Park or nature areaUsable guide

Kevo Strict Nature Reserve

Strict nature reserve in Utsjoki, Finland

Photo: Lakkahillo, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons

Overview

Kevo Strict Nature Reserve (Finnish: Kevon luonnonpuisto, Northern Sámi: Geavu luonddumeahcci) in the municipality of Utsjoki, in the "head" of Finland, is famous for its vast gorge valley. In addition it is home for some very rare birds and plants.

Sights and activities

From the travel guide. Select a place for details, a map and what is nearby.

Where to eat, drink and stay

Sleep6 places

Before or after

Kalastajan majatalodouble room €70/night; cabin (no amenities; June–July) €50/night; apartments from €85/night
"Fisherman’s Inn"
Accommodation and restaurant.
Price
double room €70/night; cabin (no amenities; June–July) €50/night; apartments from €85/night
Address
Ylätenontie 32
Directions
10 km from Sulaoja
Phone
+358 40-484-8171
Website
kalastajanmajatalo.fi
Kaktsavarri
Cabins. Sauna.
Hours
March–September
Address
Karigasniementie 4195
Directions
17 km from Sulaoja
Phone
+358 400-642-777
Website
kaktsavarri.fi
Muotkan Ruoktu
Cabins, caravans and camping. Restaurant. Sauna. Trails into the Muotkatunturit Wilderness Area.
Hours
March–September
Address
Karigasniementie 2281
Directions
33 km from Sulaoja
Phone
+358 400-860-668
Website
muotkanruoktu.com
Kaamasen Kievari
Apartments and cabins. Restaurant and a grocery store. Fuel.
Address
Kaamasentie 2855
Directions
60 km from Sulaoja
Phone
+358 16 672-713
Website
kaamasenkievari.fi
Kenestupa
Cabins by an old postal route. Car transfer service.
Hours
June to mid-October
Address
Utsjoentie 2735
Directions
500 m from the Kenesjärvi trailhead
Phone
+358 400-344-545
Website
lapiosalmi.fi

Show all 6

Before or after

Kevonranta
Cabins.
Address
Utsjoentie 1720
Directions
9.6 km from Kenesjärvi
Phone
+358 40-828-3538
Website
kevonranta.com

Getting there and around

Getting there

There are two entry points to the Kevo area. The distance between the entrances is about 130 km by road. If you have a car, you probably need to buy a car transfer service from some local entrepreneur.

Read in the guide

Getting around

Notes
Routes
Map
This is very remote area. For safety reasons a printed map is a must.

Read in the guide

Airports and nearby hotels

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Ivalo Airport

Ivalo · International · IVL

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Read before you go to Kevo Strict Nature Reserve

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Itineraries

Highway 4 (Finland)

Highway 4 (Finnish: Valtatie 4, Swedish: Riksväg 4) is by far the longest numbered road in Finland. It stretches 1,295 km (805 mi) from Helsinki to Utsjoki, almost the full length of the country from south to north.

Wikivoyage

Full travel guide

Every section of the guide. Open one to read it in full.

UnderstandKevo strict nature reserve was established in 1956 to protect the Kevo gorge and the surrounding fell nature. With its 712 km² area it is the largest strict nature reserve in Finland.

Get inThere are two entry points to the Kevo area. The distance between the entrances is about 130 km by road. If you have a car, you probably need to buy a car transfer service from some local entrepreneur.

Fees and permitsThere are no entry, camping or hiking fees.

Get aroundBefore you go, contact Finnish Forest Administration's Customer Service at Siida and ask about the current conditions on the trail (+358 20-639-7740, ).

See

DoEnjoy the nature and awesome views. Try to spot rare birds, insects, mammals or plants.

BuyThe nearest grocery stores are in the villages Karigasniemi, Kaamanen and Utsjoki.

EatThe nearest restaurants are in Karigasniemi, the Muotkan Ruoktu holiday village, and the villages Kaamanen and Utsjoki.

DrinkIn practice all running waters are potable, but close to the camping sites it might be a good idea to boil it anyway.

SleepOwn tent is a must. Do not attempt to hike here without suitable capability to sleep outdoors. Camping is allowed only on official camping sites, there are 14 of them on the Kevo route and 9 on the Kuivi route.

Stay safeKevo is ranked as a very demanding trail. The terrain gives challenge even for people in good physical condition. Do not go without sufficient experience.

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Sources and licences

Guide text adapted from the Wikivoyage article "Kevo Strict Nature Reserve" by its contributors, available under CC BY-SA 4.0. Read on Wikivoyage · Contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Summary from the Wikipedia article "Kevo Strict Nature Reserve", available under CC BY-SA 4.0. Wikipedia
Photo: Lakkahillo, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons

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