Suomussalmi Hiking Trails

The Musical Forest is about 1.6 km as an easy loop through piney Kaunisniemi ridge in Suomussalmi, Kainuu. Along the path you circle a compact art park of oversized playable instruments—bells, swinging chimes, thunder sheets, and drum-like pieces—blended into heath forest with small ponds and deep ice-age kettle holes. For brochures, a printable instrument map, and driving directions, start from City of Suomussalmi’s Soiva Metsä page(1). Visit Suomussalmi’s trail notes add context on how the Seitenahveninen walking corridor links toward this site and how the ridge opens west over Lake Hietajärvi(2). Lyhyenä hetkenä describes arriving at Suomussalmen kesäteatteri, following the wide forest path, and trying instruments such as Metsäkirkon kello before climbing to the tall rain-calling sadeputki with a sweeping lakeland view(3). Yle Egenland recounts how a central suppa bowl carries sound like a natural amphitheatre, how some sculptures sway and ring in the wind, and that the builders return on a roughly two-year rhythm to maintain the outdoor works(4). Practically, the loop threads the instrument field and ridge viewpoints before finishing near Suomussalmen kesäteatteri; Suomussalmen kesäteatteri parkkipaikka sits steps from the summer stage for drivers. The area is a cultural trail as much as a nature walk—families, school groups, and curious adults all stop to experiment. If you want a longer workout in the same landscape, Kaunisniemen kuntopolku and Pitämän kuntopolut are nearby running circuits that share parking options around Kaunisniemi(2). Read more on our pages for Suomussalmen kesäteatteri and Suomussalmen kesäteatteri parkkipaikka for access details beside the stage. Suomussalmi lies on the Kainuu shore route between Kajaani and Kuusamo; combine this stop with Hossa farther north or other local culture sites when you are touring the region(2).

Säynäjäsuo–Matalasuo is a roughly 10 km day hike through one of Kainuu’s largest open bog complexes, a short drive south of Suomussalmi. The Finnish Environment Institute's Natura page for the site summarises habitat types, mire diversity, and breeding birds for this Natura 2000 area(2). For trail description, parking, facilities, and seasonal tips, Visit Suomussalmi’s Säynäjäsuo–Matalasuo page is the best place to start(1). Retkipaikka’s Luontopolkumies walk-through adds practical detail on boardwalks, the Syväjärvi rest area, and what it feels like on the ground(3). The trail is marked with red paint on trees and runs for much of its length on wide double boardwalks across open bog and pine forest, with sections outside the strict reserve as well as a steeper forest-and-ridge stretch toward Syvänjärvensärkkä that you can shorten with a side path if you prefer a flatter day(1)(3). Early on, the route alternates between short bog and dry forest legs. Around Säynäjäjärvi and Syväjärvi the scenery opens to lake shores and good birdwatching; the Syväjärvi shore is a natural lunch stop with Syväjärven kota Säynäjäsuo, the Syväjärvi sääsuoja, Syväjärvi kodan käymälä, and Syväjärvi kodan tulentekopaikka grouped along the rest area. Further along, Särkkäjärven laavu offers another sheltered break on the forest side of the mires. Toward the northern access, Säynäjäsuo pysäköintialue sits beside Moisiovaarantie, with Säynäjäsuon kuivakäymälä a few dozen metres from the car park. Dry toilets sit near the kota and at the parking end of the walk so you can plan a full day without rushing. Reindeer use the bogs and edge forests; in spring and early summer, stay on the marked path to avoid disturbing nesting birds(1)(3). There is no winter maintenance; snowshoes or forest skis are the realistic options when snow lies(1).

Kalmosärkkä Trail is about 2.5 km of walking on a marked path in Suomussalmi, Kainuu, leading onto a long sand ridge between wetlands and lake shores north of Hossa. For parking, route structure, fireplaces, toilets, seasonal access, and driving directions, the Visit Suomussalmi Kalmosärkkä page is the best place to start(1). Via Karelia notes that the ridge is a nationally significant archaeological site looked after by Metsähallitus, and describes the path from the parking area as marked with red paint(2). Eräkaksikko’s write-up highlights the clear signing to the car park, the duckboards across Kokkosuo before the ridge, and interpretation boards that explain the ridge’s long human story(3). Retkipaikka adds detail on the shoreline setting between cold lakes and bogs and on conservation work along the banks(4). From Kalmosärkkä pysäköintialue the trail runs through forest to Kokkosuo, then continues on duckboards before climbing onto the narrow ridge. About 1.5 km from the start you reach Kalmonsärkkä eteläinen tulentekopaikka and Kalmonsärkkä eteläinen kuivakäymälä together in the southern cluster. Further along the ridge, Kalmonsärkkä pohjoinen tulentekopaikka and Kalmonsärkkä pohjoinen kuivakäymälä sit toward the north end of the sand strip. Dry toilets are available at both clusters for a comfortable half-day visit without naming facilities as separate sightseeing stops. The northern end of the ridge lies in the same shoreline area as the start of the Hossa - Juntusranta vesiretkeilyreitti paddling route; day hikers here and canoeists on the water network often plan complementary trips in the Juntusranta area. Suomussalmi sijaitsee Kainuussa. The trail is a day hike with gentle gradients on forest soil and duckboards, then sand and pine on the ridge crest.

The Trail of Viena (Vuokki) is about 25.4 km point-to-point through the Yli-Vuokki recreation forest in Suomussalmi, Kainuu, following one of Finland’s oldest documented travel corridors toward Viena Karelia. Metsähallitus publishes maps, access notes, and border-area reminders for this trail on Luontoon.fi(1). Visit Suomussalmi’s Trail of Viena page(2) summarises the cultural story—baggage traders, soldiers, and rune collectors used the connection for centuries, and Elias Lönnrot walked toward Viena along this line when gathering material that fed into Kalevala—and explains that the route is protected under the Antiquities Act and marked with axe-carved symbols on trees. Suomussalmi sits on the eastern side of Kainuu. From the trailhead direction at the Kuhmo road and Hepola–Pehkola junction, the path climbs from meadow and yard landscapes into pine ridges and lake shores. About 4.4 km along you reach Rautiaisen myllyn laavu beside the Rautiainen mill heritage area: a natural break with a lean-to near the mill, sauna, and yard described in detail on the Vienan reitti association site(3). Around 5.5–6 km the line passes the Taivallampi shore cluster—Taivallampi pohjoinen tulentekopaikka, a second northern fireplace, Taivallampi eteläinen tulentekopaikka, and Taivallampi pysäköintipaikka if you are staging a car mid-route. Further east, near 13 km, Jumalan hyvänahon laavu offers another sheltered stop before the longer forest and ridge sections toward the border end of the trail. The Vienan reitti association divides the full cultural route into named stages (for example Vängänvaara–Rautiainen mill, mill–Jumalanhyväaho lean-to, ridge crossings toward Särkänpolvi)(3); our mapped line follows the Vuokin Vienan segment as one continuous hiking route. Where this route meets the Eastern Border hiking route, you can continue on that long-distance line toward Hossa and Martinselkonen, or drop onto the short Vuokin reitti link. The route ends on the Finnish side at the border zone: crossing into the strip or the frontier itself requires a separate permit, and current rules should be confirmed from official pages(1)(2). Retkipaikka’s walk-through from Vängä toward Rautiaisen mylly(4) describes meadow start, carefully restored yard buildings, duckboard crossings, and the Satalatva marker tree and ridge scenery—useful colour for what the terrain feels like underfoot even if you do not walk every named waypoint in one day.

For planning in Hossa National Park, Visit Suomussalmi summarises the park’s ridges, clear waters, and how walking, cycling, and paddling routes fit together(1). Metsähallitus publishes current hiking and outdoor rules for the park on Luontoon.fi(2). Retkipaikka notes that Hossa has roughly a dozen laavus and that open fires are allowed only at built fireplaces—during forest fire warnings even those may be restricted(3). The Nimettömänkoski Trail is about 0.4 km between Nimettömänkoski tulentekopaikka and the Syrjäsalmi laavu rest area in Suomussalmi. It is a short forest link along the waterway corridor: you start at the Nimettömänkoski campfire spot and follow the path to Syrjäsalmi laavu, with a dry toilet at Syrjäsalmi laavu käymälä near the lean-to. The same shoreline is part of the wider Peranka - Hossa vesiretkeilyreitti canoe route, so many visitors reach the rapids by boat and use the path as a quick leg ashore between fire and shelter. On land, the same rest points sit on longer hiking and biking circuits—Visit Suomussalmi describes roughly 90 km of marked trails in the park that you can combine through connecting paths(1), and Trailrunning.fi gives the same order of magnitude for the marked hiking network(4). Nearby connecting routes in our data include the Lehtovaara - Lipposensalmi hiking trail, the Sininen saavutus and Honkavaaran talvikierros pyöräillen biking routes, and the Peranka - Hossa vesiretkeilyreitti paddling route; each passes or touches these facilities in different ways. Suomussalmi lies in Kainuu. The Hossa visitor centre can help with maps and permits during its season(2).

The Varisjärvi Lake circuit is roughly 7.8 km of marked forest walking around Varisjärvi, just west of Suomussalmi in Kainuu. For printable maps, the downloadable PDF for the wider network, and notes on footing and maintenance, start with the Visit Suomussalmi Haverinen–Varisjärvi route page(1). Visit Suomussalmi treats this outing as the Varisjärvi lake section of the Haverinen–Varisjärvi system and describes the trailhead at Haverinen ski centre on Haverisentie 7(1). Marking is green and white paint on trees(1). The same source warns that one map segment (shown in red) can be rougher: markings may be missing, the path harder to follow, and windthrow possible, while a dashed line from Aittokoskentie toward Varisköngäs is kept in better shape for visitors who mainly want the waterfall(1). There is no winter maintenance on the hiking routes in this network(1)(2). The crown jewel of the wider corridor is Varisköngäs on Variskoski: Visit Suomussalmi quotes an approximately 11-metre fall and a separate, easy 300-metre marked approach from the small parking pocket on Aittokoskentie(2). Hannu Rönty’s Retkipaikka write-up on Varisköngäs adds practical colour—long stairs into the gorge, the roar of the rapids in spring flood, and viewpoints both high and low along the rock lip(3). On our site the Varisjärvi–Saarijärvi Trail continues east from the same Suomussalmi–Haverinen recreation belt as a much longer summer hiking line toward the Saarijärvi aarnialue and Hyrynsalmi. If you are at Haverinen anyway, the short Hiihtokeskuksen kuntopolku running-trail loop shares the ski-centre yard and is easy to combine with a warm-up or cool-down walk. Visitors who base themselves in Ämmänsaari often note how tightly Suomussalmi packs trailheads and campfire destinations around town—Reppuretki.fi’s Suomussalmi overview (written with Visit Suomussalmi) captures that visitor-eye view of the outdoor map(4).

Pesiö hiking trail is about 7.9 km point-to-point across forested ridges and lake shores inside Hiidenvaara nature reserve in Suomussalmi, Kainuu. Published guides for the same corridor often round the distance to about 8 km one way(1). Metsähallitus lists the route on Luontoon.fi as Pesiön retkeilyreitti(2). Visit Suomussalmi describes it as Pesiön retkeilypolku—the same blue-marked path—with notes on short steep climbs, brief bog crossings with duckboards, and old hunting pits beside the trail(1). The City of Suomussalmi’s Retkikohteita page links to regional outdoor maps and the Luontoon.fi service for wider trip planning(3). From the Majaanjoentie side you reach Ahvelan uimapaikka almost immediately—useful for a swim on warm days—then Julmanlampi tulentekopaikka with a dry toilet nearby. About mid-route, Sihosen laavu makes a natural lunch stop between Julmanlampi and the Hiidenjärvi shoreline. Nearing the far end, Hiidenjärvi tulentekopaikka sits by the lake with another dry toilet in the same cluster. Dry toilets along the route make longer day hikes more comfortable without naming every structure in turn. The route follows the same main line as Pesiö Trail (Pesiön retkeilypolku) on our site, so you can plan as a through-hike between the two trailhead areas or open both route pages for the lean-tos and fire rings shown on each. There is no winter maintenance; ice and snow can hide rocks and roots underfoot(1).

Vuokin Trail is about 2.9 km of point-to-point hiking in Yli-Vuokki, part of Suomussalmi in Kainuu. It is the opening section that continues onto Trail of Viena (Vuokki), the 27 km marked Viena Trail on the Finnish side toward the border landscape linked to Kalevala-era travel. For current access, seasonal conditions, and the wider stage layout, use the Vuokin Vienan reitti page on Luontoon.fi(1) together with Visit Suomussalmi’s Vienan reitti page(2). Printable maps and stage notes are published by Vienan reitti ry(3). Suomussalmi lies in eastern Kainuu amid lake-and-esker country. On Trail of Viena (Vuokki), maintenance and services include information boards, a mill sauna, a lean-to, campfire sites, outdoor toilets, Rautiaisen Mylly, and the Satalatva marker tree, with the route ending in the Finnish border zone where a separate permit is always required(2). If you continue from this segment, you can use shelter and rest points such as Rautiaisen myllyn laavu and, farther along the line, Jumalan hyvänahon laavu; Taivallampi pysäköintipaikka offers road access with parking deeper on the same trail system. The wider trail is marked in a historic style with axe-carved route marks on trees(2). Terrain along the full Viena Trail mixes meadows, forested ridges, lake shores, and river banks suitable for hiking; Visit Suomussalmi also mentions mountain bikers, paddlers, and anglers in the recreation forest(2). There is no winter track grooming on the route(2). Retkipaikka’s walk-through article by Antti Huttunen crosses meadow, traditional farmsteads, and the Rautiaisen mylly clearing, and describes how the path continues past the mill with footbridges and tree marks toward Yli-Vuokki’s waterways(5).

Kuikankoski Trail is a short point-to-point hiking segment along the Kuikankoski rapid on the Hossanjoki river in Suomussalmi. The trail is about 0.6 km: it connects Kuikankoski pysäköintipaikka with Kuikankosken laavu and Kuikankoski laavu käymälä beside the lean-to, following the forested bank above the water. Suomussalmi sits in Kainuu, at the edge of the Hossa national park area. Visit Suomussalmi’s Hossanjoki river pages describe Kuikankoski and Alakoski as the last two rapids on Hossanjoki in the upper permit section (after Pystynkoski divides the river), with marked paths to the banks and several campfire sites and lean-tos along the river(1). That matches what you find here: parking, a lean-to, and a toilet within a few steps of the path. If you want a longer walk on foot, Alakosken polku continues the same river environment as a separate marked hiking route. The Hossa - Juntusranta vesiretkeilyreitti passes through the same river system for canoeists. For the wider Hossa protected area—trails, services, and the visitor centre—Luontoon.fi’s Hossa National Park overview is the place to start(2). If you fish the rapids, the upper Hossanjoki falls under the Hossa angling permit (5502) until after Alakoski at Vallesmanni; minimum sizes, protection periods, and permit purchase are set out on ERäluvat(3).

Metsähallitus publishes route descriptions, accessibility classification, and visitor guidance for this connector on Luontoon.fi under the Iikoski–Huosilampi demanding accessible route listing(1). Visit Suomussalmi details the lean-to, campfire places, accessible fishing piers, and boardwalk section at Huosilampi beside Hossa Visitor Centre(2). The trail runs through Suomussalmi in Kainuu as part of Hossa National Park, so closures and seasonal service levels are always worth confirming on Luontoon.fi before you travel(1). The trail is about 1.2 km point-to-point between the Iikoski shore and Huosilampi. At the Iikoski end, Iikoski parkkipaikka sits close to Iikoski tulentekopaikka 1, Iikoski tulentekopaikka 2, and the Iikoski uimaranta keittokatos/liiteri/uimakopit cooking shelter and swim area, with IIIKOSKI, eräkämppä a short way in from the car park. Further along the line, HUOSIUSJÄRVI, eräkämppä lies beside the forest beside the small lake. Approaching Huosilampi, you reach Huosilammen invakatos, Huosilampi invalaavu, Huosilampi tulipaikka, and Huosilampi tulentekopaikka with several Huosilampi laituri 2, Huosilampi laituri 3, and Huosilampi laituri 4 fishing piers along the shore; dry toilets are available at the rest places without needing separate detours. At the south side of the lake, Luontokeskus pysäköintipaikka serves Hossan luontokeskus, and Huosilampi pysäköintipaikka gives another motor access option steps from the fire and shelter cluster. Jalkaisin’s walk report from the Hossa shore describes how the wide boardwalk lets prams and wheelchairs reach the landing, how interpretation boards cover reindeer grazing and dune habitats, and how Iikoski flows toward Huosiusjärvi on a historic waterway once used toward White Karelia(3). The same busy visitor-centre day-use area ties into longer summer plans: Sininen saavutus runs as an extensive mountain-biking circuit through shared points, while Huosiuksen huikonen offers a longer marked hiking loop for anyone who wants more distance after this short link.

Alakoski trail is about 1.5 km of marked path along Hossanjoki between the Kuikankoski and Alakoski rapids in Suomussalmi, Kainuu. Visit Suomussalmi’s Hossanjoki pages are the best regional briefing on marked paths to the rapid banks, campfire places, lean-tos, and how the Hossa angling permit sector ends downstream of Alakoski toward Vallesmanni(1). Most people begin from the Kuikankoski parking and lean-to cluster, walk downstream along the river, and finish near Alanivan tulentekopaikka below Alakoski. In the first kilometre you pass Kuikankosken laavu with a dry toilet nearby, then Alakoski kota roughly 1.2 km from the start—a good place to pause where the river drops through the last rapids still inside that permit band. Kalalla Kainuussa summarises how Metsähallitus water runs from Lake Hossanjärvi past Kuikankoski and Alakoski to the Vallesmanni line, below which joint-property licences apply—a useful frame if you also carry a rod(3). For a longer hike on the same river system, Metsähallitus publishes Niskakoski polku starting closer to Hossa Visitor Centre on Luontoon.fi(2). At the upper end, Kuikankoski polku is a short marked link that shares Kuikankoski pysäköintipaikka and the Kuikankoski laavu services—easy to combine for a few extra minutes by the water. The Hossa - Juntusranta vesiretkeilyreitti paddling line follows Hossanjoki farther toward Juntusranta if you are planning canoe days in the same valley. Dry toilets sit beside Kuikankoski laavu käymälä at the start and near Alanivan tulentekopaikka at Alaniva tulentekopaikan käymälä toward the end, which makes a downriver stroll comfortable without naming every structure as a waypoint.

The Muikkupuro accessible trail — locally signposted as Muikkupuron mutka — is a short, red-marked path in Hossa National Park in Suomussalmi, Kainuu. The trail is about 1.6 km one way on our map; official material usually quotes about 1.5 km each way and roughly three kilometres for the round trip. For practical descriptions, services, and winter-season limitations, start with Visit Suomussalmi’s Muikkupuron mutka page(1); Metsähallitus backs this up with a Finnish brochure PDF that lists difficulty, timing, and national-park rules(2). The tread is about 1–1.5 m wide and surfaced with crushed stone. Metsähallitus classifies the route as easy for walkers and families with strollers but demanding for wheelchair users: there are gentle ups and downs along the esker, and a steep drop of roughly two hundred metres toward the lean-to at the lake end where an assistant is often needed(1)(2). The same brochure suggests about one hour on foot and about two hours with a wheelchair(2). You may meet mountain bikers where the path runs alongside the Jatkon Jotos monikäyttöreitti for roughly five hundred metres(1). One end of the walk clusters around Muikkupuro laavu beside Muikkupuro stream between clear Lake Iso-Valkeainen and Lake Keski-Valkeainen. Muikkupuron invakäymälä sits right at the access end together with the lean-to. Retkipaikka’s detailed Hossa report highlights how shallow and sandy the stream feels underfoot — worth wading if the water is warm enough(3). The route listing also covers a landing on the Iso-Valkeainen shore north of the lean-to for assisted boat access, and mentions reservable barrier-free cabins Hirvastupa and Peurapirtti across roughly 1.5 km of paddling for guests who approach from the water(1). About 1.3 km from the Muikkupuro end you reach the Pitkä-Hoilua shoreline band: Pitkä-Hoilua tulentekopaikka 1, Pitkä-Hoilua laituri, and Pitkä-Hoilua pysäköintipaikka cluster for a break, a swim, or loading boats. Dry toilets are available in this band for day users. The route finishes at the Hossalaislammit service area around Hossalaislampi pysäköintipaikka, Invakäymälä Hossalaislammit, PieniHossalaislampi laituri, and Pieni-Hossalaislampi tulentekopaikka — open pine shores, small docks, and campfire spots suited to a packed lunch before you retrace your steps. The same listing(1) notes that the sandy beach on the Keski-Valkeainen side is not fully barrier-free because of a low bluff. Tervastulia’s family trip notes match the same profile: wide “highway” surfacing, shared use with cycling routes, and the sharp final ramp as the limiting factor for independent wheelchair travel(4). Dogs are allowed in the national park only on leash, fires only at built rings, and you must carry out rubbish because there are no waste bins along the route(2).

Niskakoski Trail is a very short loop of about 100 metres beside Niskakoski, the first rapids downstream from Lake Hossanjärvi on the Hossanjoki river in Suomussalmi. Metsähallitus lists the route on Luontoon.fi as Niskakoski polku together with other Hossa-area outdoor information(1). The path is essentially a riverside link between Niskakoski p-paikka and Niskakosken tulentekopaikka on Hossantie: you can park, walk the marked circle to the campfire and the rapids bank, and return. Visit Suomussalmi notes Niskakoski is about ten minutes from the Hossa Visitor Centre by road and describes marked access to the rapids banks, with campfire sites and lean-to shelters spaced along the upper Hossanjoki permit section(2). Nuotiopaikat.fi notes the Niskakosken nuotiopaikka sits on the east bank of Niskakoski, just east of Hossa National Park, which matches how our stop data clusters around the parking and fire ring(3). Trailrunning.fi’s guide to Hossa explains how the national park’s marked hiking network exceeds ninety kilometres with frequent rest places that typically combine a lean-to or wilderness hut, a fire spot, and a dry toilet—useful context for why Niskakoski works as a compact Hossanjoki access point before longer hikes(4). In winter the groomed ski route Hossan yrittäjien latu Kukkaron kierros crosses the same parking area on its circuit, so snow visitors may meet skiers while walkers use the riverbank loop(4). Paddlers following Hossa - Juntusranta vesiretkeilyreitti also stage landings in this neighbourhood, so it is common to see canoes and kayaks near the shore in summer(2). Because Niskakoski sits inside the Hossa angling permit area 5502, fishers need the permit and must respect the protection periods and minimum sizes the same visitor pages spell out for grayling and trout(2). Anyone not fishing can still enjoy the sound of the rapid and the picnic tables at Niskakosken tulentekopaikka—carry out litter and check local fire instructions before lighting a campfire. Dedicated YouTube searches did not surface a short overview clip that clearly names only this foot loop separate from broader Hossa marketing; a verified upload could be added later if one appears.

The Seitenahveninen trail is an easy day hike of about 3.7 km near Suomussalmi town centre in Kainuu. For current access, route variants, and the link to Soiva Metsä, Visit Suomussalmi publishes the main trail page(1). A commercial travel piece on Reppuretki, prepared with Visit Suomussalmi, adds local colour around the pond, duckboards, and berries(2). The trail works its way around the clear, small forest lake Seitenahveninen, with pine woods and mire fringes; duckboards carry part of the path. Early along the route you reach Seitenahveninen laavu, with a dry toilet nearby. Further on, Seitenahveninen takkamaja sits beside Seitenahveninnen takkamaja tulentekopaikka; a woodshed and dry toilet serve the takkamaja cluster. About 2.3 km from the start, Seitenahveninen pysäköintipaikka gives a second access if you prefer to stage a car there. In winter, marked ski tracks (Akonvaara-Seitenahveninen hiihtolatu and Akonvaara-Seitenahveninen koirahiihtolatu) run close to the takkamaja area; Pitämän kuntopolut shares the same shelter corner in summer for running and walking. The snowmobile route Ämmänsaari - Seitenahveninen - Lomakylä Moottorikelkkaura also passes these sites—take care where motorised and foot traffic meet. A marked side connection from Pitämä (about 1.7 km) joins the pond loop near its north-east corner(1). If you continue to Kaunisniemi and Soiva Metsä, official outdoor listings describe the combined hiking distance as about 6.3 km(3)—large wooden instruments in the forest, installed in 1996, and views toward Lake Hietajärvi from the ridge(1)(2). During wildfire warnings, open fires are not allowed; check the current warning map through Visit Suomussalmi's campfire listings(3).

Keihäslampi–Huosiusjärvi Trail is a very short hiking link of about 0.3 km in Hossa National Park in Suomussalmi, Kainuu. It connects the Keihäslampi pond shore with the Huosiusjärvi and Huosilampi recreation area—clear water, fishing jetties, and campfire shelters clustered along the same shoreline system. For the wider marked trail network, closures, and planning in the park, start with Metsähallitus’s Huosiuksen huikonen page on Luontoon.fi(1). Visit Suomussalmi describes the 8 km Huosiuksen huikonen ring as a yellow-marked route that can be joined from the visitor centre area via shorter nature paths, and notes shared campfire points along the main loop(2). Along this segment you are next to some of Hossa’s busiest day-trip facilities. Keihäslampi pysäköintipaikka and Keihäslampi tulentekopaikka sit close to Keihäslampi laituri and Keihäslammen esteetön käymälä—handy if you are fishing or stretching your legs between longer trails. Huosilampi pysäköintipaikka, Huosilampi invalaavu, Huosilampi tulipaikka, and the numbered Huosilampi laituri jetties sit on the Huosilampi shore; Huosilampi tulentekopaikka and Hossanjärven esteetön melontalaituri lie nearby for campfires and launching small craft. Retkipaikka’s walk-through of the visitor-centre nature loop highlights Huosilampi’s accessible jetties, large lean-to, and views toward Huosiusjärvi—useful colour even though that article follows a longer loop than this 0.3 km line(3). Hossa.fi states that rainbow trout fishing with the Hossa recreational fishing licence package applies on Huosiuslampi, Keihäslampi, and Pieni-Hossalampi(4). For a full day, continue onto Huosiuksen huikonen for an 8 km yellow-marked circuit with ridge and water views, or pick up Hossan luontopolku for a compact interpretive loop from Luontokeskus pysäköintipaikka. Iijärvi - Hossa vesiretkeilyreitti passes many of the same landings if you are travelling by canoe or kayak.

For up-to-date structures and distances around Huosilampi, start with Visit Suomussalmi’s Huosilampi trail page(1). Metsähallitus, Parks & Wildlife Finland presents the wider Hossa National Park destination on Luontoon.fi—useful context when you are planning services, permits, and seasonal rules in the park(2). Suomussalmi lies in Kainuu a short way from the busy Hossa Nature Centre at Jatkonsalmentie 6. The trail is about 0.8 km; Visit Suomussalmi describes roughly 1.3 km when you include the approach from the nature centre parking and the circuit along the lake(1). The route is an easy, family-friendly walk in spirit but carries Finland’s “demanding accessible” label because natural gradients and boardwalk edges still require judgment for manual wheelchair users—expect the kind of shore descent and soft spacing other vaativa esteetön routes warn about, and check the official pages before travel(1)(2). Huosilampi is one of the most approachable corners of the Hossa visitor area: clear water, pine shores, and a northern mire arm explained on wide boardwalks with information boards(1). At the south end of the lake ring you reach Huosilammen invakatos and Huosilampi invalaavu beside Huosilampi tulipaikka—good targets for a sheltered break—with Huosilampi laituri 3 and Huosilampi laituri 4 offering wheelchair-level reach over the water. Huosilampi tulentekopaikka sits a little farther along the shore, and Huosilampi laituri 2 continues the dock line before the path lifts toward Öllöri laituri and Hossan luontokeskus with Luontokeskus pysäköintipaikka. Keihäslampi pysäköintipaikka and Huosilampi pysäköintipaikka give extra access points if you arrive by car from the Huosi–Keihäslampi parking cluster(3). Regional tourism pages for Hossa note that visitors in wheelchairs can fish stocked rainbow trout from the accessible piers—an unusually direct lakeshore experience for barrier-free travel(4). Vapaa-ajan Kalastaja’s Hossa fishing guide explains how the Huosilampi piers are laid out, why fly casting space varies between docks, and how stocked rainbow trout use the deep southern basin—worth reading if you plan to combine the walk with angling(3). The long Hossa mountain bike route Sininen saavutus shares the same lakeshore fabric if someone in your group wants a longer pedal after a slow walk here.

Tulijärvi spur trail is about 1.3 km one way in Suomussalmi in Kainuu, linking Itärajan retkeilyreitti (the Eastern Border Hiking Route) with Tulijärvi autiotupa and its lakeshore campfire spot beside Lake Tulijärvi. This is the short Kainuu forest path to that open wilderness hut — not the longer Tulijärven polku day loop in Pyhä-Häkki National Park near Saarijärvi in Central Finland, which is a different trail that also appears on national outdoor maps. For route-wide context and how Tulijärvi fits the maintained summer hiking network, start with Visit Suomussalmi’s Hossa–Martinselkonen introduction(1), which lists Tulijärvi among the rest and maintenance stops on that segment. A community-run companion hub outlines the roughly 160 km Metsähallitus-maintained backbone from Hossa toward the east and links onward to sectional pages(2). Jalkaisin’s hiking journal from the Säkkiaho–Tulijärvi section describes the last kilometres to the lake: a short gravel road crossing from the main path, then roughly a mile and a half of marked side trail through forest and bog before you reach Tulijärvi autiotuvan tulentekopaikka on the shore and continue around to Tulijärvi autiotupa on the opposite side of the bay(3). At the hut cluster, Tulijärvi autiotupa is the overnight shelter; Tulijärvi autiotuvan tulentekopaikka is the campfire place by the water; dry-toilet service is grouped at Tulijärvi autiotuvan käymälä. After a break you return along the same spur to Itärajan retkeilyreitti, which continues toward Hossa to the north and deeper into the Martinselkonen border country to the south. The main Eastern Border route nearby is marked with blue paint in open terrain; stay on marked paths especially where the border strip is close(1)(3).

This walk is about 1.2 km point-to-point along Hossanjoki in Suomussalmi, Kainuu, between the Leveänkoski parking area and Pystynkosken laavu. The river lies in the Hossa area: Visit Suomussalmi’s water excursions in Hossa page(1) outlines how Kuusikoski, Kaivoskoski, and Leveänkoski form a roughly 800 m rapid chain with about 5 m of drop—paddleable on the left channel at typical water levels—and how Pystynkoski splits the flow, with a right-hand channel paddlers use and a lean-to on an island below the rapid for drying gear. Visit Suomussalmi’s Hossanjoki river page(2) adds that marked paths reach the rapids, with many campfire sites and lean-tos along the bank, and explains the fly-fishing-only rule for Kuusikoski, Kaivoskoski, and Leveänkoski inside the Hossa angling permit area (5502), plus grayling and trout management. Metsähallitus documents the wider Hossa–Juntusranta paddling route on Luontoon.fi(3) through the same valley if you are planning a longer river journey. About 0.4 km from the start you pass the Leveänkoski taukokatos and Leveänkosken taukokatos rest shelters and the nearby Leveänkoski taukokatos käymälä—handy for a first pause before you continue downstream toward Pystynkosken laavu and Pystynkoski laavu käymälä at about 1.15–1.17 km. At the Leveänkoski end, the named connecting hike Leveänkoski p-paikka - Kaivoskoski polku branches toward Kaivoskoski; the long canoe route Hossa - Juntusranta vesiretkeilyreitti also passes this reach of the river. Reissuja vavan kera’s Hossanjoki fishing journal describes walking up toward Pystynkoski and stopping at the lean-to for coffee and sausages—plain colour on how anglers use the same banks(4). Expect a short riverside forest path in a busy fishing and paddling landscape: give wading anglers space, carry out litter, and double-check seasonal fishing closures and licence rules on the official pages before you fish(2).

Peranka to Kukkuri is about 9.1 km as a point-to-point hiking trail in northern Suomussalmi in Kainuu, linking the Peranka river area with the Kukkuri wilderness hut on the edge of Hossa National Park. Metsähallitus publishes maps, rules, and service descriptions for Hossa on Luontoon.fi(1), and the Hevonperse lean-to is documented as its own service entry in the same materials(2). Visit Suomussalmi rounds up how Hossa autiotupat work in practice—open locks, a night or two without advance booking, shared firewood and tools, dry toilets, and a reminder to call the Hossa Nature Centre on 050 3844 692 when you need on-site help(3). About 4.7 km into the walk you reach the Hevonperse shelter cluster beside Peranganjoki: Hevonperse laavu, Hevonperseen laavu, a dry toilet, and a campfire spot—useful for lunch or shelter if the weather turns. The spot sits where the land trail meets the Peranka–Hossa paddling corridor; Kaleva’s article on the route captures how quiet the river bend feels even though it is a crossroads for hikers and canoeists(4). Press stories also pass on colourful local lore about how the Hevonperse name became attached to this bend(4). At roughly 9.1 km you arrive at Kukkuri autiotupa with its own campfire place and toilet building—typical free Metsähallitus autiotupa facilities apply, and the same Visit Suomussalmi guidance covers etiquette and contacts(3). From Kukkuri the marked hiking trail Lehtovaara - Lipposensalmi continues toward Lipposensalmi if you want a longer day or a return loop with other Hossa trailheads. The long Peranka - Hossa vesiretkeilyreitti paddling route shares the river corridor and shelter junction; Hossan ympyräreitti Moottorikelkkaura and shorter snowmobile connectors meet the walking line in winter for those also touring by machine. Plan a full-day outing unless you are moving fast with light packs: riverbank forest, lean-to stops, and hut housekeeping all take time.

The trail is in Suomussalmi, Kainuu. For maps, the hiking guide, and the wider choice of marked trails nearby, start with Visit Suomussalmi’s routes and nature destinations hub(1). The City of Suomussalmi points walkers to the same hub plus digital route collections on Outdooractive and Metsähallitus material for conservation areas(2). Likajoki hiking trail is about 3.8 km on our map as a point-to-point walk that follows Likajoki through forested riverbank. Mid-route, roughly 2.9 km from the start, you reach Likajoki tulentekopaikka — a designated campfire spot beside the stream and a natural place to pause. The same stopping point sits where Likajoen myllyn polku meets this line; that shorter connecting trail is named for the mill theme along Likajoki and makes an easy add-on if you want a little extra distance and a different approach to the fire ring. Terrain is typical Kainuu lake-and-forest country: narrow paths, roots, and damp sections after rain are likely, so sturdy footwear helps even though the distance is modest. Target roughly one to two hours on foot with the fire stop. Detailed marking colours and winter maintenance were not confirmed on the pages reviewed; for the latest on conditions and any closures affecting riverbank trails, use Visit Suomussalmi and the municipal outdoor links(1)(2). Route descriptions and GPX-style listings for Suomussalmi also appear on the regional Outdooractive destination page, useful if you are comparing several hikes in one trip(3). Read more about firewood and etiquette at our Likajoki tulentekopaikka page.

Murhisalo Trail is a 7.3 km point-to-point hiking route near Murhijärvi and Kirnulampi in Suomussalmi, Kainuu. For closures, mileage signposts, and the latest practical notes, start with Visit Suomussalmi(1). Murhisalo is mostly older spruce forest and open mire landscapes inside Lososuo–Saarijärvi mire reserve and old-growth forest reserves, framed by Kalevalapuisto and the Hietajärvi–Kuivajärvi landscape area to the south(1)(3). Jalkaisin’s on-the-ground account along the same Itärajan retkeilyreitti corridor mentions long stretches of duckboards beside Lososuo and Kuivasuo and easy-to-follow blue paint marks on the forest leg toward Aittojärvi(2). About 1 km from the start the route runs through the Kirnulampi rest cluster: Kirnulammen laavu sits beside Kirnulampi halkovaja käymälä for firewood storage and dry-toilet service during an early break. The same junction links into Itärajan retkeilyreitti and Saarisuon luontopolku, so you can stitch a longer day if you plan carefully. Kirnulampi pysäköintialue sits farther along for drivers who want to approach from the south. Toward the north end, Murhijärven laavu faces the lake with Murhijärvi polttopuusuoja -kuivakäymälä grouped nearby for a longer lunch or shelter stop. Visit Suomussalmi pitches Murhisalo to hikers who already read terrain and like quiet trails rather than crowded main trails(1). There is no winter maintenance, and the unmaintained continuation toward Martinselkonen should be treated as off-duty tread unless you verify current status(1).

The Eastern Border hiking route is about 171.8 km point-to-point through Kainuu along Finland’s eastern frontier, managed as part of Metsähallitus outdoor services. Most of the trail lies in Suomussalmi. For the full trail description, maps, and the latest rules (including border zone and reserve updates), the Eastern Border hiking route page on Luontoon.fi is the place to start(1). Visit Suomussalmi’s route archive entry for Hossa–Martinselkonen summarises that segment as roughly 57 km of summer hiking with blue paint markings, good structures, and no winter maintenance—useful context for planning shorter stages even when you are not walking the whole line(2). From the north, the trail threads the Hossa visitor area: Hossan luontokeskus, parking at Luontokeskus pysäköintipaikka and Hossaari parkkipaikka, boat access at Öllöri and Keihäslampi, and the short Hossan polku loop around Huosilampi and Keihäslampi with laavut, campfire spots, and accessible structures. Moving south, the line crosses rolling forest, mires, and lake shores. Around 61 km you reach Särkänmaja autiotupa with a well and fireplace infrastructure; the Tulijärvi and Hämeaho autiotupas (near 70–78 km) sit in classic border-country pine and mire scenery. Syvälammen laavu near Ruhtinansalmi and the Martinselkonen–Vieremänsuo band (around 93 km) add sheltered lunch stops before the route swings toward Taivalkoski pysäköintialue—handy if you are staging transport. Further south, Aittojärvi laavu, Hukkalampi, Karttimojoki venelossi, and Lintulammin autiotupa mark multi-day progress; Hoikanpää and Teerilammin autiotupa continue the rhythm of lakes and ridges. The southern kilometres pass Veihtijärvi, Kirnulampi pysäköintialue, Tammikosken laavu, Louhenjoki laavu, Siikaniva, Kirnulammen laavu, and finish near Murhijärven laavu. Jalkaisin’s journal from the Säkkiaho–Tulijärvi section(3) describes blue trail paint on the path beside the border strip, stretches of duckboards in varying repair, and quiet travel along the frontier—helpful colour for what the terrain feels like underfoot. Commercial services cluster near Martinselkonen and Hossa; Visit Suomussalmi lists accommodation partners for the Hossa–Martinselkonen segment on its route page(2). You can link onward walks via Vuokin Vienan reitti where the two routes meet. Expect long forest-road connectors mixed with narrower path; carry water planning for dry ridges between lakes.

The trail is about 0.6 km as a short, point-to-point walk along the east bank of Hossanjoki between the Leveänkoski parking area and Kaivoskoski rapid in Suomussalmi, Kainuu, on the edge of Hossa National Park. For how the upper Hossanjoki rapids fit together with marked riverside paths, lean-tos, and the fly-fishing rules that apply at Kuusikoski, Kaivoskoski, and Leveänkoski, start from Visit Suomussalmi’s Hossanjoki river pages(1). The same organisation’s paddling overview describes the Kuusikoski–Kaivoskoski–Leveänkoski chain as an 800 m rapid section with a 5 m drop, runnable on the left channel at all water levels—useful context if you are combining a short walk with a canoe day on the Hossa–Juntusranta water route(2). Suomussalmi lies in eastern Kainuu; this segment is a riverside connector, not a long hike. On the way you pass the Leveänkoski taukokatos shelter and the Leveänkosken taukokatos campfire spot, with a dry toilet nearby—good for a quick break before or after watching the water. From the same parking area you can continue on the Leveänkoski parking to Pystynkoski trail toward Pystynkosken laavu and the Pystynkoski rapid, or join the longer Hossa - Juntusranta vesiretkeilyreitti where it touches this shore. Give other river users space: the three rapids Kuusikoski, Kaivoskoski, and Leveänkoski are reserved for fly fishing only within the Hossa angling permit area, with licence rules and size limits set by the authorities(1).

This segment is only about 0.1 km: a short marked link on the Laukkujärvi trail network in Hossa National Park that joins the main Laukkujärven lenkki circuit to Hakokosken laavu and onward to Hakokosken hujaus. For official description of the blue-marked 10 km Laukkujärven lenkki loop, services along it, and winter maintenance status, start from the Laukkujärven lenkki page on Luontoon.fi(1). Visit Suomussalmi gives driving directions to the Hossalaislammit car park on Pistonlehdontie and explains how the longer day can start from Huosivirta parking to include Hakokosken hujaus(2). You use this connector when you leave the Laukkujärven lenkki shore and ridge walking to drop to Hakokosken laavu beside the stream: Tiina’s walking blog notes that signage made the short detour easy and describes Hakokosken laavu sitting right by the water with a freshly renovated bridge—good for a quick pause before you return toward the blue-marked ring or continue onto the yellow-marked Hakokosken hujaus(3). Hakokosken hujaus is described on the regional trail pages as a roughly 5 km yellow-marked circuit from Huosivirta with ties to Laukkujärven lenkki(4). A dry toilet stands near Hakokosken laavu; see our page for Hakokoski laavu käymälä for details. Framed against the wider park, Marika and Mikko’s Matkalla Missä Milloinkin report underlines how Laukkujärven lenkki follows Talasjärvi and Puukkojärvi shores, mixes easy forest walking with a few steep drops, and is easiest to follow clockwise on clear blue tree marks(5). This connector does not replace those full routes—it is the practical junction piece if you want Hakokoski rapids and lean-to atmosphere without committing to a separate drive to Huosivirta first. Suomussalmi hosts most of Hossa National Park in Kainuu, so combine this spur with Laukkujärven lenkki or Hakokosken hujaus when you plan a full day on foot.

The Pesiö Trail is a one-way hiking route of about 8.1 km through ridge and lake scenery in Suomussalmi, Kainuu. The trail is in Suomussalmi. For route-specific directions, facilities, and seasonal notes, start with the Visit Suomussalmi Pesiön retkeilypolku page(1). The path crosses the Hiienvaara Natura 2000 site, where the Finnish Environment Institute describes extensive old-growth forest, esker and small-lake habitats, steep eastern slopes rising to about 300 m above sea level, mires, and protected boreal forest types—flying squirrel occurs on the site(2). Visit Suomussalmi describes the walking line as easy going overall, with a few steep climbs, short bog crossings, and duckboards in the wettest sections, marked with blue paint(1). Rest spots sit on small peninsulas; you may notice old hunting pits along the way(1). From the trailhead end near Ahvelan uimapaikka, you soon reach Julmanlampi tulentekopaikka with Julmankankaan tulentekopaikan kuivakäymälä nearby—an early stretch for a break and a campfire where rules allow. Roughly mid-route, Sihosen laavu offers a lean-to shelter and table space; dry toilets serve Julmankankaan, Sihosen laavu, and Hiidenjärvi. Further along, Hiidenjärvi tulentekopaikka sits by the water. Trekkari’s Suomussalmi report notes parking and information boards at both ends, good marking, firewood stores, and varied terrain including views at Hiidenjärvi and along the Hiidenjärvi–Sihonen section(3). The route shares many stops with the similarly named Pesiön retkeilyreitti in our database—useful if you are comparing loop or network options in the same landscape.

For the latest on trail conditions, seasonal access, and printable maps, start with Visit Suomussalmi’s Haverinen–Varisjärvi route page(1). Local tourism services also list where to pick up brochures and general visitor information for Ämmänsaari(3). The trail is about 35.2 km as one point-to-point line through Suomussalmi in Kainuu. It links lake and river shore forest, the Haverinen sports area, and Ämmänsaari town services before finishing near the Aittokoski laavu. That makes a long summer-season day hike: allow most of daylight for the full distance, with breaks at laavus and campfire points. From the Venäläisenaho end you soon reach Venäläisenahon laavu Parkkipaikka and Venäläis aho laavu, with firewood storage and a dry toilet shelter near the lean-to. Around four kilometres into the route, Lentokentän laavu and Lentokentän laavu parkkipaikka offer another sheltered stop and parking for drivers joining mid-route. The middle section passes Aiton möljän laavu on the way toward Haverinen, where the route runs alongside the same corridor used by the Hallan pyöräreitti Ämmänsaari – Hyrynsalmen raja biking route and the ski-centre facilities. Closer to Suomussalmi centre, Jätkänpuiston tulentekopaikka and Jätkänpuiston parkkiapaikka sit beside the spa and wellness district—natural lunch or resupply stops near Kiannon Kuohut and Jalonniemi. The line ends near Aittokosken laavu at the Aittokoski stream. Varisköngäs is a natural waterfall on Variskoski, about eleven metres high on Visit Suomussalmi’s description(2). The same authority notes a short marked path from Aittokoskentie parking for visitors who only want the waterfall. Municipal route notes describe green-and-white paint markings on trees; they also flag a poorer-condition segment on their PDF map (red) where markings may be missing and windthrow may occur, and recommend the dashed Aittokoskentie approach to Varisköngäs when you want the most reliable footing(1). There is no winter maintenance on these trails(1)(2).

The trail is about 4.4 km on our map as one continuous path through the Raatteen Portti museum and battlefield landscape near Suomussalmi in Kainuu. Visit Suomussalmi describes the wider Raatteen Portti path network as about 7 km in total, with duckboards, junction signs, and three official campfire sites around the Winter War fighting ground(1). Raatteen Portti publishes the printed trail map, notes that the paths and duckboards cross the 1939–1940 battle terrain, and explains that firewood is sold at the museum cantine while litter goes to the museum car-park waste point(2). Regional travel pages for Kainuu situate Raatteen tie and the museum about 20 km east of Suomussalmi village centre and highlight Talvisotamuseo Raatteen Portti, the Winter War monument field, and outdoor information boards along the museum road and paths(3). Terrain is moderate overall: Visit Suomussalmi reports pine forest, mire crossings on duckboards, and some narrow, less-used paths; the area also holds restored Finnish and Soviet shelter lines, burial sites, and possible unexploded ordnance—digging without landowner permission is forbidden(1). Kaislatuuli’s travel diary captures how winding forest paths around Raatteen Portti lead to the Talvisodan monument field with thousands of stones and the central Avara syli memorial—an emotionally strong finish after walking the battle woods(4). In winter the tourism pages list no machine maintenance for these walking trails(1). The Peuronkangas - Puras - Teerilampi Moottorikelkkaura snowmobile corridor shares the broader Raate area; give snowmobile traffic space and follow local signs when seasons overlap.

The Saarikylä Nature Trail is an easy interpretive walk of about 3.3 km in the Saarikylä area near Ruhtinansalmi in Suomussalmi, Kainuu. It is listed as a hiking route on the Saarikylän luontopolku page on Luontoon.fi(1). Visit Suomussalmi describes information boards and traces in the terrain that explain local geology and livelihoods—tar burning, lake iron ore, water mills, meadow barns, and soapstone working—and highlights Isokallio, a stone guest book, as a distinctive stop in Saarikylä(2). Municipality of Suomussalmi points hikers to Luontoon.fi, Visit Suomussalmi, and wider outdoor listings from its Retkikohteita page(3). On foot the route feels like a short culture-and-nature circuit through forest and rocky spots typical of inland Kainuu. Allow roughly an hour at a relaxed pace with time to read the boards. There is no winter maintenance on the trail; plan footwear for forest paths and possible rooty or rocky sections after wet weather(2).

Jumalissärkkien polku is a point-to-point hiking trail of about 9.2 km on the Jumalissärkät ridge system in Suomussalmi, Kainuu. For parking rules, seasonal notes, and the municipality’s summary of the layout, start with the Visit Suomussalmi Jumalissärkkien polku page(1). Vuokin kyläyhdistys publishes practical end-to-end directions, blue marking renewal dates, and the five-year Metsähallitus maintenance agreement that began in May 2024(2). The route crosses a classic Kainuu longitudinal ridge landscape: narrow sandy eskers, small clear ponds, and pine-dominated forest with lingonberry and blueberry ground cover. Much of the walk lies in a Natura-framed area; VaaraKainuu describes the ridge geomorphology, birdlife such as black-throated diver breeding habitat, and the area’s importance for quiet recreation and recreational fishing(3). Along the way you pass Kiitteenranta kota, a kota shelter roughly midway along the line, and Saarilammen laavu - Suomussalmi beside Saarilampi toward the Jumaliskylä end—good places to pause, light a campfire where permitted, and take in the ponds. In winter the same laavu area connects to the maintained Jumalissärkän latu ski trail network toward Vetosärkki; follow local grooming notices for current track status. The trail follows historic travel corridors between Vuok and Jumaliskylä that once linked into the broader Viena route toward Russia(3). Expect natural forest tread, short steep pitches on esker sides, and some forestry edges near Vuokkijärvi where Visit Suomussalmi notes commercial forest is visible(1). Allow half a day including breaks; carry water in warm weather.

The Saarisuo nature trail is about 5.7 km on our map through Murhisalo in Suomussalmi, Kainuu. The route crosses the Saarisuo mire landscape toward Kirnulampi in the Lososuo–Saarijärvi mire reserve and surrounding old-growth forest protection zones. For national-park services and the Hossa area, Metsähallitus publishes up-to-date visitor information on Luontoon.fi(1). Regional trail copy on Via Karelia describes a red-marked Saarisuo hiking path around Kirnulampi and Saarisuo, with diverse birdlife in the mire(2). Visit Suomussalmi lists the wider Murhisalo trail network, parking, and driving directions from the centre of Suomussalmi(3). The volunteer-maintained Itärajan retkeilyreitti website summarises the long east-border hiking route that runs through this landscape(4). The trail lies in Suomussalmi municipality. In the Kirnulampi area, about 5.4 km along the walk, Kirnulammen laavu offers a rest stop by the pond; a dry toilet and firewood storage sit nearby. There you meet the junction with Itärajan retkeilyreitti and Murhisalon reitti, so you can extend a day trip along those lines or return the way you came. Murhisalo suits hikers who want quiet forest and mire without the busiest Hossa visitor-centre crowds. The route is not a loop on our map. There is no winter maintenance on Murhisalo trails(3).

Hirvasjärvi bird tower loop is about 0.2 km as a short walking loop on the shore of Hirvasjärvi in Suomussalmi. The outing centres on Hirvasjärven lintutorni, a bird-watching tower you reach a few steps along the path from the roadside area. Visit Suomussalmi lists the tower about 32 kilometres north-east of Suomussalmi centre at Juntusrannantie 308, 89600 Suomussalmi, and treats it as one of the municipality’s nature and birdwatching stops in the Juntusranta lake district(1). The Kainuu.fi tourism overview groups Suomussalmi with the rest of the region’s national parks, trail networks, and lake country, which helps if you are combining short wetland towers with longer hikes elsewhere in Kainuu(2). Suomussalmi’s consolidated trails and nature portal also links digital route descriptions and points travellers to printed hiking material from the local visitor services(3). Almost the entire experience is the tower itself: carry binoculars, move quietly on the stairs, and scan Hirvasjärvi and the fringing mire for waterfowl and other wetland species. The distance is minimal, so most visitors pair it with other lakeside towers on the same road system—Kulmajärven lintutorni and Kylmäjärven lintutorni are listed farther along Juntusrannantie in the same archive—or with longer hikes toward Hossa and Martinselkönen when you want more kilometres. Suomussalmi lies in Kainuu between larger highway connections; Kajaani is the main regional centre to the south.

For planning this hike inside Hossa National Park, the dedicated Lehtovaara–Lipposensalmi route page on Luontoon.fi is the place to double-check descriptions, any seasonal notices, and connections to other park lines(1). Visit Suomussalmi summarises how Hossa’s walking trails are built as rings and links you can combine for anything from a day walk to a longer backpack, and points to the official park map PDF for printing(2). Retkipaikka’s long Hossa guide helps orient you to why the park is famous—clear water, old-growth boreal forest, and rock-art sites such as Värikallio—so you know the kind of landscape this trail crosses even before you lace up(3). The trail is about 19,9 km and runs point-to-point, not as a loop. It lies in Suomussalmi, Kainuu, between the Lehtovaara trailhead parking and the lean-tos at Lipposensalmi. From Lehtovaara pysäköintipaikka the path soon reaches the Kukkuri autiotupa cluster: the unlocked wilderness hut, a separate campfire spot, and a dry toilet are grouped within a short walk of one another roughly two kilometres into the hike. The park’s open-hut listing names Kukkuri among Hossa’s five free autiotupas and quotes space for up to seven people there, with the usual wood-heated stove, benches, cookware, and maintained firewood supply(5). The Peranka – Kukkuri walking line meets this shelter from the north; Koillissanomat places Hevonperseenmutkan laavu at the river junction where the Peranka–Hossa hiking and paddling routes cross, with a colourful local story behind the name—useful background if you are linking this hike with a quieter approach from Peranka(4). Around five kilometres from Lehtovaara you reach Lavajärvi autiotupa on its lake shore, again with a nearby campfire site and toilet. The same visitor guidance gives Lavajärvi a five-person capacity within the national-park hut standard(5). Farther east the route passes Aittojoki pysäköintipaikka and the paired Aittojoki tulentekopaikka sites, a practical bail-out car park if your party splits vehicles. Nimettömänkoski tulentekopaikka and the Syrjäsalmi laavu pair sit mid-route; the very short Nimettömänkoski polku ties into this strip if you want a micro side loop around the rapid and lean-to. Beyond mid-route the forest and shoreline character continue toward Joukovirta laavu and its toilet, then a looser cluster around Joukojärven pirtti, Riihelä, and Körmelö Log cabin where accommodation and local addresses begin to appear—useful if you prefer a cabin night near the trail rather than a wilderness hut. The walking line finishes at Lipposensalmi laavu, Lipposensalmen laavu, and their shared Lipposensalmi laavu käymälä, a natural endpoint before linking onward. From the Lipposensalmi end you are a short step from the Lipposensalmi – Huosivirta connector toward Huosivirta pysäköintipaikka and Kokalmuksen kierros at Hossalaislammet; summer cyclists on Sininen saavutus share some of the same junction board network, so watch for bikes where routes overlap(2)(3). The Hossa Visitor Centre answers hut and route questions; the open-hut page lists +358 20 639 6041 and +358 40 751 7221 for that desk(5).

The Hanhilampi–Saarijärvi Trail is a short point-to-point hike of about 2.2 km between Hanhilampi parking and the north shore of forest lake Saarijärvi in Suomussalmi, in the Kainuu region. It sits in the Saarijärven aarnialue old-growth landscape that Metsähallitus presents together with the longer Saarijärven kierros loop on Luontoon.fi(1). For local context and links to digital route tools, the City of Suomussalmi maintains an outdoor destinations page that sends visitors to Luontoon.fi and the tourism site for wider route listings(2); Suomussalmi’s tourism pages sketch the municipality’s trail range from short loops to long-distance options(3). Leave the car at Hanhilampi pysäköintialue — a few minutes’ walk from where the path leaves the forest road — then follow the trail toward the lake. About 2 km in you reach Saarijärvi Pohjoisranta tulentekopaikka, a north-shore campfire area suitable for a break before you return the same way or continue onto Saarijärven kierros. That 11.8 km circuit shares this lakeshore pocket, so you can turn this outing into a much longer day if conditions on the main loop suit your group(1)(4). Retkiseikkailu lists this connector explicitly under Saarijärven aarnialue at 2.2 km, alongside the bigger trails in the same conservation destination(4). An open route profile tags the line as summer hiking and “very easy” overall difficulty(5). Check Luontoon.fi and the City of Suomussalmi materials before you go for anything that changes often — bridge work, seasonal detours on neighboring Saarijärven kierros, firewood policy at fireplaces, and winter access(1)(2).

Hakokosken hujaus is a hiking trail in Hossa National Park in Suomussalmi, Kainuu. The trail is about 4.4 km as mapped here, matching the short day-hike scale used in visitor and Metsähallitus listings (often rounded to about 5 km)(1)(2). Metsähallitus publishes maps, route descriptions, and updates for the trail on Luontoon.fi(1). Visit Suomussalmi’s Hossa trail archive describes the character of the trail: forest and lake views along Syvä-Hoilua, Hakoharju, Hakokoski, and Torkonluikea, with yellow markings and mostly easy walking but a few steeper climbs(2). From the Hakokoski area (about 1.2 km into the route) you reach Hakokosken laavu and the dry toilet at Hakokoski laavu käymälä—a natural break above the rapids. Further on, Torkonluikea tulentekopaikka sits about 3.8 km from the start. The route finishes at the Pikku-Hossa shore cluster: Pikku-Hossa vuokratupa, Laituri Pikku-Hossa, Pikku-Hossa ulkotulipaikka, and Kuivakäymälä Pikku-Hossa, with Huosivirta pysäköintipaikka, Huosivirta tulentekopaikka, and Huosivirta p-paikka käymälä at the same end of the line. If you need a rental hut or a dock stop for a swim, read more on our Pikku-Hossa vuokratupa and Laituri Pikku-Hossa pages. The same trail corridor shares space with the long-distance Sininen saavutus biking route, and it joins Laukkujärven lenkki (10 km) and Huosiuksen huikonen (8 km) at the Hakokoski junctions—so you can extend a day in the park or return to the Huosivirta parking area after a longer loop. Kuono kirjassa’s Hossa multi-day hiking diary paired Hakokosken hujaus with Värikallion kaarros on the same day as a relaxed combination(3).

Likajoki Mill Path is about 2.1 km one-way along Likajoki in Suomussalmi, Kainuu — a short riverside forest walk named for the mill heritage beside the stream. The trail is a natural add-on to the same Likajoki valley system as the longer Likajoen retkeilyreitti hiking route, and both descriptions live on Luontoon.fi under Metsähallitus. For the latest route text, map layers, and any access updates before you go, start from the Likajoen myllyn polku page on Luontoon.fi(1). Suomussalmi municipality gathers local outdoor links on its retkikohteita page, including pointers to Visit Suomussalmi and the regional Outdooractive map(2). Visit Suomussalmi’s routes overview places short local paths in context with major draws such as Hossa and Martinselkonen when you are planning a wider trip in the municipality(3). On the ground the outing is easy day-hike scale even though the distance is short: you follow the stream through forest and riverside terrain. About 1.75 km from the start you reach Likajoki tulentekopaikka, a maintained campfire spot where you can pause, brew coffee, and warm up before returning or continuing onto other Likajoki routes. The same campfire sits on the Likajoen retkeilyreitti line as well, so day hikers sometimes meet people who linked in from the longer marked route. Carry your own fire-starting supplies unless notices say otherwise, respect any forest-fire warnings, and leave no trace at the fire ring.

The Kokalmuksen circuit sits in Hossa National Park in Suomussalmi, Kainuu. Metsähallitus describes it on Luontoon.fi as mostly easy, largely level trail shared by hikers and mountain bikers, with barrier-free access as far as Muikkupuro and a string of rest stops beside clear lakes(1). Visit Suomussalmi lists structures along the route, warns that many satnavs misroute toward Highway 5, and points to a printable brochure PDF for map detail(2). Marika and Mikko on Matkalla Missä Milloinkin walked the circuit counter-clockwise, quote Luontoon.fi’s 4–5 hour timing estimate, and sketch Muikkupuro, turf-and-moss sealed reindeer corrals, and other lakeside scenes from their autumn visit(3). Retkipaikka’s photo walkthrough highlights why walkers call Muikkupuro’s laavu one of the park’s most memorable picnic settings—a wide sandy-bottom stream between lakes rather than a lookout summit(4). Tiina’s Kävelystä ja elämästä post adds concrete pacing notes: smooth barrier-free travel to Muikkupuro laavu, then proper forest trail along shores, duckboards in wet pockets, well-placed red markers, and mosquitoes worth preparing for on summer days(5). The trail is about 12.9 km on our map as one walking line through the Kokalmus and Hossalaislampi lake country. Brochures and tourism cards often round the signed circuit to about 14 km, which matches the general scale without changing how you plan water and food. Most people start from Hossalaislampi pysäköintipaikka at the north end of the line. Right at the trailhead cluster, Pieni-Hossalaislampi tulentekopaikka and PieniHossalaislampi laituri sit on small forest ponds, with Hossalaislampi p-paikan käymälä and Invakäymälä Hossalaislammit supporting the car park. About half a kilometre in, Pitkä-Hoilua tulentekopaikka 1, Pitkä-Hoilua laituri, and Pitkä-Hoilua pysäköintipaikka offer an alternate shoreline access if you want a shorter carry to the water. Beyond the early ponds, the route works southeast through Pitkä-Hoilua tulentekopaikka nro 2 and toward Lipposensalmi laavu, Lipposensalmi laavu, and the Lipposensalmi narrows—good shaded breaks before the Kokalmus peninsula. Kokalmus laavu and Kokalmus laavun käymälä mark the turnaround area for many trip reports; Rytikangas pysäköintipaikka lies slightly off the main line for drivers who approach from the south. Porotalli appears along the north shore section where local accounts describe reindeer sheltering from biting insects, and Kokalmus tulentekopaikka adds another fire ring on the north side of the Kokalmus shore. North of Kokalmus, AlaValkeinen autiotupa tulentekopaikka and Ala-Valkeinen autiotupa form the main wilderness-hut stop next to Ala-Valkeinen autiotupa käymälä; read more on hut rotation and firewood rules on our Ala-Valkeinen autiotupa page. The line then climbs toward the Muikkupuro laavu and Muikkupuron invakäymälä pair—the stream between Iso-Valkeinen and Keski-Valkeinen that bloggers often single out—before closing back toward Hossalaislampi services. The same parking hub serves Laukkujärven lenkki for a second lake loop if you still have daylight, and Muikkupuron esteetön reitti shares the Muikkupuro area for a short accessible outing(3).

Hossa Nature Trail is about 2.9 km in Hossa National Park in Suomussalmi, Kainuu. Metsähallitus publishes full route information on Luontoon.fi(1), and Visit Suomussalmi summarises the trail for visitors planning a short walk in the park(2). Official descriptions present the path as a circuit around forest-ridge scenery and the clear waters of Huosilampi and smaller ponds, with cone-shaped tree markings that are white on a blue background and rust-toned direction posts noted by walkers(3). Plan roughly an hour at an easy pace(3)(4). From near Huosilampi laituri 2 the path soon reaches Huosilampi invalaavu and Keihäslampi laituri. Around Huosilampi tulentekopaikka and Keihäslampi tulentekopaikka there are several spots to pause; Huosilampi pysäköintipaikka and Keihäslampi pysäköintipaikka give road access if you prefer not to start at the nature centre(3). Hossanjärven esteetön melontalaituri marks where an accessible boardwalk reaches open water for canoeing and fishing views. Interpretation boards along the way introduce Hossa’s history and ecosystems(2)(4). Farther along, the terrain climbs gently onto drier ridge forest with views toward Huosiusjärvi; Taipaleita’s walk-through describes open lichen woodland, small turquoise kettle ponds, and a connection toward longer hiking options such as the Huosiuksen huikos trail before the route turns back toward Huosilampi(3). IKOSKI, eräkämppä and HUOSIUSJÄRVI, eräkämppä lie slightly aside of the main footpath but sit in the same lake-and-ridge landscape for anyone combining stays with a short nature walk. The return leg passes Huosilampi laituri 4, Huosilampi laituri 3, Huosilampi tulipaikka, and Huosilammen invakatos—useful rain shelter near the shore—before finishing at Öllöri laituri beside Hossan luontokeskus and Luontokeskus pysäköintipaikka. Paddlers following Nurmiselkä-Jatkonjärvi melontareitti share several Huosilampi landings and services with walkers. Retkipaikka’s on-the-ground article highlights accessible shore fishing infrastructure, rainbow trout angling with the Hossa 5502 licence where that applies, and roughly twenty small trail signs along the loop(4). Taipaleita notes the trail’s opening context as Finland’s 40th national park celebration landscape and steady visitor interest since(3). No YouTube clip met the trail-overview quality bar for this exact path; many hits feature other Hossa routes or events.

Huosiuksen Huikonen is about 7.9 km as a marked loop through esker ridges and clear forest lakes in Hossa National Park in Suomussalmi, Kainuu. The trail is in Hossa’s core day-hiking network: Visit Suomussalmi lists distances, campfire points and practical notes on its Huosiuksen Huikonen page(1), while Metsähallitus keeps wider park planning context on Luontoon.fi(2). Yellow markings guide the way; tourism copy calls the outing easy to medium in overall effort, mostly level forest walking with short, steeper esker climbs beside open water(1). Much of the ring follows the same yellow line as the Harjujen huikonen summer mountain-bike route along Huikosen harju, so step aside for riders where the tread is shared(1). You can also join the circuit from the direction of the Hossa Nature Centre using the nature trail connection Visit Suomussalmi describes(1). The usual car start is Huosivirta pysäköintipaikka on Jatkonsalmentie. Within the first kilometre you reach Huosivirta tulentekopaikka and the Pikku-Hossa pocket beside the water: Pikku-Hossa vuokratupa, Laituri Pikku-Hossa and Pikku-Hossa ulkotulipaikka sit together near Mykräsalmi hete, a simple place to pause before the trail climbs onto drier pine ridges. Dry toilets are available in this opening area without needing to hunt down individual structures. Near the 3.3 km mark, Keihäslampi pysäköintipaikka makes a practical mid-loop access if someone drops you off or you walk a shorter shuttle. From that shore neighbourhood the path threads Huosilampi, where Huosilampi invalaavu, Huosilammen invakatos and Huosilampi tulentekopaikka sit close to Luontokeskus pysäköintipaikka—handy if you started from the visitor-centre side and want shelter, a fire ring or the parking beside Metsähallitus services. A little farther along the forest lane, HUOSIUSJÄRVI, eräkämppä marks a rental wilderness cabin above the lake. The Iikoski section gathers another beach-and-fire cluster: Iikoski parkkipaikka, Iikoski tulentekopaikka 1, Iikoski tulentekopaikka 2 and Iikoski uimaranta keittokatos/liiteri/uimakopit, with IIKOSKI, eräkämppä set slightly back in the trees—useful if you want a swim, a long lunch stop or an overnight base booked through official channels. The western closure of the loop drops to Torkonluikea tulentekopaikka beside Torkonluikea rapids; the same rest spot sits on the shorter Hakokosken hujaus circuit if you want to stitch two marked day loops from Huosivirta parking. Wannabe Juoksija describes Huosiuksen Huikonen as the hike that best summed up, on that trip, Hossa’s combination of bright water and quiet pine-and-esker country—without relying on a single high viewpoint(3).