Reisa Nasjonalpark

This status creates a formal framework for cooperation, and enables the partners to set common goals, protect the natural and cultural heritage and develop local communities. The activities are guided by a joint steering group of employees in the protected areas, in addition to a group that in practice anyone with an interest in the development of the area can participate in.

In Finland, protected areas are managed by Metsähallitus, while in Norway, extensive protected areas are managed by local national park boards. The boundaries, legislation and management of the protected areas in the Háldi Transboundary Area remain country-specific and unchanged.

The first year of cooperation begins 

A cooperation strategy for the transboundary area has been drawn up. The main themes of the strategy are the protection of the natural, landscape and cultural heritage. Environmental education, communication, research, species inventories and monitoring, as well as cross-border understanding and the involvement of local communities, are also included in the strategy.

The practical operation of the Háldi Transboundary Area is guided by an action plan. In 2022, a “Halti Week” event took place, during which locals and tourists could take part in guided tours of the area. Halti Week aims to provide cross-border events and information on local nature, culture and communities. There are also plans to publish information about Halti’s area of cooperation online and as a brochure.

The pandemic slowed the start of cooperation on cross-border visits, but the steering group managed to gain momentum remotely. Kilpisjärvi Nature Centre now displays a new cross-border map that was produced as part of the development project. Moreover, information from both the Finnish and Norwegian sides of the transboundary area is shown on a screen at the centre. The same information is also available at the Halti Visitor Centre in Storslett in Nordreisa municipality.

Letter Council Congratulations-Evaluation HALDI

Each place leads you to different nature-based experiences and different nature types. Your preferred gateway will depend on where you are travelling from, what experiences you are looking for and how much time you have available.

The recommended gateways for the Háldi Transboundary Area are the same as for the Reisa National Park. Please click here to view these.

On the Norwegian side, the mountain is called Ráisduottarháldi and is slightly higher (1,361 m). The international border divides the mountain range and the surrounding Halti region between Norway and Finland. This Arctic region of continental Europe is a vast landscape area devoid of roads and permanent settlement. This area has always contained important hunting and fishing grounds for people living on both sides of the border and remains an important area for reindeer husbandry among the indigenous Sami people.

The Háldi area is divided into three main nature types: rocky great fells, mountain plateaus covered by little or no vegetation and spots of mountain birch, and river valleys. Lakes and rivers play an important role in the area’s nature. On the Finnish side, the water flows through the Tornio-Muonionjoki river into the Gulf of Bothnia, while on the Norwegian side it flow down from the mountains into the Norwegian Sea. The international border runs along the watershed. Many endangered species occur in the area, such as species that require calcareous bedrock and can survive the Arctic climate. This unique nature is threatened by human activity and climate change.

Käsivarsi wilderness area in Finland

The border is easy to cross on foot in the countryside or by vehicle on the road. In Finland, people have traditionally hiked from Kilpisjärvi to the summit of Halti or fished in mountain lakes and rivers. The most popular places to visit near Lake Kilpisjärvi are the mountain Saana fell and the three-country cairn marking the common border of Finland, Sweden and Norway. You can reach the cairn by crossing the lake and hiking and on a staggered route over Saana.

On the Norwegian side, Reisadalen (the Reisa valley) is a popular destination. Popular activities here include hiking, freshwater fishing in lakes and rivers, canoeing and trips by traditional riverboat. From Norway, it’s easiest to reach the summit of Halti via another valley, Kåfjorddalen. Another major attraction here is the most famous Gorsa bridge, which crosses one of the deepest canyons in Europe. These destinations are easily accessible by the road around the Háldi area.

Nordkalottruta (The Arctic Route), which is part of the E1 long-distance hiking route throughout Europe, runs through the entire area. The route can be reached from Kilpisjärvi, Guolasjávri/Kåfjorddalen, Ovi Raishiin Visitor Point/Reisadalen, Reisajärvi or the end point of the route from Kautokeino. The route continues south to the three-country cairn and, from there, all the way to Kvikkjokk in Sweden or Sulitjelma in Norway. The full route from Kautokeino is roughly 800 km long.

The annual migration of reindeer between inland winter pastures and summer pastures on the Arctic coast continued until 1852. At that time, the new border agreement between Norway and Russia prohibited crossing the border, which caused major changes in reindeer husbandry and the Sami culture. Regardless of the border, reindeer husbandry developed into an important industry and was the basis of Sami culture and language on both sides of the border. Trade has taken place along the major rivers between the coast and the hinterland. Years of famine led to people fleeing from Finland to the Norwegian coast, where a Finnish-speaking Kven minority culture emerged by the North Norwegian coast.

Finland, Sweden and Norway share common values and history, which is reflected in the public right of access that protects everyone’s right to pass through uncultivated areas regardless of who owns the land. The only exception to this rule is a few nature reserves. Especially on the Finnish side, the Háldi area has been an important area for hiking since the early 20th century. In recent decades, tourism has grown into an important industry throughout the region. Although Finland is a member of the EU and Norway is a member of NATO, it remains free to cross the border with certain restrictions within the framework of the Schengen Agreement.

Both centres features exhibitions, information, posters and maps, making them interesting places to visit. Halti Visitor Centre is also a centre for Kven culture and has a museum. The nature centres’ interactive information kiosks offer visitors the offers an opportunity to learn about the nature-based and cultural experiences and services in the Háldi region.

Crossing the border between Norway and Finland in the countryside away from the official border crossings is normally permitted. However, there are some exceptions, e.g. if you are crossing with animals or by e-bike. If you are planning to cross the border, it’s important to check the regulations and guidelines in the various countries and protected areas. The weather and the reindeer migration are other examples of factors you should check when planning a hike, bike ride or ski trek in the area.

Kilpisjärvi Nature Center and Halti National Park Center

The project was funded by the EU Interreg programme, the Troms og Finnmark County Council and Laapin Lito. The lead partner was Metsähallitus. Other partners were the national park board for Reisa National Park and Ráisduottarháldi Protected Landscape, Halti National Park Centre, the Municipality of Kaivuono and UIT The Arctic University of Norway. LUKE (Natural Resources Institute) from Finland was also a project partner.