Top 8 Lakes around Salla

The lakes in Salla are set amidst diverse Arctic landscapes, including fells, old-growth forests, and areas shaped by Ice Age eskers and ravines. You can find beautiful moor areas, such as around Ylimmäinen Hiidenlampi, known for cloudberries, sundews, and colorful peat mosses. Many lakes are also crucial habitats for various bird species, making them excellent for birdwatching.

Yes, Salla offers several family-friendly options. The area around Ruuhijärvi (in Salla center) features a sandy beach, play equipment, and changing rooms, making it a popular swimming spot for families. Additionally, highlights like Ala-Kitka – reindeer corral and Könkäänlampi Boardwalk and Wetlands are categorized as family-friendly, offering unique experiences like spotting reindeer or walking on wooden walkways through nature.

Salla's lakes are perfect for a variety of outdoor activities. Paddling is very popular, with lakes like Hangasjärvi and Onkamojärvi offering serene experiences, especially under the midnight sun. Fishing is also a major draw, with many lakes stocked with rainbow trout, pike, perch, and whitefish. You can also find numerous trails for hiking, running, and mountain biking. For more detailed routes, check out the Hiking around Salla, Running Trails around Salla, and MTB Trails around Salla guides.

Lakes like Hangasjärvi and Onkamojärvi are excellent for paddling and kayaking. Hangasjärvi is a largely untouched, narrow lake perfect for wilderness canoeing, with a lean-to shelter available. Onkamojärvi offers an easy and accessible experience, ideal for enjoying the midnight sun. The Aatsinkijoki and Maltio River also provide great paddling opportunities.

Yes, Salla is known for its diverse fishing opportunities. Iso-Ruuhijärvi is a well-managed lake regularly stocked with rainbow trout, and also home to pike, perch, and whitefish, offering facilities like boat rentals and fish processing areas. Excellent angling and ice-fishing spots can also be found around lakes near Sallatunturi, Aatsinki, and the northern side of Naruska. For more information on Iso-Ruuhijärvi, you can visit Visit Finland or Visit Kajaani.

The best time to visit depends on your preferred activities. Summer, especially during the midnight sun period, is ideal for paddling, hiking, and enjoying the continuous daylight. Winter offers opportunities for ice fishing and experiencing the snow-covered Arctic landscape. The small wilderness lakes within Salla National Park are particularly significant for birdwatchers, especially during migration seasons.

Yes, the Salla region is known for its reindeer. You might encounter wooden structures used as reindeer corrals, such as near Ala-Kitka – reindeer corral. The Mire Trail by Lake Kammijärvi also passes by reindeer enclosures, offering a chance to see these animals.

Yes, you can find unique spots like the Mirrored Cabins by the Lake. These cabins feature glazed fronts with mirrors on the outside that reflect nature, while offering transparent views of the lake from the inside. Many lakes also offer scenic viewpoints amidst the stunning Arctic landscapes.

Yes, there are boardwalk trails that make walking easier and protect the delicate environment. The Mire Trail by Lake Kammijärvi features narrow wooden planks through a moor along the lake. Similarly, the Könkäänlampi Boardwalk and Wetlands offers wooden walkways through a beautiful landscape with untouched nature.

The small wilderness lakes within Salla National Park are special for their pristine nature and biodiversity. They are crucial habitats for various bird species, including goldeneye, smew, and swans, making them excellent for birdwatching. These crystal-clear ponds are nestled within a landscape shaped by Ice Age eskers and ravines, offering a serene wilderness experience along hiking trails.

Visitors highly appreciate the tranquility and untouched nature of Salla's lakes. The opportunity to immerse oneself in the quiet wilderness, enjoy peaceful paddling under the midnight sun, and observe wildlife are frequently mentioned. The scenic beauty, especially the reflections in the water and the unique moor areas, also receives high praise from the komoot community.