Cross-Border Biking
Border-hopping routes from Finland into Norway and on towards the Arctic Ocean, following old postal trails and quad-bike tracks.
Biking into Norway and through to the Arctic Ocean. Sections of trail can be pieced together so you stay primarily off-road, yet on relatively easy terrain, if that is the trip you are after.
- Routes cross from Finland into Norway towards the Arctic Ocean
- Border crossed through reindeer gates - carry your passport
- 30km Harkajarvi-Aksomuotki trail ending with a 10km asphalt road to Kautokeino
- Old postal route via Kafjord and Guolasjarvi towards Somasjarvi, east of Halti
- Expect river wades and old, sometimes rotting, boardwalks
Harkajarvi to Aksomuotki (30km)
The 30km Harkajarvi-Aksomuotki trail runs from the border to a 10km asphalt road into Kautokeino. Cross the border through a reindeer gate, then follow the scrubby trail, hard to find at times along a hillside, through the Favrusjokkan tundra towards Galanita. There you wade the Sallanjohka (Roggejohka) and follow the quad-bike track past an old house on the far side. The Kautokeino river is crossed at Aksomuotki on the highway bridge.
Towards Salvasjarvi and the border
An old, disused 16km trail between Palojarvi and Salvaspaa is only for experienced trekkers. The 8km Siccajarvi-Raja section starts on the west side of Siccajarvi, with a wade at the mouth of the creek and along a shallow sand dune. The 15km Salvasjarvi-Harkajarvi quad-bike trail crosses the open fells and, at the reindeer gate far beyond the yellow-painted border rocks, joins the old market path from Karesuvanto to Kautokeino.
Old Postal Route through to the Arctic Ocean in Norway
From Kafjord via Guolasjarvi to Somasjarvi, east of Halti, the old postal route runs through to the Arctic Ocean in Norway. Close to the border the mail actually travelled up river, but you can link trail sections and stay mostly off-road on easy terrain. Be prepared for an 8km stretch of old rotting boardwalks.
Good to know
- Harkajarvi-Aksomuotki
- 30 km (then 10 km asphalt to Kautokeino)
- Border
- Finland-Norway (passport required)
Ready when you are
Real wilderness, 200+ huskies, eighteen winters in.