Utsjoki: Snowshoeing through the Arctic Tundra｜Finland

Paistunturi is a large wilderness area in Northernmost Lapland in Utsjoki. In this 1500 square kilometer large wilderness area, stunning sceneries after another are exposed, as the gentle rolling fells are crossed by deep carved river valleys. From the highest fell tops, you get a great view over the entire wilderness area, as far as to the fells in Norway. Paistunturi wilderness area has only a few marked trails and wilderness cabins. Paistunturi is reindeer-herding area of the indigenous Sámi population, and more than 6000 reindeer graze in Paistunturi area.

From November to April, Paistunturi wilderness area is covered with snow. We use snowshoes to get around on the fells, as otherwise our feet would sink too deep in the snow. Snowshoes are special outdoor gear designed to enable walking on snow. Walking with snowshoes is very similar to normal walking, so using them is easier than skiing. The spikes on the bottom of the snowshoes ease moving up and down on the hills.

Our snowshoeing tours can be modified according to fitness level and wishes of participants. We can do an easy walk in a snowy forest or by a frozen river, or a more demanding and longer hike on the fells. We might see some willow grouse, red fox, hare, reindeer, hawks or even footprints of a wolverine during our walk. If we see any people, it will probably be a local reindeer herder or a fisherman doing his work. We will enjoy the silence of the uninhabited and roadless wilderness.

The tour includes a guided 2-3 hour snowshoe-walk, pick-up maximum 10 km from Utsjoki village (schedule pick-up with us the previous day!), hot drinks and rental snowshoes. Snowshoes are attached to your normal winter boots with straps, so just make sure your boots are warm. If you need any extra clothing for the tour, let us know and we can arrange this. Pick-up should also be scheduled at least the previous day of the tour, otherwise you can meet us at the parking lot of Uulan Säätö Shopping center, Utsjoentie 1, 99980 Utsjoki at the starting time.