Kevo Strict Nature Reserve

Introducing Kevo Strict Nature Reserve

The 712-sq-km Kevo Strict Nature Reserve, northwest of Inari, was established in 1956. Within its boundaries you'll find some of the most breathtaking scenery in Finland (although it's nothing spectacular if you've spent your life in Norway, or near the Grand Canyon) along the splendid 40km gorge of the Kevojoki (Sámi: Geävu), which also has some decent waterfalls.

Rules for visiting the Kevo reserve are stricter than those concerning national parks: hikers cannot hunt, fish or collect plants and berries, and must stay on marked trails. The gorge area is off-limits from April to mid-June.

The main trail is 63km long and runs through the canyon, from Ruktajärvi, near the Utsjoki-Kaamanen road, to the Karigasniemi-Kaamanen road. The trek is rough and takes about four days one way. Use the 1:100, 000 Kevo topographical sheet.

Last updated: Feb 17, 2009