Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage
Established in 1916, Malla Strict Nature Reserve is located in the extreme northwest of Finnish Lapland, near the border with Norway. The reserve spans a mountainous area dominated by the Malla Fell massif, with elevations reaching over 700 meters. It is characterized by alpine terrain, with rocky outcrops, sparse vegetation, and wetlands that contribute to a fragile, largely untouched environment. The area is renowned for its role in preserving the unique Arctic and subarctic flora and fauna of the region, including several rare and protected species. Due to its strict protection status, recreational activities here are limited, and no facilities or marked trails are maintained within the reserve boundaries to ensure minimal human disturbance. However, visitors often use nearby marked trails outside the reserve, such as routes towards the summit of Malla Fell, to experience the vast wilderness and panoramic views of the surrounding fells and fjords. The reserve also serves scientific research and monitoring purposes, particularly studies concerning arctic ecology and climate change effects. It forms part of the larger Pallas-Yllästunturi National Park complex, making it an essential natural landmark for conservation in northern Finland. Visitors are drawn primarily by the serenity, wilderness experience, and the chance to observe northern wildlife in an environment where human impact remains very low.
