Hiking & outdoor recreationLength5.2 km
Duration(2-3 hours)
Degree of difficultyMedium
The Saana / Sáná nature trail introduces visitors to the diverse fell nature and cultural history. Along the thematic trail, you can familiarise yourself with the flowering of small fell plants, the flourishing of a lush herb-rich forest and the barrenness of the open fells. The nature trail follows the rocky Skirhasjohka River, crossing meadows where snow stays long into the summer and fell heaths with signs of human inhabitation from centuries ago. You can take a break along the way at the Saana campfire hut.
The trail can only be used during the snow-free season
Circle trailThe recommended direction of travel is counterclockwise.
Campfire siteThe campsite is the Saana campfire hut. The campfire hut may not be used for overnight stays. Always check for any wildfire warnings in effect before making a fire.
Remember to bring a trash bagThere are no waste bins on the trail. Bring along your own trash bag and take your waste out with you when leaving.
No water point
Contact information
Starting pointMalla ja Saana pysäköintialue (vanha osa)
The nature trail starts from the parking area of the Malla Strict Nature Reserve, where you should first cross the road. The trail is marked at intersections with green thematic trail signs. There are 40-centimetres tall posts with orange tops along the trail as well as short nature boards.
Please follow the green Saanan luontopolku in the direction indicated by the posts. The trail has gravelled sections when it climbs up the fell slope through a mountain birch forest. If you keep your eyes and ears open, you can spot a bluethroat (Luscinia svecica) among the birches. After approximately 800 metres, continue following the green Saanan luontopolku signs at the intersection.
The trail winds through the forest, climbing towards the open fells. There are around twenty stone steps on the trail to make it easier before the Saana campfire hut.
The Saana campfire hut is 1.1 kilometres from the parking area. The campfire hut is a good place to take a break. You can find a woodshed and dry toilets at the campfire hut. Overnight stays in the Saana campfire hut are not allowed. There are no waste collection bins, and hikers are expected to take their waste with them. From the campfire hut, the trail keeps following the green Saanan luontopolku signs.
The trail continues as a smaller natural path, turning towards the Jiehkkáš Fell. You might spot fragile mountain plants on the open fells. You will cross a few streams with no bridges on this section. Depending on the season and year, the streams may be swift.
The nature trail winds through the dells of the valley, rising for about 2 kilometres towards the Skirhasjohka river channel. On the slopes of the Jiehkkáš Fell, the trail takes a sharp turn south, running by the slope for a while. This section of the trail also has very rocky sections. You will pass by a mire area after the river channel. You can get over the wettest spots on wooden duckboards.
The trail starts following the beautiful riverside, heading southwest towards the Saana campfire hut. The Saana campfire hut is about 1.6 kilometres away. On this section of the trail, you get to walk on a roadbed brimming with military history. You will also cross a few streams with no bridges on this section. Depending on the season and year, the streams may be swift.
Continue from the intersection in the direction indicated by the green Saana Thematic Trail sign. The Saana campfire hut is 300 metres away. From the Saana campfire hut, walk back to the parking area on a gravelled trail. The total distance travelled is approximately 6 kilometres.
End pointMalla ja Saana pysäköintialue (vanha osa)