An Overlander’s Dream: Rain, Bridges, and Sacred Grounds in Lapland
It feels like yesterday—my first glimpse of that bridge. It looked like something straight out of an overlander’s fantasy: weathered, worn, and screaming adventure. That is, until you realize your entire fortune—and let’s be honest, your soul—rests beneath you in pursuit of your dream. Crossing it felt like gambling everything. Looking back now, I can laugh about it. Over the years, I’ve driven across far sketchier bridges, like in Montenegro, where support pillars were missing, and the entire structure leaned precariously. But back then, on that gravel road leading to Pyhä-Nattanen in Finland, I felt like I’d stepped into a page-turning adventure novel. I was the guy (at that moment in my mind), the protagonist on a solo quest. And now, years later, I can say, “No one can ever take this away from me.”
I stepped out of my vehicle in the rain to inspect the bridge—utterly unnecessary, but it gave me a moment to pretend I was a hardcore overlander. Truthfully, it was more about calming my nerves. Had a local seen me, they’d probably still be laughing two days later. But hey, after my dramatic “inspection,” I pressed on (remeber I’m still in the first years of overlanding). My tires kicked up gravel, the mist thickened, and the raw beauty of the landscape began to reveal itself. The scenery was breathtaking, but my restless heart wouldn’t let me pause for too long. Back in 2019, I was all about seeing everything, doing everything. Peace and quiet? I didn’t know how to value that yet (and honestly, I still haven’t mastered it!).
Once I arrived at my destination, I geared up for a short but intense hike.
The hike started much like the bridge adventure: rainy, slippery, and unpredictable. My choice of clothing (no rain clothes) was both a win and a fail. Win: I didn’t overheat. Fail: my damp clothes took days to dry. Thankfully, I was traveling solo and had plenty of room in my rig to hang everything. My Merrell hiking boots, though? Top-notch. Sponsored gear or not, they provided just enough grip for the wet trails, almost as if they were made for the icy, rainy chaos.
At the summit of Pyhä-Nattanen Fell, I was greeted by a misty world. No midnight sun this season—just an eerie, mystical landscape. Towering rock formations of local red granite rose like ancient sentinels guarding forgotten times. This sacred ground of the Sami people felt steeped in history and stories, connecting me to something timeless. (I’ll dive deeper into that in my “nerdy deep dive” section.)
After the hike, I continued along the gravel road toward Akkmeelin Kummut. Even in 2019, this spot was relatively unknown to tourists but cherished by Finns as a fishing haven on Sompiojärvi Lake. It still remains a hidden gem—search for it on Google Maps, and you’ll only find a handful of photos (for now). Here, I found rustic cabins and wooden platforms for cooking or even sleeping outdoors (with a roof overhead, thankfully). Time seemed to stand still in this place. Even in the rain and mud, it felt like I’d stumbled upon a treasure—a memory I’ll carry forever.
Curious to discover these cabins and platforms for yourself? I’ll leave that to your imagination; I didn’t take any photos. Maybe it’ll inspire you to seek them out and uncover the magic on your own.
Accessibility for Campers and Overlanders
For all the brave souls daring to steer their home on wheels into the Lapland wilderness: Pyhä-Nattanen lays out the red carpet—or rather, a solid gravel road so smooth even your grandma’s Fiat could handle it. But don’t be fooled by the easy drive; the real challenge begins upon arrival. With parking space barely accommodating two large campers—assuming your parking skills are circus-worthy—finding a spot can feel like hitting the jackpot. Arrive early, unless you’re planning to spend the night snugly parked against a tree! (Respect nature and stick to the gravel even when parking.)
Mist-erious Mini-Hike
Ready to explore the wilderness of Pyhä-Nattanen, but it’s raining cats and dogs? No worries, I’ve got the perfect short hike for you. At just 3.4 km (so you won’t lose the whole day), this route is a true gem among quick adventures. Need proof? Check the gallery and look for photos tagged “hike.” Even in such a short distance, the beauty of Lapland comes alive.
But beware, adventurer! The way back is the same as the way in—
A GPS can be handy because in mist or bad weather, finding your way back might feel like searching for a green post in a haystack. It’s not rocket science, but for those of us who are a bit directionally challenged, a little extra attention goes a long way. Whether you want to channel your inner scout or simply ensure you don’t end up stranded on a rock in the mist, keep an eye out for those green markers—or better yet, download my handy GPX file. Who says you can’t explore the northern wilderness at your leisure?
Nerdy Deep Dive into the Mystique of Pyhä-Nattanen Fell
At 508 meters, Pyhä-Nattanen Fell stands out in the landscape of Lapland, not just for its breathtaking views and challenging hiking routes but also for its profound historical and cultural significance.
Historical and Cultural Significance
Historically, Pyhä-Nattanen is a sacred site for the Sami, the Indigenous people of Lapland. The summit is adorned with striking tors—large rock formations of local red granite—that rise up to five meters high. These natural monoliths are more than just visual marvels; they are ancient sites of worship, deeply rooted in local legends and spiritual traditions that echo through this rugged terrain.
Strategic Importance
During wartime, Pyhä-Nattanen served as a lookout post for soldiers, bearing silent witness to the region’s turbulent history. The firewatch hut at the summit, built in 1946, reminds visitors of its strategic role. Today, it serves as a public wilderness shelter for day use, offering a place to rest, warm up, and even cook.
Hiking Trails and Accessibility
The main hiking trail to Pyhä-Nattanen, marked with green and wooden poles, is an adventure in itself. With a steep climb to the top and an equally steep descent, the 7 km route is challenging and not recommended for those with health concerns. However, this trek offers an unparalleled opportunity to experience the wilderness of the Sompio Strict Nature Reserve, where strict conservation rules preserve its pristine beauty.
Geological Features
The geological structure of Pyhä-Nattanen and the surrounding Nattastunturit Fells is captivating. The stone fields and ancient growth forests along the trail tell a story of thousands of years of ecological evolution, making it an ideal study site for nature enthusiasts and geologists.
Practical Information for Visitors
For those planning to visit the fell, the hike begins at the parking area on Sompiojärventie. Don’t forget to bring a GPS, especially in misty weather, and your own toilet paper for the facilities at the summit. Depending on pace and fitness level, the hike can take between 3 to 8 hours to complete.
Visual and Spiritual Experiences
From the summit of Pyhä-Nattanen, a sweeping panorama unfolds, stretching across the untouched wilderness of Urho Kekkonen National Park to the distant horizons. Whether under the midnight sun of summer or the tranquil blanket of snow in winter, this place offers a deep spiritual resonance that stays with visitors long after they’ve left.
Through this deep dive into Pyhä-Nattanen Fell, we hope not only to enrich your understanding but to stir your soul—perhaps even inspiring your next adventure to this magical place of natural and historical wonder.
