Käsivarsi Wilderness Area, Protected wilderness area in Enontekiö, Finland
Käsivarsi is a large protected wilderness area in northern Finland covering mountains, lakes, and rivers. The terrain extends to the Swedish border and contains Finland's highest peaks.
The area became a protected wilderness in 1991 to preserve northern landscape and traditional ways of life for local communities. The Sámi have inhabited this region for thousands of years.
The Sámi people have inhabited this region for centuries and shaped its identity. Their traditional way of life remains visible today through place names, reindeer herding practices, and how locals use the land.
A visitor center nearby provides information about hiking routes and mountain hut accommodations. Summer is the best time for hiking, while winter brings extreme conditions with minimal daylight.
Nearly all of Finland's mountain peaks above 1,000 meters are found within this protected area, except for one. This concentration makes it the center for climbers wanting to reach Finland's highest points.
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