Halti: The highest point in Finland

Halti: The highest point in Finland

Halti (also known as Haltiatunturi) is a mountain on the border between Norway and Finland. The summit (1,365 m) of the mountain, called Ráisduattarháldi, is located in Norway, about one kilometer north of the border with Finland. The highest point on the Finnish side is 1,324 m above sea level, making it the highest point in the country.  

Hiking to Halti: An adventure in the Finnish-Norwegian border region

In the first week of July, we started from the Norwegian side, from the campsite in Birtavarre, on the access path, which was in poor condition in some places. We reached the parking lot at Lake Guolasjávri (750 m). From there, the trail leads along a reindeer enclosure. The first part of the ascent is particularly steep. Although we had little snow, we occasionally had difficulty finding the markings. Nevertheless, we were in safe terrain and the extra meters of altitude did not bother us. During the day we only met two tourists and reindeer. This hike is moderately challenging and takes a total of 7-8 hours at a leisurely pace with frequent photo stops. Our round trip was about 20 kilometers, with a total elevation gain of 570 meters. A large part of the trail leads over scree, which can make the ascent a little more complicated in snow, frost or rain.

From Saana in Kilpisjärvi, you can also reach the highest mountain in Finland. This is a 55 km trekking route that is part of the Arctic Trail. This route takes several days and includes overnight stays in huts.

Good trekking poles and a backpack will definitely give you more comfort and safety.

Note: The idea of handing over the summit of Hálditšohkka to Finland gained support in both countries. In 2015, a group of Norwegians launched a campaign to move the border between the two countries by 200 m and give the summit to Finland for its 100th anniversary in 2017. However, the actual implementation is still pending.

Further information:
* The website of the Birtavarra campsite can be found here: https://www.visitnorway.de/listings/high-north-camp-birtavarre/38267/

* Website with information about the Kilpisjärvi resort: https://www.nationalparks.fi/kilpisjarvivisitorcentre