Day 1: Kilpisjärvi - Kuohkimajärvi

I still have about four days before I need to head home so I decided to hike through the Malla Strict Nature Reserve and then continue for one night into Norway. And then I'll hike back to Kilpisjärvi. In total this will be about a 50 to 60 km hike.

The hike through the Malla Strict Nature Reserve was amazing. Well, like any hike here I guess. But the trail was really nice to walk with not much rocks and mud. There was some climbing involved, but as the hike from Kilpisjärvi to Kuohkimajärvi was only about 15 km I took it slow.

I reached Kuohkimajärvi just before 1 pm. It is the first possible place to stop after Kilpisjärvi as in Strict Nature Reserves you are not allowed to step away from the trail or camp. You have to pass through. Malla Strict Nature Reserve is the oldest protected nature area in Finland. It was established in 1916. Strict Nature Reserve was established in 1938.

Good thing I arrived early. Closer to evening the place got filled with hikers trying to find a spot for the tent in a terrain where it's hard to find a decent spot.

Another news...I think I saw an actual eagle circling high above! I've seen hawks here a few times, but no eagle until now.Read more