Hiking & outdoor recreationLength4.2 km
Duration(4-6 hours)
Degree of difficultyHard
The trail leading to the top of the Saana / Sáná Fell offers hikers the most spectacular views around Lake Kilpisjärvi, and the excursion experience also includes the breathtaking Saana stairs. It is a good idea to take a break from the climb and turn around to look at the landscapes behind your back. Perhaps you can get a glimpse of a willow ptarmigan (Lagopus lagopus). From the top of the Saana / Sáná Fell, you can admire the fell landscape reaching far into the horizon, look out for the Swedish fells and Norwegian mountains around Lake Kilpisjärvi, and feel the fresh fell winds of the Arctic.
The trail can only be used during the snow-free seasonThe weather at the top of Saana is more challenging than at Kilpisjärvi, and it can change quickly in the fells.
No winter maintenance
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.
Dry toiletRemember to bring toilet paper.
No water point
Remember to bring a trash bagRemember to bring a trash bag There are no waste bins on the trail. Bring along your own trash bag and take your waste out with you when leaving.
Contact information
Starting pointMallan luonnonpuiston pysäköintialue, Käsivarrentie 14850, 99490 Enontekiö
The Saana Trail starts from the Malla Strict Nature Reserve parking area. The trail is marked with 40-centimetre-tall posts with orange tops. There are signs at the junctions. Stay on the trail so that vegetation can recover from the damage caused by decades of erosion.
From the parking area, cross the road and head towards the brown Saana sign. The gravelled trail passes through a mountain birch forest. The trail winds through the forest, climbing towards the open fells. Cross a small ditch on a bridge on the way. After approximately 800 metres, you will arrive at an intersection. Continue in the direction indicated by the brown Saana sign.
When climbing from the birch forest to the open fells, you will encounter the first stairs that will make the climb easier. On the open fells, the trail rises gently on the ridge where you can admire great views towards the Saana cliffs and the Pikku-Malla / Šilismalla Fell.
The Saana campfire hut is located 1.1 kilometres from the starting point. You can take a break at the Saana campfire hut. You can find a woodshed and dry toilets at the campfire hut. There are no litter bins; you must take all your waste with you. Overnight stays in the campfire hut are not allowed.
The trail is gravelled from the campfire hut towards the fell slope and the famous Saana stairs. The stairs have been replaced with durable stone steps. There is a stone bench at the top of the stairs, where you can sit and admire the landscape. Do you see reindeer on the horizon or a willow ptarmigan hiding closer by? The distance from the campfire hut to the stone bench is 800 metres, and there are more than 150 steps.
The trail is rocky at the top of the Saana / Sáná Fell. The weather often changes at this section too, and the terrain may be snowy depending on the season. You might spot both fragile fell plants and birds on this section. The total distance on the thematic trail is approximately 2.4 kilometres. There is a telecommunications tower and a weather station on the top of the Saana / Sáná Fell.
Retrace your way back from the summit of the Saana / Sáná Fell. The total distance is approximately 8.6 kilometres back and forth.
End pointMallan luonnonpuiston pysäköintialue, Käsivarrentie 14850, 99490 Enontekiö