Lake Inarijärvi, a Sea-like Lake in the Wilderness on the Top of Europe
Lake Inarijärvi is, at
some places, as deep as 100 metres, and it is one of the largest lakes in
Finland. In addition to the large open water areas, there are as many as 3318
islands. The lake was formed 70 million years ago, by the earth’s crust sinking.
The shores of Lake Inarijärvi are steep and rocky but at some places there are
also sheltered bays and sandy beaches. The many long and narrow straits are also
fractures in the earth’s crust.
Lake Inarijärvi is barren, and does not support abundance of species, but
many salmonids live in it. The waters of Lake Inarijärvi flow into the Arctic
Sea through Paatsjoki River, and the natural state of the lake is affected by
regulation of the water level for electricity production. Russia and Norway
started regulating the water level in 1948. The fluctuation range is two metres
at the most. This fluctuation is harmful to the spawning of fish and the nesting
of waterbirds.
Juutuanjoki River, the River of the Inari Sámi People
Juutuanjoki River, Otsamotunturi Fell, and the forests and the small lakes of
Juutuanvaara Hill characterise the Juutua area. Many hiking trails to the
forests and lakes of Juutuanvaara Hill start in the municipal centre of Inari,
or along the Inari - Kittilä road. Parts of the forests are in commercial use
but, in other parts, the landscape is dominated by old-growth forests and clear
lakes.
Juutuanjoki River is the river of the Inari Sámi people. It collects the
waters of a large fell area. The rivers Menesjoki, Lemmenjoki, Vaskojoki and
Kaamasjoki flow into Juutuanjoki River, which then runs into Lake Inarijärvi and
from there to the Arctic Sea via Paatsjoki River. Along Juutuanjoki River, the
rapids Ritakoski and Haapakoski are famous among fly fishing enthusiasts.
Jäniskoski Rapids is known for the fact that nobody has been able to shoot these
rapids without capsizing. On the nature trail along the river, visitors get to
hear stories about this impressive river and about the famous trout of
Juutua.
Otsamotunturi Fell (418 m)
rises from the bank of Juutuanjoki River, and dominates the landscape, also
looking from the Lake Inarijärvi direction. In the old days, Otsamotunturi Fell
was a sacred place, and nowadays it is the best scenic lookout to all directions
in Inari area. Up there, you can admire the beauty of the surrounding lakes and
the rapids of Juutuanjoki River. On top of Otsamotunturi Fell, there is an old
cottage of a fire guard. It has been renovated to serve as a day trip hut.
Otsamotunturi Fell is definitely one of the most impressive destinations for a
day trip in Inari area.
Tuulispää Fell is another destination with great scenery over the large open
waters of Lake Inarijärvi. It has been a sacred place to the Inari Sámi people
before Christianity. The name means “the wind”, and the master of winds was
worshipped there. Behind Tuulispää Fell, there is Lake Tuulijärvi, which is a
great place to catch the Arctic Char (Salvelinus alpinus). From Lake
Tuulijärvi, it is possible to continue hiking towards Hammastunturi Fell.
Lake Myössäjärvi, the Landscape of Ancient Pines
The oldes pines (Pinus sylvestris) in Fennoscandia grow around Lake
Myössäjärvi, located between the villages of Ivalo and Inari. Lake Myössäjärvi
is known for its rugged rocky landscape, and for Karhunpesäkivi, “the bear’s
nest rock”. Karhunpesäkivi is a weathered hollow rock, which has attracted
tourists for a long time. The lakes in Myössäjärvi area are popular with
fishermen.