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 (outdooractive.fi) 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.
The trails are shared - let’s enjoy exercise and nature together. Alert others of your approach with a bell or other sound to let them know you’re coming. It’s the polite thing to do! Slowing down makes other trail users feel safer and more comfortable. Mountain Biking Code of Conduct.
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, Palo-oja campfire hut, 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 (outdooractive.fi) 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 campfire 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.
The trails are shared - let’s enjoy exercise and nature together. Alert others of your approach with a bell or other sound to let them know you’re coming. It’s the polite thing to do! Slowing down makes other trail users feel safer and more comfortable. Mountain Biking Code of Conduct.
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 (outdooractive.fi) of the trail is also available.
Exursionmap.fi and 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.
The trails are shared - let’s enjoy exercise and nature together. Alert others of your approach with a bell or other sound to let them know you’re coming. It’s the polite thing to do! Slowing down makes other trail users feel safer and more comfortable. Mountain Biking Code of Conduct.
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 (outdooractive.fi) of the trail is also available.
Excursionmap and 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.
The trails are shared - let’s enjoy exercise and nature together. Alert others of your approach with a bell or other sound to let them know you’re coming. It’s the polite thing to do! Slowing down makes other trail users feel safer and more comfortable. Mountain Biking Code of Conduct.
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 (outdooractive.fi) 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.
The trails are shared - let’s enjoy exercise and nature together. Alert others of your approach with a bell or other sound to let them know you’re coming. It’s the polite thing to do! Slowing down makes other trail users feel safer and more comfortable. Mountain Biking Code of Conduct.
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 (outdooractive.fi) 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.
The wading section on the trail is wide (approximately 2 m) over a ditch. In normal water conditions, the water is up to the ankles.
The trails are shared - let’s enjoy exercise and nature together. Alert others of your approach with a bell or other sound to let them know you’re coming. It’s the polite thing to do! Slowing down makes other trail users feel safer and more comfortable. Mountain Biking Code of Conduct.
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, web.trailmap.fi)
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.
The trails are shared - let’s enjoy exercise and nature together. Alert others of your approach with a bell or other sound to let them know you’re coming. It’s the polite thing to do! Slowing down makes other trail users feel safer and more comfortable. Mountain Biking Code of Conduct.
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.
Excursionmap and Open Fell Biking (Pdf, 4,3 Mb, laplandnorth.fi).
The trail mainly runs along dry pine heaths on the west side of Highway 4. With the exception of Kuivakuru, the elevation differences are relatively small, so it is suitable for relaxed cruising. The trail passes through past and present gold prospecting lands, and along the trail gold pan shaped signposts explain the history of gold prospecting in the area between the 1800s and 1900s. Gold digging still continues in the vicinity of the trail.
Please Note
Unmarked path, so following the map will be essential.
The trails are shared - let’s enjoy exercise and nature together. Alert others of your approach with a bell or other sound to let them know you’re coming. It’s the polite thing to do! Slowing down makes other trail users feel safer and more comfortable. Mountain Biking Code of Conduct.
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 (outdooractive.fi) of the trail is available.
Excursionmap and 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.
There are two demanding river crossings along the trail. In normal conditions, the water comes up to the knee.
The trail is not marked in the terrain and can be characterised as a wilderness trail. You need a map, a compass and orienteering skills.