Puolanka Map

Lake Resort's sauna has 3 saunas, a hot tub, and a hut that fits 30 people. All can be rented for private use. But this main sauna with a view to the lake. It has general sauna shifts for men & women and cost 12.5€ for 2 hours. The sauna area is open to the public daily from 7 am to 4 pm and the saunas/sauna yard can be reserved for private use by reservation from 4 pm to 11 pm. There is a pier to dip in the lake that is also an Avanto in the winter. The sauna room is shared between men and women, so we ask that you wear swimwear in the sauna. Also more information on the 3 saunas & hot tubs can be read at <a href="https://paljakka.fi/tuote/saunapiha-rannassa-kesa/">paljakka.fi</a>

The Rakennusjärvi hut is located near the Paljakka tourist centre on Lake Rakennusjärvi. If you look at the map you can get to this hut by a ski trail (has lights) in the winter or hiking trail or fitness trail or biking trail in the summer.

The Pirunkirkko day hut is open year-round, located near the Latvavaara ski trail & on Köngäskierros Puolanka hiking trail with indoor campfire facilities and toilets. It’s accessible by foot, bike, skis, or snowshoes and can host large groups. Wood and cooking equipment are provided inside, making it suitable for day trips.

Löytöjärvi Day Hut A day cabin located on Lake Löytöjärvi. It is located in Paljakka Nature Park. You can get to this hut by the hiking trail "Ilveskierros" or biking trail "Paljakka - Ilveskota pyöräreitti." There are also ski trails in the winter to access it.

Ilveskota is a hut located on the Ilveskierros hiking trail and Latvavaara ski trails. It is in the back country of Paljakka Nature Park, large spruce trees / old forest. In the winter, the Latvavaara trail, which starts from the Paljakka center, is a good trail to come to this hut. There are some cooking tools inside the hut. You can use the trails to hike, walk, ski, bike or snowshoe here.

Lehtojoen laavu or Mörkösuvannon laavu is along the Lehtojoki River, offers a serene retreat for those using the Paljakan Hepovaara ski trail and Hepovaara mountain biking or hiking trail.

Kalliuskosken laavu

Kalastuspolku – the Fishing Path – is about a 6 km hiking loop in Paljakka, Puolanka, in the Kainuu region: easy, well-marked walking through resort edges and old-growth forest beside Paljakka Strict Nature Reserve. For route descriptions, reminders to stay on marked trails, and links to PDF and digital maps, start with the Paljakka holiday resort’s Hiking and trekking overview(1). The City of Puolanka’s Paljakka page highlights how summer trails reach toward ancient forest and the strict reserve that is unusually open to visitors(2). From the loop start near the centre you soon pass Paljakkatalo and the caravan area, then Paljakan laskettelukeskus parkkipaikka, Paljakka frisbeegolf, and Hiihtokeskus Paljakka – the main downhill and services cluster. About 4.3 km into the circuit, Rakennusjärven kota offers a wood-fire kota stop on Lake Rakennusjärvi’s shore. Nearing the last kilometre you pass Lake Resort Paljakan avantouintipaikka and Paljakka Lake Resortin Näköalasauna above the water. The route threads the same recreational fabric as Talvinen fatbike- ja monikäyttöura and connects into Hepovaaran maastopyöräilyreitit - Paljakka - Puolanka for anyone combining summer hiking with bike loops later. Murphy’s Paljakka spring write-up on Holjander quotes Paljakka’s route blurb: travel along Louhenjoki through old meadow landscapes, turn after Neulakoski toward Rakennusjärvi, then climb back toward the centre, with a note that families with very small children should treat the length and elevation gently(3). The author adds that markings felt clear on the ground, a reminder that UKK-route signage is shared in places(3).

Devil's Church loop (Pirunkirkko) is about 1.3 km around Louhenjoki gorge near Paljakka in Puolanka, Kainuu. Metsähallitus describes the compact Pirunkirkko protected forest—roughly 74 hectares next to Paljakka Strict Nature Reserve—on Luontoon.fi as an easy day-trip target where Louhenjoki runs through a rocky canyon and the “devil's pulpit” rock formation draws the eye(1). For the most up-to-date route notes, service locations, and rules, start from that Pirunkirkon suojelumetsä article on Luontoon.fi(1). Puolanka sits in wooded hill country; Paljakka’s ski and hiking networks start a few kilometres away. From the Holstintie trailhead area you soon pass Pirunkirkko päivätupa and maintenance points with firewood storage and a dry toilet—handy before you drop toward the river(1). About half a kilometre into the loop, Pirunkirkko is the gorge and boulder scene above Louhenjoki; banks are gravelly and steep in places with no guard rails, so keep back from slippery slopes and supervise children(1)(3). After exploring the canyon, the loop returns to Pirunkirkon parkkiapaikka. The same trailhead area is shared with Ilveskierros and ties into longer hiking: UKK-reitti Paljakka, Köngäskierros Puolanka, and Paljakan luonnonpuiston polku all intersect this corner of the network(1). In summer, Jukka Eskelinen’s VaaraKainuu notes highlight lichen-rich old spruce forest on the way in and the drama of the steep gorge—worth a slow look at the rock benches(2). Luontoon.fi states the path is easy going overall, with bridges and duckboards in wet or steep spots, but sturdy footwear is still wise near the gorge rim(1). Out in the Nature recorded a rougher, rockier final approach after storm damage and rerouting; if the ground is wet or icy, extra care near the river makes sense(3). Winter skiers on Latvavaaran latu, 17 km, Paljakka also pass Pirunkirkko on maintained tracks, giving another seasonal perspective(1).

For PDF trail maps, digital route maps, and electronic route guides, start with the Paljakka holiday resort hiking and trekking pages(1). Discovering Finland’s Paljakka and Wild Taiga article notes how the 10 km Maisemareitti climbs onto the fells for views over the forest(2). VaaraKainuu names the same route among Paljakka’s most popular hikes and notes that route marking keeps navigation easy(3). Maisemareitti is about 10.4 km as a loop through Paljakka in Puolanka, Kainuu. Trails here start from the heart of the holiday area, so you can walk straight from services without a shuttle(1). The loop threads hill-and-forest scenery typical of Vaara Kainuu. Early on you pass near Paljakka Lake Resortin Näköalasauna; about three kilometres along you reach Teeriharjun laavu for a fire and a break in the trees. Closer to the ski centre end of the loop you pass Hiihtokeskus Paljakka, Paljakka frisbeegolf, Paljakkatalo, and Paljakka Caravan-alue—handy landmarks if you are meeting someone or heading for rentals and eateries. The Paljakka trail network ties into other marked lines nearby. Talvinen fatbike- ja monikäyttöura, Latvavaaran latu, 17 km, Paljakka, and Latvavaaran maastopyöräilyreitti Paljakka - Puolanka share the same hub; longer outings such as Ilveskierros and the Köngäskierros trek are described on the resort pages for walkers who want a bigger day(1). Metsähallitus publishes separate marked nature-trail services inside Paljakka Strict Nature Reserve for visitors who want the reserve-specific route and rules; that is a different product from this resort-hosted loop. Puolanka is the municipality around Paljakka, and Kainuu is the wider region.

Hepoköngäs Geological Nature Trail is about 1.8 km as one loop on the Hepokönkää waterfall site in Puolanka, Kainuu. You get the most reliable route description and visitor guidance on Luontoon.fi(1). Independent walkers have mapped the visit so you know what to expect at the viewpoints and how the geological loop branches from the main falls path(2). Muurahaisten poluilla adds practical colour: the geological loop feels quieter than the wide approach to the falls, follows Heinijoki on duckboards and forest path, and can feel damp and slippery on the boards after rain or in spring ice melt(3). The City of Puolanka describes a 13 km marked bike and walking link from the church village to the Hepokönkää car park that ties into this geological loop for a longer day(4). Most people build the stop around Hepoköngäs waterfall,, one of Finland’s best-known natural falls on Heinijoki. Right at the brink you can use Hepoköngäs puolikota for a break, and accessible toilets are available in the same clifftop area before you commit to the steeper riverside parts of the geological loop. The separate Accessible trail to Hepokönkää waterfall is about 0.6 km and stays on a wide, gentle surface to viewing platforms; the geological nature trail is not billed as barrier-free and uses stairs and narrower duckboards along the river(3). After roughly 0.2 km from the loop start you are beside the falls; the red-marked continuation drops to Heinijoki, runs along the bank on boardwalks and small paths, climbs back onto the rocky rim, crosses a short mire section, and returns to Hepokönkään parkkiapaikka(3). About ten geology and nature boards line the loop, and there is a viewpoint terrace toward the end of the circuit(3). Kiiminkijoen melontareitti passes the same waterfall from the river, if you arrive by packraft or kayak elsewhere on the river system. If you are already walking UKK Trail – Puolanka section, the long-distance path meets this hub at the falls; many visitors add only the wide approach to the lookout and skip the extra kilometre along the river, which keeps foot traffic on the geological loop light(2)(3).

Ilveskierros—the Lynx Tour—is a day hike in the Paljakka holiday area in Puolanka, Kainuu. The trail is about 12 km and skirts the edge of the Paljakka Strict Nature Reserve, passing old-growth forest, the Louhenjoki river valley, and the Pirunkirkko protected forest with the Louhenjoki rock gorge(1). For the fullest trail description and the latest management information, start from the Ilveskierros page on Luontoon.fi(1). The City of Puolanka’s outdoor pages list Ilveskierros among Paljakka’s longer hikes and describe Pirunkirkko’s short side path to the Louhenjoki canyon, plus how the 6.5 km strict-reserve ring (Luonnonpuiston polku) begins from Ilveskota(2). Paljakka holiday resort’s hiking and trekking pages group Ilveskierros with other signature routes from the centre of the resort, with PDF maps and digital route guides(3). From the Paljakka resort cluster you quickly pass facilities such as Hiihtokeskus Paljakka, Paljakkatalo, Paljakka Caravan-alue, and Paljakka Lake Resortin Näköalasauna, and you can use Paljakan laskettelukeskus parkkipaikka if you start from the main ski-centre parking. The route shares ground with lit ski tracks and winter multi-use routes near the start, then climbs toward Latvavaara-style fell views. About 3 km along, Pirunkirkko päivätupa and Pirunkirkon pysäköintipaikka / Pirunkirkon parkkiapaikka sit beside the Pirunkirkko gorge area—take care on steep or slippery rock sections after wet weather. Roughly 6 km in, Ilveskota kota, Ilveskota tulentekopaikka, and the Ilveskota dry toilet make a natural lunch stop; from here you can link mentally to the strict-nature-reserve ring described on the municipality page. Löytöjärvi päivätupa, Löytöjärvi tulentekopaikka, and firewood points follow on the Löytöjärvi shore cluster. Rakennusjärven kota lies near the early resort end of the circuit. Along the way you can branch in planning to the Paljakka section of the UKK Trail, Paljakan ladut, the winter fatbike multi-use route, or Hepovaaran kuntopolku where those networks touch the same hub. Independent walkers on Puolangan kameraseura’s Paljakka trails photo story found yellow paint used for Ilveskierros markings (with a different colour for Paljakkapolku), highlighted duckboards that can be slick when wet, and praised Löytöjärvi day hut as a rest point—worth a look for on-the-ground photos and pacing notes(4).

The Paljakka Nature Reserve Trail is about 8.9 km as one hiking segment in Puolanka in the Kainuu region, running through Paljakan luonnonpuisto, a strict nature reserve managed by Metsähallitus. For maps, rules, and the latest official guidance on the reserve, start with the Paljakan luonnonpuisto hiking and outdoor section on Luontoon.fi(1). The Paljakka destination hiking pages summarize how this route fits into the wider Paljakka–Puolanka trail network and link to PDF maps and digital route guides(2). Ecologically, the Paljakka ja Latvavaara Natura site description outlines old-growth boreal forest, a fine-grained mire mosaic, fern-rich spruce stands on steep slopes and stream gullies, and species such as flying squirrel and otter on the Paljakka side of the SAC(3). In practice the line begins from the Pirunkirkko trailhead cluster, where Pirunkirkon pysäköintipaikka and Pirunkirkon parkkiapaikka give room for cars and Pirunkirkko päivätupa offers a day-use shelter before you climb down toward Pirunkirkko, the steep-sided gorge cut by Louhenjoki. From there the route continues into the reserve; about 2.8 km from the mapped start you reach Ilveskota kota with Ilveskota tulentekopaikka and a dry toilet nearby—dry toilets are placed so you can plan a longer break without naming each structure in turn. Further along, Paljakka Swamp sits on open bog and mire ground typical of the Paljakka uplands. The same trailhead also ties into other marked hiking lines such as Pirunkirkko, UKK-reitti Paljakka, Ilveskierros, and Köngäskierros Puolanka, and winter ski routing such as Latvavaaran latu, 17 km, Paljakka shares overlapping waymarks in places—use the official maps to choose a combination that matches your day(1)(2). Expect natural forest and bog footpaths with duckboards on wet sections, moderate ups and downs toward forested hills inside the reserve, and quiet bird habitat where older spruce and pine forest dominates. Some commercial listings round the distance differently or describe a compact loop variant; treat about 8.9 km as the mapped hiking segment here and check the resort PDFs if you stitch in extra spurs(2).

The trail is about 6.7 km in Puolanka, on the north side of Siikavaara strict nature reserve. It tours the cliff and boulder slopes of Kometon kalliojyrkänne and returns you to the Siikajärvi trailhead. The City of Puolanka outdoor hub lists this circuit beside the wider Paljakka–Puolanka trail network and links the printable Kometon sheet for maps and access notes(1). Retkipaikka’s 2025 hiking report by Luontopolkumies spells out how the red markers behave on steep first kilometres, how Paula storm windthrow looked in the forest before summer 2022 maintenance, and how boardwalks behaved after renewal(2). The Kainuun Liikunta PDF repeats the shelter list for Pöksänkorpi and often rounds the same loop to about 8 km(3). Most people park at Siikajärvi pysäköintialue on Siikajärventie 63, step past the Siikavaara and Sienipolku notice boards, and pick either direction around the ring; Luontopolkumies chose counter-clockwise to climb the biggest pinch early(2). About 0.7 km into the walk you reach the Pöksänkorpi laavu cluster beside the UKK-reitti Puolanka / Sienipolku lines: municipality copy lists a lean-to, fire place, table group, woodshed, and dry toilet there, so it is the natural lunch stop even though it sits just off the tight Kometon line(1)(3). Dry toilets are also available at Pöksänkorpi kuivakäymälä next to the shelter area. Climbing stays uneven on the wall-top traverse: sources call the grade moderate to fairly demanding because of short steep pulls, roots, stones, and trunks you may need to step over after weather events(2)(3). Marking is hard to miss—wooden arrow posts and red-orange paint on tree trunks—with a clear split where UKK-reitti Puolanka continues toward the long-distance corridor and Kometon kierros stays on the cliff loop(2). Higher birch and spruce bands open filtered views down toward Siikajärvi and the forest lake mosaic typical of Kainuu hill country rather than one big panorama(2). The protected forest leaves wind-felled wood in place off the maintained tread, which is why mushroom pickers praise Siikavaara’s habitats; keep dogs and noise low around birds such as eagle owls that Luontopolkumies disturbed beside the path(2). Winter travellers should confirm road access to Siikajärventie 63 before committing, because the trailhead sits well north of the village.

Saarijärvi Trail is a lakeside hiking route of about 5 km in the Saarijärvi nature reserve near Puolanka in Kainuu. The City of Puolanka groups it under Saarijärven luonnonsuojeluarea on its Liikuntaa luonnossa outdoor pages and notes a lean-to and campfire places along the walk around the lake(1). Retkiseikkailu lists the same outing at about 4.7 km and points readers toward Metsähallitus-style trail information for the reserve; treat the distance here as the measured line for planning(2). The Hyrynsalmi–Puolanka outdoor map layers fireplaces and lean-tos across the wider municipality if you want to compare nearby shelters after your lap(3). From the trail line, the outing is not a closed ring in the database, but on the ground it follows Saarijärvi’s shoreline and the official copy describes it as circling the lake, with facilities spaced along the way. About half a kilometre along you reach Saarijärvi pysäköintialue if you approach from parking rather than the nominal start coordinate. Near the middle of the route, Saaripuro laavu offers a classic Kainuu lean-to stop; the same shelter also appears on Honkajärven polku, so you can plan a short link between the two trails here. Niemi kuivakäymälä and Pitkäniemi kuivakäymälä sit at cape points with dry toilets for day hikers, and Pitkäniemi tulentekopaikka gives a marked campfire spot toward the end of the lap. A snowmobile corridor runs across part of the same shoreline band—stay alert where the summer foot trail and winter motor route overlap. Puolanka is a strong walking destination overall: the Liikuntaa luonnossa hub also describes neighbouring loops such as Mustikkavaaran polku and Pyssykuljun reitti if you want to add kilometres on another day(1). For current conditions, any seasonal closures in the reserve, and the latest on lean-tos and fireplaces, rely on the City of Puolanka Liikuntaa luonnossa updates rather than older deep links that may have moved(1).

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

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.

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).

Paljon korkeuseroja.

Mäkinen.

1 haulikkorata (5 paikkaa), 1 kiväärirata (10 paikkaa).

3 kiväärirataa, practical-rata

1 haulikkorata (9 paikkaa), 1 hirvirata. Omistaja Puolangan rhy.