Kivitunturi Nature Trail
The Kivitunturi Nature Trail consists of two partly overlapping round trails you can choose from: The 5,9 km short trail (marked with red) or the 9,5 km long trail (marked with yellow).
Trailhead
- The Kivitunturi Nature Trail trailhead is located at the Kivitunturi parking area.
- Driving instructions to the starting point.
Description of Trails
Kivitunturi Nature Trail, short trail 5.9 km, round trail
When the ground is unfrozen, duration 3-4 h.
Moderately demanding trail. There are plenty of changes in elevation and stairs on the trail.
Admire the beauty of distant landscapes, acquaint yourself with the diverse nature of Eastern Lapland and delve into the geological history of the area by reading information boards along the way.
Starting Point
Address: Kivitunturin parking area, Kivitunturintie, 98800 Savukoski
Coordinates: WGS84 lat: 67° 21.3587’ lon: 27° 56.0074’
ETRS-TM35FIN P: 7471366 m I: 540104 m.
Hiking Structures
Cooking shelter at the starting point (www.excursionmap.fi), Äitipetäjänlampi lean-to-shelter (www.excursionmap.fi). Both rest areas have a dry toilet and a woodshed.
Sights
Kettukumpu scenic viewpoint and Kivitunturi landscape, Pirunkuru, Luojanluomalaavu boulder lean-to.
Trail Description
Trail markings: Red markings on trees or wooden poles. Recommended direction: Can be done in both directions, but if you want to follow the information boards along the way in a chronological order, it is recommended to go clockwise.
The trail starts from the Kivitunturi parking area, where there is an information board with a trail map. The trail starts with a rocky descent down to a forested wetland, where the duckboard trail is surrounded by spruce trees festooned with beard moss. The trail will soon branch off in two directions, thus forming a circle trail. When hiking in a clockwise direction, you will first follow along the flank of the fell until you come to the first of several wooden staircases. The stairs lead to the Kettukumpu scenic viewpoint. On a clear day, for example, the summits of Pyhätunturi can be seen 60 kilometres away.
After taking the stairs back down, you will soon come to an unusual rock formation, i.e. the Luojanluomalaavu lean-to and then cross the Pirunkuru ravine on a metal bridge. At the intersection just before the halfway point of the trail, the left branch will take you onto the long trail (via Sotsonportti), which is marked on the trees in yellow. If you are staying on the short trail, keep going straight, following the red markings to Äitipetäjänlampi Pond. Located on the banks of the pond, the lean-to is a charming spot for making a campfire and enjoying a bite to eat. From the pond, the trail follows a gentle slope up to the summit of Kivitunturi, with sections of duckboards, and then descends the north side of the fell. Soon after this, you will return to the start of the round trail and hike the last few hundred metres back along the trail you started on.
Please note
The trail has significant changes in elevation and lots of stairs to climb. Pirunkuru ravine is crossed on a metal bridge with a wood covered part for the dogs. The trail is extremely rocky in some places, so sturdy hiking shoes/boots are recommended. There may be wet sections along the trail, especially in the early summer. In wet or frosty weather the stairs and rocks can be slippery.
Kivitunturi Nature Trail, long trail 9.5 km, round trail
When the ground is unfrozen, duration 4-6 h.
Demanding trail. There are plenty of changes in elevation and stairs on the trail.
Savour the natural beauty of Eastern Lapland, wonder at its Ice Age remnants, and gaze out over distant landscapes from the Sotsonportti scenic overlook.
Starting Point
Address: Kivitunturin parking area, Kivitunturintie, 98800
Coordinates: WGS84 lat: 67° 21.3587’ lon: 27° 56.0074’
ETRS-TM35FIN P: 7471366 m I: 540104 m.
Hiking Structures
Cooking shelter at the starting point (www.excursionmap.fi), Äitipetäjänlampi lean-to-shelter (www.excursionmap.fi). Sotsonportti cooking shelter and a campfire site (www.excursionmap.fi). Both Sotsonportti and Äitipetäjänlampi rest areas have a dry toilet and a woodshed. The lean-to shelter located at Kivikuru has been dismantled 07/2021.
Sights
Kivikuru ravine, Sotsonportti scenic viewpoint, Pirunkuru gorge and Luojanluomalaavu rock formation.
Trail Description
Trail markings: Yellow markings on trees or wooden poles.
Recommended direction: Can be done in both directions, but if you want to follow the information boards along the way in a chronological order, it is recommended to go clockwise.
When hiking in a clockwise direction, the first 2.7 km section follows the short trail. At the crossroads in the trail, the long trail (via Sotsonportti), which is marked in yellow, leads off to the left. The trail drops steeply into Kivikuru ravine. The trail then climbs the opposite wall of the ravine and begins to circle around the fell in a clockwise direction. Passing by ponds formed in depressions left during the last Ice Age, the trail descends into Sotsonportti Valley, where Kiviaapa mire can be found in a forest clearing. At the Sotsonportti cooking shelter, you can stop and have something to eat before climbing the stairs to the Sotsonportti scenic viewpoint, which can be accessed from the short trail. You can also admire several old-growth pines on the slope of the fell. When coming down from the scenic viewpoint, you will pass through some lovely forest and creek hollows on your way to the rest stop at Äitipetäjänlampi Pond, from where the long trail rejoins the short trail, leading back to the starting point.
Please note
The trail has significant changes in elevation and lots of stairs to climb. Pirunkuru ravine is crossed on a metal bridge with a wood covered part for the dogs. The trail is extremely rocky in some places, so sturdy hiking shoes/boots are recommended. There may be wet sections along the trail, especially in the early summer. In wet or frosty weather the stairs and rocks can be slippery.
