Nordkalottleden (North)

All the stages in this section form part of the Nordkalottleden.

Arrival and departure / Drop-off points

There is a bus service from Kautokeino to Alta. There are no buses running south towards Finland, but you have a good chance of getting a lift, for example as far as Karesuando – from there, you may be able to continue your journey by bus.

There are bus services from Kilpisjärvi to Tromsø and Rovaniemi (via Karesuando). Hitchhiking is also a good option here.

From Sappen (5 km from Saraelv), you can take the bus to Storslett (E6). Otherwise, the route runs far from civilisation.

The buses usually run only on weekdays, and in some cases only once a day.

Shopping facilities

There are supermarkets with a good selection in Kilpisjärvi and Kautokeino, but there are no shops to stock up at in between.

Alternative routes

To avoid the first two stages, which are quite boggy in places, you can walk the first 34 km along the road towards Bidjovagge. At a reindeer round-up point, a signposted hiking trail branches off towards Reisavannhytta.

Some hikers take a shortcut across unmarked terrain between Nedrefosshytta and Somashytta. Apparently, the terrain there doesn’t pose any major difficulties.

Many Finnish hikers are on a pilgrimage to Halti, Finland’s highest mountain at 1,328 metres. The summit is 12 km from the Pihtsusjärvi hut.

Lodging situation

With the exception of Kopmajoki, Finnish cabins always consist of a freely accessible section and a locked section that can be booked. Keys are available from the visitor centre (Luontokeskus) in Kilpisjärvi. The freely accessible cabins are very popular with the local population.

There are two DNT huts (Nedrefoss, Saraelv) and several Statskog huts on Norwegian territory. The Reisavannhytta and Sieimastua must be booked in advance; all other Statskog huts are freely accessible. Unfortunately, it is no longer possible to stay overnight in a hut at Cunovuohppi.

A hut-to-hut hike is generally possible on this section, but – compared to other sections – it requires a little more logistical preparation. The 31-km stage between Saraelv and Somashytta is also quite challenging.

On the Norwegian side, the markings are sometimes rather sparse. However, the path is often easy to follow. On the Finnish side, you’ll find a marked wooden post at regular intervals.

The route for Stage 02.01 has been partially altered. It now runs along the quad bike track south of Lake 383 (the GPX file still shows the route running north of the lake). There are no markings, but the path is clearly visible and is shown on Norwegian maps.

The first three stages take you through some marshy terrain. You’ll also have to wade across many rivers here. Following heavy rainfall or early in the season, you may need to take the road for the first two stages (see above).

The hike between Nedrofosshytta and Saraelv takes you through the Reisa Valley. This section offers spectacular scenery; it is technically easy but teeming with mosquitoes.

Stages 02.05 to 02.07 are quite isolated; it seems only long-distance hikers venture here. Just past Saraelv comes the only significant climb of this section. You’ll feel the 800-metre ascent in your legs for the rest of the day. Once at the top, however, the path is easy going again, with excellent views and no mosquitoes. Stage 02.07 begins with a long scree slope, but is otherwise a gentle walk.

From stage 02.08 onwards, you are on the Halti Route. The path is well-maintained all the way to Kilpisjärvi, with numerous boardwalks crossing scree slopes and marshy areas. You’ll come across a great many hikers here, mostly Finnish Halti pilgrims.

When the water level is low, you can also take a shortcut across the river to reach the open Meekonjärvi hut. (Stage 02.08 ends right at the closed hut. The official route for Stage 02.09 crosses a safe bridge, but involves a 1.5 km detour.)

South of Cahkaljavri, there are several ways to turn off towards Kilpisjärvi. The official route joins the E8 at the visitor centre (Luontokeskus), about 1 km east of the supermarket (so it’s a bit of a detour if you just want to go shopping). A second, shorter route crosses the Cahkaljohka river and comes out directly at the supermarket. The third option is to continue following Lake Cahkaljavri and walk along the foot of Mount Saana to the campsite (Retkeilykeskus).