Summer trip around the three country cairn area
The week-long summer trip of the Aalto University Information Networks and Engineering Psychology Guild Athene took place in early July around the three country cairn area. Our trip started with a crossing of the Malla Strict Nature Reserve (11km), after which we followed a circular route: Kuohkimajärvi hut – Gappohytta (16km) – Pältsa valley (12km) – Pältsa mountain cabin (8km) – Koltaluokta (15km). On the day hikes we encountered, among other things, the majestic Bárrás summit, turquoise glacial lakes and the roaring waterfalls of river Bealčán. Our last day on the trail concluded with a scenic boat ride back to Kilpisjärvi aboard the M/S Malla
The second night of Athene’s annual summer hike was spent at the Gappohytta reservation hut on the Norwegian side. In Norway, the huts are maintained by Den Norske Turistforening (DNT). We stayed in tents near the hut for two nights, making use of some of Gappohyttan’s facilities. Norwegian cabins are completely different from Finnish cabins; the cabin felt almost like someone’s fancy living room with sofas and tablecloths. At least one member of the group must be a member of DNT in order to pay the accommodation fee and collect the key to the hut (e.g. from the Kilpisjärvi Hiking Center). It is advisable to check the current prices and terms of use online. We stayed at Gappohytta for two nights, during which we had time to rest or, for example, climb the impressive Bárrás fell, which is visible from the hut. At Gappohytta, it is also possible to take a dip in the fresh and clear fell stream to wash.
The second-to-last night of Athene’s yearly summer hike was spent at Pältsastugan in Sweden. We pitched our tents near the cabin, which cost 300 SEK (30 €), and the price included access to the sauna. It’s also possible to sleep inside the cabin for 550 SEK (55 €). A cabin host was present and collected the payment. The most reliable way to pay was with cash, although the card reader eventually worked as well. After the sauna, it was lovely to take a dip in the cold spring right next to the cabin. The same spring also provides clean drinking water. Behind Pältsastugan, the 1442-meter-high mountain Bealčán dominates the landscape. At Pältsastugan, our backpacks already felt light as the final day of hiking began, with the boat, bus, and train journey home ahead. The last leg was about 13 kilometers to Koltaluokta, right next to the dock where the Malla boat departs.
Kuvat ja teksti Elias Brade.
Kartta-aineisto: Maanmittauslaitos (FI), Lantmäteriet (SE), Kartverket (NO) Creative Commons -lisenssillä.