Ukko-Luosto Walk – Finland Part: 2 of 4

The search for crown-loaded trees (rime ice, or ‘tykky’ to the local Finnish people) continued. Local advice recommended a walk to the nearby Ukko-Luosto Maisematupa (which is Finnish for ‘scenic hut’). Mid-February is an ideal time to search for these snow-covered trees throughout the fells in Northern Finland, but climate change is making weather more unpredictable in many parts of the world, making local and current knowledge all the more valuable. The information centres usually have a decent idea what the current conditions are on top of nearby fells.

Building these otherworldly ice and snow-covered trees takes time and patience. Humid air clings to the branches and freezes. Gentle breezes can add to the growth of these figures by carrying more snow and ice onto them. This must continue uninterrupted for some time, however mild temperatures or strong wind can threaten to reset this growth completely. It’s part of the reason we stayed near the beautiful Tunturiaapa Bogland from Part 1 of this blog, as a back up if we weren’t able to experience this natural phenomenon.

The walk begins at a slightly lower altitude with classic snow-covered trees. This walk itself is stunning, and escalates as you gradually move up the fell towards the scenic hut until the snow crown-loaded trees begin to emerge and you reach edges of different forest areas which allows for greater isolation of specific trees. It’s possible that the hut is unlocked and accessible during this time, however be aware that in these conditions ice can easily build up either side of the door and cause it to become jammed in place.

It was a rewarding, quiet and contemplative experience spending hours with these snowy forms.