Trails under 10 km
Tankavaara's Urpiaislenkki, 1 km, Circle Trail
Available all year round. In Summertime hiking and in winter with snowshoes. The trail is quite easy and in Summertime the gravelled path is accessible by a wheelchair and with a pram.
Travel time 0,5 hour. Recommended direction of travel: anti-clockwise.
Starting point
Tankavaara's parking area, Tankavaarantie (road) 11, 99695 Tankavaara (Sodankylä),(excursionmap.fi).
Coordinates: WGS84 lat: 68° 10.6613' lon: 27° 05.8279', ETRS-TM35FIN N: 7562678m E: 504029m
Hiking Structures
The trail is gravelled and there are information boards along the trail.
Route Description
Route markings: With green cone -symbol in green wooden poles.
Excursionmap.fi
In the beginning of the path there is three other paths in the same trakc, and markings are in a different colours. Urpiaislenkki is easy to walk and little variations in altitudes.
Please Note
Path is accessible by a wheelchair and with a pram.
Tankavaara's Warhistory Trail, 1,5 km / each way
Available all year round. In Summertime hiking and biking and in winter with snowshoes.
Travel time 1-2 hours.
Starting point
Coordinates: WGS84 lat: 68° 10.6613' lon: 27° 05.8279', ETRS-TM35FIN N: 7562678m E: 504029m
Hiking Structures
Information boards
Sights
Along the Warhistory trail there are information boards telling about Schutzwall (defence state), which was build in the Second World War by german soldiers in Tankavaara Area. There is a replica of dugout and an old artillery weapon. Please be carefull nearby the old structures, they may collapse down.
Route Description
Route markings: with black cone -symbols in wooden poles. Excursionmap.fi.
Biking it also allowed, but the trail is stony and roots make it challenging. Trail can be conect with Kuukkelilenkki Circle Trail, which has two fireplaces and on the latter fireplace there is dry toilet and a Campfire hut.
Please Note
Please be carefull nearby the old structures, they may collapse down.
Tankavaara's Koppelolenkki 3 km, Circle Trail
Available all year round. In Summertime hiking and biking and in winter with snowshoes. There is no maintenance from snow in winter.
Travel time 1 hour. Recommended direction of travel: anti-clockwise.
Starting point
Tankavaara's parking area, Tankavaarantie (road) 11, 99695 Tankavaara (Sodankylä) (excursionmap.fi).
Coordinates: WGS84 lat: 68° 10.6613' lon: 27° 05.8279', ETRS-TM35FIN N: 7562678m E: 504029m
Hiking Structures
Trails' halfway there is a Campfire hut along Hopiaoja -river, a campfire site, dry toilet and wood shelter. In wetlands there is duckboards.
Sights
The Trail takes you further into the quiet spruce forest. The trail runs in fresh woodforest at beginning. In a halfway comes a Hopiaoja -river's wetlands with forest flowers and berries. In Autum "ruska" colors glow in many red shades.
Route Description
Route markings: with blue cone -symbols in wooden poles. Excursionmap.fi.
In beginning of the trail three different trails are in the same track. After one kilometer Koppelolenkki trail turns towards Pikku-Tankavaara -fell. In the fell the trail is quite stony. In a halfway there is a campfire site for piknic. Before and after there is a duckboards, and the rest of the trail is gravelled.
Please Note
In winter it can be done with snowshoes or in summer montain biking, although one must beware of rundown duckboars.
Tankavaara's Kuukkelilenkki, 6 km, Circle Trail
Available all year round. In Summertime hiking and in winter with snowshoes. There is no maintenance from snow in winter. The trail is also available for mountain biking.
Travel time 2-3 hours. Recommended direction of travel: anti-clockwise.
Starting point
Tankavaara's parking area, Tankavaarantie (road) 11, 99695 Tankavaara (Sodankylä) (excursionmap.fi).
Coordinates: WGS84 lat: 68° 10.6613' lon: 27° 05.8279', ETRS-TM35FIN N: 7562678m E: 504029m
Hiking Structures
A sight seeing tower at Pikku-Tankavaara fell, duckboards on wetlands. At the end of Kuukkelipolku trail at Hopiaoja river there is two campfire sites and a dry toilet on the latter one.
Sights
Information boards from Warhistory trail and a sight seeing tower at Pikku-Tankavaara fell.
Route Description
Route markings: with orange cone -symbols in wooden poles. Trail rises through the spruce forest to Pikku-Tankavaara hill, which has a magnificent view of Nattastunturi Fells, the surrounding aapa bogs and the great fells of Saariselkä. The return route is through mire. After 4 kilometer there is Hopiaoja -river campfire site and after one kilometer more, the next campfire site and a dry toilet.
Please Note
In winter it can be done with snowshoes or in summer montain biking, although one must beware of rundown duckboars and ascent to Pikku-Tankavaara fell.
Tankavaara's Geological Trail, 7 km, Circle Trail
Available all year round. In Summertime hiking and in winter with snowshoes. The trail is quite easy with likely no vincity. There is no maintenance from snow in winter. The trail is also available for mountain biking.
Travel time 2-4 hours. Recommended direction of travel: clockwise.
Starting point
Tankavaara's parking area, Tankavaarantie (road) 11, 99695 Tankavaara (Sodankylä).(excursionmap.fi).
Coordinates: WGS84 lat: 68° 10.6613' lon: 27° 05.8279', ETRS-TM35FIN N: 7562678m E: 504029m
Hiking Structures
About a halfway trail is a campfire site, wood shelter and a dry toilet at Koiranjuomalampi -pond. A sight seeing tower at Pikku-Tankavaara fell, duckboards on wetlands. At Hopiaoja -river there is two campfire sites and a dry toilet on the latter one. Information boards about areas' geology.
Sights
Features the area's geology, the area's bedrock, the traces left in the area by the ice age as well as changes in surface formations.
Route Description
Route markings: grey cone -symbols in wooden poles.
The beginning of the trail leads through forest landscape and climbs gradually to the slope of Jorpulipää. In a early summer and after rain, one should have a rubberboots, while the trail crosses two times over Hopiaoja -river. There is a rest spot on the shore of the beautiful Lake Koiranjuomalampi. From there the trail leads to a hanging bog. The rest of the route follows Kuukkeli Circle Trail. Excursionmap.fi.
Please Note
In winter it can be done with snowshoes or in summer montain biking, although one must beware of rundown duckboars.
Trails over 10 km
Rautulampi Hiking Trail, 22 km, Circle Trail
Available all year round. In Summertime hiking and mountain biking and in winter cross country skiing.
Travel time 3-10 hours. Recommended direction of travel: clockwise.
The Rautulampi trail is the classic of hiking trails in Urho Kekkonen National Park with its spectacular fell landscapes and major height differences.
Starting point
Kiilopääs' starting gate, Kiilopääntie (road) 620, 99830 Saariselkä (Sodankylä), (excursionmap.fi).
Coordinates: WGS84 lat: 68° 20.7882' lon: 27° 27.7299', ETRS-TM35FIN N: 7581564m E: 519031m.
Hiking Structures
Day-use Hut Luulampi, campfire site and dry toilet, Rautulampi campfire site and dry toilet. Day-use Hut Niilanpää, campfire site, wood shelter and dry toilet. Bridge over Rautuoja -river.
Sights
Scenery from the top of Niilanpää - and Rautupää -fells, old traditional reindeer round-up site of Niilanpää nearby Niilanpää day-use hut.
Route Description
Route markings: Beginning black wooden poles and section Luulampi-Rautulampi-Kiilopää blue and red wooden X -signs.
Excursionmap.fi (excursionmap.fi) and Open Fell Biking (Pdf, 4,3 Mb, laplandnorth.fi).
The descent to Luulampi is steep, so bring your speed under control in time. There are no shortcuts on this route, and there is no mobile phone signal in some areas. For this reason, you should bring repair and first aid kits in addition to food and spare clothing. The weather may change rapidly in open fell areas and visibility may be lost. In the section between Luulampi and Rautulampi, the trail breaks up into several parallel narrow paths, the easiest one of which for bikers runs along the eastern side of the stream. The route has a couple of small stream crossings and a bridge across Rautuoja.
Please Note
This route travelling through wilderness areas is not suitable for inexperienced bikers and requires careful preparation.
Taajoslaavunpolku Trail, 26 km, Circle Trail
Available all year round. In Summertime hiking and mountain biking and in winter cross country skiing.
Travel time 3-10 hours. Recommended direction of travel: clockwise.
A long touring route with plenty of height differences and landscapes ranging from open fells to spectacular old pine forests.
Starting point
Saariselkä's starting gate, Lutontie (road) 12, 99830 Saariselkä (Inari), (retkikartta.fi) and Kiilopääs' starting gate, Kiilopääntie (road) 620, 99830 Saariselkä (Sodankylä), (retkikartta.fi).
Coordinates: Saariselkä: WGS84 lat: 68° 25.0985' lon: 27° 25.6142', ETRS-TM35FIN N: 7589563m E: 517523m
Coordinates: Kiilopää: WGS84 lat: 68° 20.7882' lon: 27° 27.7299', ETRS-TM35FIN N: 7581564m E: 519031m
Hiking Structures
Vellinsärpimä day-use hut, campfire site, wood shelter and dry toilet. Rumakuru new and old day-use hut, campfire site, wood shelter and dry toilet. Luulampi day-use hut, campfire site and dry toilet. Taajoslaavu Campfire hut, campfire site, wood shelter and dry toilet.
Sights
Protected old and new Rumakuru huts. Historical habitation of Luulampi -pond. Taajoslaavu-Vellinsärpimä long wilderness like trail section with old pine forest. Pääsiäiskuru -gorge.
Route Description
Route markings: black wooden poles of hiking trail.
The long forest path section between Vellinsärpimä and Taajoslaavu offers enjoyable trail riding for experienced bikers, while the old duckboards will test your balance. Bikers can gather their strength on an easier section before the steep and strenuous climb to Luulampi.
On the fells bikers can follow a broader hiking trail, while in the forested sections, the route goes along narrow walking paths. On Lutto River and when arriving at Luulampi, there is a gravel-surfaced hiking trail which makes for fast cycling. The final section from Luulampi uses a winter track with no man-made base.
Excursionmap.fi (excursionmap.fi) and Open Fell Biking (Pdf, 4,3 Mb, laplandnorth.fi).
Please Note
Route is long and recomended for experienced mountain biker. A few wet areas and short duckboard sections in poor condition are found close to Vellinsärpimä and in the sections of Taajoslaavu and Pessinlampi. There are no shortcuts from the most distant sections of the route, and there is no mobile phone reception in some areas, which should be noted when preparing for the ride.
Moitakuru Route, 25 km, Circle Trail
Available all year round. In Summertime hiking and mountain biking and in winter cross country skiing. Trail is long and due its' vincity quite demanding.
Travel time 3-10 hours.
A route for fit cyclists in the northern section of Saariselkä tourism region. The scenery of Kaunispää, Urupää and Palopää as well as the strenuous climbs and fast descents on this route tempt experienced mountain bikers.
Starting points
For hikers and cross country skiiers
Saariselkä's starting gate, Lutontie (road) 12, 99830 Saariselkä (Inari). (excursionmap.fi)
Coordinates: WGS84 lat: 68° 25.0985' lon: 27° 25.6142', ETRS-TM35FIN N: 7589563m E: 517523m
For mountin bikers
Neste Saariselkä (gas station), Kiveliöntie (road) 8, 99830 Saariselkä (Inari). (excursionmap.fi)
Coordinates: WGS84 lat: 68° 25.3607' lon: 27° 24.5068' ETRS-TM35FIN N: 7590046 m E: 516763 m
For skiiers with dog
Saariselkä Ski resort, Kullanhuuhtojantie (road) 99830 Saariselkä (Inari). (excursionmap.fi)
Coordinates: WGS84 lat: 68° 25.5504' lon: 27° 27.2825' ETRS-TM35FIN N: 7590412 m E: 518659 m
Hiking Structures
Lutto day-use hut, campfire site, wood shelter and dry toilet, Moitakuru day-use hut, campfire site, wood shelter and dry toilet, Palo-oja Campfire hut, wood shelter and dry toilet. Bridges of Luttojoki -river and Lumipallokuru -gorge.
Sights
Views from Kaunispää and Palopää -fells, the old reindeer hut and round up site of Moitakuru and Karvaselkä's haunted hut in Saariselkä.
Route Description
Route markings: black wooden poles of hiking trail.
no markers on the first section (follow the power line); the snowmobile track from Urapää to Palopää is marked with wooden posts with crosses, and the hiking trail is signposted from Moitakuru towards Saariselkä.
As this route requires a good level of fitness and skills in mountain biking and map reading, it is not suitable for inexperienced bikers. Includes climbs where bikes must be pushed. To avoid the steep climb to Palopää, an alternative route further south can be followed.
Excursionmap.fi (excursionmap.fi) and Open Fell Biking (Pdf, 4,3 Mb, laplandnorth.fi).
Please Note
It is allowed to ski with a dog in Moitakuru skiing track, starting point is then at Ski Resort. Please notice, that section to Kaunispää is not allowed to the dog skiiers. The dogs must kept on a leash and their droppings picked.
Out into the Wilderness Trails
Old Track of Luirojärvi, 70-80 km
Available all year round, in summer by walking and in winter by skiing. This route is average difficulty in terms of terrain conditions. Track is a no marked route.
Travel time: 4-6 days
Starting point
Kiilopää starting gate: Adress: Suomen Latu Kiilopää, Kiilopääntie 620, 99830 Saariselkä (Inari). (excursionmap.fi).
Coordinates: WGS84 lat: 68° 20.7943' lon: 27° 27.7020' ETRS-TM35FIN N: 7581576 E: 519012
Hiking structures
Niilanpää day-use hut, Suomunruoktu Open and Reservable Wilderness Hut, Tuiskukuru Open and Reservable Wilderness Hut, Luirojärvi Open and Reservable Wilderness Hut / Kuuselankämppä Rental Hut and Lankojärvi Open and Reservable Wilderness Hut.
Sights
Niilanpää reindeer fence, Raappana Turf Hut, open fell views, Nattastunturit Fells and Kotaköngäs rapid.
Route Description
Kiilopää - Suomunruoktu, 14 km. The hiking trail starts from the yard of the Kiilopää Fell Centre. The early part of the trail passes along the marked Rautulampi Trail until it reaches the Niilanpää reindeer fence where is Niilanpää day-use hut and fireplace. From there the route moves onto an unmarked trail that leads to the Suomunruoktu open and reservable wilderness hut. The wide trail follows the Suomujoki River, which can be easily crossed to reach the wilderness hut.
Along the trail is two resting points, Niilanpää day-use hut and Suomunlatva lean to shelter. Both are slightly out of the trail.
Suomunruoktu - Tuiskukuru, 13 km. From the Suomunruoktu hut the trail continues further downstream of the Suomujoki river. There is bridge by river Suomuojoki at Aitaoja and also fireplace nearby. After crossing the bridge on the Aitaoja, head towards Vintilätunturi. From the heads of Harrihaara, head towards Tuiskukuru.
An alternative route passes by the ponds of the Suomujoki River. On shore of pond Salonlampi you find a lean to shelter. After passing the ponds, follow the Vintiläoja stream to the fell birch stands on the south side of the Pikkutunturi Fell, from where you will descend to Tuiskukuru. There is a open and reservable wilderness hut in Tuiskukuru.
Tuiskukuru - Luirojärvi, 8 km. From the Tuiskukuru hut the trip continues to Lake Luirojärvi, amidst impressive pine stands and fell birch stands on the south side of Ampupäät. You can ford the Luirojoki river from the Luirojoki river's neck. There are several huts at Lake Luirojärvi where you can spend the night. Luirojärvi open and reservable wilderness hut, Kuuselankämppä rental hut and Rajankämppä open wilderness hut. There is also reservable sauna by the lake.
Next to the lake Luirojärvi you see the Sokosti fell (718 m a.s.l), the highest fell in the Urho Kekkonen National Park. It´s worth to stay one more day in Luirojärvi, hope a bright day and climb up to Sokosti fell.
At the top of Sokosti Fell is Cellular Tower for cellular coverage in the National Park. Mobile phone coverage is still only available in the highest areas. There is always a change of a dysfunction and it takes time to repair it in the wilderness area.
Luirojärvi - Lankojärvi, 19 km. There is a trail from the western shore of Lake Luirojärvi to Lake Lankojärvi. Between Vasanlyömäpäät and Joukhaispää, the trail continues towards the Suomujoki River. There is a wading spot in the Palovanganjoki River near the Suomujoki River. From there follow the trail downstream towards Lake Lankojärvi. There are fords on the south side of Lake Lankojärvi; these are marked on the Saariselkä - Sokosti outdoor map. During flood season we recommend that you cross the river at the Kotaköngäs bridge. The Luirojärvi - Lankojärvi trail is flanked by heathlands and beautiful fell landscapes. There is a open and reservable wilderness hut at Lankojärvi.
Lankojärvi - Kiilopää, 19 km. There is a clear trail from Lake Lankojärvi, along the Rautuoja stream, westwards to the Rautulampi fireplace. The landscape is mostly forest. There is a trail marked with crosses through a wide-open fell area from Rautulampi to Kiilopää. Route passes Niilanpää day-use hut and fireplace.
Nuortti Hiking Trail, 40 km, circle trail
When there is no snow on the ground. Due to the trail length, the river wading and the remote location the trail is classified as demanding. The river is crossed twice along the trail.
Travel time: 2-4 days.
Starting point
Haukijärvenoja parking area (excursionmap.fi), where hikers can leave their vehicles and visit the guide shelter. The road between Tulppio-Haukijärvenoja is not maintained in winter.
Coordinates: WGS84 lat: 67° 51.5370' lon: 29° 11.2806', ETRS-TM35FIN N: 7528766m E: 592009m
Hirvashauta parking area (excursionmap.fi), nearby a reindeer fence which crosses the road. Early on the hiking trail turns away from the old reindeer fence and the small trail which follows the fence. The road between Tulppio-Hirvashauta parking area is not maintained in winter.
Coordinates: WGS84 lat: 67° 52.9142' lon: 29° 17.4282' ETRS-TM35FIN N: 7531479m E: 596222m
Hiking Structures
Hirvashauta open and reservable wilderness hut, Saiho open hut, Kärekeoja open and reservable wilderness hut, Mettopalo open hut and Karhuoja open hut. Karhuoja reservable wilderness hut has been closed 1.6.2020. There are numerous campfire sites, lean-to shelters and kota-huts along the trail and Nuorttijoki river. The locations of the structures are marked on the outdoor maps.
Level of difficulty
Although the trail is clearly marked you should always have a map and a compass with you when hiking. There are ascents and descents along this route and hikers should be in considerably good shape to travel the trail.
The river Nuorttijoki can be crossed easily on the bridge at Kolsa, which is located near the Finnish-Russian border zone. At the other end of the trail near Haukijärvenoja parking area there is a wading cable across the river to assist hikers when crossing. When the water level in the river is normal the river can be safely waded across.
Please note
Water level may affect the river wading. Remember to always check the latest information for water level and the installation of wading cable for summer season in Nuorttijoki from Urho Kekkonen National Park Customer Service.
For fishing in Nuorttijoki river the fishing permit Nuorttijoki 3550 is needed (eraluvat.fi). In the Urho Kekkonen national park area the fishing season at Nuorttijoki river is 1.6.-31.8.
Nuortti hiking trail is situated next to the national border zone. Using a drone in Nuorttijoki area requires a flight permit application (aviamaps.com).
Phone coverage in Urho Kekkonen national park remote area is limited - assume that calling or using the internet is not possible. In areas of limited phone coverage and/or at cold weather also the phone battery may run significantly faster. Please get acquainted with the instructions and rules for hiking in the national park and for preparing for a hike.
Route Description
The trail along the southern bank of the river Nuorttijoki, 16 km. A good starting point for hikes is at Haukijärvenoja parking area (about 93 km from Savukoski), where hikers can park their vehicles and check the information boards. Hikers can get straight from the parking area onto the marked trail. The next rest spot on the trail is Hirvashauta open and reservable wilderness hut from where the trail continues to Saiho open wilderness hut. Near the border zone hikers can cross the river by hanging bridge at Kolsankoski, where the trail turns to head back towards it starting point. During floods we recommend that visitors hike along the south bank of the river towards the border zone and return along the same route.
The trail along the northern bank of the river Nuorttijoki, 24 km. On the north side of the river Nuorttijoki the hiking trail leads through forests to Kummalehdonoja campfire site. From the campfire site onward the trail travels closer to the river. Mettopalo open wilderness hut as well as Kärekeoja open and reservable wilderness hut are good places to either rest for a while at or stay at overnight. Karhuoja open wilderness hut is situated a slight way off the trail. This hut has a sauna. Karhuoja reservable wilderness hut has closed 1.6.2020, the open wilderness hut and sauna remain in use.
The river Nuorttijoki can be waded across near Kärekeoja open and reservable wilderness hut at Haukiniva when waters are low. A wading cable is hung over the river in summer season to assist hikers while crossing. Remember to contact Urho Kekkonen National Park Customer Service in advance for the latest information about water levels in the area. The wading cable is removed for the winter.
Nuortti Hiking Trail can also be travelled in the opposite direction, meaning that hikers follow the river Nuorttijoki's northern bank first.
Kemihaara-Korvatunturinmurusta Trail, 20 km / each way
Available only when there is no snow.
Travel time 2-4 day.
The duckboards of the trail have aged to a weak condition. The trail is poorly visible especially in bad weather conditions and in the dark. Do not head to this trail without orienteering skills, a map, a compass and a shelter.
Starting point
Kemihaara, 98800 Savukoski (excursionmap.fi).
Coordinates: WGS84 lat: 67° 57.7502' lon: 28° 57.2913'
Hiking Structures
Open Wilderness Hut Vieriharju, Rakitsanoja Open Turf Hut, Korvatunturinmurusta campfire site and dry toilet.
Please Note
For hiking in the Kemihaara-Korvatunturinmurusta trail a map, a compass, weather-proof clothing and good orienteering skills are needed.
Trespassing in the border zone is forbidden without a permission applied from the Finnish border guard.
The trail between Rakitsanoja-Korvatunturinmurusta has duckboards in very poor condition and the trail is also poorly visible.
Phone coverage in Urho Kekkonen national park remote area is limited - assume that calling or using the internet is not possible. In areas of limited phone coverage and/or at cold weather also the phone battery may run significantly faster. Please get acquainted with the instructions and rules for hiking in the national park and for preparing for a hike.
Sights
There is a Peace Pole at Korvatunturinmurusta, which was erected as a symbol of world peace.
In good weather also Korvatunturi fell is visible from Korvatunturinmurusta.
Route Description
Route markings: wooden X -signs, partly poorly visible.
Excursionmap.fi.
The trail begins at Kemihaara (about 100 km from Savukoski, of which 75 km is gravel road), crosses the River Kemihaara before working its way through spruce forests and aapa mires and then onto dry pine heath. At the end of a reindeer fence hikers arrive at Vieriharju open wilderness hut. The trail continues along shallow heaths and through aapa mires.
After Palo-Vieriharju the trail departs towards Rakitsanoja open turf hut, from which the trail continues for two kilometres as a narrow path and then unites again with the other trail on a dry pine heath.
A couple of hundred metres before the border zone the trail winds towards Korvatunturinmurusta, where is situated the Peace Pole, a cooking area and a dry toilet.
The Korvatunturinmurusta Trail is a tourist service trail, which means that permits allowing, ski-expeditions can be arranged there.
Mountain Biking Trails
1. Kaunispää OFB, 6 km, loop
The Kaunispää trail is an excellent way to start exploring the scenery and terrain of Saariselkä. Accessible during snow-free season. Easy/demanding.
Riding time: 0.5–1 hours.
Recommended direction: clockwise and anticlockwise.
Starting point
Saariselkä starting point (excursionmap.fi), Lutontie 12, 99830 Saariselkä
GPS coordinates: WGS84 lat: 68° 25.0985' lon: 27° 25.6142', ETRS-TM35FIN P: 7589563m I: 517523m
Hiking structures
Kelo-oja campfire site
Attractions
Kaunispää fell top, offering a spectacular view in all directions. The wooden observation tower standing at the fell top is a replica of an old triangulation tower.
Trail description
Trail markings: The trail is marked with orange mountain biker symbol and number 1. A GPS track of the trail is also available.
Open Fell Biking (Pdf, 4,3 Mb, laplandnorht.fi).
The trail begins at the starting point of Saariselkä trails. The first section towards Kaunispää runs on a gravel-surface ski track base and shortly before the ski bridge crossing the Kullanhuuhtojantie road, the trail turns right taking a shortcut. The trail runs on a cycle path past the roundabout.
After the roundabout, you can start climbing to the top of Kaunispää anticlockwise using Vaeltajantie cycle path. This route is shorter and, on average, steeper but technically less demanding. The alternative trail runs clockwise on a longer and more gently sloped route on Suopunkitie cycle path. This route is more demanding and located slightly further away.
If you choose the clockwise option, continue on the Suopunkitie cycle path past Vasa, Vuonelo and Vuorsa junctions and turn left uphill. The cycle path takes you to Koivutie, which ends on Etelärinteentie. The trail continues directly from Koivutie to the terrain section across Etelärinteentie.
The return route runs downhill, first on Ylämajantie and continuing on Etelärinteentie and Kuusitie, which changes to Havutie. The trail continues to the end of Havutie and turns right to Vaeltajantie.
If you choose the anticlockwise option, the climb already starts on Vaeltajantie. Continue on this cycle path all the way to Havutie, which takes you up the slope. Havutie changes to Kuusitie and ends at Etelärinteentie where you should turn right. Ylämajanpolku, starting at the end of Etelärinteentie, takes you to the fell top.
The return route first runs on a demanding path downhill. The terrain section ends on the road and the trail now continues downhill to Koivutie directly across Etelärinteentie. From the end of Koivutie, the trail continues on a cycle path to Suopunkitie cycle path where you should turn right. The cycle path continues downhill to Saariseläntie cycle path where you should turn left. The rest of the return trail runs on the same route as route in the opposite direction.
Note the following
The trail is also well-suited for gravel bikes; however, the terrain section close to Kaunispää fell top is extremely demanding for gravel bikes.
2. Moitakuru, 27 km (13 km), loop
The Moitakuru trail is well-suited for beginners. You can easily take a shortcut from Palo-oja to the return route, which shortens the trail by about half. Accessible during snow-free season. Easy/moderately demanding.
Riding time2–4 hours.
Recommended direction: clockwise.
Starting point
Saariselkä starting point (excursionmap.fi), Lutontie 12, 99830 Saariselkä
GPS coordinates: WGS84 lat: 68° 25.0985' lon: 27° 25.6142', ETRS-TM35FIN P: 7589563m I: 517523m
Hiking structures
Kelo-oja campfire site, Lapp hut at Palo-oja, Moitakuru day-use hut, Luttotupa day-use hut.
Attractions
Kaunispää fell top, offering a spectacular view in all directions. The wooden observation tower standing at the fell top is a replica of an old triangulation tower.
Trail description
Trail markings: The trail is marked with orange mountain biker symbol and number 2. A GPS track of the trail is also available.
Open Fell Biking (Pdf, 4,3 Mb, laplandnorth.fi).
The trail begins at Saariselkä starting point. It first takes you to the top of Kaunispää from where you start descending eastwards towards the Lapp hut at Palo-oja on a moderately demanding ski track base. The downhill section of three kilometres is an enjoyable experience.
If at this stage you feel that the trail is too demanding for you, after descending from Kaunispää, you can take another descent to the shores of River Luttojoki and return to Saariselkä. The total length of the trail is about 13 km.
The long descent from Kaunispää is followed by a long but a fairly gentle climb taking you close to Palopää fell top. The descent on the slopes of Palopää to Moitakuru is demanding and rocky in places. Starting at Moitakuru hut, the trail runs on a gravel-surface ski track base past a husky farm and all the way to Kuukkelilammentie. After the husky farm, turn right towards south.
From Moitakuru all the way to Luttotupa, the trail is mostly downhill. From Luttotupa, you can continue on an easy gravel-surface path alongside River Luttojoki. Before returning to the Saariselkä starting point, the route takes you right through the ski resort.
Note the following
The section from Kaunispää to Moitakuru via Palopää is demanding/extremely demanding for gravel bikes. The section from Moitakuru to Saariselkä via Luttotupa is well-suited for gravel bikes.
3. Iisakkipää panoramic trail, 11 (13) km, loop
The initial climb to the flanks of Iisakkipää and Vahtamapää via Aurorakuru is demanding in places but the scenery is worth the effort. Accessible during snow-free season. Easy/moderately demanding.
Riding time: 0.5–1 hours.
Recommended direction: clockwise.
Starting point
Saariselkä starting point (excursionmap.fi), Lutontie 12, 99830 Saariselkä.
GPS coordinates: WGS84 lat: 68° 25.0985' lon: 27° 25.6142', ETRS-TM35FIN P: 7589563m I: 517523m
Hiking structures
Aurora day-use hut, Prospektori miners’ hut (day-use hut).
Attractions
Prospektori mine
Trail description
Trail markings: The trail is marked with orange mountain biker symbol and number 3. A GPS track of the trail is also available.
Open Fell Biking (Pdf, 4,3 Mb, laplandnorth.fi).
The trail begins at Saariselkä starting point and descends on the gravel-surface Aurorapolku to Luttojoki bridge. The bridge marks the start of a steep climb to Ristikuru. The trail continues via Ristikuru to the flanks of Iisakkipää and Vahtamapää. The climb is demanding in places but the scenery is worth the effort. Here you can make a side trip to the top of Iisakkipää (two kilometres both ways).
After a rocky descent from Vahtamapää (just over one kilometre), you arrive at Hirvaskuru junction from where the trail turns right towards Laanila and back to Saariselkä. From Hirvaskuru junction to Saariselkä, the trail runs on a broad and easy ski track base.
Note the following
The section from Saariselkä via Iisakkipää and Vahtamapää is demanding/extremely demanding for gravel bikes. The section from Hirvaskuru junction back to Saariselkä via Prospektori mine and Laanila is easy for gravel bikes.
4. Vellinsärpimä, 31 km, loop
On the Vellinsärpimä trail, every mountain biker has a real chance to show their skills. The long terrain section between Taajoslaavu and Vellinsärpimä day-use huts presents challenges for both beginners and experienced mountain bikers. Accessible during snow-free season. Demanding.
Riding time: 3–5 hours.
Recommended direction: anticlockwise.
Starting point
Saariselkä starting point (excursionmap.fi), Lutontie 12, 99830 Saariselkä
GPS coordinates: WGS84 lat: 68° 25.0985' lon: 27° 25.6142', ETRS-TM35FIN P: 7589563m I: 517523m
Hiking structures
Aurora day-use hut, new and old day-use huts at Rumakuru, Taajoslaavu, Vellinsärpimä day-use hut.
Attractions
Rumakuru
Trail description
Trail markings: The trail is marked with orange mountain biker symbol and number 4. A GPS track of the trail is also available.
Open Fell Biking (Pdf, 4,3 Mb, laplandnorth.fi).
The trail starts at Saariselkä starting point. The initial part of the trail runs on Aurorapolku and via Vahtamapää to Hirvaskuru junction. Just follow the signposts for Iisakkipää and Rumakuru. The section from Hirvaskuru junction to Rumakuru is an easy and quick gravel path going mostly downhill.
From the old Rumakuru day-use hut, the trail continues for another 1.4 km after which it turns left towards Taajoslaavu. The terrain section to Taajoslaavu is demanding and the trail becomes more difficult towards the end. From Taajoslaavu, the trail continues northwards, climbing gently as you approach Vellinsärpimä. The terrain section is extremely challenging in places.
At Vellinsärpimä, the trail turns right to the north, towards River Luttojoki. The final section back to starting point at Saariselkä along River Luttojoki is an easy gravel route.
Note the following
The section via Taajoslaavu and Vellinsärpimä is not suited for gravel bikes.
5. Rumakuru Gravel, 25 km, loop
A wide track gravelled all the way makes the trail technically easy. On the first kilometre, between Luulampi and Kiilopää, the trail makes an extremely steep climb, while the descent to Kiilopää is long and technically easy. Accessible during snow-free season. Easy/demanding.
Riding time: 3–5 hours.
Recommended direction: clockwise.
Starting point
Kiilopää entrance gate (excursionmap.fi), Kiilopääntie 620, 99830 Saariselkä. Coordinates: WGS84 lat: 68° 20.7882' lon: 27° 27.7299', ETRS-TM35FIN P: 7581564m I: 519031m.
Hiking structures
Rönkönlampi campfire hut, Prospektori miners’ hut (day-use hut), new and old day-use huts at Rumakuru, Luulampi day-use hut and wilderness cafe (open during spring, summer and autumn seasons)
Attractions
Prospektori mine, Rumakuru and Luulampi
Trail description
Trail markings: The trail is marked with orange mountain biker symbol and number 5. A GPS track of the trail is also available.
Open Fell Biking (Pdf, 4,3 Mb, laplandnorth.fi).
The trail starts at Kiilopää entrance gate. You can also start in front of the Savottakahvila cafe in Laanila. When leaving Kiilopää, head north across the Kiilo-oja ditch after which take a left bend and follow ski track lighting and ride along Kiilo-oja. The trail soon turns into a gravel path, which is easy to follow as you ride eastwards towards Kakslauttanen. After just over three kilometres, you arrive at the junction of the Saariselkä trunk trail from where the trail takes a right turn through a reindeer fence towards Laanila and Saariselkä. The trail continues as an easy gravel path in a hilly and diverse terrain.After the Savottakahvila cafe in Laanila, you ride through an underpass and arrive at a junction where you turn right towards the Prospektori mine and Rumakuru.
Turn towards Rumakuru at the Hirvaskuru junction after Prospektori. The trail is mostly downhill all the way to Rumakuru.
After Rumakuru, the trail continues on a gravelled and hilly path to Luulampi. From Luulampi, the trail climbs to Kiilopää. In technical terms, most of this part is fairly easy but the initial climb is almost vertical. After this, the climb becomes gentler and easier. The descent to Kiilopää ski resort is quick and technically easy.
Note the following
For gravel bikes, the trail is mostly easy and extremely enjoyable but the fell crossing between Kiilopää and Luulampi is extremely demanding for gravel bikes in places.
6. Rautulampi 24 (22) km, loop
The Rautulampi trail, characterised by magnificent scenery and substantial elevation differences, is the classic trail of the Urho Kekkonen National Park. The trail runs in wilderness terrain around Kiilopää and Niilanpää and is suited for experienced mountain bikers. The rocky fell area and difficult climbs and descents make the trail extremely demanding. Accessible during snow-free season. Demanding/extremely demanding.
Riding time: 3–5 hours.
Recommended direction: anticlockwise.
Starting point
Kiilopää entrance gate (excursionmap.fi), Kiilopääntie 620, 99830 Saariselkä. Coordinates: WGS84 lat: 68° 20.7882' lon: 27° 27.7299', ETRS-TM35FIN P: 7581564m I: 519031m.
Hiking structures
Niilanpää day-use hut (formerly used by reindeer herders), Rautulampi reservation, open and day-use huts, Luulampi day-use hut and wilderness cafe (open during spring, summer and autumn seasons)
Attractions
Rautulampi, Luulampi, old reindeer roundup pen at Niilanpää
Trail description
Trail markings: The trail is marked with orange mountain biker symbol and number 6. A GPS track of the trail is also available.
Open Fell Biking (Pdf, 4,3 Mb, laplandnorth.fi).
You start at Kiilopää entrance gate and head right towards the marked trail running on an ungravelled path. After 200 metres, the trail turns left at Sivakka junction and the next section towards the reindeer herders’ cabin at Niilanpää runs on a wide gravel track. This is the easiest part of the trail.
After the reindeer herders’ cabin, the trail continues as a wide gravel track. After about 200 metres, the track diverges left climbing up the fell slope. The trail becomes narrower and in places the climb is extremely rocky, demanding and steep. The section from here to Rautulampi is the most demanding part of the trail.
From the Rautulampi hut, the trail continues across a stream, running on the right side of a pond towards Luulampi. You can cross the Rautuoja ditch flowing eastwards from Rautulampi on an iron bridge. Long and narrow, this path is one of the most impressive paths in the Saariselkä area. It party runs on sand and at first climbs gently but after nearly three kilometres from Rautulampi hut, it goes into a gentle descent.
About 500 metres before Luulampi, the trail crosses a wide ditch. At normal water levels, you can cross the ditch with dry feet by hopping from one big stone to another. After crossing the ditch, the path ends at a reindeer fence from where you turn left along the fence towards the gate. The distance between Luulampi and the gate is about 200 metres.
The technically easier return route to Kiilopää (about 4.5 km) runs across the yard of Luulampi day-use hut. The summer trail from Luulampi to Kiilopää is gravelled. In technical terms, most of the route is fairly easy but the initial climb is extremely steep. After this, the climb becomes gentler and easier. The final descent to Kiilopää ski resort is quick and technically easy.
The technically more demanding return route to Kiilopää (about 6 km) goes higher at the foot of the Kiilopää fell. The route does not take you to the other side of the reindeer fence as it continues left from the fence. This section is marked with black posts. At first, the route is easy as it runs on a sand surface but turns rocky as you climb the fell slope. The long descent merges with the gravelled Luulampi summer trail, which ends at Kiilopää yard at the entrance gate of the Urho Kekkonen National Park.
Note the following
The trail is not suited for gravel bikes, except for the moderately demanding section to Niilanpää day-use hut at the start of the route.
7. Sivakkaoja 22 (15) km, loop
This is a fairly easy trail running in the Kiilopää and Kakslauttanen area. On the Sivakkaoja trail, you also get a taste of open fell landscape without having to climb great heights. Accessible during snow-free season. Easy/moderately demanding.
Riding time: 2–3 hours.
Recommended direction: clockwise.
Starting point
Kiilopää entrance gate (excursionmap.fi), Kiilopääntie 620, 99830 Saariselkä.
Coordinates: WGS84 lat: 68° 20.7882' lon: 27° 27.7299', ETRS-TM35FIN P: 7581564m I: 519031m.
Hiking structures
Niilanpää day-use hut (formerly a reindeer herders’ cabin)
Attractions
Old reindeer roundup pen at Niilanpää
Trail description
Trail markings: The trail is marked with orange mountain biker symbol and number 7. A GPS track of the trail is also available (longer trail, shorter trail)
Open Fell Biking (Pdf, 4,3 Mb, laplandnorth.fi).
The trail starts at Kiilopää entrance gate from where you head right towards a track running on an ungravelled path. After 200 metres, the trail turns left at Sivakka junction and the next section towards the reindeer herders’ cabin at Niilanpää runs on a wide gravel track. This is the easiest part of the trail.
At Tupa junction, you turn to a gentle descent towards Muotka (6.5 km) and Kakslauttanen (9.2 km). The trail descends gently in an enjoyable manner. The path is wide and at first, slightly rocky in places.
After a long descent, the trail continues across a narrow gravel road. Shortly before Muotka, the trail merges with another road and from here you can cycle to Muotka, taking the road or the marked trail alongside the road.
The trail continues directly through the yard of Muotka centre following small brown route markers. After the yard, you cross a stream and the Tievantuvantie on a bridge and arrive at a T-junction. Turn left if you want to take the longer Sivakkaoja loop and visit Kakslauttanen, or turn right if you want to return to Kiilopää on a quicker route running on an easy ski track base. Taking this shortcut shortens your journey by about four kilometres.
When turning towards Kakslauttanen, the trail runs on a more path-like ski track base running in a hilly terrain. Finding the right trail is easy if you follow the ski track lighting. Just over one kilometre after the T-junction you arrive at the road from where the trail continues to a mire. The trail now becomes moderately demanding and is soft in places.
From the mire, you move to dry land for a while and will soon reach Kakslauttanen. The trail going across the yard of Kakslauttanen is marked with brown signs guiding you through the car park and across the Kiilopää asphalt road. After crossing the asphalt road, the trail continues on a wide ski track base running on a gravel path back to Kiilopää.
Note the following
The trail sections from Kakslauttanen and Muotka to Kiilopää are well-suited for gravel bikes, while other sections are moderately demanding/demanding.
8. Kultareitti Route, 13 km / each way
Available when there is no snow on the ground. This trail takes bikers across Ahopää fell, altouhgh it runs mainly pine heath.
Biking time 1-2 hours.
On this route you can familiarise yourself with the history of gold-mining on the nature trail. To cross Hangasoja, you either have to take off your footwear and push the bike, or try to cycle across.
Starting point
Kakslauttanen, Tullipalontie (road) 1, 99830 Saariselkä (Sodankylä), (excursionmap.fi) or Laanila, Viskitie 1 (road), 99830 Saariselkä (Inari), (excursionmap.fi).
Coordinates:
Kakslauttanen: WGS84 lat: 68° 20.1164'lon: 27° 19.9753', ETRS-TM35FIN N: 7580282 m E: 513715 m, Laanila: WGS84 lat: 68° 23.4392' lon: 27° 23.8153', ETRS-TM35FIN: N: 7586471 m E: 516313 m
Hiking Structures
Bridges for snowmobiles over Tullinpalo and Kutturantie -roads.
Sights
Kerkelä mining village, Kuivakuru gold panning facility, the Shafts of Eversti (colonel) and Carl Gustaf and quartzrock of Laanila.
Route Description
Route markings: unmarked path. Orange markers on Kultareitti trail, from Laanila to Kiilopää hiking trail markers can be followed.
Open Fell Biking (Pdf, 4,3 Mb, laplandnorth.fi).
The route crosses to the western side of Road 4 ; stream crossing at Tolosjoki; the return journey to Laanila follows a path running close by Road 4.
When starting at Kiilopää, the first part of the journey follows the Kakslauttanen route. From Laanila you can continue to Kiilopää along Ruijanpolku trail and over Ahopää fell, or pick an easier route following the ski trail base. Apart from Kuivakuru and Ahopää, height differences are relatively small. Several possibilities of taking shortcuts using the road.
Please Note
Unmarked path, so following the map will be essential.
9. Kulmakuru, 30 km, loop
The trail is not marked in the terrain and can be characterised as a wilderness trail. Several rivers and other waterways must be crossed by wading and there are also mobile phone blind spots. You need a map, a compass and orienteering skills. The trail is only recommended for highly experienced mountain bikers and should always be taken in groups of at least two persons. Despite its demanding nature, Kulmakuru trail is a dream come true for experienced mountain bikers. Accessible during snow-free season. Demanding/extremely demanding.
Riding time: 4–6 hours.
Recommended direction: anticlockwise.
Starting Point
Saariselkä starting point (excursionmap.fi), Lutontie 10–12, Saariselkä (Inari). Coordinates: WGS84 lat:68° 25.0989' and lon: 27° 25.6173'
Hiking structures
Harrioja campfire hut
Attractions
Kulmakuru
Trail description
Trail markings: The trail is not marked in the terrain and can be characterised as a wilderness trail in natural state. A GPX track of the trail is available.
Open Fell Biking (Pdf, 4,3 Mb, laplandnorth.fi).
The trail begins at the starting point for Saariselkä trails. First you ride through the Saariselkä centre on cycle paths and pass under highway 4 next to the Neste service station. After the underpass, you turn left to a gravel road and then westwards to the right to a road along the fence surrounding a driving practice track. The road gradually narrows into a forest track.
When taking the trail anticlockwise, you turn right to a snowmobile track after passing the driving practice track. After about one kilometre, the snowmobile track diverges to right and our route continues towards left across a mire. At this point, the trail narrows into a path-like ATV track and climbs towards the first side peak of Kuusipää.
You then ride downhill for about 40 metres, cross a small stream and make a gentle climb before descending to a power line. At the power line, the trail changes into a gravel road again. Along the power line, you can make a side trip by turning right to Alajoenlampi pond (distance 200 metres). You ascend from Alajoenlampi on a narrow gravel road, which ends at a junction. The trail now turns left and almost immediately, you make a descent to cross the Riekko-oja ditch.
After you have crossed Riekko-oja and made a climb, the road branches into two. Continue rightwards. The junction marks the start of a quick descent on a road and a vehicle track. About one kilometre after the junction, you arrive at another branch from where you continue for just over one kilometre to River Tolosjoki.
The road ends at a turning place from where a small path leads to the river. Ride along the river for about 40 metres upstream to a location where you can cross the river diagonally to left. The river is between 30 and 40 metres wide and depending on the time of the year and the flow, it can anything between knee-deep and thigh-deep. On the opposite side, there are stones on which blue markers and a blue arrow have been painted.
When crossing the river, keep your shoes on because the bottom is rocky and the stones can be very slippery. A tip: when crossing the river, carry the bike transversely in relation to your own direction of travel. This lowers the resistance generated by the river’s current.
When on the other side, ride on the small path along the river upstream for about 200 metres until the path gradually ascends to the river bank and towards Kulmakuru. This climb is one of the most demanding in the area. There are red wooden posts along the path which runs on a ski track base. However, you should not follow them too slavishly because they may take you to really wet places.
After a steep climb, you arrive at the foot of Harripää and in Kulmakuru. The Kulmakuru gorge is two kilometres long, and characterised by steep walls and boulder fields. As its name suggests (kulma = angle), it makes an angle of 90 degrees, and the views are truly magnificent. After Kulmakuru, the trail descends towards River Tolosjoki. The descent is one of the greatest singletrack experiences in the Saariselkä area. The downhill section ends at Pikku Harrijoki campfire hut.
About 100 metres south of the hut, the trail reaches a vehicle track junction where you turn left. Two smaller paths diverge from the track to the right but by following the widest track, you will easily stay on the right route. A short climb is followed by a long descent towards River Tolosjoki. Two kilometres from the hut, you pass a small gold prospector’s claim. The track the narrows quickly into a small path meandering along the stream or sharing the same streambed in a small gorge. At this point, the path quickly turns dangerously difficult and the final part of the descent is characterised by a steep boulder field. The path ends at River Tolosjoki, which you should now follow upstream for about 200 metres. You have arrived at the ford when you spot a small river on the opposite side. You should cross River Tolosjoki as soon as you have passed the river on the opposite side so that you can get to the right path. Here the river is slightly narrower (less than 30 metres wide).
On the opposite side, there is an ascending path, which soon takes a right bend into a steep climb and becomes a narrow ATV track. The ATV track again goes into a gentle descent. After a descent of 800 metres, a narrow shortcut to the left takes you back to the snowmobile track going northwards.
The snowmobile track takes you northwards to a location where you can cross Laanioja. Shortly before the crossing, the track descends steeply to the ditch and becomes extremely rocky, wide and meandering. After crossing Laanioja ditch, you ride towards northeast along Kaunispäänoja ditch in a small valley where the path is both wet and grassy in places. You cross Kaunispäänoja twice. After the last stream crossing, you are again on dry land and after a gentle climb of about 500 metres you arrive at the location behind the driving practice track where the trail diverged. To return to Saariselkä, take the same route as in the opposite direction.
Please note
The trail is not suited for gravel bikes.