Hyrynsalmi Hiking Trails

Hiidenkirkko nature trail is about 1.5 km as a short, easy loop in Hakokylä on the east shore of Lake Ylä-Tervajärvi, Hyrynsalmi, Kainuu. Hyrynsalmi municipality lists Hiidenkirkko among its sights and notes a lean-to on the opposite shore roughly 4 km toward the church village along Hakokyläntie(1). Kainuun kylät ties Hiidenkirkko together with Vorlokin gorge valleys as deep rock fissures where snow and ice can linger on the bottom even in midsummer heat, and reminds readers that the Vorlokin gorge section sits on the UKK hiking trail between Hyrynsalmi and Komulanköngäs(2). Ukkohalla’s regional sight notes use the same framing: Hiidenkirkko sits by Ylä-Tervajärvi while Vorlokki gorge belongs to the long UKK link in the same holiday landscape(4). Leave your car at Hiidenkirkko parkkipaikka on Tervasalmentie. Outdoors Kainuu’s route sheet describes a short continuation from the parking shoulder to the path and a loop that stays very flat while passing pine forest, mire edges, and open bedrock before the gorge lies beside the main tread(3). The gorge itself is on the order of 350 metres long, a few metres to a few tens of metres wide, and up to about ten metres deep—meltwater erosion along fractures at the end of the Ice Age is the geological story repeated in local guidance(2)(3). Last winter’s snow can remain in the shady base even in summer; descending to the floor is possible for calm, sure-footed visitors but the footing is rough(3). The natural destination is the gorge: edges can be slippery, so give the rims a respectful distance and keep children supervised(3). There is no maintained campfire site at Hiidenkirkko; the nearest fireplace described in municipal and route guidance is about 4 km away on the opposite shore toward the church village along Hakokyläntie(1)(3). Sneakers usually suffice on the approach path, which is described as relatively dry(3). Hyrynsalmi is the home municipality, and Kainuu is the wider region if you are planning longer UKK segments, Vorlokki, Komulanköngäs, or Ukkohalla outings the same trip.

Hugo's Trail (Hugon polku) is about 8.2 km point to point between Hyrynsalmi church village and the Hoikka area, threading the forested strip between Lake Hyrynjärvi and Highway 5. Hyrynsalmi municipality publishes its wider summer walking and cycling networks through the route guide, which links outdoor layers to map services and partner route portals(1). Kainuu.fi describes hundreds of kilometres of marked hikes across the region and points walkers to searchable collections for Arctic Lakeland Kainuu(2). Starting from Hugon polku parkikipaikka beside Highway 5, the path soon climbs onto the rocky shoulder of Konivaara before settling into mixed forest and short stretches of forest road. About 4.3 km along you reach Hietalahden uimaranta with Hietalahden parkkipaikka beside it—popular for a swim or a long break on warm days—and another kilometre of walking brings you near Kallioniemen laavu, a lean-to that sits slightly off the main path toward the Hyrynjärvi shore; published step notes say the spur can be faint, so keep your map app handy when you look for the shelter(3). The walking line ends at Hugon polku Parking. You can walk either direction or split the day at the beach carpark when you want a shorter out-and-back. For a short distance near Kallioniemen laavu the same corridor doubles as Hyrynsalmi-Moisiovaara-Suomussalmen raja Moottorikelkkaura, a long winter snowmobile route toward Moisiovaara—handy to know when you compare summer hiking with winter machine travel. Hyrynsalmi lies in Kainuu. Bergfex summarises the outing as roughly two hours and a quarter, with on the order of 60 metres of ascent and mostly lake-edge scenery rather than open bog crossings(3). No shops or cafés sit along the path, so carry water, snacks, and basic first-aid as the same source recommends(3).

Iso-Ypykkä hill loop is a short hike of about 2.2 km near the Ukkohalla holiday area in Hyrynsalmi, Kainuu, climbing through old forest to a small viewpoint on the ridge above Ypykkälampi. The Municipality of Hyrynsalmi publishes an overview of local walking and cycling networks on its Reittiopas page and points visitors to regional route material on Outdooractive(1). Kainuu’s official tourism pages describe hundreds of kilometres of marked hikes in the region and route discovery through the same Arctic Lakeland Kainuu listings on Outdooractive(2). Outdoors Kainuu’s route sheet on Outdooractive gives step-by-step directions, elevation figures, and safety notes for this exact walk(3). Ukkohalla’s trekking introduction highlights Komulanköngäs, Vorlokki gorge, and the UKK trail as natural next destinations if you want a longer day in the same landscape(4). Start from Iso-Ypykän parkkipaikka on Hallanmaantie. The line begins on an easy forest-road surface, then turns onto the UKK trail at the foot of Iso-Ypykkä before a fork where the branch toward the summit climbs more steeply along the ridge edge(3). The trail is about 2.2 km in total. About two kilometres into that circuit you reach the Ypykkälampi shore cluster: Ypykänlammen laavu sits a few steps from the water for a sheltered break, and Ypykkälampi polttopuus.-kuivak. groups a firewood shelter with a dry toilet so you can eat a warm meal without guessing facilities. Treat the laavu’s firewood as communal and tidy up after yourself. The tread is mostly straightforward, but Outdoors Kainuu warns of rooty sections and notes that the final climb is awkward enough that it is a poor match for very young children or unsteady walkers because of slope and exposure right along the ridgetop(3). From the top you look out over typical Kainuu ridge-and-forest fabric rather than a manicured park. If you are already hiking the UKK Trail — Hyrynsalmi section or Köngäs Circuit – Hyrynsalmi, the same waymarking threads past this spur; mountain bikers on Jyrkän kierros maastopyörällä or Paljakan kierros mtb-reitti also share the broader trail network around Ukkohalla and Paljakka, so expect occasional overlap at parking nodes.

Moisiovaara culture trail is an easy, family-friendly loop of about 2.6 km through one of Kainuu’s oldest hill villages near Hyrynsalmi. Outdoors Kainuu publishes the maintained route description, markings, driving directions, and safety notes on Outdooractive(1). The path follows ground that villagers have used for centuries and passes information boards about life on the surrounding hills. Moisiovaara’s farms sit across four named fells—Kaartilanvaara, Toivola–Nurmelan vaara, Heikkilänvaara, and Romppaalanvaara—with open views from the hilltops, though the end of traditional cultivated fields has changed parts of the classic landscape(1). Kainuun kylät ry’s Moisiovaara pages outline how the village sits in upper Kainuu with services concentrated in larger centres(2). The signed start is at the Moisiovaara schoolyard area. From there the route follows Heikkilänvaarantie about 600 m before turning into forest, then weaves through woodland and field edges and returns along Heikkilänvaarantie and short road links back toward the school. At a junction you can shorten the loop or continue the longer branch past Alanteen mutka for roughly 4 km in total(1). The main ring is about 2.6 km; choose the 4 km option when you want more distance(1). The trail is marked in the terrain with blue paint blazes(1). Expect modest ups and downs (on the order of 40 m ascent and descent on the Outdooractive profile) over forest paths and short road connectors(1). Outdoors Kainuu recommends long trousers in summer because nettles grow beside the path(1). Along the loop you pass Moisiovaara parkkipaikka and finish near Moisiovaaran koulun parkkipaikka, Moisiovaaran koulun liikuntasali, Moisiovaaran kaukalo, Moisiovaaran koulun leikkikenttä, and Moisiovaaran pallokenttä—the school and local sports cluster at the north end of the village road. The same corner links on to Moisiovaaran kuntorata and Moisiovaaran latu for a run or ski after your walk, and Hyrynsalmi-Moisiovaara-Suomussalmen raja Moottorikelkkaura threads through the same schoolyard staging area. There are no shops or taps on the trail itself; bring water and snacks(1). For a longer break, local tips point to picnic spots at Mikitänjoen laavu and Viittasaran kota away from the signed loop(1). No public transport serves the trailhead; drivers park free at the school or forest-edge parking noted on the route(1). The route lies in Hyrynsalmi and Kainuu, north-east from the municipal centre toward the Suomussalmi road.

Vuorilampi Nature Trail is an easy, marked hiking line of about 3.6 km through forest and rocky shoreline to Vuorilampi, a cliff-lined wilderness lake east of Hyrynsalmi in Kainuu. Hyrynsalmi municipality describes the lake as a rugged beauty in the middle of the municipality and notes that Metsähallitus built a nature trail around the lake and a laavu with a campfire site and tables on the shore(1). Kainuun kylät adds that a nature trail of just over 2 km circles the lake and that there is a laavu along it(2). For practical planning, treat Vuorilammen parkkipaikka as the main motor access: it sits at the end of the Vuorilampi forest road that leaves Kuhmontie roughly 10 km east of the church village(1). From that parking edge, Hyrynsalmi municipality points to a marked, easy-going path of a little over 2 km toward the lake(1). The same outing is about 3.6 km end to end and does not form a closed loop. Along the lakeshore section you reach Vuorilammen laavu, a lean-to shelter in a scenic spot with a fire place; Vuorilampi kuivakäymälä lies on the same shore segment for comfort on a longer pause—read more about the laavu on our Vuorilammen laavu page. The first part of the walk rolls through pine-dominated ridge forest with open views, while the ground turns rockier closer to the water(1)(2). Turisti-info’s short sight note underlines the wilderness-lake character and the laavu with campfire site(3). There are no shops or drinking water points on the trail itself, so pack food and fluids. Before you set out, confirm access and any maintenance notices on Hyrynsalmi municipality’s pages(1). Hyrynsalmi is the home municipality, and Kainuu is the wider region for combining this outing with UKK-trail segments or other Hyrynsalmi sights.

The Vorlokin kierros hiking trail is a route that goes through an old forest that has a gorge & swamp on the trail. It has easy trails but challenging altitude changes. The trail offers a variety of landscapes and is marked with yellow paint. There a few campfire spots on the trail, a laavu and a rental cabin.

Saarijärvi circuit is about 11.8 km of hiking in Saarijärven aarnialue—strictly protected old-growth forest and lake shores that straddle Hyrynsalmi and Suomussalmi in Kainuu. Hyrynsalmi is the natural base for this line, and the Luontoon.fi trail page for Saarijärven kierros carries Metsähallitus maps and the official visitor description even though the route name is filed under the Suomussalmi municipality code(1). Retkiseikkailu’s Hyrynsalmi listing matches the 11.8 km distance and places the walk beside shorter links such as Jääkärin polku and Hanhilampi - Saarijärvi polku, which helps you plan combinations in the same reserve(3). Metsähallitus introduces the wider Saarijärven aarnialue story—tar pits, the Jaeger movement, and how to treat the heritage structures—with a downloadable Jääkärin polku brochure on its publications site(2). Most groups start from Saarijärvenkierros pysäköintialue. Within the first kilometre you reach Tärpättitehtaan laavu, a natural pause where the forest history of the tar works still reads strongly in the landscape(2). Around the Kirkaslampi cluster near 4.8–4.9 km you pass Kirkaslampi laavu, Kirkaslammen laavu - Hyrynsalmi, and Kirkaslampi kuivakäymälä—enough shelter and sanitation to take a longer lunch before you swing toward the higher Saarivaara shoreline. About 6.9 km along the route, Saarivaara tulentekopaikka sits with Saarivaara polttopuusuoja kuivakäymälä and firewood storage so you can dry clothing or brew coffee before the lake-facing sections. Saarijärvi Pohjoisranta tulentekopaikka around 9.2–9.3 km marks where the path meets Hanhilampi - Saarijärvi polku, a 2.2 km link toward Hanhilampi pysäköintialue if you want a shorter return or a different car spot. The Saarijärvi north-shore end brings together Saarijärvi tulentekopaikka, Saarijärvi päivätupa, the firewood and toilet points Saarijärvi polttopuus-kuivak. and Halllan Jääkäripirtti polttopuus.-kuivak., and rental-oriented Hallan jääkäripirtin saunakota—classic Kainuu day-hike infrastructure around lake ice and forest shade. The EU-level Natura 2000 factsheet lists the Saarijärven aarnialue site at roughly 14 km² with thirteen Habitats Directive habitat types, which explains why terrain varies from dystrophic ponds through aapa mires to herb-rich spruce pockets(4). Anyone hoping to visit the historic Jääkäripirtti on the island in Lake Saarijärvi must arrange access in advance with Hyrynsalmen Vanha Asema; the hut remains locked for general hikers(2). Read more on our pages for individual lean-tos and campfire spots when you need category-level detail.

Tulisuo–Varpusuo Trail is a point-to-point hiking route of about 7.3 km through the Tulisuo–Varpusuo mire landscape in Hyrynsalmi, Kainuu. It crosses undrained aapa bogs and forested islands between the Tulisuo-Varpusuo pysäköintialue trailhead and Matalajärvi at the far end, where Matalajärven laavu and a dry toilet with firewood storage sit by the shore. Hyrynsalmi is a small municipality between Kainuu’s fells and lakes; for where this route sits among the municipality’s hiking, biking, and winter trail networks, start with the City of Hyrynsalmi’s Reittiopas pages(1). The area lies within the Tulisuon–Varpusuon Natura 2000 site (FI1200052), about 32 km² in the boreal zone and designated under the Habitats Directive since the 1990s; the European Environment Agency’s EUNIS site record lists the protected habitat types and species such as the flying squirrel and yellow marsh saxifrage for this site code(2). On the ground you walk a mosaic of Nahkasuo, Peurasuo, Pääsuo, Tulisuo, and Varpusuo—natural mires with old-growth forest patches where dead wood and bracket fungi are part of the scenery. Early on, about 1.3 km from the parking area, Riihilampi clusters Riihilampi puolikota and Riihilampi polttopuusuoja-kuivakäymälä beside the pond—handy for a break before the long middle section across the bogs. At the northern end, Matalajärvi polttopuusuoja-kuivakäymälä and Matalajärven laavu are essentially at trail’s end for a lunch stop or quiet look over the water. The terrain is typical Kainuu mire walking: duckboards and soft peat underfoot. Third-party route listings warn that some duckboard sections may be uneven or poorly maintained, which matters after wet weather or for anyone unsteady on narrow tread(3). Carry water and snacks; there are no shops along the path. The same corridor is also published under the name Tulisuo-Varpusuon polku in regional route catalogues.

The UKK-reitti is Finland’s national long-distance hiking route named after President Urho Kaleva Kekkonen; the full network runs hundreds of kilometres across eastern and northern Finland. Trekkari describes how regional planners linked Vuokatti and Koli in the 1980s and how marking and maintenance vary along different legs(3). This page covers the Hyrynsalmi municipality section in Kainuu: about 40.5 km as one through hike, not a loop, between the Syväjärvi–Ypykkälampi end near Ukkohalla and the Seitenoikea–Hyrynsalmi UKK-reitti Parkkipaikka at the southern trailhead—so you can chain north toward Ukkohalla or south toward Ristijärvi and Paltamo on the same blue-marked line. Hyrynsalmi sits in lake-and-hill country typical of eastern Kainuu. For Vorlokin rotkolaakso and how it sits on the UKK between Hyrynsalmi and Komulanköngäs, the Municipality of Hyrynsalmi’s sights page is the clearest local authority summary(1). For the twin-channel Komulanköngäs waterfall on Syväjoki, firewood shelters, and how the falls sit on the UKK walking route, the Ukkohalla tourism pages give practical visitor framing a few kilometres from the resort centre(2). The trail is about 40.5 km end to end in this mapping. Early on you pass Ypykkälampi with Ypykänlammen laavu and dry-toilet stops, then Iso-Ypykän parkkipaikka for car access. Around 8 km from the northern end, Komulanköngäs drops the Syväjoki in two branches past a historic mill channel; Komulankönkään pysäköintipaikka, laavu, nuotiopaikka, and the Komulanköngäs waterfall viewpoint cluster here(2)(4). From roughly 13–16 km, Vorlokin vuokratupa, Vorlokki tulentekopaikka, Vorlokin nuotiopaikka, and Vorlokin rotkolaakso form a deep forest-and-ravine area that the municipality highlights on the UKK corridor(1). Paskokoski laavu, Paskokoski tulentekopaikka, and Paskokosken taukopaikka follow on Lietejoki-related streams. Pitkäkoski laavu and Pitkäkoski dry toilet sit near the Lietejoki crossing zone; Louhenkosken laavu Hyrynsalmi and Louhenkoski dry toilet frame another river rest pair. Multiharjun ampumarata lies slightly aside the line—give the range a wide berth. Multitörmän parkkipaikka offers mid-route car access; Oravijoen laavu gives a late break before Seitenoikea-Hyrynsalmi UKK-reitti Parkkipaikka at the southern end. Where the UKK shares geometry with Vaarojen Kainuu pyöräillen and winter snowmobile corridors near Komulanköngäs, expect shared junctions and seasonal traffic(3). Rinkka ja Pulkka’s long UKK through-hike write-up notes uneven maintenance and vegetation on some national segments; treat Hyrynsalmi as a generally clearer Kainuu link but still carry map and expect forest roads and wet ground after rain(5). A short clip from Outdoors Kainuu showcases Komulanköngäs beside the Ukkohalla area for a visual of the waterfall setting.

The trail runs on the summit ridge of Paljakanvaara in Hyrynsalmi, Kainuu, through old-growth spruce forest beside Paljakka strict nature reserve. The City of Hyrynsalmi(1) describes it as a chance to see a largely natural forest ecosystem. The line on our map is about 3.1 km; the municipality rounds the whole network to about three kilometres with three marked options, including about 700 metres one way to Paljakanvaaran näkötorni on the red-marked branch(1). Ukkohalla Ski Resort(2) places the tower top at 404 metres above sea level on one of southern Finland’s highest outlooks south of the fells, overlooking Kainuu’s highest hills in clear weather(2). KoeKainuu(3) notes the Nousevan auringon kota near the start (maintained by the municipality for everyone), ploughed winter parking beside it, and how the blue-marked circuit fits the roughly three-kilometre figure visitors often walk. Retkipaikka(4) highlights centuries-old spruce, views from the wooden tower, and the contrast with the strictly protected core of Paljakka. About 2.7 km along the route you reach Paljakanvaaran näkötorni, a good goal for a break and photos. A little farther on, Mustarinnan kota offers a roofed stop; dry toilets are available there for day visitors. The path is narrow in places and not barrier-free(3). In winter the City of Hyrynsalmi(1) notes access to the tower with snowshoes; the tower stairs are not winter-maintained, so expect snow and ice on the steps(3). The route shares ground with mountain-bike circuits such as Jyrkän kierros maastopyörällä and Paljakan kierros mtb-reitti at the tower—hikers and riders should watch for bikes on those segments. For the latest on the kota, parking, and any seasonal restrictions, check the municipal sight listing(1). The Mustarinda house arts and research centre sits next to the trailhead area; KoeKainuu(3) points there for extra trail context and education ideas.

The Luvankoski nature trail is a short, easy walk of about 1.6 km along the Luvankoski rapids in Hyrynsalmi, Kainuu. The route is not a circuit: you follow the riverbank and return the same way or use the connecting paths between stopping points. For what was built and renewed in the 2022–2024 Leader-funded investment, the public project description on Maaseutuverkosto(1) lists new biotoilets, a large grill kota that also allows overnight stays, widened parking, waste and guidance infrastructure, renewed duckboards and stairs, observation boards on nature and cultural history, and designated tent and hammock spots. For general visitor information across the municipality, start from the Municipality of Hyrynsalmi’s tourism and leisure section(2). Jenny Klemetti’s walk-through on Retkipaikka(3) is useful for the feel of the two lean-tos, the old mill and smith’s cottage beside the rapids, and the drive in along road 904. Kainuun Sanomat(4) reported on the volunteer-built railings on the duckboards and highlights the longest fitness stairs in the municipality beside the trail. From Luvankosken luontopolku parkkipaikka at Luvankoskentie 13 you step onto the path almost immediately. About 0.4 km along you are beside Luvankoski itself, where the water drops steeply and you hear the rapid the whole way. A little further, Luvankosken laavu offers a roofed rest spot on the rocky shore, and Lampilaavu sits about 0.7 km from the start for a second break. Information boards along the way describe the rapids, plants, animals, and local history. Read more about the parking area and each stop on our pages for Luvankosken luontopolku parkkipaikka, Luvankoski, Luvankosken laavu, and Lampilaavu. Separate fishing rules, seasons, and permit vending apply at the rapids; confirm fees and dates on the municipality’s or fishery pages rather than assuming trail access implies angling rights.

The Kokkoharju circular trail is about 7.6 km in Hyrynsalmi, Kainuu, linking the Ukkohalla holiday area with Komulanköngäs on Syväjoki and views over Syväjärvi. The Ukkohalla Holiday Resort describes Komulanköngäs as a six-metre forked cascade on Syväjoki with campfire sites above and below the rapids, an old mill beside a side stream, and a short walk from the Komulanköngäs parking area(1). For municipal listings of walking and cycling routes and outdoor services in the area, use the City of Hyrynsalmi route guide(2). Luontopolkumies’s walk report on Retkipaikka adds practical colour: the line is marked in green, shares junctions with Vorlokinkierros, Köngäskierros Hyrynsalmi, and the UKK-reitti Ukkohalla / UKK-reitti Hyrynsalmi network (blue markings for the UKK trails), passes Pirttilamminsuo Swamp on higher ground, then drops into mixed riverside forest before Komulanköngäs, where a 19th-century mill building and a lean-to with a fire ring sit near the falls(3). After Komulanköngäs the trail follows Syväjoki with duckboards and rocky, rooty tread in places, then climbs onto the Kokkoharju ridge with views down to the river. Nearing Syväjärvi you pass Syväjärven luoteinen laavu, the Ukkohalla shore (Ukkohallan uimaranta, saunas, Hotel Ukkohalla, and resort services such as Ukkohalla alakota and Ukkohallan pysäköintialue). Allow time to read signs where several marked routes meet so you stay on Kokkoharjun kierros(3). Spring flood from late April into early June is the most dramatic season at the falls; in summer the pool below is a popular place for a dip(1)(3).

For Komulanköngäs falls, the Vorloki gorge, and how they sit on the UKK hiking corridor, the Hyrynsalmi municipality sightseeing pages are the clearest official introduction(1). Ylä-Kainuu reported that the full Köngäskierros between the Ukkohalla and Paljakka areas was being opened and upgraded to roughly 60 km for both hiking and mountain biking(2)—this page describes the Hyrynsalmi-mapped section at about 32 km as one major piece of that wider network. Retkipaikka writer Luontopolkumies walked the linked Kokkoharju loop and notes how Köngäskierros, Kokkoharju, Vorloki and UKK markings meet in the same forest—wide, sometimes moist ground, and green versus blue blaze logic worth watching at junctions(3). KoeKainuu’s Komulanköngäs feature adds practical visitor detail on reaching the falls from parking or from Ukkohalla on foot or winter tracks(4). Köngäskierros Hyrynsalmi is about 32.1 km end to end as a point-to-point hiking line in Hyrynsalmi, Kainuu. Hyrynsalmi sits in lake and fell country; the trail ties the Ypykkä–Komulanköngäs lake-and-rapids country to the Syväjärvi shore and Ukkohalla holiday village, then continues through Vorlokin rotkolaakso, Paskokoski rest stops, and southward kotas toward the route’s terminus. From the northern end you soon pass Ypykänlammen laavu and can use Iso-Ypykän parkkipaikka if you prefer to stage a car closer to the forest. About 8 km into the walk the line reaches Komulankönkään pysäköintipaikka, Komulanköngäs with its twin-channel drop and nearby Komulankönkään nuotiopaikka and Komulankönkään laavu—natural half-day goals for a shorter out-and-back from parking. Beyond Pirttilamminsuo Swamp the path approaches Syväjärvi; Syväjärven luoteinen laavu gives a lakeside pause before the trail threads the Ukkohalla resort strip: Syväjärvi itself, Ukkohallan uimaranta, Ukkohalla Grillipaikka, Hotel Ukkohalla, and several Ukkohalla parking areas lie within a short walk of one another. Read more on our pages for the lean-to, beach, grill spot, and hotel when you need bookings or facility detail. Further south, Vorlokin rotkolaakso and Vorlokin nuotiopaikka sit in deep rocky terrain that Hyrynsalmi municipality highlights along the UKK Hyrynsalmi–Komulanköngäs section(1). Paskokosken taukopaikka, Paskokoski laavu, and Paskokoski tulentekopaikka offer spaced stops before Lietekylän kota and, nearer the finish, Joutensuon kota. The same path complex meets UKK-reitti Hyrynsalmi and UKK-reitti Puolanka at shared nodes; hikers bound for Hepoköngäs or longer Kainuu days often think of this corridor as part of that national trail family.

Hallan Trail is about 8.2 km one-way hiking between the Ukkohalla holiday cluster on Lake Syväjärvi and higher forest on the vaara slopes in Hyrynsalmi, Kainuu. For summer trail maps and the municipal network total (roughly 52 km of hiking trails in Hyrynsalmi), start from Hyrynsalmen kunta(1). Day-hike ideas from the resort centre and contact for local tips are on Ukkohalla trekking pages(2). A rural development project involving Hyrynsalmi and Metsähallitus upgraded and built multiple hiking and biking connections around Ukkohalla, linked Paljakanvaara, and fed into Natura and Vorlokki conservation landscapes—useful background on why the route network here feels intentional and well stitched(3). From the Ukkohalla end you begin among services families already use: Hotel Ukkohalla, the Ukkohalla beach, grill and kota spots, saunas, disc golf, ski hill frontage, and several parking areas steps from the shore. Kalalla Kainuussa notes guided trails and fire-and-sausage rest spots around Syväjärvi—handy context if you want a swim or shoreline fishing after hiking; lake fishing rules and licences are separate from walking the trail(4). About 0.6 km into the walk the line reaches the Syväjärvi parking pocket, a half-kota and the northwestern Syväjärvi lean-to—natural breaks before the path climbs into mixed forest on the highlands. Mountain bikers can branch onto Letuksen mtb-lenkki, which shares the same trailhead neighbourhood. Longer classics in the wider valley—Komulanköngäs waterfall and the Vorlokki gorge on the UKK hiking route—are described from Hyrynsalmi attractions pages and the Ukkohalla Komulanköngäs introduction if you want to combine outings(5)(6).

For resort contacts, guided groups, and seasonal programme ideas at Ukkohalla, start from the Ukkohalla guided-excursion pages(1). UGGO Resort, which runs holiday accommodation and hiking information for the same valley, sketches the wider UKK-reitti together with nearby landmarks such as Komulanköngäs falls—helpful if you plan longer walks beyond this short link(2). ULKO.fi publishes a public route card for this segment at 2.6 km with a very easy grade(3). The UKK Trail at Ukkohalla is about 2.6 km of point-to-point walking on the UKK hiking route network as it approaches the Ukkohalla holiday village in Hyrynsalmi, Kainuu. The path threads from higher, more open ground toward lake and resort amenities—useful as a short nature link if you are staying at Ukkohalla or finishing a longer day in the Kainuu fells. From the northwest end you soon pass Pirttilamminsuo Swamp, where the surroundings feel more like mire and forest than ski-centre pavement. About 2.1 km into the walk you reach Syväjärven luoteinen laavu on the north-west shore of Syväjärvi, a natural stop for a packed lunch or a quiet break beside the water. The last section drops you into the Ukkohalla services strip along Syväjärvi: Ukkohallan uimaranta for a swim in summer, Ukkohalla Grillipaikka for a fire-ring pause, Ukkohallan ulkokuntosali if you want a short outdoor gym stop, Hotel Ukkohalla and the main parking areas within a few hundred metres. Read more on our pages for the lean-to, beach, grill spot, and hotel when you want booking or facility detail. The Hyrynsalmi municipality website highlights the Ukkohalla area among local nature and event offerings—useful for broader municipal news(4). Syväjoki-Lietejoki melontareitti is a separate kayaking line on the wider river network, not the same path as this walk, yet paddlers often combine it with a stay at Ukkohalla.

Köngäs round trail (Paljakka–Puolanka) is about 28.8 km on foot as one point-to-point trail through Kainuu, linking the UKK Trail corridor near Väärälampi with the Paljakka visitor forest and Metlanmetsä parking. The line crosses municipality boundaries between Hyrynsalmi and Puolanka through the Ukkohalla and Paljakka visitor areas that Paljakka–Ukkohalla outdoor pages summarize as the setting for longer marked circuits(1). About 5.5 km from the start you reach the UKK-reitti Puolanka junction at Väärälampi laavu, a natural break with a lean-to shelter beside the lake. From there the trail continues toward Pirunkirkko, a steep-sided gorge formation: Pirunkirkko päivätupa sits almost on the path, and Pirunkirkon parkkiapaikka and Pirunkirkon pysäköintipaikka offer access if you want to stage a shorter out-and-back from parking. Dry toilets marked in our data sit near the gorge and day hut. Past Pirunkirkko the route drops toward Rakennusjärven kota and then the Paljakka resort cluster. You pass Paljakka Lake Resortin Näköalasauna, Paljakan laskettelukeskus parkkipaikka, Paljakkatalo, Paljakka Caravan-alue, Paljakka frisbeegolf, and Hiihtokeskus Paljakka—services, parking, and ski-hill infrastructure in one compact area. This is also where riders on the Paljakan kierros mtb-reitti or hikers on UKK-reitti Paljakka or Paljakan luonnonpuiston polku can peel off for shorter loops around Pirunkirkko or the nature reserve. About 24 km along the walk you reach Lakikummun laavu and Lakikumpu näköalatorni on Lakihuipun kuivakäymälä with a dry toilet; the tower and lean-to make a strong late-day rest before the final kilometres past Ympäristönäytepankin kota Paljakka and Esittelykodan käymälä toward Metlanmetsän parkkipaikka, where the trailhead parking finishes the day on the western side of the circuit. Regional reporting described refurbishment of the roughly 60 km Köngäskierros corridor for shared mountain-bike and hiking traffic between Ukkohalla and Paljakka(2). Treat that figure as the long-round network many sources market for experienced walkers; the segment here is the shorter continuous line above. Retkellä metsässä’s Paljakka write-up from a bike tour notes a full-day outing, partly overlapping UKK, with rideable forest tread in places but rockier stretches that require pushing a bike near Latva, long boardwalk sections over mires, and viewpoints along the way(3). For route-finding across the wider UKK system, UKK-reitti Puolanka remains the adjoining marked long-distance section where this trail meets Väärälampi. Plan water, spare layers, and a map even though the corridor is marketed as marked: Paljakka asks visitors to follow signed routes and leave habitats undisturbed(1).

Vuorilampi Nature Trail is about 3.6 km of marked hiking in the forests east of Hyrynsalmi in Kainuu, leading to the cliff-lined wilderness lake Vuorilampi. For current access notes and what is available at the shore, the City of Hyrynsalmi’s sightseeing pages are the right place to start(1). Metsähallitus presents the area as an easy day-trip destination near the village: the trail crosses dry pine forest, a ridge edge, shady spruce forest, and a stream-side mire before the rock walls at the lake, and the Vuorilampi area lies within the Pölhövaaran vanhojen metsien suojeluohjelma old-growth forest reserve programme(2). For wider trip planning in the region, Kainuu.fi groups hiking tips by municipality and describes the scale of Kainuu’s marked trail networks(3). The route begins near Vuorilammen parkkipaikka. After roughly two kilometres on foot you reach Vuorilammen laavu on the shore, with a campfire place and tables—natural place for a longer break. Dry toilets are available near the laavu. The lake is a clear, rocky-basin swim on warm days if you are comfortable with back-country water. Terrain is mostly dry underfoot; duckboard sections can be slippery when wet, so tread carefully after rain(2). Hyrynsalmi describes Vuorilampi as one of the municipality’s most striking small lakes: high rock faces above the water and a calm, wild character that works well for families looking for a half-day outing(1).

Tulisuo–Varpusuo Trail is about 7.3 km of marked hiking in Hyrynsalmi, Kainuu, through the Tulisuo–Varpusuo mire protection area. The wider site is part of the European Natura 2000 network and protects extensive undrained aapa and raised bog habitats, western taiga, and species such as the flying squirrel and Saxifraga hirculus on the habitat list for the area(1). Outdoors Kainuu, the regional outdoor partner for Kainuu, describes junctions, rest stops, and driving directions for the trailhead(2). Hyrynsalmi.fi gathers municipal route information and links to maps in the Reittiopas hub(3). Along the trail you pass forest and open mire, with long sections of duckboards; Outdoors Kainuu notes that some boardwalk stretches are in poor condition and are no longer actively maintained, though they are still passable with care(2). The landscape mixes mires and forest islands with old-growth character: standing dead wood, coarse woody debris, and rich communities of fungi, lichens, and bryophytes typical of natural boreal peatland margins(2). About 1.3 km from the Tulisuo–Varpusuo parking area you reach Riihilampi polttopuusuoja-kuivakäymälä and Riihilampi puolikota, a half-kota shelter suited to a break. Near the far end, Matalajärvi polttopuusuoja-kuivakäymälä and Matalajärven laavu sit beside Matalajärvi, giving a clear goal for a day hike. Dry toilets are available at the Riihilampi and Matalajärvi service points. Official route copy aimed at visitors often describes a longer round trip of roughly 10.9 km and about two hours and three-quarters when the northern Nahkasuo side loop is included(2). The trail is about 7.3 km as one continuous path; if you follow spur options or combine loops described on the ground, allow more time and distance than that figure. Hyrynsalmi is the municipality on our page; Kainuu is the region. For the latest on access and any local notices, start from Hyrynsalmi.fi and Outdoors Kainuu(2)(3).

The Kuivajärvi Trail is a short point-to-point hike of about 1.7 km beside Kuivajärvi in Hyrynsalmi, in the Kainuu region. The line follows the forested lake margin rather than closing as a loop, so you walk from one end of the marked path to the other and need to arrange return transport or retrace your steps if you want to get back to the start by the same track. Hyrynsalmi maintains a broad outdoor network: the municipal route guide summarizes summer and winter route kilometres, points to the municipal map services, and lists Outdooractive as one place to browse individual lines(1). The municipal sights pages describe other marked walks in the same municipality—including easy routes to Vuorilampi and the Mustarinda nature trail on Paljakanvaara—helpful if you want to pair this lake-side outing with a longer named circuit(2). Retkiseikkailu collects headline hiking destinations for Hyrynsalmi, such as Saarijärvi old-growth forest and the Ukkohalla–Vorlokki area, which sit elsewhere in the municipality but illustrate how dense the regional trail offering is(3). Kuivajärvi itself is a compact lake; Kalapaikka.net quotes about 2.3 km of shoreline in its basic lake facts, which helps picture how much shore the trail can skim in under two kilometres of walking(4). No dedicated trailhead write-up surfaced in the searches for Kuivajärven polku by name; treat parking, winter closures, and any local restrictions as things to confirm from the City of Hyrynsalmi materials or on-site signs before you go(1).