I recently had the opportunity to hike in the Kevo Strict Nature Reserve, which is only a few kilometers from the research station.
The sign is in Finnish, Sami, and English.
Strict Nature Reserve means the area is fenced to prevent reindeer from foraging, and people must stay on the designated trail(s). The Kevo Strict Nature Reserve has two trails, and we just went out-and-back on a very small portion (16 km, approximately 10 miles).
A reindeer fence protects the Strict nature Reserve from these free-ranging animals. This unusual gate in the fence was easy for humans to get through.
Beautiful Views...
The preserve protects Kevo Canyon, which is 40 km long (about 25 miles) and approximately 80-100 meters deep in some places (about 300 feet). Although we walked across open fells, wetlands, and down to the Kevojoki (the river), we did not get up into the main part of the canyon.
Open fells and wetlands offer wonderful views in the Kevo Strict Nature Reserve.
After about five miles, the trail starts to drop down to the Kevo River, towards the end of the Kevo Canyon.
'Everyman's Land'
Finland has a national policy that allows anyone to roam the landscape, to forage for berries and mushrooms, and to fish. Strict Nature Reserves are the only places where people have to stay on the trials. Here in Finland, it seems to be expected that most people will get out and enjoy the land.
Being and ex-trail construction and maintenance worker, I was especially interested to see how a natural area is prepared for and protected from a lot of human visitors. Besides the boardwalks on wetlands, staircases are used to protect steep slopes.
Instead of walking back and forth on switchbacks, hikers in the Kevo Strict Nature Reserve go up and down stairs on the steep trail sections!
There were also small trial shelters at good camping spots. Although there was a small area at each shelter where a person could sit out of the wind and rain/snow, the main function of these structures seemed to be to store firewood. They also had bins for recyclables!
The main function of the trail shelter seemed to be to protect a well-stocked wood pile. However, they did offer weary hikers some sit-down shade on this day!
Each shelter had its own campfire circle, complete with dry kindling ready to go, protected by a uniquely designed, wind and rain proof cover.
Campfires are popular in Finland. I was particularly impressed with the heavy metal cover that kept the kindling dry for the next user. We found these covers at both the trail shelters we passed.
For More Information…
Here is the website for the Kevo Strict Nature Reserve. From this page, you can link to other natural areas in Finland. As you can tell, there are a lot of opportunities to enjoy protected outdoor areas in Finland.