Karigasniemi Áilegas – A Summer Destination
Karigasniemi Áilegas is a summer destination accessible via the service road leading to the summit mast. Of the three Áilegas fells in Utsjoki, Karigasniemi Áilegas is the tallest, rising to an elevation of 620 meters. The surrounding views are spectacular: to the west, a panoramic vista unfolds over the Norwegian fells, the Inari and Karasjoki rivers, and the Teno River Valley. To the south, the distant Muotkatunturit fells can be seen on the border of the Inari municipality.
The round trip from Karigasniemi village to the summit of Áilegas fell is 15 kilometers. There is limited parking along Karigasniementie, where cars should be left if you are hiking via the mast service road. Higher up, there is a gate—do not block the access road by parking here. Taking the service road and a shortcut trail near the end, the round trip to the summit is about 8 kilometers. The terrain becomes steeper and significantly rockier near the summit in the open fell area.
Please note the rapidly changing weather conditions and visibility in fell terrain. Be sure to carry warm clothing, food, water, and a fully charged phone. Reindeer roam the area, so avoid disturbing or approaching them under any circumstances. At the beginning of the road leading to the fell, there are gates in the reindeer fence—ensure they are carefully closed behind you. Stay on the designated road and trail to prevent damage to the terrain.
Although Áilegas fell is a summer destination, ice may accumulate on the mast structures at the summit during spring and autumn. For safety, avoid the vicinity of the mast. Note that there is no designated campfire site at the summit, and making fires in the terrain is prohibited. Please take all your trash with you when leaving.
Like the other Áilegas fells, Karigasniemi Áilegas holds special significance in Sámi culture. These important and valuable sites must be treated with respect, leaving no traces of your visit.