National park · Finland

Kevo Strict Nature ReserveKevon luonnonpuisto

Come only if you can carry a tent and ford rivers: the 63 km Kevo trail takes 3–5 days, entry is free, and the best window is late August to mid-September before the snow.Come only if you can carry a tent and ford rivers: the 39 mi Kevo trail takes 3–5 days, entry is free, and the best window is late August to mid-September before the snow.

Not field-verifiedSome areas permit-onlyChecked Sep 2026

Map to the park

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Directions

From where I am

Add your hotel to get directions from it. · stays in this browser; shared with the pocket card.

Area

712 km²275 sq mi

approximate

Established

1956

Best months

Aug–Sep

UNESCO

None

Rules in force · 7Non-EU visitors get 90 days in any rolling 180-day window…

Europe ↗Non-EU visitors get 90 days in any rolling 180-day window, counted across all 29 Schengen states together — not per country; the Entry/Exit System now logs each crossing, so an overstay is detected automatically.
Europe ↗On the first Schengen entry since EES began, non-EU travellers give four fingerprints and a face photo at the border instead of a passport stamp; there is nothing to apply for or pay in advance.
Nordic countries ↗Decide light or dark before anything else: summer trips (June–August) and aurora trips (September–March in the Arctic) need different countries, clothes and bases.
Nordic countries ↗Sweden, Norway, Finland, Iceland and the Faroes sell stronger alcohol only in state shops with short hours; buy before evening and before Sundays and holidays.
Finland ↗Finland is in the EU and the Schengen area. Check the entry rules for your passport on official sources; the EU's Entry/Exit System registers non-EU visitors at the first Schengen border.
Finland ↗The land border with Russia is closed to travellers; do not plan a route across it.
Finland ↗Everyman's rights let you walk, camp for a night and pick berries on most land, but not near homes, and not to make fires without permission.

At a glance

Country: Finland
Area: 712 km²275 sq mi; Largest strict nature reserve in Finland; almost entirely ringed by the Paistunturit Wilderness Area (check).
Established: 1956
Best months: Aug–Sep
Permits: For some areas

Kevo Strict Nature Reserve is Finland's largest strict nature reserve, 712 km² of treeless fell and mire in Utsjoki around a 40 km rift valley, the Kevo gorge, cut by plate movement about 70 million years ago and up to 100 m deep. It was established in 1956 and has no roads, no electricity, no bridges and almost no mobile signal. Two marked trails cross it: the 63 km Kevo trail from Sulaoja to Kenesjärvi, 3–5 days, and the 87 km Kuivi loop from Sulaoja, 4–7 days. Camping is allowed only at the official sites, 14 on the Kevo trail and 9 on the Kuivi trail, and there is one open wilderness hut on the Kevo trail at Ruktajávri plus three on the Kuivi loop. About 5,000 hikers use the trails each year, nearly all in late August and early September. The reserve is almost completely ringed by the Paistunturit Wilderness Area, which has similar terrain and fewer restrictions; the most valuable formations, including the gorge and its rare plants and nesting birds, are inside the strict reserve.

Decide

Why go, which months, and what lives here when

At a glance

Status

No UNESCO listing; national park since 1956.

Size and age

712 km²275 sq mi · national park since 1956

Largest strict nature reserve in Finland; almost entirely ringed by the Paistunturit Wilderness Area (check).

Why go

A 40 km rift valley up to 100 m deep, with the Kevo Wall as the sudden drop everyone walks in for.A 25 mi rift valley up to 100 m deep, with the Kevo Wall as the sudden drop everyone walks in for.
One of Finland's tallest waterfalls, Fiellu, sits in a warm microclimate where pine grows and nowhere else nearby does.
Roughly 5,000 hikers a year on the trails, nearly all in a two-week window: you can walk for days without seeing anyone.
Rare birds and plants of the gorge, plus trap pits and place names left by nomadic Sámi reindeer hunters.

When to go

12-month verdict

JanAvoid
FebAvoid
MarCaution
AprCaution
MayCaution
JunCaution
JulCaution
AugBest
SepBest
OctAvoid
NovAvoid
DecAvoid

JanPolar night; −30°C common, no marked winter tracksPolar night; −22°F common, no marked winter tracks
FebCold and dark; skiing only with your own route-finding
MarMore daylight; deep loose snow, no maintained tracks
AprSnow lingers; fords and mires still frozen or flooded
MayMidnight sun starts late May; snowmelt makes fords high
JunPeak mosquitoes; thermal summer rarely starts before late June
JulWarmest but wettest underfoot; snow possible any day
AugMosquitoes fading; colours start; the main season
SepPeak colour and the busiest two weeks; lasting snow from late Sep
OctSnow cover and short days; no winter tracks
NovPolar night returns; services closed
DecDark, cold, no trail maintenance

Wildlife and nature calendar

Seasons shift by weeks each year

Wildlife and nature calendar for Kevo Strict Nature Reserve
What	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Rough-legged buzzard and other gorge-nesting birdsMay–Jul · The gorge is a notable nesting site; keep to the trail.	no	no	no	no	yes	yes	yes	no	no	no	no	no
Reindeer (domesticated herds)All year · Seen anywhere in the reserve; herders have wider access rights than hikers.	yes	yes	yes	yes	yes	yes	yes	yes	yes	yes	yes	yes
MosquitoesJun–Jul · Main reason most hikers come in late August.	no	no	no	no	no	yes	yes	no	no	no	no	no
Rare gorge plantsJun–Aug · Some species grow only in the gorge and its immediate surroundings.	no	no	no	no	no	yes	yes	yes	no	no	no	no

Arrive & move

Getting in, how the park is divided, and where things are

How to get there

From Sulaoja trailhead (south-west)

On road 92, 11 km east of Karigasniemi; parking lot and a daily Ivalo–Karigasniemi coach stop.On road 92, 6.8 mi east of Karigasniemi; parking lot and a daily Ivalo–Karigasniemi coach stop.

From Kenesjärvi trailhead (north-east)

On E75, 24 km south of Utsjoki village; parking lot and daily coach from Rovaniemi toward Nuorgam.On E75, 15 mi south of Utsjoki village; parking lot and daily coach from Rovaniemi toward Nuorgam.

From Ivalo

Coach toward Karigasniemi, get off at Sulaoja; scarce timetables, book ahead.

2–3 h

Open the page →

From Rovaniemi

Coach north to Utsjoki or Karigasniemi, then a stop at the trailhead; long ride.

7–9 h

Open the page →

Zones and sectors

Zones of Kevo Strict Nature Reserve
Zone	What is there	Access
Kevo gorge	The 40 km rift valley, the Kevo Wall and the Fiellu waterfall.The 25 mi rift valley, the Kevo Wall and the Fiellu waterfall.	On foot along the marked Kevo trail only.
Kuivi fell and northern fells	Treeless highland, the highest point of the Paistunturi massif, the sacrifice cave.	On foot along the Kuivi trail; the summit climb is hard.
Sulaoja spring and Luomusjärvi esker	A large natural spring with a 2 km nature trail, and lakes split by a narrow esker.A large natural spring with a 1.2 mi nature trail, and lakes split by a narrow esker.	Open; the spring trail is outside the strict reserve.
Kevojärvi and the research station	Lake by the north-eastern corner with the subarctic research station and weather station.	Station visits by appointment only.

Sketch map

Approximate — not for navigation

Approximate positions along the two marked trails, for orientation only; the reserve centre is used for the page coordinate.

1Sulaoja trailhead · Gate≈69.393, 26.114Parking and coach stop on road 92.Map ↗
2Sulaoja spring · Trail≈69.395, 26.118Map ↗
3Luomusjärvi lakes · Viewpoint≈69.440, 26.248Map ↗
4Ruktajávri open wilderness hut · Sleep≈69.456, 26.294Map ↗
5The Kevo Wall · Viewpoint≈69.501, 26.541Map ↗
6Fiellu waterfall · Viewpoint≈69.528, 26.616Map ↗
7Kuivi fell · Summit≈69.619, 26.423Map ↗
8Kenesjärvi trailhead · Gate≈69.684, 27.078Parking and coach stop on E75; hike starts with a 470-step staircase.Map ↗

See & do

Caves, trails and wildlife, with how hard each is and whether it needs booking

Top experiences

TrailsHard3–5 daysKevo trail (Sulaoja to Kenesjärvi)63 km through the reserve, descending into the gorge and climbing out several times; ford Fiellu once and the Kevo river three times.

TrailsExpert4–7 daysKuivi trail loop87 km circular route from Sulaoja over Kuivi fell and back along the gorge edge; several fords and a hard summit climb.

ViewpointsModerate2–3 days from SulaojaThe Kevo WallThe gorge's south-west end drops vertically; over 20 km from the parking lot, so it needs an overnight.

ViewpointsHardAdd 1 dayFiellu waterfallOne of Finland's tallest falls, 5 km down the gorge from the Kevo Wall; rocky path with deep ravines.

TrailsEasy1 hSulaoja spring nature trail2 km loop around a spring the size of a pond; about 20,000 visitors a year, most of them not entering the reserve.

ViewpointsModerateHalf day from the trailNjaggaleapme lakes viewpointSteep staircase of several hundred steps down to narrow canyon lakes with a sand beach and a camping site.

Practical

Fees, permits, rules, where to sleep and what can go wrong

Entry fees and permits

EUR ranges · check

Fees for Kevo Strict Nature Reserve
Item	Range	Per	Note
Entry to the reserve	Free	person	Finnish national parks and strict nature reserves have no entrance fee.
Printed map (Kevo–Paistunturit, 1:50,000)	EUR 20	map	2026 estimate; sold online, in bookstores and at Siida in Inari.
Coach Ivalo–Karigasniemi (Sulaoja stop)	EUR 20–40	person	2026 estimate; check Matkahuolto timetables.
Car transfer between the two trailheads	EUR 100–200	car	2026 estimate; about 130 km by road, arranged with a local operator (check).

Ranges, not quotes: fees change without notice. Check with the park or your operator · checked Sep 2026.

Entry no permit

No ticket or permit; walk in from either trailhead.

Camping no permit

Allowed only at the official campfire and camping sites (14 on the Kevo trail, 9 on the Kuivi trail).

Research station visit permit or guide

The University of Turku Kevo station by lake Kevojärvi takes pre-arranged visits only.

Drones permit or guide

The reserve is a strict protection area; assume no drone flying without permission from Metsähallitus (check).

Park rules

Drones, guides, camping and more

Camping: Only at the official sites, each with a dry toilet, bin, fireplace and some firewood; no wild camping elsewhere.
Huts: Open wilderness huts are first-come; if full, latecomers have the right to stay, so never plan on a bed.
Lapp pole and turf huts: For shelter, cooking and drying only; not for overnight stays.
Fires: Use the fireplaces; chop your own firewood; carry all waste out.
Toilet paper: Bring your own; bins for used menstrual pads are provided at the dry toilets.
Trail marking: Follow the orange-marked trail where routes cross, especially on the Luomusjärvi esker and near lake Bálddotjávri.

Where to stay

In the park

Own tent

Effectively required: camp only at the marked sites, on the pallets provided if you wish.

In the park

Ruktajávri open wilderness hut

The only hut on the Kevo trail, in the Paistunturit area; often crowded.

In the park

Kuivi, Njávgoaivi and Akukammi huts

Three more open huts on the Kuivi loop; no bookings, no guarantee of space.

Near the park

Kalastajan majatalo, near Karigasniemi

Rooms and cabins about 10 km from the Sulaoja trailhead; restaurant.Rooms and cabins about 6.2 mi from the Sulaoja trailhead; restaurant.

Near the park

Kenestupa, near Kenesjärvi

Cabins 500 m from the north-east trailhead; open June to mid-October, offers car transfers.

Near the park

Utsjoki and Kaamanen villages

Groceries, fuel and lodging before or after the trek.

Safety

No mobile signal over most of the reserve and the gorge high

Carry a printed map and a mechanical compass and know how to use them; do not hike alone; turn the phone off to save battery.

River fords with strong current high

Ford Fiellu and the Kevo river where marked; if the water is high, turn back. Grip wires help at the deepest fords.

Steep, loose descents and staircases medium

Take the Roajasjávri descent and the Njaggaljávri staircase slowly; the ground is loose when you are already tired.

Cold and sudden weather change above the treeline medium

Pack for freezing nights even in July; there is almost no shelter on the open fell.

Drinking water near campsites low

Running water is generally potable; boil it if taken close to camp.

Accessibility

There are no roads, no electricity and no vehicle access inside the reserve.
The Sulaoja spring nature trail is the only short, easy walk; the reserve trails are rough, steep and unbridged.

Visiting lightly

Carry out all waste; bins exist but the reserve expects leave-no-trace.
Chop only the firewood you need at the fireplaces.
Keep to the orange-marked trail to protect rare gorge plants and nesting birds.
Use the dry toilets and bring your own paper.

Questions people ask

How much does it cost to enter Kevo Strict Nature Reserve?

Nothing. Finnish national parks and strict nature reserves have no entrance fee. Your real costs are the coach to a trailhead (roughly €20–40 from Ivalo), a printed map at about €20, and a car transfer between the two trailheads if you walk the route one way.

What are the best hikes in Kevo Strict Nature Reserve?

The 63 km Kevo trail from Sulaoja to Kenesjärvi, 3–5 days, is the classic and passes the Kevo Wall and the Fiellu waterfall. The 87 km Kuivi trail, 4–7 days, loops from Sulaoja over Kuivi fell and is harder. For a short walk, the 2 km Sulaoja spring nature trail sits at the trailhead outside the reserve.

When is the best time to visit Kevo Strict Nature Reserve?

Late August to mid-September: mosquitoes are mostly gone, the fells show autumn colour, and the trails are at their driest. July is warmest but wettest and buggiest. From late September lasting snow arrives, and there are no marked or maintained winter tracks.

Do I need a permit or a guide?

No permit and no guide are required. You do need to camp only at the official sites, carry a printed map and compass, and be able to ford rivers, since there are no bridges and almost no phone signal.

Can I stay in huts on the trail?

There is one open wilderness hut on the Kevo trail, at Ruktajávri, and three more on the Kuivi loop. They cannot be booked and are often full; latecomers have the right to stay, so bring a tent regardless.

How do I get to the trailheads?

Sulaoja is on road 92, 11 km east of Karigasniemi, with a daily coach stop from Ivalo. Kenesjärvi is on E75, 24 km south of Utsjoki village, served by the Rovaniemi–Nuorgam coach. The two entrances are about 130 km apart by road.

Is there mobile phone signal?

Over most of the reserve and the whole gorge there is none. Signal may work at the start and end of the trail; keep the phone off or in flight mode to save battery.

Deep dive

Every source; fees and rules change, so check before you go