Äkässaivo and Seitapahta

Äkässaivo, a rocky canyon worn by glacial rivers, and the seida rock beside it are located by the Äkäsjoki River roughly ten kilometres north of Äkäslompolo. The massive bulk of the Seitapahta seida rock, also known as Kirkkopahta, takes visitors by surprise: the rock is ten metres wide and 30 metres high at its highest point. The Äkässaivo saivo lake and the seida rock form an ancient Sámi place of worship and sacrifice. The folklorist Samuli Paulaharju considered Äkässaivo an even more imposing saivo lake than Pakasaivo, stating that "not everyone dares to go behold it; at least not those who are faint of heart, for the ravine lake is overlooked by towering rocky walls. To one side there is the soaring Kirkkopahta, to the other the terrible Hammaspahta, and between the proud rocky walls runs a narrow pathway from the saivo to Äkäsjoki River." (Lapin muisteluksia ["Memoirs from Lapland"], 1922)

Äkässaivo is a saivo lake

Deep and clear fell lakes and ponds like Äkässaivo are typical of Western Lapland. The water in these saivo lakes is often supplied by springs, and there are no streams running to or from the lakes. The peculiar saivos have been the stuff of beliefs and legends, including stories of elfin creatures and the upside-down world of the saivo people. Saivo lakes were thought to have two bottoms, with the fish sometimes disappearing into the lower waters.

"The water of the saivo (Äkässaivo) is so clear that one can see the fish so far in the depths that it would be impossible to catch them even with the longest tool. No one knows how deep the saivo is, nor would a soul dare try to measure it. The now deceased Heikki from Äkäslompolo once tried to measure it and counted many a fathom of rope but did not reach the bottom. An elf then came to say to Heikki, "If you come again to measure the lake, you will go down with your rope." (Samuli Paulaharju in Lapin muisteluksia, 1922)

The Äkässaivo relic area rank amongst Finland's cultural environments of national significance. The Äkässaivo area is a protected forest established by Metsähallitus. Äkässaivo and Seitapahta are significant ancient relic sites. Damaging the soil in the area is prohibited. Visitors should follow marked routes in the area. It is forbidden to climb up the rock formations. Damaging the relics is strictly forbidden (finlex.fi, in finnish).

The Antiquities Act prohibits any damage to or interference with ancient relics. It is forbidden to dig the lakebed or shores, or to collect objects, stones, wood, or any other movable items from the lake or its surroundings. Climbing on rocks is not allowed to prevent erosion and to protect local flora and fauna. If you discover ancient objects, you may photograph them and record their coordinates, then report the findings to the Finnish Heritage Agency (Museovirasto). However, the objects must not be touched.

Other well-known sacred Sámi sites can also be found in the surrounding area, including Pakasaivo and the Kirkkopahta seida rock. You can also explore the site using the Finnish Heritage Agency’s map service.

Respect the cultural environment

• When hiking, remember to respect the sacred sites of the Sámi people.
• Respect Europe's only indigenous people and travel responsibly in the Sámi homeland. Read the Outdoor Etiquette For The Homeland Of The Sámi.

Driving from Kittilä, take the road to Ylläsjärvi (no. 939) immediately north of the village centre. After about 8 km, turn right onto road no. 9403 and drive roughly 30 km then, just before crossing the Äkäsjoki River, turn right into the Äkäsjoen pysäköintialue -parking.

Driving along the Muonio-Kittilä road (no. 79), take the Äkäslompolontie road (no. 940) at Muotkavaara. Drive roughly 22 km, and soon after Tiurajärvi village, turn onto the road to Kittilä (no. 9403). Continue for another 2.5 km then turn left soon after crossing the Äkäsjoki River into the Äkäsjoen pysäköintialue -parking.

Driving from Kolari along road no. 21 (E8), take the Äkäslompolontie road (no. 940) roughly 10 km north of the village centre then drive roughly 10 km past Äkäslompolo village and turn onto the road to Kittilä (no. 9403). Continue for another 2.5 km then turn left soon after crossing the Äkäsjoki River into the Äkäsjoen pysäköintialue -parking.