Northern Lapland
Region
Municipality of Enontekiö
(www.enontekio.fi)
Area: 1,280 sq. km. Established in 1991.
The area is
managed by Metsähallitus.
Pöyrisjärvi Wilderness Area is a wonderful
destination for experienced hikers who have the needed equipment and supplies.
The wilderness area adopted its name from Lake Pöyrisjärvi, which is located in
the north part of the area. Impressive sand dunes and ridges rise to the north
of the lake. The rolling fell and forest landscape make for wonderful hiking
terrain, but the area’s large bogs are best to circle.
There are no marked trails within Pöyrisjärvi Wilderness Area, but there are
many old unmarked trails, as Pöyrisjärvi has always been an important fishing,
hunting and reindeer husbandry area for locals. The Lapp villages of Kalkujärvi
and Pöyrisjärvi are located within the wilderness area and are still inhabited
for part of the year.
Pöyrisjärvi is not only a hiking destination. There are great possibilities
for canoeing excursions, fishing and mountain biking. The areas two largest
rivers the Pöyrisjoki and the Käkkälöjoki are especially good for canoeing and
fishing.
Pöyrisjärvi Wilderness Area is nestled in the centre of several other
protected areas. Saaravuoma-Kuoskisenvuoma Mire Reserve is to the south of the
wilderness area and Pulju Wilderness Area and Lemmenjoki National Park are to its east and
south-east. To the north of the wilderness area in Norway is Övre
Anarjokka National Park (www.dirnat.no). Pöyrisvuoma Mire Reserve is within
Pöyrisjärvi Wilderness Area.
