Hiking & outdoor recreationLength10.5 km
Degree of difficultyHard
On the Nordkalott Trail in the Malla Strict Nature Reserve, hikers can experience the diverse landscapes and unique fell nature of the area of large fells. The Malla Trail always crosses through the Strict Nature Reserve to Lake Kuohkimajärvi / Guohkkemašjávri and to the Three Nations’ Border Point 11 kilometres from the starting point of the trail. The calcareous soil of the Malla Strict Nature Reserve creates favourable conditions for many plant species, and the Strict Nature Reserve is known for its rare species of fell plants. Rare fell moths and birds also delight the hiker. The magnificent 118-metre Kitsiputous / Gihcigorži Waterfall is located halfway through the Malla Trail. You can also reach Lake Kuohkimajärvi /Guohkkemašjávri and the Three Nations’ Border Point by taking a boat ride from the shore of Lake Kilpisjärvi / Gilbbesjávri. Travelling in the Strict Nature Reserve area is restricted: always stay on the marked trails during the snow-free season; cycling is prohibited all year round.
The trail can only be used during the snow-free season
Camping permittedCamping is only permitted in the immediate vicinity of the Guohkkemašjávri / Kuohkimajärvi open wilderness hut.
HutGuohkkemašjávri / Kuohkimajärvi open wilderness hut and shared rental hut.
Dry toiletRemember to bring toilet paper.
No water point
Remember to bring a trash bagBring along your own trash bag and take your waste out with you when leaving.
Contact information
Starting pointMallan ja Saanan pysäköintialue
The Malla Trail starts from the Malla and Saana parking area, which is located 7 kilometres north of the Kilpisjärvi village centre. At the northern end of the parking area, you will find information boards of the Malla Strict Nature Reserve. Please read the boards and observe the rules of travel. The trail to the Strict Nature Reserve starts after the information boards. Hikers must have appropriate hiking equipment, as there are steep and difficult sections along the trail, and they must cross some waterways. Please note that you must stay on the marked trail at all times in the Malla Strict Nature Reserve.
You can reach the Malla Strict Nature Reserve by walking the first 300 metres in a beautiful mountain birch forest. Then, cross the Siilaskoski Rapids along a pedestrian bridge. The trail continues along the shores of Lake Siilasjärvi / Šilisjávri in the Strict Nature Reserve. The trail winds through the mountain birch forest, and the climb is partly steep. If it rains, the trail may be slippery, and you should step carefully.
Approximately one kilometre from the bridge, you will leave the mountain birch forest behind and reach an open fell heath. The trail is in a natural state in this section. The landscapes that open before you are amazing, and the fell winds will dry you if you have broken a sweat. In sunny weather, you will notice that open terrain does not protect you from the sun.
After 2 kilometres, a trail leading to the Pikku-Malla Fell / Šilismalla breaks off from the trail. Continue straight from the junction. The trail continues on a rocky and sandy trail on the rolling open fells. Travellers must stay on the marked trail. The trail leads towards the Iso-Malla Fell / Gihcibákti, bypassing small fell ponds. Soon after the ponds, the trail turns west and climbs up the fell slope to a dugout from the Second World War. You may peek in, but camping and overnight stays are not allowed. The total distance travelled is approximately 4 kilometres.
The trail approaches the Kitsiputous Waterfall / Gihcigorži and descends through a boulder field. Kitsiputous is a 118-metre-tall waterfall. The Kitsijoki River / Gihcijohka can be crossed from rock to rock; there is no bridge or other structures along the trail. Stepping off the route is prohibited. Please note that crossing may be impossible during a flood. The total distance travelled is approximately 4.5 kilometres.
After the waterfall, the trail gradually descends back to open fells on the fell slope, sometimes through a thick willow forest. There are small streams along the trail and a shallow river without a bridge. During normal water conditions, waterways can be crossed with shoes on. From the open fells, the trail descends into a lush grove and mountain birch forest. The trail follows a reindeer fence towards southwest for the last few kilometres.
When arriving at Lake Kuohkimajärvi / Guohkkemašjávri, you can turn to the Guohkkemašjávri / Kuohkimajärvi open wilderness and shared rental huts with a campsite and dry toilets. The trail continues 0.5 kilometres from the intersection with the huts, all the way to the Three Nations’ Border Point.
The return journey follows the same trail back. The total distance from the parking area to the Three Nations’ Border Point and back is approximately 22 kilometres.
Please note that in the summer, you can reach the Three Nations’ Border Point on cruises from Lake Kilpisjärvi to Sweden. There is a trail from the Swedish shore to the Border Point, and the Malla Strict Nature Reserve is 3 kilometres away on foot. In this case, hikers must take border crossing rules into consideration.
End pointMallan ja Saanan pysäköintialue