Puljun Kiimatievat

The Pulju Wilderness Area, including Puljun Kiimatievat, is known for its untouched nature and lacks marked hiking trails. While there are old folk trails and forest roads that can be followed, visitors are often encouraged to forge their own path. This requires good navigation skills, a map, and a compass or GPS device. For those seeking a more structured experience, exploring routes that lead to prominent fells like Puljutunturi (471m) or Kätkätunturi (515m) can offer rewarding views, but preparation is key.

The terrain in Puljun Kiimatievat and the wider Pulju Wilderness Area is highly varied. You can expect a mix of vast mires, spruce and pine forests, and numerous low fells. The southern parts feature extensive mires, which can be wet and challenging to traverse, especially after rain. As you head north, the landscape transitions to more fells and forests. Sturdy, waterproof footwear is essential, and gaiters can be very useful, particularly when crossing mires.

Beyond the famous Pulju moraines, which are located about 7 kilometers north of Pulju village, the area offers several fells that provide excellent viewpoints. Puljutunturi Fell (471m) is relatively accessible and offers expansive panoramas of the wilderness. Further north, Kätkätunturi, the highest peak at 515m, also provides stunning vistas. These fells offer a chance to appreciate the vastness and unique topography of Lapland.

Dogs are generally welcome in the Pulju Wilderness Area, but they must be kept on a leash at all times. This is crucial for protecting wildlife, especially ground-nesting birds in the mire areas and reindeer, which are common in Lapland. Always ensure your dog's waste is properly disposed of to maintain the pristine condition of the wilderness.

Puljun Kiimatievat and the Pulju Wilderness Area are generally considered suitable for experienced wilderness hikers rather than families with very young children, due to the lack of marked trails, varied and often challenging terrain (including mires), and remote nature. There are no specific family-friendly trails or facilities. However, older children with hiking experience and a good level of fitness might enjoy the adventure, provided they are well-prepared and supervised.

The Pulju Wilderness Area is very remote, and there are no cafes, pubs, or restaurants directly within or immediately adjacent to Puljun Kiimatievat. The nearest services would be found in the small village of Pulju or the larger municipalities of Kittilä or Enontekiö. Visitors should plan to be self-sufficient, carrying all necessary food and drinks. For accommodation, wilderness huts or camping are the primary options within the area, while guesthouses or hotels would be in the nearby villages or towns.

No specific permits are required for hiking or camping in the Pulju Wilderness Area, including Puljun Kiimatievat, as it is a wilderness area managed by Metsähallitus. However, general wilderness etiquette and regulations apply, such as not disturbing nature, taking all trash out, and following fire restrictions. If you plan to fish, you will need a fishing permit, which can be obtained from Metsähallitus.

The Pulju Wilderness Area is home to a diverse range of wildlife. You might spot larger predators like wolverines, bears, and occasionally wolves or lynx. The extensive mires are particularly rich in birdlife, including various waders such as Eurasian Golden Plover, Ruff, and Wood Sandpiper, as well as Short-eared Owls and Hen Harriers. Willow Grouse and Western Capercaillie are also present. Keep an eye out for reindeer, which are common throughout Lapland.

While the intro highlights summer and early autumn, Puljun Kiimatievat offers unique winter activities for the well-prepared. These include cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and winter hiking. The frozen mires and snow-covered fells create a stunning, silent landscape. However, winter conditions are extreme, with short daylight hours and very low temperatures. Experience in arctic conditions, appropriate gear, and strong navigation skills are absolutely essential for winter exploration.

Puljun Kiimatievat and the Pulju Wilderness Area are quite remote, and public transport options are very limited or non-existent directly to the area. Access is primarily by private vehicle. There are usually small, informal parking areas or pull-offs near the entry points or along the roads bordering the wilderness area. It's advisable to check local maps or resources for specific parking locations, especially if you plan to access a particular part of the wilderness.

The Pulju moraines are distinctive worm-like winding formations believed to be remnants from the latest ice age. Their unusual shape and geological origin make them a fascinating natural feature. They are situated approximately 7 kilometers north of the village of Pulju. While the entire wilderness area is shaped by glacial activity, this specific cluster of moraines is particularly well-preserved and offers a prime example of these unique formations for observation.