Vätsäri is a very demanding hiking destination even for hikers of marked routes. Here, hikers must have a good command of wilderness skills.
The silence and natural state of Vätsäri Wilderness Reserve is a stunning experience. Vätsäri is a demanding destination for hikers because of its remote location and challenging terrain. Lake Inarijärvi's rough shores, countless islands and a forest area broken by water bodies are part of the Pasvik-Inari Transboundary Area conservation area of Finland and Norway.
- Traditional living areas of Skolt and Inari Sámi people, where they have enjoyed rights of use
- Area specifically reserved for reindeer husbandry
- Barren and stony mosaic of pine forests, mires and waters
- The northeastern part of the wilderness, the main Vätsäri fell plateau, is a treeless fell ridge
- The traces of Autumnal Moth (Epirrita autumnata) damage from the 1960s are still visible
- Area maps may be inaccurate
- Cross-border nature conservation cooperation with Norway
- Pasvik-Inari nature conservation cooperation has a EUROPARC Transboundary Parks certificate
Activities and trails
Vätsäri is a fell plateau and forest wilderness area with very demanding and difficult terrain. The area is only suitable for experienced hikers.
The lake of large open water areas and thousands of islands provides paddlers with peace and quiet, but requires skills and experience.
What else is there to see
Fishing in Vätsäri, skiing in vätsäri, hunting in vätsäri
The Nature of Vätsäri
The soil of Vätsäri is extremely cobbly, and there are thousands of small lakes. Also the rocky bays of the large Lake Inarijärvi extend into the backwoods.
Nature at the site
The Inhabitation History of Vätsäri
Inari Sámi people have lived in the area from time immemorial and tradesmen and fishermen have crossed Vätsäri area on their way to the coast of Finnmark.
History of the destinationVisitor's checklist
Everyman’s Right apply in the wilderness area
Making campfire is allowed in the terrainIf a designated campfire site is available within 500 meters, you must use the site for making a fire and not create a new campfire site. Collecting fallen tree branches and twigs for your fire is fine.
Take the Sámi cultural environment into considerationBe respectful and do not damage the sacred sites of the Sámi people.
Remember to bring a trash bagThere are no waste bins in the area. Bring a trash bag and take the trash with you.
Always keep pets on a leashDo not approach reindeer with your dog, and make sure your dog cannot escape its leash.
Be prepared for areas with limited or no mobile network coverageRemember to take a paper map and compass.