Carpool service between Lieksa and Patvinsuo
Tips for hiking
Passage and movement restrictions
Shooting training 2024
Current information on hiking
(Updated May 16 2024)
Spring arrives in Patvinsuo. In spring, hiking in Patvinsuo is characterized by the return of migratory birds and the bustling activity in the heart, as well as flooded marshes and road frost heaves.
Currently, there just a hint of snow in some places. Terrain may be we as the water level is high, and the marshes are flooding.
Suomuntie road is bumpy but passable.
Nälmänjoki pull ferry is in use. Patvinkierto Trail is therefore available as a circle trail.
Suomu Nature Information Hut opened its doors on May Day, 1.5. The Nature Information Hut is open from Wednesday to Sunday in May from 10 am to 5 pm. Read more on Suomu Nature Information Hut's website.
Meltwater has entered the resin well of Suomu, so the water from the well should not be used. The well located next to the Suomunjärvi lake, near Suomu campfire site, is in working condition, and the water is safe to drink without boiling.
Remember the movement restrictions in the national park, which protect bird nesting and mating peace. In early spring, movement in many marsh areas is only allowed on marked trails. The first restrictions come into effect on 15.2. and last until 1.7. You can find all restricted areas on the map as well as online and on guide maps at starting points.
Passage and movement restrictions in Patvinsuo
(Updated 18th January 2024)
In the national park, you are allowed to move freely on foot, skiing, rowing, and kayaking except in restricted areas:
- Movement within the integrated monitoring area (YYS) around Hietajärvi marked on the map is prohibited from January 1 to July 10 and from August 1 to December 31.
- Movement outside the marked trails is prohibited on the restricted areas marked on the map (Patvinsuo on both sides of Teretinniemi and Surkansuo) from April 1 to July 10.
- Movement outside the marked trails is prohibited on the restricted areas marked on the map (Lahnasuo, Säästö-Maksimansaari, Iso-Maksimansaari, and Hulkkonen and its surrounding swamp areas) from February 15 to July 10.
- Also, please note the restricted access to the shooting range.
Shooting training at the Finnish Frontier Guard's restricted military area
(Updated 18th January 2024)
The Patvinkierto trail leading from Lahnalampi parking area to Pirskanlampi camping area goes next to the Finnish Frontier Guard's restricted military area. This shooting range is marked in the terrain by red circles around tree trunks. Entering the restricted area during shooting practice is strictly forbidden, so stay at the marked trails.
During 2024 shooting practice will take place:
29.1.–1.2.2024
4.–8.3.2024
8.–12.4.2024
22.–28.4.2024
5.–9.6.2024
16.–18.8.2024
9.–13.9.2024
17.–24.9.2024
7.–11.10.2024
21.–27.10.2024
20.–22.11.2024
There are signs in the areas vicinity and along trails leading to the area with information about shooting practice times.
Waste management is being developed in Patvinsuo National Park
(Updated 1st of December 2022)
We are developing waste management in Patvinsuo National Park. In the future, the toilets in Surkansuo and Surkanpuro will be changed to suction-emptied ones, which will simplify both the waste management and the post-treatment of waste. The installation work is still a little under way at the sites, so for now the toilets in Surkansuo and Surkanpuro will still serve as dry toilets.
The toilet in the Kurkilahti parking area and the accessible toilet located near the Suomu Nature Information Hut are suction-emptied. Please note that you should not add litter or put organic waste in a toilet that is emptied by suction. Garbage among the toilet waste can cause problems in the further processing of the waste.
When wildfire warnings (en.ilmatieteenlaitos.fi) are in effect, fire is only allowed at covered campfire sites that have a flue. A fire can be also lit in fireplaces at wilderness and other huts. Always use extreme caution when handling fire. The one who lights a fire is always responsible for its safe use. Please note, that making fire at these campfire sites can be banned locally. 
