While there are no marked hiking trails, Muotkatunturi area is an ideal destination for wilderness excursions.
Muotkatunturi Wilderness Reserve is located in the municipalities of Utsjoki and Inari in Northern Lapland. The reserve was established under the Wilderness Act in 1991. Surface area: 1,570 km². Muotkatunturi Wilderness Reserve is an authentic wilderness without marked trails, making it an ideal destination for experienced hikers. It is important to have appropriate gear and good skills in coping in the wild when heading for this area, as there are few services and the weather conditions can be challenging. Muotkatunturi Wilderness Reserve is a great place for both longer hikes and short day trips.
- A destination for experienced hikers. The rolling fells make for great views and challenging hiking experiences.
- Large mountain birch woods, mountain heaths, old-growth pine forests and aapa mires. Diverse landscapes. You can plan your own routes and go about in nature independently.
- The Wilderness Reserve safeguards Sámi culture and natural livelihoods as well as protects pristine nature.
- Sámi names and culture: The lands and waters in the area have Sámi names, adding a cultural layer to the hiking experience. This is an important reindeer herding area with also some forestry activities.
- Fell lakes and rivers offer opportunities for fishing and add to the attraction of the area.
Activities and trails
There are no marked ski tracks, but you can choose the route of your ski touring excursion freely in the snowy season.
Fell lakes and rivers offer opportunities for fishing.
You can pick a variety of berries ripening at different times in Muotkatunturi Wilderness Reserve.
The larger rivers in Muotka, such as Karigasjoki, offer opportunities for paddling.
What else is there to see
Diverse bird life
Nature in Muotkatunturi Wilderness Reserve
Rounded fells, scenic lakes and rushing rivers. The wilderness mainly consists of mountain birch groves and mountain heaths but also of pine-dominated old-growth forests and aapa mires.
Nature at the site
Northern Lapland was settled shortly after the last Ice Age.
It is likely that humans arrived in this area from the south and east as well as from the northern coasts of the Arctic Ocean.
History of the destinationVisitor's checklist
Everyman’s Right apply in the wilderness areaCamping is allowed for a short time under everyone’s rights, however not in the parking areas. You can use dry branches, twigs and small root stocks lying on the ground to build a fire. Lighting campfires is not recommended as the area has few trees. Campfires are prohibited when a forest fire warning has been issued. Do not use wood provided in the huts’ firewood sheds to make campfires. It is intended for heating the huts only.
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. You should note that some areas have no mobile signal.
Remember to bring a trash bagThere are no waste bins in the area. Bring a trash bag and take the trash with you.