www.kilpissafarit.fi

<body> <p>Village of Kilpisjärvi</p> <p>In many respects, Kilpisjärvi is a unique village. It is located in Finnish Lapland in the middle of the last wilderness of Europe. The tiny arctic village lies almost 500 metres above sea level and it is surrounded by the highest peaks of Finland. There are only about 100 permanent residents in the village. Houses and buildings of Kilpisjärvi are scattered along the road between Lake Kilpisjärvi and the monumental fell Saana. Saana is a sacred fell of Sami, the indigenous inhabitants of this region. Kilpisjärvi landscape is characterised by fells, lakes and tundra vegetation. In the horizon of Kilpisjärvi you can see snow covered fells of three Nordic nations. The border of Finland, Sweden and Norway is located just 15 kilometres from the village.</p> <p>Halti</p> <p>Once in Kilpisjärvi, you should definitely visit Halti, the highest point of Finland (1328 m.). Halti is situated in the middle of uninhabited wilderness about 50 kilometres northeast of Kilpisjärvi. If weather is favorable, a magnificent view opens from the top of Halti, not only to the highest peaks of Finland but to the fells of Sweden and Norway as well.Kilpissafarit organizes guided snowmobile excursions to Halti. You can reach the top sitting conveniently in the sledge on reindeer skins, or you may rent a snowmobile and do the driving yourself. The guides of Kilpissafarit are local people who know the wilderness in every detail and who are prepared for the perils of suddenly changing alpine weather. Warm clothing is a must for every participant of this excursion. The region between Kilpisjärvi and Halti is the most arctic area in Finland. Vegetation is scarce and there are no trees - only vast fields of snow and fells. After reaching the top of Halti conquerors sign their names in "Halti book". On the way home there is a coffee break in the old Halti log cabin. </p> <p>to the fells</p> <p>The easiest and safest way to get to the fells is to join the quided snowmobile trip. Participants can either drive the snowmobile by themselves or relax in the sledge. Warm clothes and insurances are included to the price. Minimum amount of participants is four persons. All trips only under good weather conditions. You can also rent a snow scooter</p> <p>Reindeer</p> <p>One of the last locations in Europe where the traditional reindeer husbandry is still alive. In the fells nearby you can still see hundreds of reindeer running free.</p> <p>Fishing</p> <p>Ice fishing on a lake in the fells or summer fishing upon the Arctic Ocean in the light of midnight sun is a memorable experience.</p> <p>Arctic sky and northern lights, aurora borealis</p> <p>Kilpisjärvi is located exactly on the northern light, i.e. aurora borealis region. Here the auroras can be seen on three nights out of four if the skies are clear - and they often are. It is possible to observe the northern lights even in the village. Our guided tours will take you the fells where the arctic night sky reveals all its secrets.</p> <p>Hannu Rauhala</p> <p>Tsahkalluokta<br> 99490 KILPISJÄRVI</p> <p>gsm: +358-(0)40-516 1952<br> puhelin:+358-(0)16-537 444<br> telefax: +358-(0)16-537 445<br> sähköposti: <a mailto="hannu.rauhala@kilpissafarit.fi">hannu.rauhala@kilpissafarit.fi</a><br> internet: <a href="http://www.kilpissafarit.fi">http://www.kilpissafarit.fi</a></p> </body>