We were driving along Sevettijärventie road in the very top of Finland. Having noticed a small mention of a sacred Sámi site at Nitsijärvi lake, we decided to stop by to check it out. We knew the approximate area where the sacred seita rock could be found, and we were determined to locate it and mark it on our map.
The seida guarding the river mouth
The Suojanperä seida (Suojanperän seita) is also known by some locals as Nitsijärvi seida (Nitsijärven seita) as it is located next to Nitsijärvi lake. We left our car in a small area next to the main Sevettijärventie road and walked a few hundred metres down to the mouth of a small river. There was another circular area where we could have left our car but a nice brisk walk did us good after hours in the car.
The water level of the small river running into Nitsijärvi lake was low, so I was able to hop from rock to rock to check out where the seida rock might be. It was partially hidden by trees growing on the banks of the lake, so I had to do a bit of sleuthing. Carefully balancing on the rocks, I made my way in front of the seida. The seida was situated between the gravel road and the right bank of the river mouth, hidden slightly by the birch trees. I was happy to keep my distance and pay my respects to the Sámi sacred site that way. I zoomed in with my camera to spot beautiful yellow moss inside the cavernous insides of the seida.
It might have been possible to get right next to the seida if we had walked through the woods from the gravel road. However, despite the long dry patch of weather in Northern Lapland at the time of our visit, the ground in the forest was swampy and wet, so we decided not to get our feet wet. If the water had been high in the river and lake, that walk through the forest might have been our only option. This time, we were able to enjoy the beautiful sunshine almost sans mosquitoes (a rare treat!) along with the lovely seida rock blessing the area.
Seida rocks and Sámi culture
In general, a seida (seita in Finnish, sieidi in Northern Sámi) is an ancient Sámi culture site where the local Sámi people brought offerings to the gods. They are often large and unusually shaped rocks found in holy places. Our blog has visited and written about many seidas and other sacred sites so make sure to check it out.
According to the Finnish Heritage Agency (Museovirasto), excavations were done in this area in 2009. The findings included modern coins as well as some bone material. The bones were identified as those of reindeer or deer as well as those of the western capercaillie (also known as wood grouse). When the bones were dated, they confirmed that the Suojanperä seida at Nitsijärvi had been in use during the 15th to 17th centuries.
Directions to Suojanperä or Nitsijärvi seida
Address: The closest road to the seida is unnamed so the easiest is to use this map below. The closest proper address is Sevettijärventie 5635-5627, Inari.
How to get there:
- Car: There is space for two cars next to Sevettijärventie road and space for about two more at the end of the road.
- Bicycle: Cyclists have to cycle next to the highway. There is no special space allowance for pedestrians or cyclists on the high way.
- Public transport: You can get to nearby Nitsijärvi town by public transport from Ivalo. The closest bus stop that buses run year-round is Nitsijärvi. Check the Route Planner for timetables. You will have to walk 6,2km from Nitsijärvi village to the seida.
Accessibility: The seida is not accessible.
When to go: You can visit at any time of the year. In cold seasons when the water is frozen or there is snow, make sure to be extra careful not to slip or fall into the water.
Facilities: There are no official facilities in the area.
Special notice: Seidas are sacred sites for Sámi people. Make sure to treat the area around the seida and the seida itself with utmost respect.
Make sure you also check out
There are several seida rocks in Lapland such as Taatsin seita in Pokka and Näkkälä’s seida in Enontekiö.
