National park · Finland
Kevo Strict Nature ReserveKevon luonnonpuisto
Come only if you can carry a tent and ford rivers: the 63 km (39 mi) 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 (63 km) Kevo trail takes 3–5 days, entry is free, and the best window is late August to mid-September before the snow.
- Source checked
- A source and a date are on record: we read it from an official or published page. Not yet confirmed on the ground.
- Field checked
- Someone checked it on the ground, with the date shown.
- Plan calculated
- Worked out by Voykit from its own data (times, distances, budgets). A calculation, not a measurement.
Unknown times stay unknown. How we verify
Map to the park
Add your hotel to get directions from it. · stays in this browser; shared with the pocket card.
Area
712 km² (275 sq mi)275 sq mi (712 km²)
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 km² (275 sq mi)275 sq mi (712 km²)
- 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 km² (275 sq mi)275 sq mi (712 km²) · national park since 1956
Largest strict nature reserve in Finland; almost entirely ringed by the Paistunturit Wilderness Area (check).
Why go
- A 40 km (25 mi) rift valley up to 100 m deep, with the Kevo Wall as the sudden drop everyone walks in for.A 25 mi (40 km) 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
- JanAvoid
- FebAvoid
- MarCaution
- AprCaution
- MayCaution
- JunCaution
- JulCaution
- AugBest
- SepBest
- OctAvoid
- NovAvoid
- DecAvoid
- JanPolar night; −30°C (−22°F) common, no marked winter tracksPolar night; −22°F (−30°C) 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
| 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
Show 3 sectionsHideHow to get there, Zones and sectors, Sketch map
How to get there
From Sulaoja trailhead (south-west)
On road 92, 11 km (6.8 mi) east of Karigasniemi; parking lot and a daily Ivalo–Karigasniemi coach stop.On road 92, 6.8 mi (11 km) east of Karigasniemi; parking lot and a daily Ivalo–Karigasniemi coach stop.
From Kenesjärvi trailhead (north-east)
On E75, 24 km (15 mi) south of Utsjoki village; parking lot and daily coach from Rovaniemi toward Nuorgam.On E75, 15 mi (24 km) 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
| Zone | What is there | Access |
|---|---|---|
| Kevo gorge | The 40 km (25 mi) rift valley, the Kevo Wall and the Fiellu waterfall.The 25 mi (40 km) 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 (1.2 mi) nature trail, and lakes split by a narrow esker.A large natural spring with a 1.2 mi (2 km) 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
- 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 ↗
Take the points offline
8 points as a GPX waypoint file, plus a plain-text list of coordinates. Save it while you have signal: maps apps show the points without a connection.
Approximate positions along the two marked trails, for orientation only; the reserve centre is used for the page coordinate.
See & do
Caves, trails and wildlife, with how hard each is and whether it needs booking
Show Top experiencesHide
Top experiences
Practical
Fees, permits, rules, where to sleep and what can go wrong
Show 8 sectionsHideEntry fees and permits, Park rules, Where to stay, Safety, Accessibility, Visiting lightly, Questions people ask, Related
Entry fees and permits
| 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 (≈ US$25) | map | 2026 estimate; sold online, in bookstores and at Siida in Inari. |
| Coach Ivalo–Karigasniemi (Sulaoja stop) | EUR 20–40 (≈ US$25–50) | person | 2026 estimate; check Matkahuolto timetables. |
| Car transfer between the two trailheads | EUR 100–200 (≈ US$120–250) | 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
Camping no permit
Research station visit permit or guide
Drones permit or guide
What would our group pay?
People
Nights or days
- €20≈ US$25
- €20–40≈ US$25–50
- €100–200≈ US$120–250
Tick the fees that apply to your trip to see a total.
A guide, not a quote: the ranges are estimates (checked 2026-09) and each fee may have rules on who pays it. Confirm on Metsähallitus / Nationalparks.fi — Kevo Strict Nature Reserve before you go.
Park rules
- 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 (6.2 mi) from the Sulaoja trailhead; restaurant.Rooms and cabins about 6.2 mi (10 km) 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
River fords with strong current high
Steep, loose descents and staircases medium
Cold and sudden weather change above the treeline medium
Drinking water near campsites low
How much daylight do you have?
Time out
Finding the local time zone…
Times are local to the spot (zone loading). The half-hour margin is our rule of thumb, not an official figure; light fades earlier in forest or under cloud. Carry a headlamp on any route that could run late.
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
Show the detailsHide
Sources
- officialMetsähallitus / Nationalparks.fi — Kevo Strict Nature Reserve
- officialMetsähallitus / Nationalparks.fi — Kevo trail
- officialMetsähallitus / Nationalparks.fi — Kuivi trail
- officialUniversity of Turku — Kevo Subarctic Research Station
- secondaryWikivoyage: Kevo Strict Nature Reserve, revision 5292744 (CC BY-SA 4.0)