Inari Descriptions of Trails

27.8.2024
The stairs of Karhunpesäkivi are closed for the time being. The stairs are in poor condition and do not meet safety requirements.
19.7.2024
The toilet at the starting point of Tuulijärvi is temporarily closed for maintenance reasons

Starting Points for Trails 

Services for Boaters

Easy Trails

Karhunpesäkivi Bear’s Den

When there is no snow on the ground, travel time 1 h
For people who are interested in light walks and natural attraction; for families with children.

Are you brave enough to crawl into a bear’s den? After climbing up the steps, you can slink into a spacious cave that according to stories used to be a bear’s den.

On a slope about a meter wide stairs, with a handrail on one side, a man's back descending the stairs down. On the slope grows pine of different ages, at the bottom left a huge stone, a boulder.

Starting Point
Ivalo-Inari roadside (E75) there is a café and parking area, about 23 km from Ivalo village, address Inarijärventie road 2288, Inari.

Coordinates: Euref-Fin (~ WGS84) lat: 68° 49.0316' lon: 27° 18.8447' ETRS-TM35FIN N: 7634011 E: 512666

Hiking Structures
Steps have been built to lead up to the Karhunpesäkivi Bear’s Den, and a platform stands in front of the cave to protect the surrounding nature from erosion. There is a viewing platform with stools at the end of the climb.

Road Description
The steps leading up the fell start behind the café. There are a few resting platforms along the way. The two entrances to the cave are low but the cave itself is spacious. The duckboards continue uphill from the cave through old-growth pine forest. The end of the trail rewards you with a viewing platform that, in clear weather, allows you to gaze over the bays of the Inarijärvi Lake.

he man looks towards, sitting on a wooden bench on the observation deck at the height of the tops of the trees. On the other side of the railing there is a view of the pine forest, behind the water glistening.

 

Juutua demanding Accessible Trail, 500 m /each way

Demanding accessible trail
 

Available all year round, travel time 1 hour.
This demanding accessible trail is suitable nicely for families with children. The path is demanding due to altitude differences, the parking area descends to the river and the return is the same route back. Juutua demanding Accessible Trail is part of the Juutua Trail.

In summer, globeflowers blossom on the banks of the River Juutuanjoki and grayling leap in the river. In winter, you can travel along the illuminated trail and admire the beauty of the northern natural features.

Two persons on an accessible trail in an autumn pine forest. One of the persons is sitting in an electric wheelchair.

 

Starting Point
Parking area by the side of Kittiläntie Road (number 955), about 3 km from the Northern Lapland Nature Centre Siida, address Kittiläntie 156, Inari.

Coordinates: Euref-Fin (~ WGS84) lat: 68° 53.7205' lon: 26° 57.9799' ETRS-TM35FIN: N: 7642693 E: 498647

Hiking Structures
Accessible lean-to shelter, woodshelter and dry toilet are located right next to the Jäniskoski bridge on the northern side of the river.

A smiling hiker in a shelter. A fire is burning in the fire pit and a coffee pot is hanging above the fire.

Route Description
Route markings: The trail signs are fixed onto lamp posts.

The trail runs from a parking area by the side of Kittiläntie Road to the bridge at the Jäniskoski Rapids. The trail is an unpaved dirt road that is lighted and kept open from the snow in winter. The lights are dim enough to be able to see the sky. The trail is 500 metres long in each direction.

Please Note
The Juutua demanding Accessible Trail is part of the Juutua Trail, which is about 5.8 km long. The information boards along the Juutua trail feature stories on travellers and events in the area.

 

Tuulijärvi Trail, 1.5 km /each way

Available all year round, travel time 1 hour.

Lake Tuulijärvi is an excellent destination for families with children.

Lake Tuulijärvi is a legendary site for catching Arctic charr. On the lake shore, you will find a lean-to shelter for making a campfire and enjoying snacks. The destination is excellent in summer as well as during the ice-fishing season.

 In the middle of the birch forest there is a path, in front you can see a wooden pole with a red cross sign.

Starting Point
At the Tuulispää Fell parking area, at a distance of about nine kilometres from the parish centre of Inari. From Inari, drive towards Ivalo for about six kilometres (E4) Inarijärventie 3261, 99800 Ivalo (Inari), from where turn to a gravel road that runs onto the summit of Tuulispää Fell. Continue along the gravel road for about 2.5 km to the parking area.

Coordinates: Euref-Fin (~ WGS84) lat: 68° 51.3950' lon: 27° 7.5930' ETRS-TM35FIN: N: 7638404 E: 505075.

A newly built cabin surrounded by a summery forest. The windows of the cabin extend to the floor.

Hiking Structures
Tuulijärvi lean-to shelter, including a dry toilet and woodshed.

Route Description
The trail is marked with x signs.

The trail runs on a level fell terrain where the mountain birch and pine thrive. Return along the same trail. The total distance is three kilometres.

Please Note
The parking area is ploughed every year in mid-February.

 

Other Hiking Trails 0-10 km

 

Pielpajärvi Wilderness Church Trail, 5 km/each way

Available when there is no snow on the gound, travel time 6 hours.
The trail is stony and the roots make walking difficult.

Pielpajärvi Church was built between 1752 and 1760 and was in use till the end of the 19th century. During this time, the church was the centre of Inari. A few services and weddings are still held at the church every year.

A hiker is taking pictures with his mobile phone of an old wooden church. The paint is peeling of the church walls. A dull and cloudy sky in the background.

Starting Point
Parking area on Sarviniementie road, 3 km from the Northern Lapland Nature Centre Siida.
 
Coordinates: Euref-Fin (~ WGS84) lat: 68° 55.2854' lon: 27° 3.4706'ETRS-TM35FIN: N: 7645602 E: 502322
 
Hiking Structures
Pielpajärvi day trip hut and campfire site; Pielpavuono Campfire Hut.
 
 

Route Description
Route markings: Orange wooden poles.
 
The trail goes into a handsome old-growth forest, passing by forest lakes. In the end of the trail you will reach a natural meadow, on the edge of which there is the well-preserved Pielpajärvi Wilderness Church. Returning on the same trail makes a 10-km-long trip altogether. From the church begins another trail, which goes to Pielpavuono Fjord 3 km away. In Pielpavuono Fjord, there is a boat landing place and a campfire place with shelter.
There is transport by boat to Pielpavuono Fjord in summer.
 

Juutua Trail, 5.8 km Circle Trail

Available all year round, travel time 4 hours.
Suitable as a day trip for families and partly accessible to all.

The information boards along the trail feature stories on travellers and events in the area. So far, the Juutua Trail is the only nature trail where the texts are also in the Inari Sámi language. The illustrations are by Merja Aletta Ranttila, an artist from Inari.

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Starting Point
Parking area by the side of Kittiläntie Road (number 955), about 2,5 km from the Northern Lapland Nature Centre Siida, address Kittiläntie 156, Inari.
Coordinates: Euref-Fin (~ WGS84) lat: 68° 54.4992' lon: 27° 0.8037' ETRS-TM35FIN: N: 7644140 E: 500538
 
Hiking Structures
Along the trail, there are information boards on the history of Juutua, a suspension bridge and two campfire sites, one of which is an accessible Jäniskoski campfire site. The trail is illuminated and cleared of snow in winter.
 
Route Description
Route markings: Orange wooden poles.
The trail on the southern riverbank starts at the parking area of nature centre Siida or Jäniskoski parking area. When starting from the nature center's yard, the beginning of the route is taken along the footpath over the Juutuanjoki bridge to the intersection of Kittiläntie (350 meters). Take Kittiläntie (290 meters) to Saarikoskentiie. Follow the Saarikoski road for 450 meters, after which the Juutua path goes left into the forest. In the rolling terrain, the path following the banks of the Juutuajoki is wide, gravel-based and easy going. After 2.5 kilometers you reach Akselinlaavu lean-to shelter. 400 meters from Akselinlaavu shelter there is an intersection of paths, from where the Juutua path continues to the right to the Jäniskoski suspension bridge 150 meters away. 4 people can go on the bridge at the same time.
 
Four hikers crossing a metal bridge. A wintry landscape can be seen in the background, with trees covered in a thick layer of snow. The rails and wires of the bridge are also covered in snow.
 
After the Jäniskoski suspension bridge, on the north shore is an accessible lean-to shelter of Jäniskoski, a firewood shelter and a dry toilet. The Juutua trail continues along the north bank of the river. About 100 meters from Jäniskoski's lean-to shelter, you reach a reindeer fence with a guard. The trail continues to the crossing of hiking trails 180 meters away (the trail to the Otsamo fell branches off to the left). After about 1.3 kilometers from Jäniskoski's lean-to shelter, you reach the road section. Travel along the left side of the road for about 1.3 kilometers. The path ends at the E75/E4 road crossing, from which it is a another 140 meters along the pedestrian road to the Northern Lapland nature center Siida.
 
Notice
The northern trail section from the Jäniskoski Rapids to Kortelampi and Korteoja has been covered.
 

Other Hiking Trails over 10 km

 

Inari - Otsamo Trail, 9 km /each way

Available when there is no snow on the ground, travel time 8 h.
An intermediate trail due to its steep ascent and stones along the route.

 
From the top of the fell, you get a great view over Lake Inarijärvi and the fells of Hammastunturit, Muotka and Lemmenjoki area.
 
 
Starting Point
At the village of Inari, opposite to Northern Lapland Nature Centre Siida.
 
Coordinates: Euref-Fin (~ WGS84) lat: 68° 54.6441' lon: 27° 0.6185' ETRS-TM35FIN: N: 7644409 E: 500414
 
Hiking Structures
Along the trail, there are two campfire sites, and Otsamo day trip hut.
 
 
Route Description
Route markings: The trail is marked with red wooden poles.
 
The first five kilometres, the trail follows the rushing Juutuanjoki River in a very old pine forest, after which it begins to go ascend. Going uphill, you reach the limit of the pine growth, and then the limit of the alpine birch. The top of Otsamotunturi Fell is open fell field. If you return along the same trail, it makes an 18-km-long trip altogether.
 
Please Note
From the top, you can also continue to Riutula, which is 10 km away.
 

Cross-country Skiing Trails

 

Inari - Otsamo Skiing Trail, 19 km

Classic cross-country skiing
 

 
Starting Point
The trail starts from Juutuanvaara sports center,  Kisatie 1, 99870 Inari. About 1 km from the Northern Lapland Nature Centre Siida, along Kittilä road.
 
Coordinates: Euref-Fin (~ WGS84) lat: 68° 54.6440' lon: 27° 0.6173'ETRS-TM35FIN: N: 7644408 E: 500413
 
Hiking Structures
Otsamo day trip hut.
 
Route Description
Route markings: Marked with blue sticks.
The trail runs, via Lake Ilkiäjärvi, to the slopes of Otsamotunturi Fell. The slope is for a traditional skiing style, and only one slope, so those coming down from Otasamotunturi must avoid those going up there.
 
Please Note
Skiing trails in the surrounding areas are maintained from mid-February to the mid-April. This trail is opened and driven every friday spring 2023. Please check out the skiing trail condition from the Northern Lapland Nature Centre Siida.
 

Inari - Pielpajärvi Wilderness Church Skiing Trail, 19.5 km

 
Classic cross-country skiing
 
The Parish of Inari has traditionally held a family service at the wilderness church each Easter Saturday.
 
A winter landscape where two people ski in a wooded area along a trail in the snow.
 
Starting Point
At the Northern Lapland Nature Centre Siida.
 
Coordinates: Euref-Fin (~ WGS84) lat: 68° 54.5984' lon: 27° 0.8934' ETRS-TM35FIN: N: 7644324 E: 500598
 
Hiking Structures
Pielpajärvi day trip hut and campfire site; Pielpavuono Campfire hut.
 
Sights
 
Route Description
Route markings: Marked with blue sticks.
First, the skiing trail runs along a snowmobile track (that runs to the Pielpajärvi Wilderness Church) for six kilometres, after which the skiing trail continues as a separate route. The trail returns to Inari via Pielpavuono Fjord, along the ice of Lake Inarijärvi.
 
Please Notice
Observe the wind direction when travelling to the long skiing trail on the ice of Lake Inarijärvi. This trail is opened and driven every monday and friday spring 2023. Please check the actual situation from Northern Lapland Nature Centre Siida.
 

Biking trails

Menesjärvi old road, 55 km

 
Available when there is no snow on the ground, 1 - 2 days
 
 
Starting Point
Village of Inari, Inari-Kittilä Road (number 955), address Kittiläntie 37, 99870 Inari.
 
There are no marked biking trails in the Inari area, but the old road of Menesjärvi is popular among cyclists. It follows the old road going to Lake Menesjärvi, turns onto the road to Lake Solojärvi, and returns winding along the slopes on the western side of Vaamenseisomapää Fell towards Inari.
 
Please Note
The trail is not marked and there is no services available.
 

Canoeing Routes

Lake Inarijärvi offers a wide range of alternative routes for canoeists and rowers. The thousands of islands of the lake provide shelter, but there are also large open water areas. The longest route canoeing around the lake is about 250 km.

Kayakers leaving the shore. An autumn lake landscape can be seen in the background. There are buildings on the opposite shore.

There are countless camping sites on the uninhabited shores and islands of the lake. There are also a few open wilderness hut, which can be used by canoeists and rowers.
It is important to bear in mind that the weather can change suddenly, and the canoe should be "seaworthy".
If going on a long canoeing trip, previous experience is required. It is also wise to pack some extra food, in case the weather changes and the trip lasts longer than expected.
 
Read about the Lake Inarijärvi canoeing route proposals

Snowmobile Tracks in the Inari Area

During the winter, snow mobiles are a common mode of transport on Lake Inarijärvi, because the distances are long, and the ice on the lake is strong enough from December to May, in an average year. On the ice of Lake Inarijärvi, there are marked snow mobile tracks going to Nellim, Sevettijärvi and Ivalo. On the land, there are tracks to Utsjoki, Karigasniemi and Ivalo via Hammasjärvi. It is possible to get as far as to the Arctic Sea along the snow mobile tracks.
 
 
 
Even though you may snowmobile freely in water areas covered by ice, it is safest to keep on the trails. The snowmobile tracks are annually marked on the ice of Lake Inarijärvi, usually after the Epiphany holiday, and are removed by the turn of April and May, depending on the weather conditions. Sometimes they are removed immediately after Easter.

 

If using the snow mobile tracks on the land, you need to obtain the track permit of Metsähallitus. Permits can be obtained from Siida - Northern Lapland Nature Centre in Inari and Eraluvat.fi -website.

Customer service

Northern Lapland Nature Centre Siida
Tel. int. +358 206 39 7740
siida(at)metsa.fi

Ivalo Customer Service
Tel. int. +358 206 39 7701
ivalo(at)metsa.fi

A hand holding a mobile phone showing Excursionmap.fi. Open the map of Inari in Excursionmap.fi.