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Mustarinda nature trail

—•Hiking Trails

3.1 km

Route

Description

City of Hyrynsalmi – Sights (Mustarindan luontopolku)+

Description

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 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. Ukkohalla Ski Resort 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. KoeKainuu 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 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. In winter the City of Hyrynsalmi notes access to the tower with snowshoes; the tower stairs are not winter-maintained, so expect snow and ice on the steps. 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. The Mustarinda house arts and research centre sits next to the trailhead area; KoeKainuu points there for extra trail context and education ideas.

Length & route

The trail is about 3.1 km as one continuous line on our map. The City of Hyrynsalmi describes three marked options totalling about three kilometres on Paljakanvaara, with a red-marked branch of about 700 metres one way to the lookout tower. KoeKainuu gives 1.4–3.1 km depending on which branch you take, matching the blue loop at the long end. Allow roughly one hour for the full blue option with time at Paljakanvaaran näkötorni and Mustarinnan kota.

Getting there

The trail starts from the yard at Mustarinda, beside the public Nousevan auringon kota. The City of Hyrynsalmi points visitors to this starting point on Paljakanvaara. KoeKainuu describes ploughed winter parking next to the kota and signposted access along the last climb to the fell. Coordinates for the route start on our page match the trailhead area at about 64.729°N, 28.074°E.

Good to know

Most of Paljakanvaara lies in Paljakka strict nature reserve; KoeKainuu reminds visitors that leaving marked trails inside the reserve is not allowed, while this nature trail runs just outside that core so normal hiking applies—respect boundary marks. Mobile phone signal can be patchy along the forested ridge. No trail fee is stated on the municipal page.

History

The name Mustarinda (and variants such as Mustarinta) is an old circumlocution for bear and has been used for dark spruce-clad hills; KoeKainuu summarises the etymology and links the name to the trail’s setting. Retkipaikka notes folk associations of the name with bear and older place-naming traditions in the region.

Managed by

Hyrynsalmi

Official Maintenance

Trail info

Recreation Area

Separate colour-coded branches: red to the tower, green and blue for shorter and longer loops as described by Hyrynsalmi and KoeKainuu.

Route Signs

Open / Good Condition

City of Hyrynsalmi – Sights (Mustarindan luontopolku)+

Activities allowed

Hike / Walk

Activity

Terrain & conditions

3.1 km

Distance

About 1 hour for the longest marked option including the tower and kota stops.

Est. Time

Dirt

Surface

Loop, Single Track

Route Type

Light Traffic

Traffic

Partial Shade

Shade

City of Hyrynsalmi – Sights (Mustarindan luontopolku)+

Location

64.72907°N, 28.07365°E

Approximate location

FinlandCountry

KainuuRegion

HyrynsalmiCity

Hiking TrailsCategory

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Answers to your questions

Our data was researched from Hyrynsalmi, and other trusted sources, in March 2026. Our route / place GPX data comes from Metsähallitus / Lipas, last updated March 2026. Always check their official website for safety-critical updates.

Finland Kainuu Hyrynsalmi Hiking TrailsMustarinda nature trail

Photo: 2026