Hiking trails
There are approximately 60 km of marked trails in the Salamajärvi National Park. The trails are largely demanding due to their rocky sections. The trails form an essential part of the Peura Trail network.
Trail Starting Points
- Koirasalmi Nature Information Hut, Koirasalmentie 1220, Kivijärvi
- Koirasalmi Accessible trail: neva (380 m each way) and kannas (400 m each way)
- Vasan kierros Nature Trail 2 km, including the Koiransalmi accessible trail (780 m each way)
- Metsäperäläisen taival Trail 6,2 km
- Pahapuron lenkki Trail 7 km
- Vaatimen kierros Trail 18 km
- Hirvaan kierros Trail 58 km
- Risuperä Connecting Trail 7,2 km each way
- Sysilampi, Sysilammentie 771, Perho
- Risuperä parking area, Perhontie, Kivijärvi
- Humalajoki (Perho) at the south end, Outdoor recreation centre of Petäjämäki (Reisjärvi) at the north end
See more information and winter maintenance of parking areas.
Koirasalmi Accessible Trail: neva ("fen", 380 m each way) and kannas ("isthmus", 400 m each way)
Time required: 1 h, no winter maintenance
Demanding accessible nature trail. Can be hiked with strollers. As the terrain is uneven, users of assistive devices with wheels may need an assistant.
The demanding accessible trail of Koirasalmi starts at Koirasalmi Nature Information Hut and can be followed in two directions. The trail to Joutsenlamminneva is 380 metres in each direction, and the trail to the isthmus is 400 metres in each direction along a sandy road.
Starting point
Koirasalmi Nature Information Hut, Koirasalmentie 1220, Kivijärvi
Parking spaces can be found near Koirasalmi Nature Information Hut and on the far side of the strait on the isthmus. There is no marked accessible parking space at this destination.
Salamajärvi national park brochure (julkaisut.metsa.fi)
Hiking structures in the grounds of Koirasalmi Nature Information Hut
Toilet, dock and campfire site. Koirasalmi Nature Information Hut rents Maahisen rental hut. See the accessible page for more information.
Hiking structures on the isthmus
Lapp hut, campfire site and fee-paying tent and caravan sites, firewood sheds and a fishing platform, from which fishing is allowed only for visitors with limited mobility. See the accessible services page for more information.
Trail description towards fen
The length of the trail to Joutsenlamminneva is 380 metres in one direction. On this trail, you can breathe in the mire atmosphere of Joutsenlamminneva. This section of the trail has gravel paths and duckboards. Along the way, three boards of Vasan kierros trail provide information about the wild forest reindeer.
The trail to the fen starts behind the toilets on the left side of the Nature Information Hut. The trail is approx. 120 cm wide, and its surface material is compacted gravel. The trail profile has become rounded, and there is a major cross slope of up to 12% to 25% at times. The edges of the trail are steep in places. There is a short boardwalk on the way. The gradient at the beginning and end of this boardwalk is 20% over a distance of 20 to 30 cm. The boardwalk also has a 4% cross slope in places. There is a seat on the boardwalk, the height of which is 52 cm. After the boardwalk, the trail continues as a gravel path, at the end of which there is a wide turning point and a seat (height 54 cm). The visibility of the trail edges depends on the season.
Trail description towards the isthmus
From the Nature Information Hut, visitors follow a sandy road for 400 m one way. This road leads along a narrow isthmus between the lakes Iso Koirajärvi and Pieni Koirajärvi from the Nature Information Hut to a campsite and campfire site behind Koirasalmi. On this sandy road, visitors can admire views over both lakes. At the beginning of the sandy road, there is an uphill section with an average gradient of 8%. After this, the trail goes gently downhill. The cross slope on the road is 0% to 4%. Depending on the time of the day, visitors may meet several cars on this road.
Vasan kierros Nature Trail, 2 km loop
Time required: 1 h, no winter maintenance
Easy, lots of duckboard sections
On the Vasan kierros Trail, you’ll be on the lookout for wild forest reindeer and learn about their mysterious life. The trail is well suited to families with children and runs around beautiful Lake Pieni Koirajärvi.
Starting point
Koirasalmi Nature Information Hut, Koirasalmentie 1220, Kivijärvi
Salamajärvi national park brochure (julkaisut.metsa.fi)
Hiking structures
Koirasalmi Nature Information Hut service
Koirasalmi Nature Information Hut grounds: water tap, dry toilet, recycling point, rental sauna, Maahinen rental campfire hut, 2 campfire sites, pier and fee-based caravan sites.
Behind Koirasalmi: campfire hut lean-to, campfire site, dry toilet and fee-based tent and caravan sites.
Trail description
Trail markings: white paint markers
Recommended direction: clockwise
The Vasan kierros Trails starts from the grounds of the Koirasalmi Nature Information Hut. The first nature trail information board is found at the Maahinen rental campfire hut. The first section of the trail to the third information board (380 m) can also be hiked with wheelchairs or strollers. From that point on, the trails follows along duckboards and forest paths. The trail passes a beautiful rocky shore at the north end of Lake Pieni Koirajärvi. Finally, the trail arrives behind Koirasalmi, where hikers can eat in the campfire hut lean-to or at the campfire site. The home stretch back to the Nature Information Hut follows a sand road and can also be hiked with wheelchairs or strollers (400 m). The Vasan kierros Trail is easy to hike, except for short, rocky section.
Sights
Nature trail information boards provide information on the wild forest reindeer (6 boards)
Lake Pieni Koirajärvi shoreline landscape
Stone field
Lasten luontopolku ("Kids' Nature Trail"), 1.5 km loop (total 2.9 km when hiking from the parking area)
Time required: 1 h, no winter maintenance
Fairly easy
The Kids Nature Trail starts from the grounds of the Sysilampi huts and is a pleasant, enjoyable trail for families with children staying overnight at Sysilampi.
Starting point
Sysilampi open wilderness hut, Sysilammentie, Perho
Salamajärvi national park brochure (julkaisut.metsa.fi)
Hiking structures
There are no built rest spots along the trail.
At the start and end of the Sysilampi trail: rental huts and their sauna as well as the campfire site available to all hikers, dry toilet, open wilderness hut, campground and well. Bring your own toilet paper. The parking area is 700 metres from the start point of the trail.
Trail description
Trail markings: green paint markers
The trail starts from the grounds of the Sysilampi huts and first follows along the south shore of Sysilampi Pond, with a short stretch along the shore of Hepolampi Pond. The home stretch returns on the already familiar trail.
Sights
Seven nature trail boards, which provide information (in Finnish) on the places where fairies and gnomes live, and the insects of the forest lakes.
Remarks
The parking area is 700 metres from the start point of the trail, i.e. the grounds of the Sysilampi huts.
Pakosuon kierros Trail, 4,3 km loop
Time required: 1.5 h, no winter maintenance
Rocky trail with some duckboard sections.
The Pakosuon kierros Trail circles the lovely Pakosuo Mire, which is where wild forest reindeer also enjoy spending their summers.
Starting point
Sysilampi parking area, Sysilammentie, Perho
Salamajärvi national park brochure (julkaisut.metsa.fi)
Hiking structures
Sysilampi: rental huts and their sauna as well as the campfire site available to all hikers, dry toilet, open wilderness hut, campground and well. Bring your own toilet paper.
Trail description
Trail markings: green paint markers
Recommended direction: counterclockwise
Pakosuon kierros trail starts from the parking area. It passes through a wilderness-like landscape and forest groves.
Sigths
Eight nature trail boards, which provide information (in Finnish) on the plants and animals of Pakosuo Mire.
Metsäperäläisen taival Trail, 6,2 km loop
Time required: 2 h, no winter maintenance
Extremely rocky trail
Circling Lake Iso Koirajärvi, the Metsäperäläisen taival Trail is an excellent alternative for a quick, two-hour hike. Sturdy shoes are needed for the rocky terrain.
Starting point
Koirasalmi Nature Information Hut, Koirasalmentie 1220, Kivijärvi
Salamajärvi national park brochure (julkaisut.metsa.fi)
Hiking structures
Wide range of services offered at Koirasalmi at the start and end points of the trail
Hiiliniemi: campfire site and dry toilet
Pahkahonganlahti: campfire hut lean-to and dry toilet
Bring your own toilet paper.
Trail description
Trail markings: green paint markers
Recommended direction: clockwise
The Metsäperäläisen taival Trail circles the beautiful shoreline of Lake Iso Koirajärvi in a wilderness-like setting. The trail is narrow and rocky. The trail should be hiked clockwise so that the rocky section is at the start of the hike. Located at the north end of Lake Iso Koirajärvi, the Pahkahonganlahti campfire hut lean-to is an excellent rest stop.
Sights
Depressions left by old tar kilns can be found on the west shore of Iso Koirajärvi.
Pahapuron lenkki Trail, 7 km loop
Pahapuron lenkki Trail, 7 km loop
Time required: 2 h, no winter maintenance
Rocky trail with some duckboard sections
On the Pahapuron lenkki Trail, you’ll be able to enjoy the peace and quiet of nature for a soul-soothing retreat. With any luck, you might even spot wild forest reindeer or their tracks.
Starting point
Koirasalmi Nature Information Hut, Koirasalmentie 1220, Kivijärvi
Pahapuron lenkki Trail brochure (julkaisut.metsa.fi, pdf 1005 KB)
Hiking structures
Kangaslampi: table and bench
Wide range of services offered at Koirasalmi at the start and end points of the trail.
Trail description
Trail markings: green paint markers
Recommended direction: counterclockwise
On the Pahapuron lenkki Trail, you’ll hike on duckboards across peatland and rocky shores. The forest paths are narrow and rocky, and, in the strict nature reserve, they are surrounded by magnificent, thick-barked pine trees. When returning to Koirasalmi, the trail will follow a section of the trail hiked at the start. Alternatively, you can return by circling Lake Pieni Koirajärvi on the Vasan kierros Trail. This will add 900 metres to the hike.
Please note
Parts of the Pahapuron lenkki Trail pass through the Salamanperä Strict Nature reserve, where visitors must stay on the marked trails at all times.
Sights
Peatland meadow barn and wild forest reindeer tracks
Charred, old-growth pine in the Salamanperä Strict Nature Reserve
Vaatimen kierros Trail, 18 km loop
Time required: 5-7 h, no winter maintenance
Rocky trail - set aside a good amount of time and wear sturdy shoes
On the Vaatimen kierros Trail, you’ll learn a lot about the wilderness nature of Salamajärvi National Park. Bring along enough to eat and drink for a whole day!
Starting point
Koirasalmi Nature Information Hut, Koirasalmentie 1220, Kivijärvi
Salamajärvi national park brochure (julkaisut.metsa.fi)
Hiking structures
Wide range of services offered at Koirasalmi at the start and end points of the trail
Hiiliniemi: campfire site, no dry toilet
Heikinjärvi: lean-to and dry toilet
Pyydyskoski: campfire hut lean-to and dry toilet
Ahvenlampi rental hut (the hut grounds are off-limits when there are guests in the hut).
Bring your own toilet paper.
Trail description
Trail markings: red paint markers
Starting from the Koirasalmi Nature Information Hut, this popular loop offers hikers a large number of suitable rest stops. Duckboards cross mires and rocky paths pass through heathland. On the south end of Lake Heikinjärvi, visitors can admire some of the most impressive stone fields in the national park.
Sights
An old dam from a timber float and ruins of a logging camp at Pyydyskoski
Risuperä connecting trail, 7,2 km each way
Time required: 2 h, no winter maintenance
Rocky trail with some duckboard sections
The connecting trail between Koirasalmi and Risuperä will take you into the deep peace and quiet of nature. The trail cuts through the Salamanperä Strict Nature Reserve, where wild animals live freely, but visitors must stay on the trail at all times.
Starting points
Koirasalmi Nature Information Hut, Koirasalmentie 1220, Kivijärv
Risuperä parking area, Perhontie 1461, Kivijärvi
Salamajärvi national park brochure (julkaisut.metsa.fi)
Hiking structures
Kangaslampi: table and bench
Wide range of services at Koirasalmi at the start or end point, depending on the direction of travel.
Trail description
Trail markings: yellow paint markers
When setting out from Koirasalmi, you’ll first follow along the same route as Vasan kierros Trail and Pahapuron lenkki Trail. Yellow paint markers on trees show the way to Risuperä. The trail passes through varying forest terrain, mostly within the Salamanperä Strict Nature Reserve.
Sights
Stone oven remnants of a tar lodge
Church stones, where people rested on their way to church.
Remarks
In the Strict Nature Reserve, picking berries and mushrooms is expressly prohibited.
Hirvaan kierros Trail, 58 km loop
is marked with blue paint markings and goes via Koirasalmi - Sysilampi - Valvatti - Lehtosenjärvi - Nielujärvi - Pyydyskoski - Koirasalmi. About half of the trail goes outside the National Park. The trail passes commercial forests, smaller conservation areas and private land.
- Services: The services of Koirasalmi Nature Information Hut (koirasalmi.com) (kiosk, accommodation, sauna, shower), campfire shelter and a well at Koirasalmi, campfire place of Hiiliniemi, campfire place of Ruuhilampi, campfire place of Tavilampi, the observation tower of Heikinjärvenneva, the meadow sauna and campfire place of Kaulus, at Lake Sysilampi a well, Open Wilderness Hut and Reservable Huts 1, 2 and 3, camprife place of Jyrkkäniemi, Pitkälahti Open Wildeness Hut and campfire place, lean-to shelter of Ahvenlampi, Open Wilderness Hut and well of Valvatti, observation tower and campfire place at Iso-Valvatti bird wetland, campfire place of Vähä-Valvatti, Karhunpiilo Rental Cabin, Lehtosenjärvi campfire shelter, Sääksjärvi lean-to shelter, Pieni Sääksjärvi Rental Hut, lean-to shelter of Nielujärvi, campfire shelter of Pyydyskoski and campfire shelter of Pahkahonganlahti.
- Sights: The fauna of the impressive fen Heikinjärvenneva (binoculars or telescope needed), the meadow sauna of Kaulus, remains of an old pit cabin and tar pits at Pakokangas, the beautiful lake scenery at Jyrkkäniemi, forest ranger farm of Valvatti, the rich fauna of Iso-Valvatti bird wetland, ruins of the old dwelling place at Jääskänniemi, the beauty of lake Lehtosenjärvi, the old growth forests along Koirajoki river.
