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Exploring FinlandS border Zone: Hiking to Korvatunturi and Permit requirements
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Accessing finland’s border zone involves specific regulations, often tied to property or employment. A unique exception is hiking to Korvatunturi, a destination that requires a permit but is relatively accessible.
Located in Savukoski,a sparsely populated municipality,Korvatunturi stands out. Its accessibility is notable for those prepared to undertake a hike.
While movement in the border zone typically demands Border Guard authorization, Korvatunturi is an exception within the National Park.
According to Border Guard communications, permits aren’t issued solely for border zone access, but Korvatunturi’s location within the National park makes it a special case.
“Due to the special nature of Korvatunturi,” Eeva Meltos stated via email.
permits for Korvatunturi include guidance on approved routes and accessible areas.
Border Guard statistics indicate that a significant influx of visitors to Korvatunturi hasn’t occurred. The Lapland Border Guard typically grants 500 to 600 border zone permits annually, with a high approval rate of 93.4% last year.
Over 11,000 Border Zone Licenses Issued Last Year
Border zone permits are commonly issued for reasons such as property ownership or employment within the zone.
The number of border zone licenses issued has slightly increased compared to the previous year.
Last year, the Border Guard issued permits to 11,232 individuals, up from 10,733 in 2023, with an approval rate of 96.3% nationwide.
However, this increase isn’t considered a major shift.
“No significant changes have been observed in the amount of application in recent years. The progress has been quite stable,” says communications expert Eeva Meltos.
New Day Room Under Construction
Metsähallitus and Savukoski municipality are constructing a new day-use hut in Korvatunturi during the summer and autumn.
Long-term border zone permits aren’t issued to travelers in the area, and the day hut is not intended for overnight stays.
The building materials for the cottage were transported to Korvatunturi this week by helicopter, according to Savukoski Technical Director sami Ämmälä.
Both the municipality and Metsähallitus have allocated EUR 50,000 towards the cottage’s construction, totaling EUR 100,000. The municipality plans to maintain the hut in partnership with a tourism entrepreneur, with the hut partially supporting tourism activities.
“It has been estimated that a few thousand euros will go to maintenance every year,” Ämmälä estimates the municipality’s cost.
Kaija Maunula, Culture and Marketing Secretary of Savukoski Municipality, doesn’t anticipate a massive influx of tourists to Kor
