Nellim

The village of Nellim is situated by the Lake Inari ca. 40 km from Ivalo village close to the Russian border. Originally Nellim is a Inari Sámi village. On 1920’s and 1930’s Finns game for forest work and later Skolt Sámi from Petsamo moved to Nellim because of the wars on 1940’s. Nowadays Nellim is known as a meeting point of three cultures.
In Nellim village you can visit at the Wilderness Hotel (Centre of Silence) the village museum where you’ll have a closer look to Inari Sámi and Skolt Sámi clothing and tradition. At the Orthodox Church of Nellim you’ll see a traditional orthodox iconostasis with beautiful icons. The church is dedicated to Holy Trinity and Triphon of Petchenga (Petsamo). You may also visit the Finnish-Russian border and the famous bridge of the Kessi wilderness area and River Paatsjoki. On the bridge you may see Russian watch towers or just enjoy beautiful nature sceneries. On the way back to the village you might want to visit the old lumberjack area and the log chute which has been restored for visitors. There is also a very good roofed fire place for a day trip snack! Or you can also have a coffee or lunch at the local bar-cafeteria Nili-Aitta.