Poronpolku Trail

A hiker walks along the duck boards in a pine forest. There is a lake on the left side of the photo.

Southern Finland, Kanta-Häme Region
Loppi
The trail leads partially through Komio Nature Reserve. Maintenance of the trail is the responsibility of the municipality of Loppi (loppi.fi, in Finnish), except the portion leading through Komio Nature Reserve, which is maintained by Metsähallitus. The ski trails in Komio Nature Reserve are maintained by Lopen Samoojat (lopensamoojat.fi, in Finnish).

Poronpolku Trail was formed from the trails used in the popular Poronpolku Event held in the Loppi area. The Poronpolku Event has been held annually at Loppi from the 1960s onward and now takes place each year on the last Sunday in September. The trail itself is open to the public year round when the ground is not frozen.

The event as well as the trail have been named after the 10 reindeer which were test fed by Hankkija in Loppi during the 1960s (Poronpolku = reindeer trail). When the test feeding ended in the 1970s the reindeer left, but the name of the trail remained. Poronpolku Trail displays the area's ridge landscape in the most spectacular way, and this is why many hikers return year after year. The nature trails at the southern end of the route have information boards, which feature nature's cycle (in Finnish).

In its entirety the trial's route is 30 km long and divides into six shorter trail sections, which hikers can combine to make day trips the length of their choice. The shortest of the routes is the 3.5 km long Pikku-Samo. The trail's most southern section leads through Komio Nature Reserve, which is one of the trail's most impressive portions due to its diverse ridge landscape. Outside of the Komio Reserve the trail leads along paths as well as sand roads.

During winter there are ski trails in the Komio Reserve and its surrounding area, which are maintained by Lopen Samoojat. The trails are only suited for classical cross-country skiing. The ski trails are not lit.

Poropolku Trail is part of the Häme Lake Uplands Ilvesreitti Trail network. Poronpolku Trail has good trail connections to Räyskälä Airfield and the Melkuttimet area to the west and Loppi Village in the east; this part of the trail is called Paaran Patikka.

Poronpolku Trail is Located in the Häme Lake Uplands

The Häme Lake Uplands is a natural gem in the centre of Häme and conveniently close to Finland's busiest urban centres. The Häme Lake Uplands is the ideal destination for a multitude of nature activities - read more on the destinations within the Häme Lake Uplands.

Poronpolku Trail Directions and Maps

Directions

The Poronpolku Trail network is situated in the municipality of Loppi, on the south side of road 54 and for the most part to the north and the east of Lake Punelia.

The trail is located about 25 km west of Riihimäki and about 15 km north of Karkkila.

The trail's starting point is at Luutalmmi parking area in Komio Nature Reserve (at the south end of the trail).

By Car

  • To reach Luutalammi parking area in Komio Nature Reserve turn off road 54 towards the south at Loppi Village. Road 13609, which leads through the centre of the village, begins as Yhdystie Road, but soon its name changes to Pilpalantie Road. Follow the road south towards Pilpala Village for about 10 km, at which point there is a crossroads with a signpost pointing to Luutasuo, and you must turn according to the sign onto a sand road heading northwest. There is a small parking area, which fits a few cars, and an information board at the crossroads. The actual Luutalammi parking area is 2.5 km down the sand road. There is an information board at Luutalammi parking area. Lake Luutalammi is on the north side of the road.


By Public Transportation

Maps

Other Maps

  • Retkeily GT Etelä-Suomi: Outdoor GT map Southern Finland, 1:250 000. Karttakeskus 2019. The maps are sold by Karttakeskus and well-stocked bookstores.
  • Liesjärvi Torronsuo Hämeen Ilvesreitti, 1:25 000, Calazo 2017. The map is sold by Calazo.fi (in Finnish).
  • Häme Lake Uplands outdoor map (Hämeen järviylängön ulkoilukartta),
    1:55 000,     Karttakeskus 2010. The map is sold by Karttakeskus and well-stocked bookstores.
  • Terrain Map L421, 1:50 000. The map is sold by Karttakeskus and National Land Survey of Finland.
  • Terrain Maps 2042 05 and 2042 06, 1:20 000. Maps are sold by Karttakeskus and National Land Survey of Finland.

Instructions and Rules along Poronpolku Trail

Instructions on Exploring Poronpolku Trail

The trail can be travelled when the ground is not frozen.

  • On the Häme Lake Uplands outdoors map (1:50 000, The Map Centre 2000) the trail is marked as leading along the south and west sides of Lake Iso-Malva. The course of the trail has however been altered in the terrain and it now runs along the east side of Lake Iso-Malva towards the north. This change will be marked in all future maps.
  • On the Häme Lake Uplands outdoors map (1:50 000, The Map Centre 2000) as well as on the Poronpolku Event map the trail crosses Lake Pikku-Punelia at Marskin Maja. The ferry which crosses the lake at this point however runs only on the day on which the Poronpolku Event is held, the last Sunday in September.
  • Everyman's Rights apply along the trail.
  • Lighting of campfires is only permitted at marked campfire sites. Visitors need to be vigilant when using campfire sites. Lighting campfires is completely forbidden, also at campfire sites, when there is a forest fire warning in effect. Read more about Lighting campfires.
  • Instructions and Rules in Komio Nature Reserve
  • The ski trails, which crisscross the area during winter, are not lit. The trails are intended only for classical cross-country skiing.

Preparations

Mobile Phone Coverage

  • Although Finland has a broad network for mobile phones, there are some areas without signal. There may also be some smaller spots where there is interference. If this happens try to climb to a higher place or go into an open area. It may be worth removing the SIM card from your phone and then trying again to make emergency call. Different phones also differ in their coverage.
  • We recommend that you keep your mobile phone warm at all times and take along food and drink. Certain phone models do not work when the temperature falls below zero. You should therefore let someone know your planned route. To keep your mobile phone charged, bring along a spare power source, a spare battery or an old phone with a working battery.

Safety

  • Poronpolku Trail is marked with signposts, but it is still essential that hikers carry a map with them.
  • The area's cliffs, rocks and tree stumps can be slippery. Also loose rocks along the trail may be deceptive.
  • Sharp drops make part of the trail demanding, which means that hiking the route will take longer than a similar distance normally.
  • If you face an emergency on your hike, e.g. get lost, get injured or observe wildfire, call 112 and report an emergency. More information on how to act in an emergency.
  • Make sure you pack a first-aid kit.
  • Read more about Safety.  

Equipment

  • During dry weather hikers can travel along Poronpolku Trail in light footwear, such as trainers.
  • Hikers should bring their own drinking water and toilet paper.
  • Read more about Hiking in Finland.
  • More information on Hiking Without Littering.

Peak Seasons

The annual Poronpolku Event (poronpolku.fi, in Finnish), which is arranged on the last Sunday in September, attracts around 2,000 hikers to the autumn landscape.

Poronpolku Trail Level of Difficulty

In order to travel Poronpolku Trail hikers should have a map and be fairly skilled in orienteering. For the most part the route travels along easily distinguishable paths, duckboards and sand roads. There are different marking types on each section of the trail. The trail can be travelled when the ground is not frozen.

  • On the Häme Lake Uplands outdoors map (1:50 000, The Map Centre 2000) the trail is marked as leading along the south and west sides of Lake Iso-Malva. The course of the trail has however been altered in the terrain and it now runs along the east side of Lake Iso-Malva towards the north. This change will be marked in all future maps.

  • On the Häme Lake Uplands outdoors map (1:50 000, The Map Centre 2000) as well as on the Poronpolku Event map the trail crosses Lake Pikku-Punelia at Marskin Maja. The ferry which crosses the lake at this point however runs only on the day on which the Poronpolku Event is held, the last Sunday in September.

Terrain

Due to sparse markings in the terrain at some points along the trail and the steep ascents and descents along the trail's ridge sections Suomen Latu has classified the trail as demanding. The nature trails at the southern end of the route are marked well.

There are no accessible services along the trail.

During dry weather hikers can travel the trail in light footwear, such as trainers.

Please, Take Note

Lake Pikku-Punelia can be crossed during the Poronpolku Event on the last Sunday in September, by cable ferry. This ferry does not operate at any other time.

The ski trails, which crisscross the area during winter, are not lit. The trails are intended only for classical cross-country skiing.

Services along Poronpolku Trail

Customer Service and Guidance

More information on Poronpolku Trail:

Drinking Water

  • There are no drinking water points along the trail, and so hikers must bring their own water.
  • The surface water from the lakes, rivers and brooks must be boiled before use. Water in the springs and running water in the brooks is usually good for drinking. However, the quality of the water cannot be monitored, so the use of natural water is at your own risk.
  • Read tips on drinking water on the Hiking in Finland pages.

Waste Management

  • There are no waste-bins in the area. Measures should be taken in advance to avoid taking unnecessary waste into the area. Biodegradable waste should be placed in a toilet and small amounts of clean paper and cardboard can be used as kindling in a campfire.
  • Read more about Hiking without Littering.

Campfire Sites

  • There are campfire sites at the Lake Pilkutin lean-to shelter and at the north end of Lake Luutalmmi.
  • Lighting campfires is forbidden also at the constructed campfire sites if the forest fire warning is in effect.
  • More information about lighting campfires can be found at Hiking in Finland.

Firewood Supply

There is a supply of firewood at both the Lake Pilkutin lean-to shelter and at the Lake Luutalammi campfire site. There is also an axe at both locations to chop the wood with.

Maintenance of the Skiing Trail

For more information on the area's ski trails contact Lopen Samoojat (lopensamoojat.fi, in Finnish). The ski trails are not lit. The trails are only intended for classical cross-country skiing.

Maintenance and Management

The maintenance firms employed by the municipality of Loppi (loppi.fi, in Finnish) answer for the maintenance of the Lake Pilkutin lean-to shelter and the Lake Luutalammi campfire site. For more information on the area's ski trails contact Lopen Samoojat (lopensamoojat.fi, in Finnish).

Toilets

There are dry toilets at the Lake Pilkutin lean-to shelter and the Lake Luutalammi campfire site.

Overnight stays

Lean-to Shelters

There is a lean-to shelter on the shore of Lake Pilkutin, at which the Loppi municipal council has forbidden overnight stays.

Lodging in the Surrounding Area

Information on lodging options is available from the municipality of Loppi (loppi.fi, in Finnish).

Other Services

There is a summertime cafe and a museum at Marskin Maja, which is situated near the trail. For information on other services contact the municipality of Loppi (loppi.fi, in Finnish).

Poronpolku Trail Route Description

Starting Point for Excursions

Starting point for Poronpolku Trail is Luutalammi parking area in Komio Nature Reserve at its south end. The trail can be travelled when the ground is not frozen.

Trail Markings

The entire route of the trail is marked in the terrain with 1 metre high poles, the top of which are painted blue. The poles also carry a Poronpolku emblem and some of the poles have additional signposts on them. One part of the trail is also marked with the Häme Ilvesreitti Trail network metal plaques as well as painted yellow lynx symbols (ilvesreitti = lynx trail). Samo and Pikku-Samo, which are two sections of the Poronpolku Trail at its southern end have more frequent markings than other sections of the trail do.

Trail Sections

  • Poronpolku Trail is in its entirety a 30 km long trail network, which can be travelled in its entirety or in smaller sections. In order to travel Poronpolku Trail hikers should have a map and be fairly skilled in orienteering.
  • Poronpolku Trail Route Description
  • Pikku-Samo, about 3.5 km, is a short easy to travel circle trail, which has its starting point at the parking area for Komio Nature Reserve and features boards with information (in Finnish) on restoration methods used to preserve the area's ridge-side forests and tree-filled mires. We recommend that you reserve around 2 hours for travelling this trail.
  • Luutaharju Samo, about 6.5 km, is a circle trail, which has its starting point at the parking area for Komio Nature Reserve and features information on the Komio area's natural features and biodiversity. There are Finnish language boards along the trail and the landscape is varying. We recommend that you reserve around 4 hours for travelling this trail.

    Metsähallitus has published a leaflet with information on the area's two nature trails. The leaflet is available from Loppi Municipality (loppi.fi, in Finnish) and Lopen Samoojat (lopensamoojat.fi, in Finnish).

Lighting

The area's ski trails are not lit. The ski trails are only intended for classical cross-country skiing.

Connecting Trails

Hiking Trails

The Poronpolku Trail network extends northward parallel to the Häme Härkätie Road as the Häme Ilvesreitti Trail network (hameenvirkistysalueyhdistys.fi, in Finnish). To the east the trail network continues as Paaran Patikka, a section of the Häme Ilvesreitti Trail network. There are also connecting paths from Poronpolku Trail to the west, to the Melkuttimet area and Räyskälä Airfield.

The trails within Komio Nature Reserve are part of the Poronpolku Trail network. More information on the two nature trails in Komio, Luutaharjun Samo Trail and Pikku-Samo Trail, can be found on the Komio Nature Reserve pages.

Canoeing Routes

The Punelia Canoe Route (visitloppi.com) and the River Kaartjoki Canoe Route (visitloppi.com) are both located near Poronpolku Trail.

Cross-country Skiing Trails

For more information on the area's maintained ski trails contact Lopen Samoojat (lopensamoojat.fi, in Finnish).

Poronpolku Trail, 30 km

In this route description Poronpolku Trail is described as a singular 30 km long trail with the route travelled clockwise. For this route description the starting point is the road 2832, along the eastern side of lake Kaartjärvi. The route can also be travelled in smaller sections and either clockwise or counter clockwise. The easiest way to keep track of the trail is to have a map on hand.

Kaartjärvi - Pilkutin

Poronpolku Trail sets off from the road 2832 (eastern side of lake Kaartjärvi) and heads south at first leading along the west side of Rautakoskentie Road. After crossing the road for a short moment the trail follows duckboards along the road's east side still heading south. The route then turns southeast along the edge of an old gravel pit, which is now filled with new vegetation. After passing the gravel pit the trail divides in two, at this point take the path heading southeast to Lake Ukkoslammi. When heading to Ukkoslammi from the pit keep east. The trail leads along the north side of Lake Ukkoslammi and continues along roads and forest tracks past Lakes Sylkkiöt and Mustalammi to Lake Pilkutin, at which point there are a lean-to shelter, a dry toilet, camp fire site as well as a swimming spot. There is no official beach.

Pilkutin - Luutaharju Samo and Pikku-Samo (Komio Nature Reserve)

From Lake Pilkutin the route heads south. At first it leads for half a kilometre along a sand road, but turns off this at Lake Saarijärvi. At the north end of Lake Saarijärvi the trail divides in two; the route continues along the trail heading east. The trail moves off the path once more onto a sand road and tracks. Before reaching Lake Yölammi the route crosses Kalamajantie Road after which it climbs to the top of a ridge. Just before reaching Lake Kalaton, Poronpolku Trail turns towards the south. The route leads along the tops of magnificent ridge chains on the west side of Lake Kalaton towards Komionvuori Hill. At Komionvuori Hill the route leads for a short while along the edge of the ridge and then heads east along the 6 km long Luutaharju Samo Nature Trail, which is followed for its complete distance. If hikers wish to do so they can also hike around the 3.5 km Pikku Samo Nature Trail, which is an extension of Luutaharju Samo Nature Trail.

Luutaharju Samo and Pikku-Samo are both within the boundaries of Komio Nature Reserve. Luutalammi campfire site and a dry toilet are situated on Samo Nature Trail.

Luutaharju Samo and Pikku-Samo (Komio Nature Reserve) - Iso-Malva and Yölammit

After travelling the southern most section of Poronpolku Trail the route returns to Komionvuori Hill. From Komionvuori Hill the route continues for a moment along the edge of the ridge until it heads southwest and descends from the ridge. The route then continues northward between the Komionlammit lakes and to the east side of Lake Iso-Malva. There is a campfire site at the Komionlammit lakes on the shore of the round lake on the west side of route.

  • On the Häme Lake Uplands outdoors map (1:50 000, The Map Centre 2000) the trail is marked as leading along the south and west sides of Lake Iso-Malva. The course of the trail has however been altered in the terrain and it now runs along the east side of Lake Iso-Malva towards the north. This change will be marked in all future maps.

After passing Lake Iso-Malva the route yet again arrives at the Yölammit lakes, from where the trail returns to north along the same route as it came there. If they wish to do so, on the return journey hikers can turn off the route to see the Pirunlinna boulders; after Lake Ukkoslammi hikers must choose the more western route.

Pirunlinna is a natural structure formed by melting ice at the end of the last Ice Age, which consists of large boulders- In olden times people believed that the boulder structure was home to demons and trolls.

The 30 km route described above can also be travelled as several separate shorter circle trails. The easiest way to keep track of these trails is to have a map on hand.

  • On the Häme Lake Uplands outdoors map (1:50 000, The Map Centre 2000) as well as on the Poronpolku Event map the trail crosses Lake Pikku-Punelia at Marskin Maja. The ferry which crosses the lake at this point however runs only on the day on which the Poronpolku Event is held, the last Sunday in September.

Near Pirunkallio Cliffs the trail leads for a while along the same track as the Kusema Trail.

For more information on the area's ski trails contact Lopen Samoojat (lopensamoojat.fi, in Finnish). The area's ski trails are not lit. The trails are intended only for classical cross-country skiing.

Customer Service

sisasuomi(at)metsa.fi,
tel. int. +358 206 39 5270

A hand holding a mobile phone showing Excursionmap.fi. Open the map of Komio Nature Reserve in Excursionmap.fi.