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Outdoor destinations
Kaukana siintää terävähuippuiset tunturit. Talvinen taivas punertaa. Etualalla on lumisia puita.

Nestling by the Urho Kekkonen National Park, the primary objective of the Sompio Strict Nature Reserve is to preserve forest, fell and mire nature for the future and for scientific research. Roaming within the strict Nature Reserve area is prohibited at all times of the year except on marked hiking trails.

  • Nattastunturi Fells with their sharp peaks
  • Boulder field
  • Aapa mires around the fell area
  • Fell area surrounded by dense spruce forests
  • Sompiojärvi

The strict nature reserve has been named after the old Sámi village of Sompio. Reindeer husbandry is amongst the basic sources of livelihood in the area and it is an integral part of the reserve's landscape. For hikers, it offers unique nature experiences.

The core of the strict nature reserve is formed by the chain of the Nattastunturit Fells, which have sharp peaks. Lake Sompiojärvi is located on the southern side of the broad fell area of the Urho Kekkonen National Park and the scenery on the northern side is dominated by the fell area. On the Sompio Strict Nature Reserve's marked trails, you can take a rewarding day trip or you can make it part of a longer hike.

The Sompio Strict Nature Reserve is closely connected to the Urho Kekkonen National Park, so care and utilisation plans for the national park have also affected the placement of trails, a campfire site, lean-tos and other service structures in the reserve. According to the Sompio Strict Nature Reserve Rules and Regulations, roaming in the reserve is allowed in any season, but only along the trails marked on the terrain. Camping is only allowed on the shores of Lake Sompiojärvi.

Activities and trails

Hiking

Ruijanpolku is a 35-km long hiking trail, so walking the trail from one end to the other requires an overnight stay on the trail.

Bird watching

The number of different waterfowl and waders by Lake Sompiojärvi and in the mire areas is considerable.

Yläpuoli on sinistä taivasta, alapuolella on kiviä ja matalaa tunturikoivikkoa.

Natural Features in Sompio Strict Nature Reserve

In Sompio Strict Nature Reserve has a wide variety of habitat types. Nattastunturit Fells' bare tops and birch areas are lined with spruces and dry Riestonaapa aapa mire strips.

Nature at the site

History of Sompio Strict Nature Reserve

The Nature Reserve Preserves a Piece of the Natural Features of Old Sompio

History of the destination

Visitor's checklist

  • The Strict Nature Reserve is a nature reserveEveryman’s Right are not valid as such in Strict Nature Reserves.
  • Camp only at permitted camping sitesCamping is only allowed on the camping sites of Lake Sompiojärvi, and you may stay there for a maximum of three days at one time.
  • Make campfires only in designated sitesDuring a wildfire warnig, making fires is prohibitet. Campfire sites are in two places:
    - The Nalijoki lean-to shelter, at the trail Pyhä-Nattanen.
    - Lake Sompiojärvi a lean-to shelter and a campfire shelter, at the starting point of trail Ruijanpolku.
  • Always keep pets on a leashDog waste should be cleaned away from the paths.
  • Remember to bring a trash bagBring a trash bag and take the trash with you or to the recycling point.
  • Take the Sámi cultural environment into considerationBe respectful and do not damage the sacred sites of the Sámi people.
Instructions and rules