Ailakkajärvi autiotupa
The place
A free hut (autiotupa) located in the municipality of Enontekiö, in the immediate vicinity of the Käsivarsi wilderness area in Finnish Lapland, about 5.5 km east of Ala-Kilpisjärvi and 1 km southeast of the northern tip of Lake Ailakkajärvi, right on the lake's shore. Current building constructed in 1990 (an earlier one existed roughly on the same spot, since demolished), six beds with a wood stove for heating. Free, shared hut, at no cost for self-sufficient hikers — a one- or two-night stay without advance booking. No drinking water (natural water must be purified), no waste management (everyone carries out their own), kitchen equipment to bring yourself. The area is dominated by Ailakkavaara (about 900 m), whose impressive cliff face is visible from the hut. Managed by Metsähallitus (the Finnish Forest Administration), at the heart of Finland's largest protected wilderness area (Käsivarsi).
Getting there
~5.5 km east of Ala-Kilpisjärvi, 1 km SE of the northern tip of Lake Ailakkajärvi. Free hut, Metsähallitus.
The setting
Käsivarsi wilderness area (Enontekiö), on the shore of Lake Ailakkajärvi, below Ailakkavaara.
