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. Trail is also suitable for cycling.
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.
Sights
The Urpiaispolku Trail leads straight to the northern coniferous forest. When you start the trail, you’ll mostly see the pointy and narrow-branched Siberian spruce (Picea abies obovata) but by the end the dominating tree species changes to pine. The trail is lined with the typical northern dwarf shrubs lingonberry (Vaccinium vitis-idaea) and crowberry (Empetrum nigrum). The rugged shrub is interrupted in places by the spots of colour from light green lichen (Rhizocarpaceae).
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 track, and markings are in a different colours. Urpiaislenkki is easy to walk and little variations in altitudes.
Please Note
The Urpiaislenkki Trail is suitable for wheelchair users with an assistant. In winter, the path serves as a marked snowshoeing route.
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 along the trail explain the local nature and the history of the Second World War.
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.
The Warhistory Trail is an out-and-back trail from the starting point of nature trails to the slope of Pikku-Tankavaara. You can take the trail there and back for a total length of 3 kilometres or combine it with the Kuukkelilenkki Trail.
Please Note
In winter, you can walk on the trail with snowshoes. Mountain biking is also allowed, but in places the trail is rocky and rooty.
Please be careful 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. The trail has no official difficulty rating but it is easy to walk with little variations in altitudes. Trail is also suitable for cycling.
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 are 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 picnic. Before and after there are duckboards, and the rest of the trail is gravelled.
Please Note
In winter, you can walk on the trail with snowshoes. It is also possible to ride mountain bikes on the trail, but cyclists should be prepared for the stony path in some places, and in parts for duckboards in poor condition.
Tankavaara's Kuukkelilenkki, 6 km, Circle Trail
Available all year round. In summertime hiking and in winter with snowshoes. The trail has no official difficulty rating but it is moderately demanding to climb to the top of Pikku-Tankavaara Hill. 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
At the top of Pikku-Tankavaara, there are wonderful views to Nattastunturi-fells and the vast fell area of Urho Kekkonen National Park. There are duckboards in the mire area. At the end of Kuukkelilenkki trail, along Hopiaoja, there are two campfire places with firewood sheds. In connection with the latter campfire place, there is also a campfire hut and a dry toilet.
Sights
Information boards along the trail explain the local nature and the history of the Second World War. At the beginning of the trail, there are remnants of the German Schutzwall defence station from World War II and a replica of a World War II dugout built above ground surface. Hikers can also safely explore the interior of this new dugout. The top of Pikku-Tankavaara Hill awards magnificent views of Urho Kekkonen National Park, Nattanen Fells and Hammastunturi wilderness.
Route Description
Route markings: with orange cone-symbols in wooden poles.
Excursionmap.fi
The Kuukkelilenkki Trail takes hikers through the natural features of the Tankavaara area. The first part of the trail is shared with two shorter nature trails and it runs in mixed spruce-dominated forests. After diverting from the Koppelolenkki Trail, Kuukkelilenkki Trail begins with a gentle ascent of about 1.5 kilometres towards the top of the Pikku-Tankavaara Hill. Just before the top, the trail is slightly rocky in places, but there are no larger rock fields on the trail. The view from the top rewards hikers with majestic landscapes. From the top, the trail starts curving back, and after about 4.5 km, the trail reaches the Hopiaoja campfire hut.
Please Note
In winter it can be done with snowshoes or in summer mountain biking, although one must beware of rundown duckboars. Cyclists should note that the trail has exposed roots and is rocky in places and that the section to Pikku-Tankavaara is uphill.
Tankavaara's Geological Trail, 7 km, Circle Trail
Available all year round. In summertime hiking and in winter with snowshoes. The trail has no official difficulty rating but it is quite easy with little variations in altitudes. Trail is also suitable for cycling.
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 halfway along the route there is a lean-to shelter, firewood shed and a dry toilet by the Koiranjuomalampi-pond. At the end of Kuukkelilenkki trail, along Hopiaoja, there are two campfire places with firewood sheds. In connection with the latter campfire place, there is also a campfire hut and a dry toilet. There are duckboards in the mire area.
Sights
Along the trail, there are information boards about the geology of the area.
Route Description
Route markings: grey cone-symbols in wooden poles.
Excursionmap.fi.
Start from the Tankavaara parking area to the entrance gate leading to the trail, which is located in the yard of Tankavaara Wild - adventure and conference centre (tankavaara.fi; previous nature centre). Geological Trail begins at the gate where Tankavaara's other nature trails end. In fact, the start of the trail follows the path of other nature trails "in the wrong direction" until the Geological Trail deviates from the others and turns left. Soon after this, you cross the Hopiaoja River in two places. There is no bridge at the crossing places, so in early summer and after rainfall, it is smart to have waterproof footwear. Midway through Geological Trail, you’ll find a charming rest site with a lean-to shelter on the shores of the clear-water Koiranjuomalampi Pond. You can also take a dip in the pond in the summer although there is no official beach. After the lean-to shelter, the trail runs partly on rocky terrain towards the Jorpulipää slope until it turns right and descends to mire landscapes. The rest of the trail is shared with the Kuukkelilenkki Trail.
Please Note
In winter, you can walk on the trail with snowshoes. It is also possible to ride mountain bikes on the trail, but cyclists should be prepared for the stony path in some places, and in parts for duckboards in poor condition.
Trails over 10 km
Rautulampi Hiking Trail, 22 km, Circle Trail
Available all year round. In summertime hiking and mountain biking, in winter maintained cross-country skiing trail. The route has large differences in height in some places and it requires moderately good fitness.
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
Luulampi day-use hut, campfire site and dry toilet. Rautulampi reservable wilderness hut, Rautulampi open wilderness hut and Rautulampi day-use hut, campfire site, wood shed and dry toilet. Niilanpää reindeer herders hut (day-use hut), campfire site, wood shed and dry toilet. Bridge over Rautuoja-river.
Sights
Scenery from the top of Niilanpää fell and Rautupää fell. 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 trail runs through wilderness and has a lot of elevation differences, so it requires good equipment and is not recommended for beginner hikers. Due to the erosion of the terrain, we recommend that hikers use only marked trails in the day hiking area.
The trail marked in the terrain starts from Kiilopää Gate, where signs lead to the right trail. The start of the trail leads up to the Niilanpää reindeer herders’ hut.
From the hut, the way continues towards Rautulampi where you will find the finest views of the trail. The trail runs through open, treeless fell landscapes, and in good weather, you can see the Sokosti Fell (718 m) in the south-east which is the highest fell in Urho Kekkonen National Park. As the crow flies, the distance to the Sokosti Fell is about 25 km. Looking southwards, the sharp peaks of Nattanen Fells in Sompio Strict Nature Reserve stand out clearly. The trail is rocky in places.
Located on the Rautulampi shore, the wilderness, reservation and day huts have an excellent campsite where you can eat your packed lunch and admire the fell landscape. The huts were completed in 2021, replacing the hut that burned down in 2019. Rautulampi wilderness and reservation hut is the only hut along the marked trails in the Saariselkä-Kiilopää area that is designed for overnight stays.
From Rautulampi, the journey continues towards the Luulampi hut and campfire hut. The trail crosses the Rautuoja River, which runs next to the hut, over a bridge. Several trails divert from the lake, so remember to follow the waymarkers for the right trail. The trail to Luulampi runs through the valley between the fells. After about 3 km, the trail follows the Rautuvanganoja River nearly all the way to Luulampi. There are some wet sections and a few small brook crossings on the trail.
In the summer, autumn and spring seasons, a café operates in Luulampi. The highlight of the trail is the surroundings of Luulampi, where remnants of Stone Age settlements have been found. Please only use existing trails around the Luulampi ponds.
When departing from Luulampi towards Kiilopää, the ascend up the slope of the fell is about 2 kilometres before arriving at the reindeer fence. The distance from the reindeer fence to Kiilopää is about 2.5 km. A bridge crosses the Kiilo-oja River at its upper course, and duckboards have been laid over the wet sections at the end of the trail.
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.
Excursionmap.fi (excursionmap.fi) and Open Fell Biking (Pdf, 4,3 Mb, laplandnorth.fi).
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.
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, in winter cross-country skiing trail. The route is a demanding route due to its length and large differences in altitude.
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 Mountain 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
Luttotupa day-use hut, campfire site, wood shed and dry toilet. Moitakuru day-use hut, campfire site, wood shed and dry toilet. Palo-oja campfire hut, wood shed and dry toilet. Bridges of Luttojoki-river and Lumipallokuru-gorge.
Sights
Views from Kaunispää fell and Palopää fell. The old reindeer hut and round up site of Moitakuru. Karvaselkä's haunted hut in Saariselkä.
Route Description
Route markings: black wooden poles of hiking trail.
Excursionmap.fi (excursionmap.fi) and Open Fell Biking (Pdf, 4,3 Mb, laplandnorth.fi).
The Saariselkä entrance gate leads to the top of Kaunispää Fell. After the overpass on Kullankaivajantie road, turn left and continue for about 0.5 km on the trail before starting the ascent to the top of Kaunispää Fell along Vaeltajantie road. At the junction to Kuusitie, the route continues away from the asphalt road back to the Kaunispää slope and to the top. Once you reach the top, you'll be greeted with sweeping views over Urho Kekkonen National Park, Hammastunturi Wilderness Area and Saariselkä Tourist Area. The Nattanen Fells with their sharp peaks in the Sompio Strict Nature Reserve are also easy to recognise. Start the descent towards the Palo-oja campfire hut on the right side of the restaurant on top of the Kaunispää Fell. The trail has loose stones and water-corroded grooves.
If you wan to skip the detour to the Moitakuru and Luttotupa huts, you can take the return route to Luttojoki River when you reach the Palo-oja campfire hut. The distance to Saariselkä is approximately 5.5 km.
From Palo-oja, the trail continues towards the Moitakuru day hut. Along the way, you can climb up the Palopää Fell where you can once again admire the landscape as far as eye can see. From Palopää, you start descending towards the Moitakuru day hut. There is a bridge over a stream in the vicinity of the hut. If you have the energy, you can go check out the Moitakuru reindeer herding site, which is about 0.5 km away. The trail is rocky in places.
From Moitakuru, the trip continues towards the Luttotupa hut. There is a bridge over the stream next to the hut. After approx. 0.5 km, the trail becomes a wider gravel-covered trail to the Kuukkelilampi off-road track. Take the track southwards (to the left). The trail is forested.
After the Luttotupa Hut, cross the bridge over the Luttojoki River. From here, the trail continues all the way to Saariselkä, following the border of Urho Kekkonen National Park and Luttojoki River. Just before the Saariselkä entrance gate, you pass the Kummituskämppä hut and the small Kelo-oja prospector’s hut. The trail is easy and covered with gravel all the way to Saariselkä.
The upstream of the Luttojoki River is near the Rumakuru Gorge, where it gradually flows towards the artificial lake Ylä-Tuuloma. From the eastern end of the artificial lake, the waters continue to flow into the Arctic Ocean. The Luttojoki River is over 230 km long.
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.