Climbing Mount Yelnyun-2

The trail is of the greatest interest for true connoisseurs of nature and for those who want to get to know the history of the North more closely. The trail originates from the Visitor Center, runs along the sandy shore of Lake Chuna, through the Second stream, the sphagnum swamp and goes up to the top of Mount Yelnyun-2. The elevation varies from 120 meters above sea level at Lake Chuna to 515 meters above sea level at Seida.

The ascent is steep enough, the passage is complicated by tree roots and slippery stones, but at the end of the journey worthy rewards await: stunning views of the Khibiny, Lake Imandra and the Bay of El-Luht and a meeting with a miraculous miracle — the sacred stone of the Sami.

Mount Yelnyun-2 is part of the Chunatundra Mountain range. While climbing, you can observe the change of high—altitude vegetation belts: at the bottom — a shady taiga forest, at the top - a windy tundra with dwarf birches and lichens. Sometimes it is even impossible to count how many different types of lichens grow on one piece of land.

Lichens are unique organisms that can be seen on soil, rocks, old trees, on tree trunks and branches. During the period of rapid flowering , the trail turns into a bright impressionist painting filled with colors of violets, geraniums and northern linnea. It is complemented by blue phyllodotse, alpine arctous, recumbent loiseleuria and juniper — typical representatives of the tundra.

There are many anthills and animal tracks on the trail. At the foot of Mount Yelnyun-2 there is a moose migration path. His movements are especially easy to trace in places where there are no railings on the trail. But where there is prey, there is also a predator. Following the moose, the bear left his bullies on one of the fir trees not far from its migration path.

In the tundra, you can meet not only the usual inhabitants of the reserve — partridges, but also the white-tailed eagle soaring high in the sky, and, of course, the majestic representative of the Red Book of Russia — the wild reindeer.

You can relax on the way in the gazebo or sitting on the rocks and enjoying the scenery of pristine nature.

You can buy a ticket to visit the territory of the ecological and excursion complex of the Lapland Nature Reserve:

• Online on the Reserve's website (cashless payment);
• At the Reserve management cash desk (cash or non-cash payment);
• At the ticket office of the ecological and excursion complex (cash or non-cash payment).

Ticket price:

• Adult 450 rubles;
• Children (under 18 years old) 400 rubles;
• Preferential categories are free of charge.