Salla

Aholanvaaran hiidenkirnut

A group of giant's kettles (glacial potholes) on Kalliovaara hill. A pothole called Juomapata is the biggest one in Finland and one of the largest in the world. The 6.8-km nature trail has steep, rough and possibly slippery sections; it is not suitable for the mobility impaired. Using wellies or hiking shoes is heavily recommended. There are two shelters by the trail, one across the bridge, one by the Impivaara hill.

Devil's Church at Tuntsa

Tuntsan Pirunkirkko

Interesting geological formation near Tuntsa, about 600 m from the road by the UKK hiking trail. The stones are strongly magnetic! The trail from the road goes along duckboards and is considered demanding.

Karhutunturi fell

The 518 m high Karhutunturi fell is a very prominent peak and a popular hiking destination because of its magnificent views. A 5 km long trail to the top, lapp-pole tent on the way. Staying overnight in the tent is possible. The area has no public transportation. The UKK trail visits the fell some 2 km away.

Kursu village

This small village was saved from destruction during the Lapland War, but is probably more famous for its rye bread. Dog fair in July. Occasionally artists playing at the Village House.

Onkamo scenic spot

Onkamon näköalapaikka

A scenic spot on top of a hill some 70 m from the road. View over the lake Onkamo to Russia and the fells of Old Salla. Table and benches.

Paikanselkä Winter War Memorial

Memorial site at the place where the Finland-Soviet battlefront was in the final day of the Winter War.

Ravintola Kiela

Restaurant specialized on Lapland delicacies and many ingredients come from producers in Salla. Awarded with Chaîne des Rôtisseurs shield.

Salla Church

Church built in 1950, inspired by the Finnish medieval grey stone churches. The church was financed by donations from congregations in Denmark, which were grateful not to have lost their own churches in the war. Service every Sunday at 11:00. You may ask for a tour of the church from the war museum.

Open during the services

Salla Museum of War and Reconstruction

Sallan sota- ja jälleenrakennusajan museo

Museum telling about life in Salla in the 20th century, World War II in Salla, and the reconstruction and resettlement after the war as the Old Salla population got new homes in the rest of the municipality. Café, shop with local products and souvenirs. Guided tours in English available for 1–25 persons, contact the museum for details.

Oct–Jun Tue–Sat 10:00–17:00; Jul–Sep Tue–Sun 10:00–17:00·€5/adult, €3/child, Museum Card valid

Salla Visitor Centre

National park visitor centre. Exhibition, hiking advice, events. Accessible by wheelchair. Dogs (except dog guides) must wait outside. Some services, like souvenir shop and café at the adjacent/co-located Salla Reindeer Park.

Sallatunturi ski resort

Not the biggest ski resort in Finnish Lapland, though it was the country's first dedicated venue for downhill skiing, opened in 1937, and it's the main draw for winter visitors. They have 7 lifts, 15 slopes, 11 of which are illuminated, and the longest run is 1,300 m. Equipment rental and service is available.

Salpalinja fortifications

Some remnants of the 1200 km long Salpalinja fortification complex from the World War II era.

Snow Lounge

A bar and restaurant in a real snow castle. Indoor temperature around -4 c. For obvious reasons open during the wintertime only.

menu €58/person

Tuntsa Wilderness Area

Beautiful area with easy terrain. Some experience is still needed as the area is remote and you are on your own, unless you hire a guide.

Remnants from World War II

Former guard posts, old airstrips and other military remnants. Several locations around the municipality. Ask your host if they know the nearest ones.

Salla Day

All kind of programme, including music and dance performances.

July 19th

Salla National Park

Mires, small lakes, ridges, gorges and fells. Views to Russia. A new national park inaugurated on 1 January 2022. Some trails and facilities are still under construction as of autumn 2022. Hiking trails in the 3–5 km and 10–25 km ranges, and a section of 75 km of the UKK trail. Also mountain biking, snow shoeing and skiing routes (two of which can be skied with a dog). A few of the trails are suitable for novices, but most require some fitness, good footwear and the skill to use map and compass. Temperatures can be extreme in winter.

24 hr daily·Free

Salla Reindeer Heat Week and Nothing Happens Week

Sallan rykimäviikko ja Ei tapahdu mitään -viikko

The Reindeer Heat Week follows the annual start of the reindeer mating season. Various activities from guided nature tours to music performances. The Nothing Happens Week is to festive the fact that there is absolutely nothing to do in Salla in late autumn.

in September-October

Salla reindeer park

Sallan Poropuisto

Reindeer themed activity park. Art gallery. Information about local nature. Reindeer and husky safaris, reindeer feeding, snowshoe tours, skiing in the forest (also for beginners), nature photography, midnight tours, northern lights tours, canoeing, survival.

Daily 10:00–18:00·Lunch €11.50

Alko

Alcoholic beverages.

Mon-Fri 09:00-21:00, Sat 09:00-18:00, Sun closed

Evakkopub

Pub in the middle of nowhere, open at weekends.

Fri–Sat 22:00–02:00

Gift Shop VirveTuli

Handmade local souvenirs and gifts.

Hunan Finnchn

Chinese food.

K-Market Puolukka

Grocery store.

Mon-Sat 08:00-21:00, Sun 10:00-21:00

Kahvila Pizzeria Akkavaara

Lunch. Pizzas, salads, reindeer dishes.

Keloravintola

Pizzas, burgers, salads, local delicacies.

daily 14:00-20:00

Papana Pupi

Pub.

Putiikki

Clothes, adornments etc. for women.

Revontuli à la carte

À la carte restaurant at the spa hotel.

S-Market Erätuli

Grocery store, gasoline. Pharmacy.

Mon-Sat 08:00-21:00, Sun 10:00-21:00