Paltamo Map

Autioniemi Laavu is om a biking & walking trail on Lake Oulujärvi.

A free kota that anyone can use.

There is a building on the shore of Melalahti with campfire facilities inside.

Hakasuo nature and heritage trail is a loop of about 5.5 km through Paltamo in Kainuu, mostly following Varisjoki between the historic Hakasuo mill area and the shore of Lake Kivesjärvi. For markings, trailhead conditions, the downloadable PDF brochure, and services at Hakasuon mylly, the Municipality of Paltamo’s Hakasuon luonto- ja kotiseutupolku pages are the first place to check(1). Metsähallitus publishes the same walk as Hakasuon luontopolku on Luontoon.fi(2). The walk starts from Hakasuon mylly - Paltamo, where Hakasuon parkkipaikka gives room to leave a car beside the mill yard. The mill yard has a campfire spot and a dry toilet; in summer there is often a café and the site is tied to local heritage events(3)(4). From the mill the route uses footpaths and forest roads past Ruukin rauniot along Varisjoki, with Ruukinmyllykoski and Hotellinkoski as the main rapids and a table and benches near Hotellinkoski(1)(3). A short side path climbs to a lookout knoll above Lake Kivesjärvi(1)(3); the lake shore section then closes the ring back toward the mill(3). Retkipaikka(3) describes light-pink paint rings on trees plus wooden posts and boards that explain nature and history; the Municipality of Paltamo emphasizes orange markings and recommends waterproof footwear because the first section can be rooty and wet(1). Duckboards have been added on the wettest stretches(3). The overall grade is easy to moderate with a few rougher pulls toward Mannilanmäki(1)(3). You can hike the ring in either direction(3). The route is one of the Oulujärvi Leader area “low-threshold” hiking lines aimed at families and older walkers, with more ideas linked from regional outdoor pages(1). The long signed cycling route Kirkonkylä-Melalahti-Hakasuo-Kivesjärvi-Kivesvaara pyöräilyreitti overlaps the Hakasuo mill parking and mill stop, so cyclists and hikers share that corner of the network. Paltamo is the home municipality, and Kainuu is the wider region for trip planning.

Louhoksen kierros is about 6.7 km of marked hiking on Kivesvaara in Paltamo, on the edge of lake Oulujärvi country and the Kainuu fells. For closures, grooming in winter, fire rules at the kota, and the most detailed step-by-step of Pahalouhos and the junctions toward Vaarainjoki and Yölinnunkuru, start with the City of Paltamo’s Kivesvaara hiking trails page(1). Arctic Lakeland summarises the same network—including the two-kilometre accessible line, Kantolan lenkki, this Louhos round trail, and Kurun polku—as day-hike options around the summit services(3). The route is mostly easy walking but has steep slope sections; the municipality recommends going “left to right” so the steepest downhill work comes on the descent, not on the climb(1). Marking is yellow on the Louhoksen line, with a stretch where green markers continue after the Pahalouhos rest point(1). Highlights include the Pahalouhos quarry landscape: a side path runs along the rim with very large drops into the gorge, a short spur looks into the bottom, and there is a small natural cave and rest spots along the way; a nature reserve lies a short distance from one spur end(1). Open fires are allowed only at the Kivesvaara kota; the summit also has an information board and dry toilet(1)(3). Within the first few hundred metres from the mapped line you pass the Kantolan parkkiapaikka parking area, the Kivesvaara kota, and the Arctic Giant Bird House Hotel Jättiläisenmaa—useful anchors for where the forest road, snowmobile track base, and connecting trails meet. The same cluster links naturally to Kurun polku and Kantolan lenkki if you want to extend the day. Retkipaikka’s on-the-ground report from a winter visit describes firm snowmobile-groomed corridors on the main Kivesvaara links and how Louhoksen kierros branches off toward the steeper Pahalouhos descent—worth reading if you are planning a cold-season trip and want a feel for traction and junction behaviour(2). Paltamo sits where low Oulujärvi landscapes give way to Kainuu’s ridge-and-lake terrain. The plain city name in the previous sentence is there so you can open our Paltamo page directly.

Kuru Trail (Kurun polku) is a marked day-hiking route on Kivesvaara in Paltamo, Kainuu, leading from the summit trail hub toward Yölinnunkuru and Valkeisenkalliot. The trail is about 7 km long. The City of Paltamo classifies it as mostly easy walking with moderately demanding ridge sections, marked in blue from Kivesvaara kota(1). It aims at Yölinnunkuru, an earthquake-formed rock gorge on a private METSO conservation reserve, then climbs toward Valkeisenkalliot for wide views over the fell landscape(1). You can return along the same path to the kota area or shorten the day by linking to Kantolan lenkki toward the summit; a longer option of about 14 km is described if you also branch toward Vaarainjoki(1). Open fires are allowed only at Kivesvaara kota, not elsewhere along these routes(1). The start lies beside Kivesvaara kota, Arctic Giant Bird House Hotel Jättiläisenmaa, and Kantolan parkkiapaikka—the same cluster used for Louhoksen kierros and Kantolan lenkki(1). After descending from the summit road you cross toward Yölinnunkuru’s parking and enter the reserve following blue marks, with a short side path to a small cliff cave before the trail climbs the mossy spruce ridge toward Valkeisenkalliot(1). Metsonpolku describes Yölinnunkuru as old-growth forest habitat with steep rock walls, rare plants, and birds such as three-toed woodpecker and, in places, Siberian jay and Eurasian pygmy owl(3). Retkipaikka published a winter walk-through by Auli Packalén that turns from Kantolan lenkki onto Kurun polku, visits Yölinnunkuru and Valkeisenkalliot, then continues clockwise on Kurun polku back toward Kantolan lenkki—useful for how junctions and a covered rest spot feel in snow, and for noting that some shared sections are compacted as winter snowmobile routes while narrower spurs may be untracked(2). For current rules on fires, hunting, berries, and events inside Yölinnunkuru, and for printable maps, use the City of Paltamo’s Kivesvaara hiking routes page(1).

Kantola loop (Kantolan lenkki) is about 6.1 km of easy, marked hiking on the summit of Kivesvaara in Paltamo, Kainuu. The City of Paltamo describes it as the shortest and easiest of the Kivesvaara trails: a forest loop around the fell top, marked in red, suitable for fitness walking, with many bird boxes and lively songbirds in spring(1). You can walk it in either direction following the marks. If you take the variant past the hunting lodge, the final climb back is relatively steep(1). The trail is easy forest walking overall(1). The Kivesvaara hiking area sits where low Oulujärvi landscapes meet the Kainuu fells, a short drive north from highway 22. At the summit you are close to the Arctic Giant Bird House Hotel Jättiläisenmaa and the Kantolan parkkiapaikka parking area, while Kivesvaara kota offers a shared fireplace shelter at the main trail hub(1). From the same network you can branch onto Louhoksen kierros toward Pahalouhos or Kurun polku toward Yölinnunkuru and Valkeisenkalliot; combined outings of about 14 km are described when you link these loops and spurs(1)(3). Retkipaikka published a winter report by Auli Packalén that follows Kantolan lenkki and its junctions with Louhoksen kierros and Kurun polku, including wide, firm snowmobile-groomed sections in places and a slower, roughly half-kilometre climb on softer snow toward the south side of the loop in cold conditions(2). That account also highlights views from the summit toward Kivesjärvi and Oulujärvi and the open sky on clear days(2). For the latest route descriptions, closures, and the printable area map, rely on the City of Paltamo’s Kivesvaara hiking routes page(1).

Melasen trails are a hiking route of about 5.2 km in Paltamo in Kainuu. The line is not a loop: it reads as a point-to-point or there-and-back walk through the Melalahti countryside on the north shore of Lake Oulujärvi. For current notices, etiquette, and the municipality’s wider trail list, start with Paltamon kunta’s hiking overview(1). The regional Arctic Lakeland product groups Paltamo with other Kainuu lake-and-ridge outings and points to the municipality as the place for route choices from short wellness loops to longer ridge hikes(3). The trail lies in one of Kainuu’s oldest continuous settlement landscapes. The Paltamo Ecomuseum’s Melalahti map explains how fields, pastures, wooded shores, and village roads frame outings here: highlights include the Pertinpihta nature trail built in the mid-1990s, the Melalahti shore with a kota and swimming beach, and smaller nature sites such as Varissaari with a lean-to and campfire by the marina(2). Those descriptions help you interpret what you see near Melasen polut—heritage farmsteads, former mill streams, and lakeside gathering places—even though they document the wider village rather than this single GPX line. Paltamon kunta promotes varied terrain from ridge tops to river banks and spruce forests to pine heaths(1). In Melalahti, combine walking with the ecomuseum stops if you want a fuller story of barns, railway history, and traditional land use before or after your hike(2). Winter services and any temporary closures for maintenance are best confirmed on the city’s outdoor pages(1). Paltamo is a practical base in Kainuu for this outing. Kainuu offers extensive public rights of access; follow everyman’s rights and local guidance on fires and dogs(1).

The Posti-Kalle hiking trail is about 17.4 km through Mieslahti village in Paltamo, winding through typical Kainuu forest and farmland by roads and paths. For current access, facilities, and the downloadable map, start with the City of Paltamo trail page(1). Visit Kajaani also lists this route for visitors exploring the Kainuu lakeland(2). Mieslahden kyläyhdistys tells the story of the historic mail carrier and the annual midsummer-week community hike(3). The route starts and finishes at Kainuun Opisto (Kainuu Folk High School) on Tahvintie 4, 88380 Mieslahti; a signboard stands near the parking area(1)(2). Very close to the beginning you pass Mieslahden hiekkakenttä, the village sand pitch. The trail is marked in orange with Posti-Kalle signs at junctions(1)(2). Rest areas with campfire sites and dry toilets sit at Hautalampi and Kaitalampi(1)(2). The going is mostly easy, but the descent from Honkavaara can be steep in places, and some stretches stay damp—waterproof footwear is a good idea(1)(2). Allow about four to six hours and moderate fitness for the full circuit(1)(2). The route is especially suited to summer hiking(1)(2). Along the way, Mieslahden kyläyhdistys highlights viewpoints and rest points such as Myllypuro, Lakivaara, and the former home of “Posti-Kalle,” Kalle Moilanen(3). A shorter family route, Pikku-Kallen polku (about 5 km), is also described locally(3).

The Vaarantalo wellbeing trail is an easy, marked loop of about 2.1 km in Vaarankylä, Paltamo, in the Kainuu region. For the idea behind the stopping points, winter access details, and how the trail links to wider regional promotion, the Municipality of Paltamo’s Vaarantalon hyvinvointipolku page is the place to start(1). Kainuun Liikunta’s Reitit tutuiksi materials include a PDF brochure and tie the route into the Oulujärvi Leader area network of low-threshold day hikes(2). The walk begins from behind Vaarantalo, Vaarankylä Paltamo (the village-hall yard). On the municipal map the start is marked with a red A; the path is described as easy underfoot and marked with blue paint on trees(1). It is a ring that returns to the Vaarantalo courtyard(1). Along the way the trail uses short stopping places and simple exercises meant to invite quiet attention to nature rather than a race through the woods(1). About 2 km into the loop you reach Vaarantalo Kota. The kota belongs to the Municipality of Paltamo and sits next to the main yard; Vaarantalo.fi describes a kota grill, wood stove, fireplace, wide benches for a rest or informal overnight, and a nearby woodshed with firewood for the fire(3). The same trailhead yard has a toilet and the free-to-use kota named on the municipal page(1). Vaarantalo, Vaarankylä Paltamo is the village association’s former school building and event hub roughly ten kilometres from Paltamo centre toward Oulu, with courtyard sauna, parking, and many rental uses(3). The yard also lies on the signed Vaarankylän ja Melalahden pyöräilyreitti cycling route, and winter lines Leppikoski - Vaarankylä Moottorikelkkaura and Vaarankylä - Saukkosuo (kunnanraja) Moottorikelkkaura meet the Vaarantalo area on our map. Paltamo is the home municipality, and Kainuu is the wider region when you plan transport or combine other trails.

Myllymäen luontopolku is a short hiking path of about 1.4 km in Melalahden village, Paltamo, in the Kainuu lake district. The City of Paltamo publishes contacts and an overview of local hiking options on its outdoor recreation pages(1). The trail is not a loop; it runs through the traditional shoreline and grove landscape beside Lake Oulujärvi. City of Paltamo news pages summarise how Vaarankylä and Melalahti were added to the national list of valuable landscapes(3). Along the way you pass near Melalahden rannan kota, a kota by the beach that works well as a break or picnic shelter, and Melalahden ratsastuskenttä on Melalahden koulutie. Paltamon Ekomuseo’s Melalahti heritage map explains that Myllymäki hill carries the about nine-hectare Myllymäki grove reserve (Myllymäen lehtojensuojelualue): old-growth spruce on the village high point, valuable grove vegetation, and flying squirrel habitat; the same area narrative covers Myllypuro stream, mill history, and the nearby quartzite quarry that supplied industry in the 1940s–50s(2). Those themes match what walkers see in the Myllymäki–Melalahti countryside even on a short outing. For a longer day, the route meets the Vaarankylän ja Melalahden pyöräilyreitti and Kirkonkylä-Melalahti-Hakasuo-Kivesjärvi-Kivesvaara pyöräilyreitti cycling corridors at the shore end, and Melalahden uimapaikka and Melalahden vieraslaituri sit on the same waterfront network. Paddlers use Melalahti-Varisjokisuu-Melalahti and Paltamosta Melalahteen kayaking routes that also serve the harbour—handy if you combine hiking with a summer boat approach.

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.

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).

There is an outdoor grill / campfire site next to the Hakasuo mill, along the Varisjoki River, which has been grinding grain for almost a century. Very close to Lake Kivesjärvi and Lake Oulujärvi, the Hakasuon 6 km nature trail starts from there and if you look at the map a larger biking trail passes. through here.

Tasainen maasto.

Omistaja Paltamon rhy. Haulikkorata (7 paikkaa), hirvirata (3 paikkaa) ja pienoishirvirata (1 paikka).

The Autioniemi mountain biking and walking trail in Paltamo offers beautiful views and is easy for biking. It includes two loops and a connecting section. The trail is usable in summer and winter, and if you look at the map a nice Laavu next to the lake.