Kevo Strict Nature Reserve is a challenging hiking destination. The total length of its two marked trails is 100 km.
In Kevo Strict Nature Reserve on the fell uplands of Utsjoki, you can experience Lapland's nature at its most magnificent. The 40-km-long and at some places almost 80-metres-deep canyon-like valley of the River Kevojoki forms the core of the area.
- Largest gorge in Finland
- Fiellu waterfall
- Open fells, mountain birch groves and tundra mires
- Luomusjärvi esker
- Sámi people's sacred spring of Sulaoja and its surroundings
- Two challenging marked hiking trails and Sulaoja nature trail
Kevo Canyon is one of the greatest geological formations in Finland. The rest of the nature reserve is fell highland crossed by gentle slopes of ravines. There are also large tundra-like open mires.
The aim of establishing the nature reserve has been to protect the Kevo Canyon and the sensitive fell landscape which surrounds it. The Kevo area is scientifically valuable. The Kevo subarctic research station of the University of Turku carries out varied research at Kevo. Inside the strict nature reserve, visitors are allowed to move only on marked trails.
Activities and trails
In the Kevo Nature Park, skiers can enjoy an endless amount of untouched snow, but you must have excellent winter wilderness skills.
Nature of Kevo Strict Nature Reserve
Kevo Canyon in the heart of the Strict Nature Reserve is a wonderful natural feature with astounding landscapes. The rock faces and deep ravine of Kevo provide unique habitats for endangered organisms
Nature at the siteVisitor's checklist
The Strict Nature Reserve is a nature reserveThe reserve was established for the purposes of conservation and research. Full everyone’s rights do not apply in this area.imassa.
There are movement restrictions in the areaIn Strict Nature Reserve you have to stay on marked trails.
Camp only at permitted camping sitesCamping is only permitted in the immediate vicinity of designated rest and campfire sites, and huts.
Make campfires only in designated sitesAlways check the current wildfire warning before making a fire. During a wildfire warning, fires are only allowed in cooking shelters with a chimney.
Take the Sámi cultural environment into considerationBe respectful and do not damage the sacred sites of the Sámi people.
Be prepared for areas with limited or no mobile network coverageRemember to take a paper map and compass.
Remember to bring a trash bagThere is no recycling point in the area. Bring a trash bag and take the trash with you.
Always keep pets on a leashDog waste should be cleaned away from the paths.