Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
This old wooden place up in the fells is just what a weary trekker from Hetta wants to see.
It's in need of a refit - rooms are plain with lino floors - but the natural setting is wonder-
ful. Cheaper rooms have toilet but share a shower. There's skiing right alongside, a
lakeside sauna (with winter ice-hole) and walks on the doorstep. Hikers can pay to shower
here.
Information
Pallastunturi Luontokeskus
NATURE CENTRE
( 020-564-7930;
www.outdoors.fi
;
9am-5pm Jun-Sep & mid-Feb-Apr, 9am-4pm Mon-Fri rest of
year)
This nature centre at Pallastunturi fell sells trekking maps, makes reservations for locked
huts (per person €11), and provides information and advice about the region. The Hetta
route leaves from here; good shorter walks include a 9km loop across the tops of Taivask-
ero and Laukukero.
Skierri
in Hetta also has keys for the lockable huts.
Getting There & Away
A morning bus runs Monday to Friday from Muonio (€9.30, 40 minutes) to Kittilä via Pal-
lastunturi. In summer the return bus stops here in the afternoon. At other times, there are a
couple of weekly Muonio services plus one on Thursday to Hetta. Otherwise, you'll have
to hitch or call a local taxi on 016-538-582.
Kilpisjärvi
016
The remote village of Kilpisjärvi, the northernmost settlement in the 'arm' of Finland, has
a memorable setting among lakes and snowy mountains on the doorstep of both Norway
and Sweden. At 480m, this small border post, wedged between the lake of Kilpisjärvi and
the magnificent surrounding fells, is also the highest village in Finland. Unless you're on
your way to Norway, the main reason to venture out here is for brilliant summer trekking
or spring cross-country skiing.
