the Sallatunturi observation tower, you can admire great views in all directions, from Salla National Park to the ski slopes and snow-covered forests. On a clear day, the old Sallatunturi mountains are visible from the Russian side in the east, and the small village of Salla peeks out in the northwest.
At the top of Iso Pyhätunturi fell, near the tower, there are a couple of benches where you can enjoy a hot chocolate. The peak is almost treeless and flat. The snow is hard enough to walk on the trail but also at some other spots on the summit as well.
On the way down, the descent winds its way down a gentle slope. The trail quickly enters the forest again. The path is easy and fast to walk.
After a while you reach a clearing. In the summer, there are duckboards across the open bog. After a short stretch of forest, you come to a road.
A few hundred metres to the left along the road lead you to the eastern slopes and lean-to shelters. Turn right towards the parking lot of the northern slopes.
Sallatunturi in winter - experiences
- It takes about half an hour to reach the top of Sallatunturi fell (Iso Pyhätunturi) from the parking lot of the north slopes. This means that it is easily accessible at sunrise and sunset.
- Snowshoes are not required unless you want to hike around the slopes outside the route, where the snow can sink in.
- Even on a calm day, there is a breeze on the fells, which makes the air feel chilly. Bring warm clothing.
- Salla has a good number of winter trails for its size, as well as rest stops along the routes and tracks.
- Even in the high season, Salla is fairly quiet on the tracks and trails. The lean-tos, on the other hand, are almost always crowded.
- The winter trails are easily accessible from Sallatunturi or the visitor centre. There is plenty of parking space right at the trailheads.
- Perhaps the best views in Salla are to be found on Ruuhitunturi fell - in summer and winter.
- Salla is a short distance from Ruka, Kuusamo and Posio. Great winter trails nearby include Konttainen in winter, Valtavaara in winter, Pieni Karhunkierros (Small Bear's) Trail in winter, Kuusamo Pyhävaara and Riisitunturi National Park.
