About Näätämö & Sevettijärvi
Sevettijärvi is the centre for Skolt Sámi and one of the very few places in the world where it is still possible to hear the Skolt language being spoken on a daily basis. Sevettijärvi was founded when a total of 51 Skolt families were evacuated from Petsamo after the wars in 1949.
Located in the furthest north-eastern corner of Finnish Lapland, Sevettijärvi is only half-an-hour-drive from the lively border village of Näätämö. Due to the nearby River Näätämöjoki, the area is one of the favourite spots for fishermen. Being right by the Norwegian border, also the Arctic Ocean is just a stone’s through away.
Local sights in Näätämö & Sevettijärvi
Skolt Sámi Heritage House & Orthodox Church
The Skolt Sámi Heritage House is a great place to learn about the Skolt Sámi history and culture. The Heritage House is open in the summertime and it is free for visitors. It is located next to the Orthodox Church and its cemetery.
Sevetti-Pulmanki Trail
The Sevettijärvi-Pulmanki hiking trail leads from Pulmankijärvi Lake through the great wilderness of Kaldoaivi. The route is approximately 60-70 km long. In its southernmost parts the route traverses boreal forests, whilst the terrain becomes more rugged towards the north, birch being the predominant vegetation. The route is also accessible to mountain bikers. There is also a winter route both for skiiers and snowmobilers.
River Näätämöjoki
Näätämöjoki River is situated north of Sevettijärvi. The river is born in Iijärvi and runs into the Arctic Ocean on the Norwegian side. Näätämöjoki is an ideal destination especially for fly fishers. Salmon, trout, grayling and whitefish are caught in the mighty River Näätämöjoki.
Vätsäri Wilderness Area
Vätsäri is located very remotely – south of Sevettijärvi, behind the Lake Inarijärvi, near the Norwegian and Russian borders. This wilderness area is part of the Finnish-Norwegian-Russian protected area entity called Pasvik-Inari Trilateral Park. The wilderness area is a demanding hiking destination, because of its difficult terrain and is not suitable for unexperienced hikers.
