Kainuu Biking Trails

The Naapurinvaara cycling route, 15 km from Vuokatti to Sotkamo, offers stunning views of the Vuokatti, Lake Nuasjärvi, and the center of Sotkamo, making it a suitable family-friendly option with challenging uphill sections.

The Tour de Nuas road cycling route, spanning 85 km between Vuokatti and Kajaani, offers a challenging journey around Lake Nuasjärvi, characterized by Sotkamo hazards. The route is suitable for experienced cyclists and offers scenic views, making it suitable for both road cycling and touring.

Vuokatti offers a 65 km road cycling tour through Sotkamo, offering scenic spots and challenging climbs. The route is demanding.

The Kiantaa Touring route, a self-guided cycling journey through Suomussalmi, offers a unique perspective on the local history and landscapes of Lake Kiantajärvi.

The Hiukka-Pöllyvaara mountain biking trail, located near Sotkamo, offers a challenging yet technically easy route through the Hiukka ridge landscapes and pine forests of Pöllyvaara. The trail, marked with nature trail symbols and pine cones, offers views of three lakes and Sapsojärvi and Vuokatti vaara. The route is marked clockwise for the first loop and counterclockwise for the second. A different version of this route can also be taken in the winter, see the map for the winter version.

The Latvavaara mountain biking trail offers a scenic cycling experience, tracing the rugged landscapes of Paljakka from the top of Teeriharju on the Vaara ridge. The trail begins in Lohisuo, then continues through the village of Latva, Vaara ridge conservation area, and Louhenjoki bridge.

The Kielokoda route, a mountain biking trail following the Latjoki River, offers a scenic journey through pine forests and a picturesque Pokromi pond. The trail is suitable for beginner mountain bikers and offers easy terrain and scenic views.

The Metlanmetsä mountain biking trail runs on illuminated trails. It is easy to navigate and is also suitable for beginners and families with children.

The Hepovaara route offers easy mountain biking trails in Paljakka, allowing visitors to explore the beautiful Hepovaara forests and the banks of the Lehtojoki River. The route can be cycled in three lengths 6 km, 9 km or 14 km), with resting places like Rakennusjärvi kota and Mörkösuvanno laavu

Ilveskodan maastopyöräilyreitti is a mountain biking trail connecting Paljakka Tourist Centre to Paljakka Nature Park, offering easy, scenic rides through Latvavaara's old-growth forests & bogs. The trail is suitable for beginners and experienced bikers, with good fishing spots & huts to stop at

Vaaran huiputus is good for mountain biking, hiking, and Nordic walking, offering impressive views from the top. The Vaaran huiputus route leads through forests to the summit. It is easy at the base but has altitude challenges. Both inexperienced and experienced cyclists can enjoy it. If you look at the map there are many huts to stop at, even a cafe on the top. The trail has many wide sections making it good for groups.

Cycle from Paljakka to see the canyon(Pirunkirkko) and Louhenjoki River, then picnic at the nearby hut (Pirunkirkko päivätupa). A trail starts at Pirunkirkko parking and leads to Paljakka Nature Park. The route begins on a paved road, then shifts to gravel, with flat terrain.

This is a very demanding biking route but also offers beautiful scenery, hidden beaches, hidden huts and even a cafe. There are 7 peaks (Iso-Pölly, Pikku-Pölly, Keima, Mato, Möykky, Lehto and Portti). These peaks are all in the Vuokatinvaarajono "mountain range" (basically hills). It\'s challenging with steep climbs and fast descents, requiring good fitness or an electric bike.

Experience the beautiful landscapes of Kainuu on a gentle cycling tour. The route includes hills, cultural attractions, and natural sites. Spend five days exploring.

The Ohravaara mountain biking trail offers physical challenges and beautiful landscapes. It is moderately difficult with climbs, especially before Ohravaara lake. The terrain changes, and there are downhill sections on the way back. For more challenges, riders can try dangerous racing tracks.

The Vorlok mountain bike trail features beautiful views, rugged terrain, and a challenging route that requires mountain biking experience. There are a couple campfire spots, a laavu and a rental cabin on the route. This biking route basically weaves in and out of the hiking trail. Which also goes to the gorge & swamp.

This biking trail is a moderate-altitude cycling route around Vuokatti, through varied landscapes in Naapurinvaara, Torinkylä, Kokkovirta, and Kaitainsalmi. It features rural and forest areas, crossing rivers and lakes. It takes 3-4 hours at a leisurely pace.

The biking trail connects cultural attractions in Sotkamo, showcasing lake landscapes and scenic sites. It's suitable for families to cycle or walk. Route highlights include cultural sites and Three Lakes scenery. Visitors should stop by free attractions, starting at Hiuka beach. The trail has basic amenities but is not maintained in winter.

This is a biking / walking (also a ski trail, snowshoe trail in the winter) that circles around Jatkonvaara in Hossa National Park. Which is known for its high pine covered rock ridges & clear water lakes. There are several huts on the trail to stop and rest. It is fairly easy trail, although half way through there is a large climb to the top of Jatkonvaara.

This is a demanding biking route that starts in Ukkohalla, goes to Komulanköngää waterfalls and continues by Lake Ypykänlampi where there is a hut. The trail offers great scenery, varied terrain, lots of elevation changes. You can see by the map this trail overlaps others. It also connects to other biking routes. For example you can continue and loop around the entire Palkakka Nature Reserve.

The Pienenmäki biking route up Pieni Tuomivaara hill. It goes. through the spruce forests of Vorloki. This biking trips is moderately challenging. The beginning of the trail climbs for about 3 km to the top of Pieni Tuomivaara (120m attitude difference. The trail descends from the old ski trails and goes through various forest / gravel / roads and paths. Until looping back around to Ukkohalla. There are a lot of rocks and roots on the route.

Komulankönkään mtb-reitti is a biking trip that starts at the Ukkohalla tourist center and takes you to Komulanköngää waterfall. The waterfall has 2 6 meter falls, there is an old mill there, and now a Laavu. During April to June the rapids are at their peak. Along the route there are also swamps, grasslands and mixed forest that wrap around lakes and rivers. The route is more of a demanding route and may not be the best for beginners. There are a lot of rocks & roots on the route.

Letuksen mtb-lenkki biking trail is a large loop that is a challenging bike ride. It goes up Iso Tuomivaara (387m), it goes to Komulanköngää waterfall. The path is gravel forest roads & dirt forest roads. If you look at the map there are also other biking trails that connect to this one.

This is a 18 km winter fatbiking trail that goes around Honkavaara in Hossa National Park. It can also be done on snowshoes, snowshoes or skis.

This biking trip goes through Vuokatti and around Lake Pirttijärvi. You are able to do the trip as a day trip. It goes through the center or Vuokatti but also way out into the rural landscapes.

This is a biking trail the goes around Paljakka nature reserve. It also connects to Paljakka Ski resort. The forest is an old forest which has boardwalks set up to go through the bogs. There are many nature observation towers to see the scenery snd Lean to shelters for stopping to rest & a meal. There trail is moderate, there are some harder spots in Helvetkuoppa, towards Mustakummu, Komulanköngäs and Kanakorvi. It is recommended to travel clockwise.

This biking route starts from Paltamo and goes through Kirkonkylä, Melalahti, Hakasuo, Kivesjärvi, and Kivesvaara. Mainly rural landscapes.

Paltamo Melalahti, one of Kainuu's oldest settlements, and Vaarankylä and Kiehimävaara are nationally valuable landscape areas. The cycling route takes visitors through lush fields, pastures, and meadows, with the village of Melalahti and the nearby Lahtela house offering summer cafés.

The cycling route starts at the center of Paltamo and follows country gravel / dirt paths out to Leppikoski hydroelectric power plant. It offers country views but also a little industrial history. The path follows the Kiehimänjoki river. If you look at the map, you will see a spot called "Hóll Tallin ratsastuskenttä" just to the west of the power plant. You can ride Icelandic horses at this location.

Iso Tuomivaara biking trail goes to the highest peak in the region of Kainuu (Tuomivaara). Most of the of route is on gravel forest roads or dirt forest paths. The route is well marked and easy to navigate. This is a large loop, you start & end from Ukkohalla and runs through mainly pine forests. The route is very beautiful in the summer & into the fall (end of September). It is an easy route that is good for beginners, although there are some rocky sections and elevation changes.

Check opening details and route names on Ukkohalla Ski Resort's summer mountain biking pages, which feature Pieni Tuomivaara as a popular circuit of roughly nine kilometres with ridge views and riding through spruce forest beyond the immediate resort buildings(1). The Municipality of Hyrynsalmi publishes a route guide noting on the order of one hundred kilometres of summer mountain biking trails under municipal outdoors maintenance and pointing readers toward map services(2). Ukkohalla's introductory mountain biking pages place the whole resort network in the Ukkohalla–Vorloki ridge landscapes and spell out on-site fatbike hire prices together with online booking through the resort shop(3). Broader regional listings also steer visitors toward third-party outdoor route browsers for some GPS-ready trail cards in addition to council maps(4). Hyrynsalmi and Kainuu set the location: the summer mountain biking loop on our map is about 8.7 km as one circuit through the municipality, starting and finishing at Ukkohalla—marketing copy for the same named ride often rounds to about nine kilometres(1). Expect a sustained opening climb on old slope and forest connectors toward the Pieni Tuomivaara summit with on the order of 120 m of vertical across a few kilometres, then a rolling return through needle forest typical of the wider Vorloki-country mosaic before you re-enter the holiday village(1)(3). Around Syväjärvi within the first half-kilometre, Syväjärven luoteinen laavu, Syväjärven parkkipaikka, and Hyrynsalmi's Syväjärven puolikota make natural shore-side breaks before the uphill work begins. About 3.6 km into the loop, Lämpöladuntien pysäköintialue sits on the maintained winter trail approach to the Pieni Tuomivaara top and suits riders who prefer to drive higher and join the circuit there. Closer to the ski hill again, Ukkohallan yläkota offers a slope-side kota with food service during lift operating hours. The closing kilometres pass Ukkohalla DiscGolfPark and run back through Hotel Ukkohalla, rental points, shoreline saunas, Ukkohallan uimaranta, and Ukkohalla alakota beside the lifts—so swimming, sauna, or a meal are easy once the pedals stop. Electrified and conventional fatbikes are rented from the resort with published three-hour and full-day windows, and staff recommend booking ahead online on busy dates(3). When you want a longer link-up, Paljakan kierros mtb-reitti, Kokkoharju circular trail, and the marked Ukkohallan talvimaisema pyöräilyreitti share trailheads or connectors with this network on the Ukkohalla map in fair-weather routing(1).

Plan this ride with Metsähallitus on Luontoon.fi, which hosts the official Hallan pyöräreitti presentation for the Ukkohalla–Suomussalmi area(1). The Municipality of Hyrynsalmi publishes a route guide that summarizes summer trail kilometres and points visitors to map services and route apps(2). Ukkohalla’s mountain biking pages introduce the resort’s wider forest-and-fell trail network and on-site fatbike hire with online booking through the Ski Ukkohalla online store(3)(5). Visit Suomussalmi’s routes overview gathers regional walking and cycling ideas and refers readers to Luontoon.fi and other digital route collections for full descriptions(4). The cycling route on our map is about 29.8 km point-to-point in Hyrynsalmi, Kainuu, starting from the Ukkohalla holiday area toward the Suomussalmi municipal boundary—not a loop. The opening kilometres stay busy with resort life: Hotel Ukkohalla, Ukkohallan uimaranta on Syväjärvi, saunas, Ukkohalla Grillipaikka, and Ukkohallan välinevuokraamo sit beside the trail, and several parking options—Ukkohallan pysäköintialue, Parkkipaikka, Ukkohalla Finland, and Syväjärven parkkipaikka—let you start from the shore or slope side. Syväjärven luoteinen laavu and Syväjärven puolikota make easy early breaks before the line heads into quieter forest roads. About 8 km from the start, Ristikosken laavu and its small roadside parking offer a natural lunch stop on stream scenery; a little farther, around 12 km, Hoikkajärven kota and a nearby parking pull-off support a longer pause before the climb toward Vaara country. Near 17 km, Kattilavaaran kota sits almost on the trail for a fire-ring stop with a woodshed noted in local listings. Surfaces are mostly gravel and forest roads suited to mountain or gravel bikes; the riding is endurance-oriented rather than steep singletrack, so newcomers to bike touring often still enjoy it if they respect occasional motor traffic. Shorter resort loops such as Komulankönkään mtb-reitti, Letuksen mtb-lenkki, and Jyrkän kierros maastopyörällä overlap the same trailheads—handy if you want to add on a day after this longer leg. Riders continuing beyond Hyrynsalmi toward Suomussalmi should read Luontoon.fi(1) for the full cross-municipality itinerary, river-valley sections, and any seasonal updates before committing to a one-way shuttle plan.

Sininen saavutus is an about 49 km marked mountain-bike loop through Hossa National Park in Kainuu, between Kuusamo and Suomussalmi. Metsähallitus publishes route information on the Sininen saavutus page on Luontoon.fi(1). Visit Suomussalmi’s Sininen saavutus archive entry summarises the layout, lists principal lean-tos and day-use points, and links to a printable Metsähallitus brochure map(2). The circuit was named to the international IMBA EPICS list in the 2017 class of new long, mostly singletrack backcountry rides(3). Tapani Leppänen’s Latu&Polku article explains how mountain biking was written into the park plan from the beginning, with blue markings, maintained fireplaces, and options to shorten the day(4). Expect a demanding full day: IMBA Europe describes roughly four and a half hours as a minimum time for riders who already have general mountain-bike experience, on rolling esker terrain with many lake outlooks(3). Most riders start from Hossan luontokeskus beside Luontokeskus pysäköintipaikka. The first kilometres share the Huosilampi–Keihäslampi shore cluster with Harjujen huikonen and Hossan polku: jetties, Huosilampi invalaavu, campfire spots, and optional parking at Huosilampi pysäköintipaikka, Keihäslampi pysäköintipaikka, or Hossaari parkkipaikka. Around Pikku-Hossa, Pikku-Hossa vuokratupa, Pikku-Hossa ulkotulipaikka, and Laituri Pikku-Hossa sit near Huosivirta pysäköintipaikka and Huosivirta tulentekopaikka. Along Jatkonsalmi you pass Jatkonsalmi, Teräväpää vuokratupa and Jatkonsalmi, pääpirtti vuokratupa. Further along, Tolosenvirta vuokratupa, Lounaja tulentekopaikka, Lipposensalmen laavu, and Syrjäsalmi laavu break up long forest-and-lake sections. Aittojoki pysäköintipaikka supports an Aittojoki tulentekopaikka stop before the route swings toward Kokalmus laavu, Kokalmus tulentekopaikka, and Porotalli; Rytikangas pysäköintipaikka and Kirkasvetinen pysäköintipaikka open northern lakeshore riding toward Lihapyörre laavu and Laukkujärvi autiotupa. The southeast includes Puukkojärvi autiotupa, Puukkojärvi laavu, Hakokosken laavu, and Torkonluikea tulentekopaikka, then Iikoski parkkipaikka with Iikoski tulentekopaikat and Iikoski uimaranta keittokatos, IIKOSKI eräkämppä, and HUOSIUSJÄRVI eräkämppä before closing past Huosilampi laituri 3 and Huosilampi laituri 4 toward Öllöri laituri. MTBreitti.fi stage notes on the same 49 km circuit mention roots, duckboards, short forest-road connectors, and an asphalt finish toward the nature centre after Huosivirta when following their described lap(5). The route is marked in blue(2). Official materials describe one-way arrow guidance for a counter-clockwise sense of travel, although nothing physically blocks riding the other way—yield to hikers because tread is shared(4). Winter use follows separate maintained winter-bike corridors elsewhere in the park; this summer MTB loop is not groomed for winter riding(2).

Plan this link using the Autioniemi trail pages published by the Municipality of Paltamo and mirrored on Visit Kajaani for travellers heading into the Kajaani–Oulujärvi area(1)(2). The wider Autioniemen kävely- ja maastopyöräilyreitti was built in winter 2022–2023 with support from the ELY Centre’s agricultural fund and Oulujärvi Leader, reusing existing path beds and adding wooden arrow markers, pictorial boards, and blue ribbon markers along with parking and an information board at the trailhead(1)(2). Arctic Lakeland lists it among Paltamo’s varied nature routes between shorelines, esker landscapes, and spruce forests, pointing riders and hikers toward the same official descriptions(3). On our map this riding line is about 1.4 km point-to-point between the Autioniemi forest trail network and Kirkonkylän pururata, the parish-village ski-track corridor used for biking and walking in the snow-free season. It is the short connector the municipality illustrates as “Siirtymäreitti Autioniemestä kirkonkylän pururadalle” with a downloadable overview image linked from the Autioniemi page(1). From Autioniemi Parking you are on the corridor almost immediately; Autioniemen laavu sits off the wider walking and MTB loop a little farther along, useful if you combine the connector with the main Autioniemi circuit or follow the longer Kirkonkylän pururadan maastopyöräilyreitti once you reach the track zone(1). The municipality maintains the shared Autioniemi trails on weekdays in winter whenever snow allows, so expect a groomed or packed feeling on adjacent winter routes while this biking connector remains a narrow forest link rather than a lit stadium loop(1)(2). Ride at an easy pace, watch for walkers where the line approaches multi-use paths, and double-check Paltamo’s outdoor-service bulletins if you are connecting during spring thaw or active maintenance windows around the sports-field and ski-track hub(1).

The Vuokatti city tour offers a family-friendly cycling route through the area, including important sites like Katinkulta, Vuokatti slopes, sports institute, Break Sokos hotel Vuokatti, and Superpark.

Hallan pyöräreitti

Lake Iso-Ruuhijärvi, located southeast of Kajaani, is a popular recreational fishing destination with a wilderness-like atmosphere. The Vimpeli - Iso-Ruuhijärvi mountain biking trail, 12.5 km, passes through diverse landscapes and leads cyclists to the lake. The area offers huts, campfire sites. The lake's fish include rainbow trout, pike, perch, and whitefish.

The Luontoon.fi trail sheet for Karhunpolku mountain biking lists this route in Finland’s national outdoor database and is the clearest place to confirm how the line is classified for cycling(1). Visit North Karelia’s mountain-bike route guide, produced with Lieksan Kehitys Oy, is the most practical regional companion for day stages, difficulty notes, and safety reminders(2). The same corridor is maintained and described for outdoor use by the City of Lieksa alongside its other long trails(3). On our map the ride is about 144.4 km as one continuous point-to-point line (not a loop); public materials often quote roughly 133–141 km depending on how connectors are measured, so treat published GPX as the working length(2)(6). Geographically you move through North Karelia’s border country between Ilomantsi, Lieksa, and Kuhmo: esker ridges, pine forests, mires, and lake chains with a remote, wilderness feel(2). The trail is marked in the terrain with orange paint blazes and signs; riders are asked to follow the mapped cycling line so sensitive wet soils and erosion-prone shortcuts are not widened(2). Much of the riding is moderate forest path and forest road, but there are rocky steps, steep esker climbs and descents, long duckboard stretches, and occasional detours onto gravel or short road links—Visit North Karelia warns that wet weather makes roots and boards slippery and that you should be ready to walk the hardest pitches(2). MTBreitti’s long-form route notes from on-bike testing stress carrying a paper map because some blazes fade after logging and storms, and because unofficial easier detours beside the toughest blocks are not marked in the field(6). An independent two-day tour report at Pokswater praises the ribbon of esker riding between lakes but documents frequent minor crashes, one pinch flat, and careful pacing on duckboards(7). Early on, the trace reaches Jongunjoen laavu and threads the same river scenery as Karhunpolku yhdyspolku and the Jongunjoen melontareitti. Otrosjoen autiotupa, Otrosjoen sauna, and Viharinkosken laavu cluster as shelters and services before the trace swings into the Ruunaa–Neitikoski hub. There, Neitikoski pysäköintialue, Miikkulanvaara pysäköintialue, and Hongikkoranta pysäköintialue ring numerous shelters and campfire sites such as Neitikoski tulentekopaikka 1, Ämmäkoski tulentekopaikka 2, and Teljon nuotiopaikka; dry toilets sit near the busiest shelters rather than as destinations in themselves. Further south the line crosses Särkkäjoen laavu and Kaatiinlammen nuotiopaikka before Pitkäjärven tupa and Kirkisensalmen laavu signal you are entering Patvinsuo country. Huuhkajanvaara luontotorni offers a raised view over the lakeland if you detour briefly. Sumukka pysäköintialue and Kurkilahti pysäköintialue bracket the final approach toward Ahokosken laavu near Patvinsuo services. Shorter loops such as Maastopyöräreitti Rukajärventien kierros branch from shared shelters at Jongunjoen laavu for riders who only want a taste of the esker forest. Karhunpolku (retkeilyreitti) follows almost the same corridor for hikers; regional text explains how Susitaipaleen and Pogostan kierros connectors extend the Karjalan Kierros network toward a multi-hundred-kilometre system when you combine trails(2). Ruunaan retkeilykeskus mid-route sells meals, rents cottages, and offers sauna and charging for tired groups, though you should still carry full camp food because dry staples are not guaranteed in the shop(6).

Hukkapätkä is a very short mountain bike enduro special-stage segment—about 0.4 km on the registered line—on Vimpelinvaara above Kajaani in Kainuu. It begins beside the access roads around Vimpelinvaaran laskettelukeskus and is mapped as a point-to-point leg rather than a loop, in the same sports-hill cluster where the city publishes its competition-standard Vimpeli XCO-rata. For how the XCO course uses the lit ski track for start and finish, how faster riders must yield on shared outdoor routes, and where to download wider MTB GPX bundles for the municipality, use the City of Kajaani cycling pages(1). Visit Kajaani’s Vimpelinvaara service card summarises the hill’s running track, ski trails, winter multi-use corridor, disc golf, lean-to, and large upper and lower car parks off Kuntokatu(3). The line finishes toward the Vimpelinlampi side of the hill; Vimpelinlammen laavu is a practical breather if you are sessioning repeated climbs with the longer Vimpeli XCO-rata or the neighbouring Teros SS Mtb-enduro -ek stage that shares the same infrastructure footprint. Winter cycling at Vimpelinvaara follows separate grooming rules: about four kilometres of lit multipurpose trail circles the hill, while riding on lit ski tracks is restricted except where the winter cycling network explicitly crosses them—read the seasonal notes on the City of Kajaani’s cycling pages before mixing fat-bike laps with ski traffic(1). None of that replaces good judgement on short downhill stages: wear a helmet, watch for walkers and other riders, and match speed to sight lines.

Teros SS is a second registered mountain bike enduro special-stage segment on Vimpelinvaara in Kajaani, Kainuu—about 0.4 km as the mapped line and drawn point-to-point rather than a loop. It shares the same outdoor-sports hill as the UCI-style Vimpeli XCO-rata and the neighbouring Hukkapätkä MTB enduro special stage, but follows its own short downhill-focused trace toward the Vimpelinlampi side of the forested slope. Metsähallitus lists this exact route entry in the Luontoon.fi outdoor route browser for Kajaani(5). For yield rules on shared paths, winter multipurpose grooming next to ski tracks, printable XCO maps, and municipal MTB GPX bundles, use the City of Kajaani cycling hub(1). Visit Kajaani’s Vimpelinvaara card summarises upper and lower car parks off Kuntokatu, the lean-to, disc golf, ski links, and the wider winter corridor that loops the hill(3). The run starts from the Vimpelinvaaran laskettelukeskus corner; near the finish end of the stage line, Vimpelinlammen laavu is a natural pause if you are stacking repeats or linking into Vimpeli XCO-rata climbs. Treat the segment like other short race-style legs: helmet, controlled speed, and yielding to slower users when you cross shared winter or walking infrastructure(1). Fat-bike and winter routing on the hill follow separate etiquette: roughly four kilometres of groomed multipurpose trail circle Vimpelinvaara inside a wider ~20 km winter network, while riding on lit ski tracks is limited to the signed winter-hiking connections—read the city’s seasonal guidance before mixing wheels with ski traffic(1).

The Pöllyvaara - Lukkarinnummi trail, a 10 km mountain biking route in Kajaani, offers a scenic journey through an old, atmospheric coniferous forest, reaching Lukkarinnummi beach. The trail connects with Nakertaja-Hetteenmäki village association routes and features a swimming beach.

Vimpeli XCO-rata is a competition-style mountain-bike loop on Vimpelinvaara in Kajaani—about 4.4 km on our map—with a punchy, technical character aimed at riders who already bank regular singletrack time. For how the line is signed, where you may bypass steep drops, and where the city expects you to give way to other users, start from the City of Kajaani cycling pages, which also host a printable course map PDF(1). The city describes start and finish on Vimpeli’s lit ski track at the hill’s ski-stadium area, with the working direction counter-clockwise around the forested slopes(1). The same pages note that the steepest descents can be skipped by short links along competition ski tracks where the map marks detours—a useful safety valve while you learn the features(1). English-language summaries repeat the same routing etiquette and the urban legend that only a handful of locals clean the entire course without a foot-down; dismounting is normal in cross-country racing, and the official copy encourages riders to treat skills and fitness as something to build over time rather than expecting a first visit to feel easy(1). On the ground the line threads the dense Vimpelinvaara sports cluster: early kilometres sit near Kajaani University of Applied Sciences gyms at Ketunpolku, then the path works past the city’s biathlon and shooting range facilities before dropping toward Vimpelinlampi, where the lean-to at Vimpelinlammen laavu offers a natural pause roughly halfway around the lap. Climbing resumes toward Vimpelinvaaran laskettelukeskus on the hill flank, and the eastern arc finishes through Vimpelinlaakso’s rinks, fields, disc-golf fairways, and the small health-forest shelter at Terveysmetsän avolaavu before you close back toward the stadium approach. Several lit ski and fitness trails—including Latu Vimpeli - Kainuun Portti - Vimpeli, Vimpelin valaistu kuntorata, and Vimpelin valaistu latu—share crossings or trailheads with this network, as do shorter gravity/enduro segments such as Hukkapätkä -MTB-enduro -EK and Teros SS Mtb-enduro -ek near the resort footprint. Jälki.fi hosts a GPX upload attributed to Kajaani, quoting on the order of five kilometres on that trace and roughly 130 m of climbing—useful as a reality check for how vertical the hill feels even though our published geometry centres on about 4.4 km(3). If you arrive without a bike, the City of Kajaani mountain bike rental programme offers TREK Roscoe and Marlin hardtails (sizes XS–XL) free of charge from Kaukavesi aquatic centre’s service desk, with helmets included and reservations through the city shop(2); during Kaukavesi maintenance breaks the pickup point can move to Vimpelin urheilukeskus on Kuntokatu 13(2). The broader hill also runs a separate, fee-based summer bike park with lift hours published by Kajaanin Kuohu(4). That paid facility is not the same as this public XCO loop—check which product you are buying before you plan a day. Ride at your own risk, wear a helmet, and yield to slower trail users wherever the tread is shared with walkers, skiers, or runners(1).

Manamansalo cycling route is about 6.4 km point-to-point across Manamansalo, Finland’s fifth-largest inland island, in the Oulujärvi recreation area east of Vaala. The City of Vaala explains that Metsähallitus maintains roughly 14 km of marked trails on the island from the Teeriniemi camping hub, with blue paint blazes on trees winding through Ice-Age ridge forest, esker shores, and clear kettle lakes—and that the same network is the backbone for outdoor access and services such as Makkaraniemi day point(1). Metsähallitus’ Oulujärvi hiking area hub on Luontoon.fi covers the wider destination rules, services, and maps for boating, fishing, and walking(2). Rokua UNESCO Global Geopark adds that mountain biking is possible on the Manamansalo recreation trails: the pine heath and lake views resemble Rokua’s famous ridges, but some sections stay narrow and you will meet hikers, so pass with care and keep speed sensible(3). Practically, many people stage at Teeriniemi: Teeriniemen vieraslaituri and the small harbour facilities sit steps from where campers and boaters arrive, while Manamansalonn parkkipaikka and Manamansalon P-alue give car access right beside the camping roads. Rolling counter-clockwise along the marked trail from that cluster, the route soon reaches Särkisen puolikota and Särkinen tulip on the Särkinen lake shore—one of several sheltered spots with fireplaces and seating that Retkipaikka’s walk-through names when previewing the southern kettle loop(4). Further along, Painanne nuotiopaikka offers another open-fire stop among the pines before the trail arcs toward Manamansalo KARPALO, lomamökki on private cottage ground along the way. The ride finishes near Iso-Peura takkatupa above Iso-Peura’s clear water, where the article pair describes a vaulted fireplace shelter and woodshed as a highlight before heading back or linking to other legs(4). This cycling route follows the same signed corridors hikers use on Oulujärven retkeilyalueen retkeilyreitti, so treat it as a shared path: announce yourself, yield on soft shoulders after rain, and carry the Metsähallitus PDF or Luontoon map if you plan shortcuts between kettle spurs because not every spur repeats the blue blazes(3)(4). Winter visitors often ski Teeriniemen ladut from the shore; summer cyclists should avoid skiing surfaces and respect seasonal closures posted locally(1).

For maps, GPX downloads, difficulty colours, and seasonal route-condition notes on the Paljakka MTB network, start from the Paljakka travel area’s Fatbike & MTB page(1). The broader announcement for the 2023–2024 route build-out describes network-wide marking with coloured signs and paint on trail types ranging from easy to demanding, and points riders to the digital route guide for GPX and PDF maps(2). Metsähallitus publishes access and protection rules for Paljakka Strict Nature Reserve on Luontoon.fi—useful context because the Ilveskota rest hub sits at the edge of that reserve and many riders combine biking with a short visit on foot(3). You can also open our trail card on huts.fi for the same route geometry(4). On our map this feature is about 5.7 km as one line from the Ilveskota hut cluster toward the Paljakka resort centre—an open, point-to-point leg rather than the full yellow “Ilveskodan reitti” circuit that Paljakka quotes at roughly 15 km and 2–3 hours for experienced riders(1)(2). The mapped ride threads forest between Ilveskota and Löytöjärvi, then continues toward Paljakka services: you pass Rakennusjärven kota as a late stop before the ski hill, disc-golf course, Paljakkatalo, Paljakka Lake Resort sauna building, and the main resort parking hub. From Ilveskota you can step onto the signed Paljakka Nature Reserve Trail on foot for a different view of gorges and old forest, or plan a longer bike day using Ilveskodan maastopyöräilyreitti Paljakka - Puolanka, which shares many of the same rest points on a wider figure. Terrain matches Paljakka’s “moderate” yellow-route pitch: forest riding with height change typical of Kainuu hill country rather than a paved rail trail. The area markets summer 2024 routes as multi-use—cycling and walking on the same marked corridors—so expect to share space with hikers on busy days(1)(2).

Kokalmuksen kierros is a shared mountain-biking and hiking trail in Hossa National Park that spends most of its distance beside clear, small lakes and forested shores in Suomussalmi. Metsähallitus describes it as mostly easy, level tread where hikers and cyclists use the same marked line, passing Muikkupuro, reindeer handling yards, and Kokalmus before returning along the shore of Pitkä-Hoilua(1). For parking directions, the list of rest structures, and connector trail names, Visit Suomussalmi’s Kokalmuksen kierros page is a practical companion(2). Marika and Mikko’s Matkalla Missä Milloinkin trip write-up captures how the barrier-free section feels out to Muikkupuro and why many people follow the loop counterclockwise(3). From the Hossalaislammit access hub you are immediately among launch points and fireplaces on the Hossalaislampi lakes: the route rolls onward to Pitkä-Hoilua, where an additional car park and jetties make it easy to shorten the day or start mid-route. The middle chapters follow forest tracks toward Lipposensalmi and its laavu cluster, then cross toward Kokalmus laavu, Porotalli, and Kokalmus tulentekopaikka—natural lunch stops in pine country. Rytikangas pysäköintipaikka offers another access angle deeper in the loop. Heading back toward Ala-Valkeinen autiotupa and its fireplace, you cross the dam area before climbing toward Muikkupuro laavu, which sits at the narrow, sandy-bottom stream many visitors treat as Hossa’s brightest gem—a passage Luontoon.fi highlights alongside the shared cycling and walking use(1). The Muikkupuro accessible trail branches from the same shore world if you want a short, fully barrier-free sampler without committing to the full ring. Metsähallitus publishes a printable esite ja kartta for pocket planning as well(4). If you are planning a longer hiking day from the same car park, Laukkujärvi circuit shares the Hossalaislammit trailhead and follows a different blue-marked ring toward Laukkujärvi wilderness hut terrain on the same bloggers’ Hossa tour(3). Visit Suomussalmi’s Hossa mountain-biking overview lists four official MTB routes and places Kokalmuksen kierros between the beginner-friendly Jatkon valkea loop and the 50 km Sininen saavutus challenge(7).

The Tervantien retkipyöräily is a 149 km cycling trail from the village of Lentiira to Kajaani, covering the region of Kainuu. Starting from Lentiira, it passes through Kuhmo, Sotkamo, and Vuokatti, following the Oulujoki waterway and Sotkamo waterway. The route is recommended to be cycled in three days, covering 42 km from Lentiira to Kuhmo, 69 km from Kuhmo to Vuokatti, and 37 km from Kajaani.

The 150 km cycling route in Vuokatti, Sotkamo, and Naapurinvaara offers stunning landscapes and challenging terrain. The route crosses four municipalities in Kainuu, with steep slopes and stunning views. The paved road is mostly in good condition.

For national park rules, route descriptions, and current conditions for mountain biking in Hossa, the Luontoon.fi activity page for Hossa is the best place to start(1). Visit Suomussalmi’s Harjujen huikonen archive entry adds a short route brief and highlights rest structures along the way(2). Harjujen huikonen is an about 11.9 km marked mountain-bike loop in Hossa National Park. It starts and finishes at the Hossa visitor area near Hossan luontokeskus, with large parking at the nature centre. The line runs in ridge-and-lake scenery typical of Hossa: first you drop into the Huosilampi–Keihäslampi shore cluster with jetties, an accessible lean-to, campfire points, and optional parking at Huosilampi and Keihäslampi if you want a shorter approach to the water. From there the loop swings west past Mykräsalmi toward Pikku-Hossa, where a rental cabin, outdoor fire place, jetty, dry toilet, and Huosivirta parking and campfire spots sit a few kilometres from the centre—convenient if you stage from the river bridge side. The path continues toward Hakokoski, where Hakokosken laavu offers a sheltered break in forest before the trail climbs onto more open ridge around Torkonluikea’s campfire spot. The eastern leg drops toward Iikoski: Iikoski tulentekopaikat, a cooking shelter and beach facilities, and Iikoski parkkipaikka serve swimmers and picnickers, while HUOSIUSJÄRVI wilderness rental hut stands slightly off the main shore. The return passes Huosilampi jetties and links back toward Öllöri; at the nature centre the route meets the long Sininen saavutus bike loop and other Hossa MTB options if you want a longer day(3). The same hub also touches the short marked ski trail Hossa, Nallen latu for winter skiers—keep bikes off ski tracks when snow is groomed. Official guidance and local write-ups describe the riding as moderately demanding but technically approachable—mostly fast forest singletrack with manageable ridge rollers, and an asphalt return option on Jatkonsalmentie when you want an easier finish(2)(3). Mountain biking in Hossa is only allowed on routes marked for the activity; stay on marked lines and carry the free park map from the visitor centre when open(1)(3).

Jatkonvalkea is the shortest of the four marked mountain-bike routes in Hossa National Park, rolling through lake-and-ridge scenery between the Pikku-Hossa services area and Hossa Nature Centre in Suomussalmi. The trail is about 7.1 km long as one continuous ride on our map, a point-to-point line rather than a closed loop, and it is pitched in regional tourism copy as the easiest option for newcomers who want to sample Hossa by bike. For national-park cycling rules, maps, GPX downloads, and the wider MTB network, Metsähallitus publishes the Hossa mountain-biking hub on Luontoon.fi(1). Visit Suomussalmi’s Jatkon valkea page stresses gentle gradients, white trail markings, and views along Huosivirta, Jatkonsalmi, and Jatkonjärvi(2). MTBreitti.fi’s Hossa overview reminds riders that mountain biking is only allowed on routes posted for cycling—staying on those marked corridors keeps the rest of the park habitat protected(3). You begin near the Pikku-Hossa cluster, where Pikku-Hossa ulkotulipaikka, the small Laituri Pikku-Hossa, reservable Pikku-Hossa vuokratupa, and dry toilets make it easy to sort gear before pedalling toward the straits. At Jatkonsalmi the route passes a campfire spot, reservable Jatkonsalmi, Teräväpää vuokratupa and Jatkonsalmi, pääpirtti vuokratupa, the JATKONSALMI laituri paddling dock, and Jatkonsalmen esteetön melontalaituri—useful if you are combining biking with a chat about the adjacent Nurmiselkä–Jatkonjärvi paddling corridor or Sininen saavutus, which shares this end of the park. Along Jatkonjärvi you soon reach several Jatkonjärvi tulentekopaikka stops, Jatkonjärven esteetön laituri, and Jatkonjärven telttailualueelle parkkipaikka for anyone staging a tent night beside the water; dry toilets sit nearby at Jatkonjärvi käymälä nro 1, Jatkonjärvi käymälä nro 2, and Jatkonjärven esteetön käymälä. About 4 km in, Mykräsalmi hete marks a short spring line before the trail works toward Huosivirta tulentekopaikka and Huosivirta pysäköintipaikka—an outing hub with its own Huosivirta p-paikka käymälä. The northern arc touches Torkonluikea tulentekopaikka on a quieter forest bench before you curve back toward the Keihäslampi and Huosilampi shoreline playgrounds: Keihäslampi pysäköintipaikka, Keihäslampi tulentekopaikka, Keihäslampi laituri, Huosilampi invalaavu, Huosilammen invakatos, multiple Huosilampi laituri landings, and Huosilampi tulentekopaikka with a nearby Huosilampi tulentekopaikka käymälä. Hossan luontokeskus and Luontokeskus pysäköintipaikka finish the line, putting you beside Öllöri laituri and the interpretive desks where fatbike hire is coordinated in season. A Ylä-Kainuu piece with Metsähallitus field staff notes routine maintenance and modest wear on the bike trails going into summer 2023—worth checking before you pack tools(4). Kainuu is known for clear-water lake country; Suomussalmi anchors the western approach to Hossa. If you want a short detour by car, Visit Suomussalmi suggests the Lounatkoski mill area off Tolosenvirrantie as an extra cultural stop near the same holiday belt(2).