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Branch to Rupakivi Rock

—•Hiking Trails

0.1 km

Route

Vasaojan laavu

0.0 km|Free

Wilderness HutsVasaoja laavu

Vasaoja käymälä

0.0 km|Free

Outdoor Toilets

Description

Luontoon.fi – Hiking and outdoor recreation, Oulanka National Park+

Description

Polkuhaara Rupakivelle is a very short marked side trip on the Hautajärvi–Savilampi section of the Karhunkierros / UKK trail network in Oulanka National Park. It leaves the main path near the Vasaoja rest area and leads to viewing points above Rupakivi, a tall raukku rock pillar standing in the Savinajoki river. For rules, services, and current conditions in the national park, start with the hiking and outdoor recreation pages for Oulanka National Park on Luontoon.fi. Visit Salla summarises Rupakivi as a major geological sight along Karhunkierros, roughly 4 km by trail from the Savilampi parking area, with a stiff approach and changes in elevation. The Karhunkierros trail website names Rupakivi among the natural highlights on the Hautajärvi–Oulanka Visitor Centre section. Retkipaikka’s walk-through describes the final metres from Vasaojan laavu: about 600 m further to the viewpoint, orange trail markings on the main Karhunkierros line, and steep wooden stairs down toward the riverside; the author notes some treads were loose or decayed when they visited and still recommends descending to see the rock from below. On our map this branch is about 0.1 km; it is only the spur to Rupakivi, not the full day hike from Savilampi or Hautajärvi. The wider walk is a classic northern Karhunkierros day through dry pine forest, gorges, and river scenery. At trail junctions, the same corridor links to UKK Trail Hautajärvi–Savilampi for long-distance hikers and to the short Side trail to Vasaoja lean-to if you prioritise the lean-to and campfire area first. Vasaojan laavu and Vasaoja käymälä sit beside the Vasaoja stream a short detour from the main line—useful for a break before or after the Rupakivi stairs. Salla is the municipality at the Hautajärvi end of the route. Lapland’s fell and river landscapes dominate the approach. Expect roots, rock, and uneven wooden steps on the steepest part; the riverside position of Rupakivi makes the spot memorable even when summer leaves partly hide the pillar from the upper viewpoint.

Length & route

The branch on our map is about 0.1 km as the mapped spur to Rupakivi. The full visit from Savilampi parking is often quoted at about 4 km one way along Karhunkierros / the same trail corridor, before the final short climb and stair section to the rock. From Vasaojan laavu, Retkipaikka describes roughly 600 m further to the riverside viewpoint. Terrain mixes forest path, rock, and steep wooden stairways at the descent.

Getting there

Most hikers reach Rupakivi along Karhunkierros or UKK Trail Hautajärvi–Savilampi from Hautajärvi visitor services or from the Savilampi parking area along the marked trail; Visit Salla uses the Savilampi parking reference for the roughly 4 km approach to the rock. This Polkuhaara is the short marked fork near Vasaoja toward the viewpoint and stairs. Check Luontoon.fi and Metsähallitus park pages for road access, seasonal restrictions, and any service changes before you drive to trailheads.

Good to know

Oulanka National Park follows Metsähallitus rules: stay on marked routes where required, respect campfire instructions, and check for any seasonal fishing or access permits on official pages. Steep stairs may be slippery when wet or icy; Retkipaikka notes poor condition on some wooden steps. Dogs in national parks are typically kept on a leash; confirm current rules on Luontoon.fi.

History

Retkipaikka explains Rupakivi as a raukku: a residual rock pillar shaped as softer material eroded away around it, leaving an isolated stack in the river channel—informal geological interpretation tied to the author’s visit.

Managed by

Salla

Official Maintenance

GPX data from: © Metsähallitus, 2024

Trail info

Short out-and-back or small loop at the junction area; follow orange Karhunkierros markings on the main line and branch signs toward Rupakivi.

Route direction

National Park

Area

River

Karhunkierros is described with orange paint marks on the main trail; follow the same marking system to the Vasaoja area before the Rupakivi branch.

Route Signs

Dogs (On Leash)

Dogs

Open / Good Condition

Retkipaikka – Sallan Rupakivi (Jonna Saari)

Activities allowed

Hike / Walk

Activity

Terrain & conditions

0.1 km

Distance

Only a few minutes on the mapped spur itself; allow much longer for the walk from Savilampi parking (often quoted at about 4 km) or from Hautajärvi as part of Karhunkierros.

Est. Time

Forest path with roots and rock; steep wooden stairs toward the river viewpoint, uneven and partly weathered in Retkipaikka’s 2015 article.

Surface

Loop, Single Track

Route Type

Moderate Traffic

Traffic

Partial Shade

Shade

Visit Salla – Geological sites (Rupakivi)+

Location

66.45108°N, 29.18698°E

Approximate location

FinlandCountry

LaplandRegion

SallaCity

HautajärviVillage

Hiking TrailsCategory

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Answers to your questions

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

Finland Lapland Salla Hiking TrailsBranch to Rupakivi Rock

Branch to Rupakivi Rock0.1 km

Route

Vasaojan laavu

0.0 km|Free

Wilderness HutsVasaoja laavu

Vasaoja käymälä

0.0 km|Free

Outdoor Toilets

Description

Luontoon.fi – Hiking and outdoor recreation, Oulanka National Park+

Description

Length & route

Getting there

Good to know

History

Managed by

Salla

Official Maintenance

GPX data from: © Metsähallitus, 2024

Trail info

Location

Short out-and-back or small loop at the junction area; follow orange Karhunkierros markings on the main line and branch signs toward Rupakivi.

Route direction

National Park

Area

River

Karhunkierros is described with orange paint marks on the main trail; follow the same marking system to the Vasaoja area before the Rupakivi branch.

Route Signs

Dogs (On Leash)

Dogs

Open / Good Condition

Retkipaikka – Sallan Rupakivi (Jonna Saari)

Location

66.45108°N, 29.18698°E

Approximate location

FinlandCountry

LaplandRegion

SallaCity

HautajärviVillage

Hiking TrailsCategory

Activities allowed

Hike / Walk

Activity

Terrain & conditions

0.1 km

Distance

Only a few minutes on the mapped spur itself; allow much longer for the walk from Savilampi parking (often quoted at about 4 km) or from Hautajärvi as part of Karhunkierros.

Est. Time

Forest path with roots and rock; steep wooden stairs toward the river viewpoint, uneven and partly weathered in Retkipaikka’s 2015 article.

Surface

Loop, Single Track

Route Type

Moderate Traffic

Traffic

Partial Shade

Shade

Visit Salla – Geological sites (Rupakivi)+

Rate & Review

Be the first to write a review for "Branch to Rupakivi Rock"

Share a photo from a recent trip

Answers to your questions

Finland Lapland Salla Hiking TrailsBranch to Rupakivi Rock