North Ostrobothnia Hiking Trails

Juhannuskallio day trail is a very short hiking trail of about 0.3 km in Kuusamo, North Ostrobothnia, on the flanks of Ruka next to the ski area. It lies in the Valtavaara–Pyhävaara nature reserve. The best place to start for official trail and reserve rules is the Juhannuskallio day trail page on Luontoon.fi(1). The trail leaves from Juhannuskallion parkkipaikka at the top of Juhannuskalliontie. In a few minutes of climbing you reach the open rocky top, look out over forest and fell scenery, and usually return the same way. The summit is about 469 m above sea level(3). In clear weather views can reach far across the landscape(3). This trail is a useful add-on to the dense Ruka trail network: it shares the parking with Rukan maisemareitti and Rukan kierros, sits at the end of the same forest road as Rukan esteetön reitti and Kivilammen lenkki, and Saaruan kuntorata passes the same parking area further along its loop. For a much longer forest walk or ride, Pyhän jyssäys connects nearby toward Pyhävaaran kota and the Pyhän jyssäys maastopyöräilyreitti variant. Finnish midsummer (Juhannus) gave the place its name, and people used to gather on the rock for midsummer festivities—something local accounts still associate with the outcrop(3). Travel writer Elina describes on elinanmatkalaukussa the drive from Ruka via the roundabout toward East Ruka (Itä-Ruka) and the final climb on Juhannuskalliontie; the path starts from Juhannuskallion parkkipaikka on the far side of the road from the Juhannuskallio sign(3). The seita photo blog notes that the path is rocky and steep in places—unlike the nearby wide barrier-free Ruka summit loop—so it is not ideal for mobility aids, but in winter the knoll is a popular snowshoe spot when there are beaten tracks(4). From 1 April to 15 August each year, Metsähallitus restricts movement on part of the Juhannuskallio area to protect nesting peregrine falcons. During that period you may still walk the marked guided hiking trail onto the hill, but you must not roam the cliff edge and slope outside what the restriction map allows(2). Metsähallitus has asked visitors to follow new signs and on-site markings that show the restriction zone(2). After mid-August, when chicks have fledged, wider access may open again according to reserve rules(2).

Syölätin Trail is a marked day hike along the Pyhäjoki river corridor in Pyhäjoki, North Ostrobothnia. For printable maps and the municipal trail index, see City of Pyhäjoki(1). Metsähallitus publishes the same route on Luontoon.fi under the Finnish name Syölätin reitti(2). Pohjolan Rengastie lists the corridor as blue-marked and describes length options that include a Parhalahti–town centre link in addition to the main line(3). Visit Raahe summarises Pyhäjoki’s river landscapes and outdoor character for visitors planning wider trips on the coast(4). The trail is about 9.9 km end to end as one walking line. Municipal listings often round the same named network to about 14.5 km when optional links and variants are counted together(1). Pohjolan Rengastie gives about 10.4 km for the main blue-marked line and mentions an additional about 5.3 km connection toward Parhalahti and the centre, which helps explain why different sources quote different totals for the same name(3). Near the northern river end you pass Hourunkosken kota, a kota beside Hourunkoski rapids—a practical stop for shelter or a campfire when open. The Leiki-liiku-puisto play and activity area on Vanhatie sits steps off the same river-side band for families combining a short town outing with the hike. The Jokikartanon kuntosali ikäihmisille gym on Pajahaantie is very close to the corridor for accessibility-oriented exercise before or after a walk. Toward Parhalahti the route approaches Parhalahden pallokenttä and Parhalahden luistelukenttä on Parhalahdentie—local sports pitches rather than wilderness landmarks, but they fix the eastern end of the corridor in the Parhalahti area. The hiking line shares ground with Pyhäjoen penkkatiet along the river levees and meets Halusen reitti, Tervanevan reitti, Saaren lenkki, Tervon reitti, the long Oulainen–Pyhäjoki cycling link, Pyhäjoen melontareitti, and the Flatland Route ring, so you can shorten, lengthen, or switch to bike or kayak in the same network. A separate signed add-on, Syölätin reitti lisä Selkälippi, branches toward Selkälippi with a laavu and campfire facilities(5). Another add-on connects Tankokari and Kultaranta with bird tower and laavu options on nearby trails. Hourunkosken Koskipuisto on the south bank of the rapids offers paths and a kota setting suited to a wide range of visitors(6). North Ostrobothnia stretches from the Gulf of Bothnia to inland lake country—Pyhäjoki sits where the Pyhäjoki River meets the sea.

For practical details about Taivalvaara as a destination and what is available at the hill, the Visit Taivalkoski Taivalvaara page is the best place to start(1). The trail is about 4.3 km as an easy loop at the foot of Taivalvaara in Taivalkoski, North Ostrobothnia. Contact details for lifts and slope services appear on the ski centre website(4). It begins and ends in the Taivalvaara ski and recreation area beside Pöllimehtä frisbeegolf and Taivalvaaran hiihtokeskus. Most of the walking is on wide cart tracks; along the Iijoki river there is a narrower path section(3). About 2.8 km into the loop you reach Turvakonalustan laavu and Lintutorni (Taivalvaaran luontopolku), a bird tower suited to pausing and scanning the forest and river corridor(3). Dry toilets are available at the lean-to area. The route then returns toward Taivalvaaran Seikkailupuisto adventure park and the ski hill facilities, including Taivalvaaran hyppyrimäki K73 and the K49/K30/K20/K10 jump complex—useful landmarks when you are orienting near the base area. Taivalvaara is a glacial ridge rising to about 278 m near the centre of Taivalkoski; Visit Taivalkoski describes wide views over the municipality from the top, with a scenery trail and disc golf on the slopes and ski trails in winter(1). The same outdoor hub links to other marked routes: Taivalvaaran näköalapolku is a separate viewpoint-oriented loop in the area and is described on Luontoon.fi(2). Longer connections include Taivalkoski-Atsinki-Syöte Mountain Biking, Siikavaaran talvireitti, Taivalvaaran kuntoradat, and lit ski tracks when snow allows—handy if you are planning more than one activity from the same arrival point.

Pyhitys Trail is a compact loop hike on Pyhitys fell in Taivalkoski, North Ostrobothnia, inside Syöte National Park. Metsähallitus lists the route as Pyhityksen polku on Luontoon.fi(1). Visit Taivalkoski describes access, seasonality, and the summit experience for visitors planning a day out(2). Retkipaikka’s article adds practical notes on firewood at the lean-to and winter conditions on the upper slopes(3). The trail is about 3.7 km as a loop. Pyhitys is the highest point in Taivalkoski municipality at about 422 m; on a clear day the open summit looks toward Ruka to the east, Riisitunturi to the north, and the Syöte fells to the west(2). Kostojärvi dominates the view from the top(3). The first section from the usual parking follows a forest road, then the path climbs more steeply toward the treeless top(2). About one kilometre along the route you pass a dry toilet and woodshed cluster and two lean-to names beside the same stopping area: Pyhitys laavu and Pyhityksen laavu—good places to pause, light a campfire where permitted, and refill from the firewood store when stocked(3). The route suits a half-day outing for most walkers; families can manage the climb with care on the steeper middle section(2). In winter the last stretch to the summit can mean deep snow; snowmobile tracks may help part of the way, but the final climb may still be heavy going without skis or snowshoes(3).

For the trail overview PDF and how this place fits the wider Syöte landscape, start with Metsähallitus’s publication Syöte – Kaunislammen kierros(1). For day-hut rules, firewood use, and the official service description, use the Kaunislampi päivätupa page on Luontoon.fi(2). Livojoki ry’s Sarakylä page spells out driving distances, the trailhead address, and how the short path to the hut compares with the full loop(3). Retkipaikka’s walkthrough by Matti Riekki adds practical colour: boardwalks in wet ground, a steeper rocky stretch down toward the shore, and how the forest opens up as you approach the water(4). The trail is about 6.4 km as a loop. Kaunislampi is a clear rotkolampi in steep bedrock, protected as its own roughly 198-hectare aarnialue west of Syötteen kansallispuisto—not inside the national park boundary(1)(3). Metsähallitus places the driving distance from Syötteen luontokeskus at about 35 km north(1)(3). Along the loop, about 3.8 km from the start, you pass Kaunislampi Päivätupa, a day hut with a kitchen fireplace, and Kaunislampi WC liiteri with dry-toilet facilities a few metres away—natural lunch and break stops before you continue around the shore. The first part of the approach from parking crosses younger cut blocks and forest roads; nearer the lake the terrain turns rockier and the views open(3)(4). Livojoki ry notes an ancient shoreline boulder field on the west side where you can picture the Ancylus Sea stage after the ice(3). Open fires belong only at designated structures: the hut fireplace is the right place to cook, while the cliff shores stay fire-free in the reserve(3)(4). North Ostrobothnia’s Pudasjärvi is the municipality; Sarakylä and Ruuhensuo are the local road context Livojoki ry uses for directions(3).

Kellarilampi accessible trail is about 0.5 km one way on our map from Kellarilampi pysäköintialue to Kellarilammen invalaavut at the forest pond in Pytkynharju, Syöte National Park in Pudasjärvi, North Ostrobothnia—roughly a 1 km round trip on the same path for most visitors. Metsähallitus lists the outing on Luontoon.fi(1) as a demanding accessible route, meaning it is built for mobility aids yet may still include short slopes or surfaces that need careful judgement or a companion. The 2002 Metsähallitus trail guide for Kellarilammen luontopolku(3) introduces the wider ring concept in Pytkynharju recreation forest: ridge landforms, the pond, and shoreline bog. From the car park you follow an easy, well-kept tread Syöte.fi(2) describes as stroller-friendly in summer; at the shore, Kellarilammen invalaavut gives a wide view over clear water toward the surrounding ridges. There are tables and room to spread out for snacks, and a small swim dock sits beside the shelters—Syöte.fi(2) notes stairs on the dock and abruptly deep water, so entering the water needs extra care with small children. A dry toilet is available near the lean-tos; carry your own toilet paper as hygiene stocks vary across national-park service points. Longer hikers and cyclists connect from here: the Pytkyn pyrähdys day hike shares the parking and facilities, and the Syötteen Kierros Hiking Trail passes this same shelter corner on its larger circuit through Iso-Syöte and the nature centre. On fat-bike or gravel itineraries, Pärjän kierros runs nearby. Syöte.fi(2) reminds that dogs are welcome throughout the park on a leash, including day huts and lean-tos, to protect wildlife.

For route facts, seasonal access in the Sanginjoki reserve, and the detailed trail page for this circuit, start with Metsähallitus on Luontoon.fi(1). Mun Oulu reported in 2024 that Metsähallitus was adding new field waymarking on Muuraiskankaan kierros together with other Sanginjoki hiking circuits while car parks and rest points were upgraded—worth reading before you go if construction seasons affect access(2). The City of Oulu’s background article on the wider maastoliikuntareitistö programme also explains how the city is knitting existing forest paths into long, guided routes for walkers, mountain bikers and trail runners(3). Muuraiskankaan reitti is a long marked circuit through Sanginjoki–Muuraiskangas forest east of Oulu, in North Ostrobothnia. Terrain is mostly easy forest riding and walking, but riders and hikers often call out a rougher rocky stretch on the Muuraiskangas ridge that can be shortened by using a parallel forest road toward Sanginjoentie(4). At the Sanginjoki crossing, a small hand-pulled cable ferry is often described; an alternative crossing via a nearby golf-course bridge appears in community route notes if you prefer to avoid the ferry(4). In summer, a café at the golf club has been mentioned as a convenient halfway break on the classic long loop(4). Visit Oulu groups the wider Sanginjoki outdoor area with routes such as Isokangas kierros, which shares the same landscape of ridges, spruce forest and streams a short drive from central Oulu(5). In winter, Muuraiskangas-Kiiminki moottorikelkkareitti runs through the same wider forest district as this summer hiking circuit. Always confirm the latest detours, parking and closures on Luontoon.fi’s Sanginjoki hub(1) before leaving home.

Ruka fell accessible trail is a very short route of about 0.2 km on Masto slope in Kuusamo, North Ostrobothnia. It starts from the Ruka ski area and reaches toward the Juhannuskalliontie trailhead zone, giving a wide, firm surface suited to wheelchairs and pushchairs so people with limited mobility can enjoy open fell views without taking the steeper footpath to Juhannuskallio summit. The hiking trails section on Ruka.fi(1) is the best hub for summer marking, the free Ruka-Kuusamo summer map from Ruka Info, and how this path fits among the trails around Pessari, Saarua, Ruka and Masto. Along the line, Rukan laskettelukeskus sits very close to where Rukan kierros, Rukan maisemareitti and the wider Rukan ympäristön maastopyöräilyreitit touch the network; a little further you pass Juhannuskallion parkkipaikka, the same free car park used by Rukan maisemareitti, Juhannuskallion päiväreitti, Saaruan kuntorata and Kivilammen lenkki. If you want a longer classic walk from the same corner, Rukan huippupolku and other marked day routes branch from the resort side. The seita photo blog contrasts this barrier-free Masto path with Juhannuskallion polku: the path up the rock is rocky and steep in places and is not meant for mobility aids, while the accessible route is for the snow-free season only because Juhannuskalliontie is not kept open as a winter driving route to the top in the same way as main resort roads(4). Large lift and slope projects on Masto can affect access. A Ruka.fi ski resort news article stated that the accessible route starting from the end of Juhannuskalliontie may close whenever active construction occupies that zone, while staying open for Midsummer and the Solstice festival period when possible(2). Check the latest ski-resort news on Ruka.fi before you travel because dates and work phases change. If you also walk the marked nature trail toward Juhannuskallio cliffs, remember that Metsähallitus restricts movement on part of the outcrop from 1 April to 15 August to protect nesting peregrine falcons; during that time you must stay on the signed hiking corridor and avoid the restricted cliff rim(3).

For how Peikkometsä (the “troll forest”) sits by Lake Kovalampi below Aurinkokallio, and how the themed Peikkopolku trail fits the same family-friendly shore setting, start from the City of Pudasjärvi Peikkopolku pages(1). The Syöte National Park destination pages on Luontoon.fi explain access, seasons, and protected-area rules for the wider Syöte backcountry that wraps this corner of Pudasjärvi(2). Ketun kierros—the Fox Loop—is about 3.1 km of marked hiking in the Syöte countryside east of Pikku-Syöte. In Finnish signage and maps the same line is often called Ketunlenkki; it shares the Peikkopolku trailhead parking by Kovalampi and runs partly on the same footpath before branching into its own fox-themed line through spruce forest and small rocky knolls. A detailed snowshoe account from Jalkaisin’s blog describes yellow paint blazes on the shared Peikkopolku section, a separate pink line for Ketunlenkki on the area map, Aurinkokallio’s open rock viewpoint toward Pikku-Syöte, and a rest stop named Kölli-Peikon taukopaikka with a campfire place partway along the fox route(3). Expect easy, playful terrain aimed at families: storybook troll figures and signs along the adjoining Peikkopolku, duckboards or wooden steps over wet or stony spots, and short climbs that stay modest compared with the longer UKK Trail (Syöte–Puolanka section) or Taivalkoski-Atsinki-Syöte Mountain Biking circuits that also touch the Syöte visitor area. The Fox Loop is a natural add-on if you have already walked Peikkopolku and want a slightly longer outing with a lean-to break before returning toward the parking area(3). Pudasjärvi lies in North Ostrobothnia; the Fox Loop sits in the same Syöte recreation landscape that links to longer hiking and biking routes around Iso-Syöte and the nature centre(2)(3).

Värikallion kaarros is about 7 km of marked hiking in Hossa National Park, winding through pine heath and esker country to Lake Somerjärvi, where Finland’s northernmost Stone Age rock paintings face the water. Metsähallitus documents the route on Luontoon.fi(1), and Visit Suomussalmi gives trailhead driving directions and facility notes for the Somerjärvi rest area(2). Kuusamo is the nearest large municipality on our address register, and North Ostrobothnia is the region many travellers use when planning a Hossa visit. About a third of a kilometre from the start you reach Värikallio taukokatos ulkotulipaikka and Värikallio taukokatos, a sheltered cooking and break spot overlooking Somerjärvi, with Värikallio taukokatos käymälä nearby for dry toilets. From there the path climbs onto higher ground before dropping through a wet hollow on duckboards and stairs; Luontopolkumies describes the wetland crossings as well built(4). Roughly 1.3 km along, Ala-Ölkyn laavu gives a long lakeside pause on the Ala-Ölkky end of Somerjoki, next to AlaÖlkky laavu käymälä. This is the same corner where Julman Ölkyn polku meets the Julma-Ölkky service area, so many people pair this hike with a shorter Julma-Ölkky outing(4). Somerojoki hete, a small spring on Somerojoki, sits about 2 km from the start. The Somerjärvi shore section culminates at Lihapyörre laavu, Lihapyörre laituri, and Venelaituri Lihapyörre, where boats tie up beside lean-to and dock infrastructure. Visit Suomussalmi states that Somerjärvi has a cooking shelter, campfire site, woodshed, and dry toilet(2). From the keittokatos, a short spur crosses a steel footbridge to a viewing platform metres from the red-ochre figures on Värikallio; Visit Suomussalmi notes the paintings are dated about 3 500–4 500 years old and positioned so you view them almost at eye level from the structure(2). Unelmatrippi describes the boardwalk as steady and the figures as small triangular-headed human shapes and “stick elk” motifs that stand out once your eyes adjust(3). Toward the Lihapyörre parking end, Lihapyörre p-paikan käymälä serves the car and coach pockets: Lihapyörre pysäköintialue and Lihapyörre linja-autopysäköintialue lie within a few hundred metres of each other. The first part of the trail follows a wide, partly barrier-free path past Lihapyörre—the Suomus point where JulmaÖlkky - Somer - Hossa vesiretkeilyreitti, Lihapyörteen esteetön reitti, Kokalmus - Laukkujärvi, and the mountain-bike Sininen saavutus line all touch the same shore services. Luontopolkumies suggests allowing about three hours with generous snack stops on a busy autumn day and rates the outing as a moderate family-grade forest walk with the steepest pull after you leave the rock-art shelter(4).

Hetenevanpolku is a very short hiking path, about 0.7 km end to end and not a loop, in Raahe in North Ostrobothnia. The line sits in the Fantti–Pikkulahi coastal recreation zone within walking distance of the town centre. Independent pages that use the exact name Hetenevanpolku are scarce, but the City of Raahe describes the same Fantti shoreline setting on its Fantin polku page: a compact, easy path with sea views, forest, and a campfire spot where Fantti’s land uplift story and views toward Old Raahe are part of the experience(1). For the municipal outdoor map, shelter contacts, and how different trails are maintained, use the Luontopolut section(2). Visit Raahe summarises seasonal behaviour on local paths—winter upkeep varies, and etiquette for fires and litter applies everywhere on the coast(3). Hetenevanpolku suits a quick outing or a warm-up before longer Raahe walks. Expect a short mix of shore-influenced terrain typical of this part of the Bothnian Bay coast rather than a full-day hike.

For trail-specific maps, service updates, and national park rules for this route, start with the Pytkyn pyrähdys page on Luontoon.fi(1). The Syöte visitor hiking overview also lists popular day routes in the national park, including Pytkyn pyrähdys at about 9 km on their summary table, and explains how summer trails are marked in yellow while the UKK long-distance trail uses blue marks in the wider Syöte area(2). Pytky excursion is about 10.2 km as one continuous hiking line in the Syöte hill-and-mire landscape in Pudasjärvi, North Ostrobothnia. The path ties together forest paths, gentle esker climbs, open mire crossings, and lake shores. A practical way to read the terrain is in three bands: the Kellarilampi trailhead band at the start, the open mire and Riihitupa band in the middle, and the Lauttalampi lakeshore band before the line reaches its mapped end. From Kellarilampi pysäköintialue the route passes Kellarilampi inva WC liiteri and almost immediately reaches Kellarilammen invalaavut — a pair of accessible lean-tos handy for an early break. The trail then lifts onto Pytkynharju-style esker forest: Luontopolkumies notes a stiffish climb onto the ridge, roughly a kilometre of dryish pine heath, and occasional blue markings where routes intersect the wider UKK network(3). Around 2.7 km from the start the line drops toward Lauttalampi, pieni laituri and Lauttalammen laavu on the lake shore, with Lauttalampi WC liiteri and Lauttalampi pysäköintialue a little farther along for motorists who prefer that access. Around 7.2 km you reach Riihitupa päivätupa and Riihituvan WC Liiteri on the edge of Riihisuo — a good lunch stop with a day hut, woodshed, and fireplace infrastructure that Luontopolkumies used as a mid-route break(3). Day hikers often combine this line with other marked routes in the same trail network: Syöte Circular Trail and Syötteen kierros maastopyöräreitti share connectors and landmarks such as Lauttalampi and Kellarilampi, and the very short Kellarilammen polku explores the accessible lean-tos from Kellarilampi parking(3). Short blue-painted crosses mark the UKK Trail: Syöte to Pintamo (west section) at a few junctions(2)(3). Pärjänjoen vesiretkeilyreitti serves canoeists on the wider river system a short distance away if you are planning to add water legs after visiting Lauttalampi, pieni laituri(3). Expect moderate ups and downs rather than Alpine climbs; Luontopolkumies describes the Lauttalampi stairs back toward the ridge as the sharpest bite of elevation on their tour(3). Mushroom pickers watch Pytkynharju in autumn — Retkipaikka’s introduction calls the ridge known for milk caps(3). If you want a vivid on-the-ground story with birdlife notes, spacing of rests, and photos from Kellarilampi parking to the lean-tos and mires, read Luontopolkumies’s Pytkyn pyrähdys walk-through on Retkipaikka(3).

Ii lies on the Bothnian Bay coast in North Ostrobothnia. The Röyttä summer hiking route is a short point-to-point shoreline walk of about 0.7 km on Iin Röytt, a roughly 60 ha island west of Iin Praava harbour, and it works well as a link between the footbridge–Hepoharju side of the island and the busy visitor marina. For harbour services, transport partners, and what is open, Visit Ii is a practical first stop(1). Metsähallitus gives mooring details, seasonal access notes, and the island-wide hiking picture—including the fact that there is no drinking water on the island—for Iin Röytt in its Bothnian Bay islands material on Luontoon.fi(2). From the inland side you pass Luotsila, Lastaaja, and Röyttän kota before crossing Röytän kävelysilta. About 0.3 km along the route, Hepoharju clusters Röyttän saaren kota, Hepoharjun päivätupa, Röyttä Hepoharju tulentekopaikka, and Röyttä Hepoharju kuivakäymälä; dry toilets here make longer stays more comfortable. Nearer the basin, Röyttä satama tulentekopaikka, Uimaportaat, and the long jetties (Röyttä laituri, 60m and Röyttä laituri, 42m) sit beside Röytän kiinteä reunalaituri and mooring buoys such as Röyttä Kiinnityspoiju, 45 L (27 kpl) and Röyttä Kiinnityspoiju, 75 (14 kpl)—read more about individual shelters and landings on our pages for those places. Official copy for the full island loop usually rounds to around 3 km(2)(3). On our map, Röytän luontopolku is about 2.7 km and shares many of the same stops, so walking both makes an easy full-island day(3). Oulun Seudun Leader has described how Iin Röytän toimijat ry and local clubs have upgraded docks, lighting, and shared facilities—useful context if you visit when the harbour is lively(4). Itämeri.fi outlines how timber loading and the pilot station shaped the 19th- and 20th-century harbour you see today(6). Between roughly May and September, operators such as Iisland offer arranged boat taxis from Ii for people without their own craft(5).

Troll Path is a short, family-friendly walk of about 1.7 km through Peikkometsä, the playfully themed troll village on the shore of Lake Kovalampi in the Syöte fell country of Pudasjärvi, North Ostrobothnia. You follow a gravel footpath past carved and improvised troll figures in spruce forest below Aurinkokallio, pass Peikkoteatteri, and reach the Aurinkokallio viewing platform with views toward Pikku-Syöte. At the departure point there is an introduction shelter and a campfire spot suited to grilling sausages on a day visit. The City of Pudasjärvi rounds the distance to about two kilometres and publishes photos, a printable PDF map, and the fullest practical overview on its Peikkopolku page(1). For more time on foot in the same area, the municipality describes Ketunkierros as a roughly 3.2 km natural-surface loop that tours Aurinkokallio a little more widely and includes Kölli-peikon taukopaikka with a fireplace area—sturdy footwear is a good idea on the natural sections(1). In our trail list the nearby Ketun kierros pairs logically with this outing when you want a longer forest circuit after the themed village. The shortest option is Teatterikierros at about 400 m for small children, looping the beginning of Peikkopolku and the theatre back toward parking(1). Jalkaisin writes from the Kelo-Syöte parking about snowshoeing on Peikkopolku with yellow paint blazes, wooden bridges and steps climbing Aurinkokallio, and how the fox-marked Ketunlenkki routes briefly overlap the same corridor before signage sends hikers different ways—worth reading before snowy visits when the gravel base is buried(2). If you are combining the day with huts, ski trails, or longer hikes in the Syöte national park surroundings, Luontoon.fi summarises the wider walking and skiing network for the park(3).

Vaaranpolku Trail is about 3.3 km as a loop in Kuusamo, North Ostrobothnia, through Metsähallitus Näränkä Natural Forests toward the heritage Närängän erämaatila rental farm and two open rock viewpoints. Kuusamo sits on the edge of old-growth forest and bog country near the eastern border; this hike is a short but juicy sampler of that landscape. Start with the dedicated Vaaranpolku material on Luontoon.fi(1) for maps, difficulty notes, and current trail rules. Taipaleita’s walk-through is worth reading for how the gravel approach differs from the rock-and-root ridge sections, how orange blazes read in the forest, and how the ring returns past Suojärven tulipaikka(2). Retkipaikka’s longer stay at Närängän erämaatilan vuokratupa explains what overnight guests get from the farmhouse, sauna building, well, and meadow-edge campfire group—useful context even if you are only day-hiking past the yard(3). From Suojärven parkkipaikka the route uses a stabilised gravel track into older spruce forest before the character changes: duckboards bridge wet slants, and the tread around Kirkkokallio and Yheksänsylenkallen becomes rooty and rocky enough that Taipaleita echoes Luontoon.fi’s demanding rating because of the rolling elevation(2). About 0.4 km from the start, Suojärven tulipaikka makes an early break spot; Närängän sauna- ja liiteri, Närängän kaivo, Närängän tulipaikka, and Närängän erämaatilan vuokratupa cluster at the farm clearing roughly 2.7–2.8 km into the loop, with rental access handled through Metsähallitus booking rather than casual walk-in use of the buildings(1)(3). Above the farm, Kirkkokallio opens long sightlines toward the frontier forests, and the slightly lower Yheksänsylenkallio aims more toward the south and west; on clear days observers have picked out distant towers and even Kuusamo’s water tower from the ridges(2)(3). Taipaleita notes you can eye the boardwalk line of Hyöteikönsuon reitti slicing Hyöteikönsuo from the high rock—Hyöteikön katselulava on that connecting trail is the viewing platform hikers use on longer outings(2)(5). Near the southeast corner of the ring, Taipaleita highlights the protected karsikkopuu Niko with 1876 carved into the trunk as part of local bear folklore(2). When you are planning multi-route days, Retkiseikkailu lists Hyöteikönsuon reitti at roughly 3.5 km one way in the same Näränkä network as this 3 km-class loop(5). The trail is marked with posts and orange paint(2). No YouTube title passed the trail-specific confidence check, so video stays open until a clearer overview clip appears.

The trail is about 0.6 km from Liminganlahden luontokeskus toward Virkkulan katselutasanne beside Liminganlahti Bay in Liminka, North Ostrobothnia. For current visitor information and services at the visitor centre and towers, start with Metsähallitus on Luontoon.fi(1) and the practical overview on Visit Liminka(2). Karttaselain describes the bird-tower path as a wide, gravel-surfaced walk of roughly 600 metres from the parking and visitor-centre yard, following the sheep-pasture edge in places, with benches and illustrated boards naming birds and habitats along the way(4). It is an easy out-and-back stroll to combine with exhibitions or binocular loans at Liminganlahden luontokeskus. At the far end you reach Virkkulan katselutasanne on Virkkula tower: the lower viewing level is roofed and reachable with a ramp, so families with strollers or wheels can still enjoy the wetland panorama over Liminganlahti(4). Retkipaikka’s night-hike story along the same path highlights how open meadows and calm water open toward the bay, with sheep often grazing between forest and marsh—expect wide skies and loud spring migration on calmer mornings, but remember that wildlife and grazing animals deserve quiet approach(3). Liminganlahti is a major wetland complex where more than a hundred species breed and well over two hundred have been recorded; many writers simply call it one of Finland’s great bird waters(3)(4). From Liminganlahden luontokeskus you can continue the day on other marked walks that share the same trailhead, such as Rantaniityn luontopolku across the coastal meadow or Maankohoumapolku toward interpretation on land uplift—read more on our pages for those routes and on Liminganlahti lintutornin polku if you want adjacent loop options from Virkkula.

Tenant Farmer's Trail (Torpparin taival) is a long point-to-point hike through Syöte National Park in Pudasjärvi, North Ostrobothnia—not the shorter Torpparin taival loop in Seitseminen National Park in Pirkanmaa. The trail is about 29.6 km as one line on the map from Ukonvaaran P-alue to Syötteen luontokeskus parking, following slash-and-burn heritage, meadow culture, and old wilderness use in forest and mire landscapes. For closures, permits, and the wider Syöte trail network, start from the Syöte National Park pages on Luontoon.fi(2). Metsähallitus describes Torpparintaival as a weekend-scale hike with beard-lichen spruce forest, a climb to Ahmakallio viewpoints, and well-equipped rental cabins plus a wilderness hut along the way(1). Riikka Pohjanen’s Retkipaikka roundup of Koillismaa hiking notes routes up to about 38 km under the Torpparin taipale name in the Syöte area—helpful context for how this line fits the park’s longer walking options(3). You can start from Ukonvaaran P-alue, where Raatetuvan polku and Rytivaaran kierros also begin; the same trailhead links onto UKK Trail (Syöte–Puolanka section) on the national Ukk-ulkoilureitti line. About 6 km in, the Rytivaara cluster brings together Rytitupa vuokratupa, Rytivaara sauna, Rytivaara tulentekopaikka, and dry-toilet stops—Rytivaara is a restored crown-forest tenant farm setting that Syöte marketing often highlights for history-minded visitors. Peuronlampi laavu sits near 13 km; Lomaoja laavu follows around 17 km. Toraslampi tulentekopaikka and Toraslampi autiotupa form a longer break near 20 km. Koiratupa päivätupa, Välitupa päivätupa, Välitupa tulentekopaikka, and Annintupa string together the late section before the route passes Syöte DiscGolfPark and finishes at Luontokeskus pysäköointialue beside Syötteen luontokeskus and Syötteen luontokeskuksen laavu. North Ostrobothnia’s Syöte fells are Finland’s southernmost fell country; Pudasjärvi is the main municipality for this side of the park. Plan hut nights and firewood through Metsähallitus booking channels listed on park pages(2).

The Land Uplift Trail (Maankohoumapolku) is a short hiking line in Liminka on the Liminganlahti shore, themed around post-glacial rebound: the same geological story that keeps reshaping the Bothnian Bay coast. For the wider trail network, services, and seasonal guidance around Liminganlahti, start with the Liminganlahti hiking and outdoor section on Luontoon.fi(1). The Finnish environment administration’s Natura site description for Liminganlahti states that land rises here by about 0.8 cm per year on average and that the shoreline has shifted by as much as about 1.5 km in under a century in places—useful background for why this landscape is always in motion(2). Matkamies-lehti describes a land-uplift nature path from Liminganlahden luontokeskus at Virkkula ranta inland toward ancient shore ridges, with interpretation of former sea levels(3). Liminganlahti.fi notes that the two-storey bird tower is about 600 m from the nature centre yard along a wide path that is kept accessible in the snow-free season, and that binoculars are available to borrow at the centre(4)—handy before or after you walk this route. Visit Liminka publishes Liminka’s cycling and hiking routes through the Outdooractive portal with length, difficulty, and elevation notes(5). The trail is about 3.1 km on foot. It is not a loop; it is best read as an out-and-back or a shuttle if you arrange transport. The line begins near the Liminganlahden luontokeskus and Virkkulan katselutasanne area: the visitor centre and tower cluster are the natural hub for maps, refreshments, and birdwatching. Luontoon.fi lists Liminganlahden luontokeskuksen luontopolku as its own short route at the same centre(6); Maankohoumapolku continues the land-uplift theme on a longer inland line. You can combine walks with Rantaniityn luontopolku, Liminganlahti lintutornin polku, and Liminganlahden luontokeskuksen luontopolku where those routes meet the same shore and centre area. The long-distance cycling routes that cross this area (for example regional bike main lines) are a different activity; use them only if you are cycling with the right equipment. Liminka lies in North Ostrobothnia. Expect level to gently rolling forest and meadow edge typical of the Liminganlahti fringe, with wide views toward the bay and reedbeds where the path opens.

Kotajärvi circuit is about 3.6 km of marked hiking in Reisjärvi, North Ostrobothnia, on the rocky drainage divide of the Suomenselkä backcountry. It threads lake isthmuses between Kuiva- and Iso-Kotajärvi and ties into the nationwide Peuran polku network. For trail markings, campfire stops, rental cabin context, and the Kirves-Heikki canal story, Muuta maalle(1) is the municipality’s dedicated circuit page; the wider Peuran polku backbone that this path joins is summarised on Luontoon.fi(2). A separate municipal article outlines the roughly 115 km network between Petäjämäki in Reisjärvi and Central Finland(3). About 0.8 km from the start you reach the junction with Peuran polku’s orange-marked trunk and several longer arms. Poskeinen tulentekopaikka and Kompostikäymälä sit in that cluster—handy for a first break. The path then works through pine forest and rocky shores toward Kirves-Heikin nuotiopaikka, Kirves-Heikki tulentekopaikka, and Kirves-Heikki käymälä near the historic Kirves-Heikki canal cut between the two big lakes (dry toilets and fire rings are grouped there; bring your own water as always). From the same neighbourhood you can branch onto Raatejärvi – Mäntyjärven reitti, the Peuran polku runkoreitti E6, Suurijärvi hiking trail network, Jääkolun reitti, or Peuran polku (Reisjärvi) for much longer days—see our map pages for those trails when planning links north or south. Independent long-distance walkers on Peuran polku often remark how densely spaced the rest spots feel around Kuivajärvi and how striking Kirves-Heikin kanava looks from the footbridge—Jalkaisin walked this segment in late spring and describes the channel dimensions and stubborn lake levels with on-the-ground colour(4). Firewood policy is tied to the Metsähallitus rental cabin by the Kuivajärvi parking area; Muuta maalle(1) notes that bundled firewood is intended for renters, while the shared courtyard fireplace is open to passing hikers—confirm current rules before you rely on it.

Liimanninkosken luontopolku 2 is a very short marked loop of about 100 metres that sits right at Liimanninkoski rapids on the Muhosjoki in Muhos, North Ostrobothnia. It is the tight riverside circle around the lean-tos and campfire infrastructure: you pass Liimanninkoski laavu and Liimanninkosken laavu steps from the water, Liimanninkoski tulentekopaikka for a meal fire, and Liimanninkoski huussi for a comfort stop—dry toilets sit back from the lean-tos, not as named waypoints in a trail list, but they are part of the stop. For how the wider Liimanninkoski visit fits together, start with the City of Muhos Liimanninkoski page(1). Luontoon.fi presents the Liimanninkoski herb-rich forest reserve that contains the rapids(2). Almost everyone pairs this rapids pocket with Liimanninkosken luontopolku, which leaves from the same Liimanninkoski P-alue parking and crosses sheep pastures, spruce forest and riverside woodland before dropping to this spot. Luontopolkumies writes on Retkipaikka that the nature-trail outing measures about 1.3 km in total and calls out a roughly hundred-metre meander loop right after the lean-to—easy to walk past when paint marks thin out in the bend—before the path climbs back toward the meadow(3). Rokua Geopark outlines why the place feels special: the river has cut into thick post-glacial sands of the Muhos formation, locally reaching granite thresholds under the rapids, and nutrient-rich reddish sand colours the water; sheep still graze the upper meadows inside the nationally important grove reserve(4). If you only need a riverside break, the facilities cluster makes this micro-loop a natural goal from the car park; if you want the full meadow-to-rapids story, continue onto Liimanninkosken luontopolku from the same trailhead.

The Kokkokangas–Kyläkeskus Syke walking trail is about 3.1 km as a point-to-point path in Sydänmaankylä, part of Kärsämäki in North Ostrobothnia. It links the Kokkokangas forest side with the Kyläkeskus Syke yard, where rural tourism, events, and accommodation are concentrated. For what you can combine with a visit—summer dance pavilion and terrace, smoke sauna, minigolf, beach volleyball, and mountain biking in the same area—start with Visit Kärsämäki’s activities overview(1). The Kyläkeskus Syke business pages describe the venue itself (restaurant, saunas, guest rooms, and celebrations)(2). A longer marked hiking network through the Kivisaari wetland and around Lake Iso-Kärsämäenjärvi starts from the same wider Syke outdoor area; Metsähallitus documents that circuit on Luontoon.fi(3). This short hiking route is not a loop: it runs between Kokkokangas and the Syke village-centre cluster. The parallel Kokkokangas-Kyläkeskus Syke mtb route follows the same 3.1 km corridor for cyclists. If you want a longer day on foot, the Kivisaari wetland – Lake Iso-Kärsämäenjärvi trail and the Sydänmaankylä - Kokkopuro polku route tie into the same network of paths, laavut, and village facilities described for Sydänmaankylä(1)(3). Winter snowmobile routes also share parts of this outdoor corridor, so check seasonal rules and track status if you visit in snow. Kärsämäki is a quiet rural municipality in central Finland. Sydänmaankylä is known for varied outdoor routes—nature paths, snowmobile trails, and mountain bike tracks—with many laavut and kota for day trips(1).

For seasonal maintenance, firewood practice on municipal nature trails, and the general rule that City of Oulu nature trails are not mechanically groomed in winter, see the City of Oulu nature trails hub(1). Visit Oulu groups this outing with the region’s other walks and day hikes(2). Yli-Ii nature trail is about 24.2 km on our map through forest, wetland, and lake shoreline east of the Yli-Ii villages in Oulu, North Ostrobothnia. It is not a day loop: treat it as a long point-to-point style hike where you plan turnaround, shuttle, or a very full day on foot. The route shares a section with Vitsasuon luontopolku, so you can also treat that shorter trail as an alternative if you mainly want the wetland and tower cluster. Roughly the first quarter reaches the Vitsasuo edge where Vitsasuon laavu and Vitsasuon Lintutorni sit together—classic mire birdwatching terrain with a lean-to stop. Moving northeast, Pikku Mättäisjärvi Nuotiopaikka offers a campfire spot off the bank of a small lake, then Iso Mättäisjärven laavu and Iso Mättäisjärven Lintutorni frame a slightly larger lake section good for a longer break. Farther along, Koutuanjärven laavu sits in the Koutuanjoki streamside setting before the route reaches Taukopaikka, a simple rest shelter late in the kilometre count. Dry toilets are available at the lean-tos and rest points rather than as separate named stops. Structures, permits, and any change to seasonal closures on city nature trails are documented citywide in the recreation structures management plan(3). Pack drinking water and spare firewood for lean-tos: City guidance notes that although some sites receive deliveries, carrying a few splits keeps meals predictable(1).

Pitämävaara–Taivalvaara Trail is about 30.8 km point-to-point across the Syöte–Koillismaa upland from Pitämävaara near Iso-Syöte in Pudasjärvi to Taivalvaara at Taivalkoski, North Ostrobothnia. It runs on the national UKK hiking corridor through forest between the two municipalities; Metsähallitus groups the Pudasjärvi UKK overview on Luontoon.fi(1). Luontoon.fi's Taivalvaaran luontopolku page describes the shorter nature loop at the finish, with a lean-to and bird tower beside Iijoki(2), which matches the Taivalvaaran luontopolku connection on our map. Syöte.fi, the destination site for the Syöte massif, reminds walkers that the long UKK crossing here is marked with blue paint blazes while Finland's other marked day-walking network on Syöte uses yellow marks, and that trip planning, maps, and the latest trail news still start from Syötteen luontokeskus(3). Taivalkoski lists longer day routes and sends readers to Visit Taivalkoski for expanded write-ups from the municipality's nature and hiking pages(4). Taivalkoski sits among four national parks; the trail's western end is Syöte country in Pudasjärvi, and the eastern end drops into Taivalkoski services around Taivalvaara. Roughly 11 km along from the Pitämävaara-side start you reach Pirinjärvi, where Pirinjärvi kota, Pirinjärvi tulipaikka, and Pirinjärvi venepaikka cluster on the shore with Pirinjärvi wc/liiteri a few steps away—strong candidates for a long lunch before the middle kilometres. Atsingin laavu follows deeper in the Atsinki river landscape, then Ohtaojan laavu after more forest time. On Taivalvaaran slopes the route passes Turvakonalustan laavu alongside Lintutorni (Taivalvaaran luontopolku), the tower shared with the compact nature trail ring. The trailhead area then skirts Pöllimehtä frisbeegolf before the trace reaches central Taivalkoski sports facilities around Urheilutie—town ball fields and halls rather than wilderness landmarks, but a clear sign you have walked through to the parish centre. Hikers often stitch days using UKK-reitti Syöte - Pintamo, itä, Ukk-ulkoilureitti, Pitämävaaran Lenkki, Taivalvaaran luontopolku, Pahkakurun retkeilyreitti (Atsingin laavu is a shared corner), or Taivalkoski-Atsinki-Syöte Mountain Biking. Matkalla luonnossa sketches Pahkakuru gorge near the same upland as an optional side trip with steep tread and a 2.5 km return profile from the main parking—worth knowing if you have extra daylight and confident footing(5). Dedicated YouTube searches did not surface a clip focused clearly on this named 31 km link, so video is omitted.

For driving directions, interpretive boards, and how this trail fits the city’s other nature destinations, start with the City of Oulainen nature tourism pages(1). This is the Isojärvi–Ahvenlampi hiking area in Oulainen, North Ostrobothnia—not Isojärvi National Park in Central Finland, which is a different region entirely. The trail is about 4.6 km. It threads forest, rocky knolls, and mire edges between Lake Ahvenlampi and Lake Isojärvi on the Pyhäjoki watercourse, with many picture boards about local nature along the way(1). From the route start you are beside Ahvenlammen laavu Oulainen, a lean-to useful as a break point before you move on. About 1.1 km along the trail you pass Isojärvi pysäköintialue, the main parking area for drivers who join the circuit from the Isojärvi shore. Closer to the far shore, about 4.1 km from the start, Isojärven laavu - Oulainen sits on the trail; the city maintains Isojärvi and Ahvenlampi laavut and delivers firewood, and asks everyone to carry their own litter out—there is no rubbish point at the shelters(2). A viewing tower stands at the Isojärvi shore in the same recreation area, useful for scanning the lake and treeline(3). Much of the going is on wooden duckboards across wet ground; a winter visit described recently renewed duckboards, with occasional ice making the boards slippery while snow on the sides was easier to walk(3). Before Ahvenlampi, a shortcut sign lets you skip part of the circuit if you are short on time(3). A separate connector path toward Kyrönlampi leaves the main trail roughly 2 km along(3)—worth noting if you want a longer detour. The related Isojärvi - Ahvenlampi luontopolku follows the same pair of lakes on a slightly shorter line and shares these lean-tos and parking. Hannele’s Täyttä elämää post from March 2020 adds on-the-ground colour: ready-made fires at Ahvenlampi, a streamside feel and meadow patches that reward a spring return before mosquitoes peak(3).

For the marked Kumpujen luontopolku loop, terrain, spur trails, links toward Isosaari and the bird tower route, and practical access from both Tiitonranta and Siiponkosken Jokikeskus, see the City of Haapajärvi's trail page(1). Visit Haapajärvi describes Siiponkosken Jokikeskus as the river hub for suspension bridges, an observation tower, campfire sites, easy nature paths, and canoe trips around Isosaari, with rentals and services reachable by phone(2). On our map this hike is about 4.4 km along the Kalajoki and Isosaari area in Haapajärvi, North Ostrobothnia. It is not a closed loop on the line we show. Early on you pass Siiponkoski, where the Kalajoki scenery opens around a former mill site, then Myllynketo, a wilderness hut stop along the island ridge. About 2.2 km from the start you reach Siiponkoski Kota for shelter and a longer break. Toward the northern end of the line the route gathers Siiponkosken uimaranta, Siiponkosken Sauna, and Siiponkosken Savusauna beside Siiponkoskentie, and finishes near Siiponkosken Jokikeskus and its boat launch — a convenient place to plan river time or combine with other village routes(2)(3). The same landscape ties into the short walking route Kumpujen reitti and to the paddling line Muinais-Päijänteen reitti for anyone building a longer outdoor day from the same river corridor. Maintenance questions for the marked path network are handled by Siiponkosken kyläyhdistys at the number the city publishes(1). Read more about firewood, sauna bookings, and beach practicalities on our pages for Siiponkoski Kota, Siiponkosken Sauna, and Siiponkosken uimaranta.

Kurimonkoski hiking trail is a very short point-to-point walk of about 0.3 km at Kurimonkoski on the Kiiminkijoki in Utajärvi, North Ostrobothnia. On the map it follows forested bank between Kurimokosken laavu and the Kurimokoski P- alue parking area; a dry toilet sits a few steps from the lean-to, so stopping for a break by the rapids is straightforward. For visitor information, fishing, and other activities at the destination, the Kurimonkoski material on Luontoon.fi is the best official starting point(1). Pohjoisen Polut reported in April 2023 that Metsähallitus closed the Kurimonkoski bridge on Kurimontie because of structural damage to glued laminated beams—vehicles were routed via a detour from Juorkuna along Salontie— and noted that Kurimonkoski is a popular hiking and outdoor spot on an old ironworks (ruukki) site with a lean-to and short hiking trail maintained by a village committee, that the forge-area meadows are protected, and that the rapids are a popular fishing spot and one of the more demanding paddling passages on the Kiiminkijoki canoe route(2). Kiiminkijoki ry describes Kurimonkoski as a scenic rapid area in Utajärvi with a well-equipped lean-to site on the north bank and a kota where the rapid section ends on the north bank; angling is only from the north bank in shallow wadable water, with a landing and canoe launch north of the bridge(3). This outing pairs a few minutes of walking with the sound of moving water, picnic potential at Kurimokosken laavu, and—if you fish or paddle—the separate rules and safety considerations Kiiminkijoki ry outlines for rapid fisheries(3). Confirm which roads and parking arrangements are open before you travel, because bridge projects can change long after the 2023 closure news(1)(2).

Ketolanperä Nature Trail is a short forest loop of about 1 km in Ketolanperä, Kempele, North Ostrobothnia. The City of Kempele lists Ketolanperän laavu as a village-association-maintained open lean-to with a covered fire site on Ketolanperäntie, with general rules for fires, litter, and larger groups on its laavu pages(1). VisitKempele promotes outdoor routes and seasonal guided walks that sometimes feature this trail and nearby Ketolanperä paths(2). The loop runs on easy ground through mixed forest. About halfway round you reach Ketolanperän laavu, a good place to pause; the lean-to and fire area sit inside the loop, as hikers describe in independent trip notes(3). Along the way you pass nature interpretation boards about trees and local habitats(3). A wildlife feeding station and views toward nearby fields add variety(3). The route starts near Ketolanperän koulu on Luonungintie; the school’s ice rink, sports field, and gym sit beside the same block—handy context if you combine a family visit with a short walk. In winter the Ketolanperä - Mourunki Latu ski trail passes through the same corner of Kempele; Metsähallitus publishes that connection on Luontoon.fi for skiers looking for groomed tracks that meet this area(4). On foot you can still treat this loop as a separate, summer-friendly nature walk beside those longer ski routes. Pertin hiihdon latu continues the winter network from the same part of town for skiers who want a longer day.

Röytä Island nature trail is about 2.7 km of hiking on Ii’s offshore island Röyttä in North Ostrobothnia, roughly 40 km north of Oulu. Metsähallitus manages the recreation area and posts route guidance on Luontoon.fi(1). Visit Ii gathers practical access notes: the island sits about 4 km west of the Praavannoka harbour area on the mainland, and most visitors arrive by private boat or a booked water taxi(2). The Finnish Environment Institute’s Natura description highlights how the island bundles post-glacial shoreline meadows, sandy beaches, young deciduous pioneer forest, natural leaf-forest pockets with big aspens, and five small landlocked lagoons—material you can read in full on ymparisto.fi(3). The Baltic Sea heritage article on Itämeri.fi explains how former pilot-station buildings, breakwaters, and harbour works sit inside that nature mosaic(4). For a local perspective on why the trail is worth walking, Oulun Seudun Leader interviewed island activists who point out how the path explores different shores and the protective breakwaters(5). Along the walk you pass the sort of forest coast and harbour edge the island is known for, with clusters of services tied to boating and quiet recreation. About 1.7 km from the start you reach Röyttän kota, with Luotsila and Lastaaja almost next door—historic pilot and storage buildings that Metsähallitus now rents as wilderness cabins, so advance booking rules apply if you want to stay inside. Near the 2.2 km mark the Hepoharju corner gathers Röyttän saaren kota, Hepoharjun päivätupa, Röyttä Hepoharju tulentekopaikka, and a dry toilet (Röyttä Hepoharju kuivakäymälä); dry toilets are available there for day hikers taking a longer pause. Röytän kävelysilta is a footbridge link toward the harbour side. At the southern harbour end you find guest docks (including Röyttä laituri, 60m and Röyttä laituri, 42m), Röytän kiinteä reunalaituri, mooring buoys (Röyttä Kiinnityspoiju, 45 L (27 kpl) and Röyttä Kiinnityspoiju, 75 (14 kpl)), Uimaportaat for swimmers, and Röyttä satama tulentekopaikka—useful if you combine the hike with time on the water. The short Röyttä summer hiking route shares several of these stops, so you can stitch outings if you want a little more distance around the harbour fringe. Expect modest elevation on a low Bothnian Bay islet: the highest ground is only a few metres above sea level. Many sources describe the circuit as roughly 3 km; the figure here follows the measured trail length. Summer weekends can be busy when sailing events fill the harbour, while midwinter access depends on safe ice travel—confirm conditions locally before setting out(2)(5).

Kalimeenkierros is about 5.9 km of marked hiking in the Sanginjoki nature reserve in Oulu, North Ostrobothnia. For maps, service structure, and the latest official description, start with the Kalimeenkierros trail page on Luontoon.fi(1). Visit Oulu groups this hike with the wider Sanginjoki–Isokangas walking network if you are planning longer combinations(2). Mika Markkanen’s Retkipaikka article walks the full circuit from Nuutinpalon parking with photos around Kalimeenlampi and Myllykoski—worth reading for pacing and terrain detail(3). The route is the northernmost marked day hike in the Sanginjoki area. A short, gravelled connector leads from the parking area to the main circuit; from there the path alternates between duckboards over mires, ordinary forest tread, and bridges across the winding Kalimeenoja stream(3). Markings are yellow diamond symbols on trees(3). Clockwise travel is recommended so that the Myllykoski rest area falls toward the latter part of the walk(1)(3). Near the start you pass Kalimeenkierros Tulipaikka and Kalimeen tulipaikan käymälä. After roughly 3 km the trail reaches the Myllykoski rapids cluster: Myllykosken Laavu Oulu, Kalimeenkierros Laavu, Kalimeen Tulipaikka, and Myllykoski käymälä sit close together—good stops for food and a longer break beside the water(3). Further on, around 5.5 km, laavu Kalimenlampi Oulu and Kalimeen laavun käymälä sit on the shore of Kalimeenlampi, where boardwalks cross open mire and shoreline woodland(3). Sections over restored mires and older spruce–pine forest feel quieter; a rockier stretch appears on higher ground before you descend back toward the stream(3). The same rest places also sit on the longer Isokangas-Kalimeenlampi retkeilyreitti and Isokangas Loop Trail, so you can combine days or add distance if you already know those circuits(2). A snowmobile route shares part of the corridor; step aside and yield where winter tracks cross the footpath(2).

Energiankulutusreitti is about 12.7 km as a loop on our map in the Rokua–Muhos outdoor area. The Finnish name points to energy use during hiking: Metsähallitus explains that hiking is endurance activity and that total energy use combines basal metabolism and exertion, with pack weight, terrain, and weather all affecting how many calories you burn(3). Treat this loop as a full half-day outing in Rokua’s ridge-and-kettle forest: you move between lake shores, the Rokua spa and sports services, and quiet shelter stops, so packing snacks and water makes sense for the distance. For rules, services, and the wider trail network inside Rokua National Park, start from the Luontoon.fi destination page for Rokua(1). Rokua Health & Spa Hotel’s own hiking pages describe shorter connections toward Kirvesjärvi kota from the hotel yard and list summer trail maps available at reception(2)—useful context for the same landscape this loop crosses. Rokua Geopark’s nature-hiking introduction summarises how walking routes here run through lichen ridges and clear ponds, and how cycling routes link into the same area(4). Along the loop, early on you reach Kirvesjärven kota and Kirvesjärvi kota with Kirvesjärvi kuivakäymälä within about two and a half kilometres from the start—natural lunch stops in the forest. Lianjärvi päivätupa and Lianjärvi, käymälä-liiteri sit near Lianjärvi a little farther along; Rokua.com notes a new campfire spot by Lianjärvi on Harjunpolku and a day hut and dry toilet on that family-friendly shore section(2). The route then passes Rokuan kylpylä, Rokua Health & Span kuntosali, and Rokuan Kuntoutuskeskuksen liikuntasali on Kuntoraitti—Rokua’s wellness and training cluster—before climbing toward Opastuskeskus Supan kota and Hiihtostadionin laavu by the ski stadium. Toward the end, Saarinen pysäköintialue offers parking if you prefer to finish near a vehicle, with Saarinen kota, Saarisen kota, and Saarinen kompostikäymälä grouped there. The same ground links to other marked routes: Keisarinkierros, Rokuan monikäyttöura, and Rokuan Maastopyöräreitit share segments or trailheads in this network—handy if you want to extend a day or switch to walking or biking alternatives. Stay on marked paths: fragile lichen ground is easily damaged, and Metsähallitus asks visitors to follow posted routes in the national park(1). Muhos is the municipality on our page for this feature; North Ostrobothnia frames the wider region. For the latest on park closures, fire warnings, and winter access, check the Luontoon.fi Rokua page(1).

The Liminganlahti Bird Tower Trail is a short, easy gravel path of about 0.6 km between Virkkulan katselutasanne and Liminganlahden luontokeskus in Liminka, North Ostrobothnia. It sits on one of Finland’s best-known bird wetlands, where tens of thousands of migrants use the shallows and meadows shaped by land uplift. For opening hours at the visitor centre, seasonal events, and services around the bay, start with the Liminganlahden luontokeskus page on Visit Liminka(1). Metsähallitus describes the birdwatching towers and viewing opportunities on Luontoon.fi(2). The trail is a wide, compacted gravel route along the edge of grazed meadow; it is marketed as suitable for wheelchairs and strollers, and the lower viewing deck of Virkkula’s two-storey tower is reached without steps(1)(3). Karttaselain’s day-trip article notes interpretive boards along the path on topics such as willow scrub and birch–grey alder stands, plus benches and summer sheep on the meadow(3). At the tower, distant birds are easier with binoculars; the visitor centre lends binoculars free of charge(1). PPLY’s regional bird guide summarises long-term records of well over 200 species for the wider Liminganlahti area(4). From the same hub you can extend the outing on the Liminganlahden luontokeskuksen luontopolku, Rantaniityn luontopolku, Maankohoumapolku, or the longer Fatbike-reitti Rantakylä, which all pass through or connect near the visitor centre and tower area.

For what awaits at the Vihaslahti shore—birdlife, summer grazing sheep, lean-to and fireplace stops, and how visitors usually arrive from Hiekkasärkät on easy boardwalk and embankment trails—Visit Kalajoki is the main visitor-facing planning page for the bay(1). Municipal maintenance contacts and how the wider Hiekkasärkät exercise route networks are managed sit with City of Kalajoki(2). The Maristonpakat sand-ridge patch beside the bay sits in a Natura 2000 site; ymparisto.fi publishes the statutory habitat sheet that spells out the coastal dune and raised-beach geology and why the ridge needs careful foot traffic(3). A 2019 Keskipohjanmaa report from the trail’s renewal window highlights new wooden stairs that lead hikers onto a wooded dune while steering wear away from sensitive sand(4). Hannele’s Täyttä elämää blog post from an April visit describes very easy going suitable for bikes and strollers, renewed gravel replacing some former boardwalk on neighbouring links, and practical parking space off Ravitie for longer “Kirkolta Kallaan” cultural-trail outings that feed the same Vihaslahti cluster(5). The trail is about 1,5 km on our map as a short, linear coastal link in Kalajoki on the North Ostrobothnia shore. Kalajoki is the seaside town famous for its dune holiday area; this segment stitches the Maristo fringe away from the resort’s central parking plazas down toward the Vihaslahti pocket inside the Vihas-Keihäslahti conservation mosaic. After only a couple of tenths of a kilometre you reach the service cluster around Vihaslahti lintutorni, Vihasniemen laavu, Vihaslahti tulentekopaikka, and Vihaslahti käymälä. The bird tower overlooks the reed-framed bay where Visit Kalajoki notes many species feeding and nesting, with sheep browsing nearby pasture in summer(1). Vihaslahti pysäköintipaikka gives a straightforward trailhead if you drive straight to the bay end rather than starting from the resort boardwalks. Dry toilets serve the area with the lean-to and fireplaces—bring your campfire sense for shared facilities and quiet around nesting birds(1)(3). From this corner you can thread into longer marked loops without doubling back immediately: Hiekkasärkkien rantareitti and Hiekkasärkän polku overlap the shore network, Vihaslahden kodan lenkki/kuntorata keeps a compact exercise lap around the same fireplaces, and Vihasniemen luontopolku concentrates on the peninsula nature side of the bay. Winter layers such as Vihaslahden kodan lenkki/latu and the sea-ice ski corridor Monitoimireitti merenjäällä show how heavily Kalajoki signposts the same geography by season even though this hiking line is a warm-season staple. Expect flat, exposed coastal meadow walking with boardwalk or gravel feel depending on which adjoining link you arrived on; icy or wet boards are a known caution on the wider lankkupolku approach after rain(1). Visit Kalajoki still bills the linked corridor from Meriluontokeskus as roughly four kilometres one way and mentions a shorter hop from Tahkokorvi near Ravintola Lohilaakso when you want less distance before the tower(1). Those figures describe the resort-scale outing, not the 1,5 km line on our map, but they help time a combined day.

For the latest official information on this part of Finland’s best-known long-distance trail in Oulanka National Park, start with the Karhunkierros Trail page on Luontoon.fi(1). The City of Kuusamo notes that the full Karhunkierros is about 82 km from Hautajärvi toward Myllykoski and is often done over several days, but you can also walk it in shorter pieces as day hikes; the city also warns that Karhunkierros and Pieni Karhunkierros are not winter-maintained, so check weather and surface conditions before you set out(2). Karhunkierros.fi presents the whole trail as a long-distance classic through river valleys, gorges, and forests in Kuusamo and Salla(4). On our map this listing follows about 15.6 km of the Kuusamo end of the corridor as one hiking line. It is not a loop: you move along the marked main trail from the Konttainen parking area through forest and open fells toward the Myllykoski–Porontimajoki sector and Puurosuo. Near the start, Konttaisen kuhaus is a separate short circular day route that shares the same parking and signage cluster; In the Woods, Dear describes orange markings on Karhunkierros and green and orange markings on the Konttainen loop, plus the trailhead signposting from Virkkulantie(3). From Konttainen parkkipaikka, the first notable rest point along the main line is Kumpuvaaran laavu a few kilometres in—a natural place to pause before the trail dives deeper toward river scenery. Around the middle of this segment, Porontimajoen päivätupa, Porontimajoen laavu, and Porontimajoen keittokatos cluster at the Porontimajoki river, giving day shelter, a lean-to, and a cooking shelter for meal stops. Myllykosken päivätupa sits in the same broad Myllykoski area that anchors the southern end of the full Karhunkierros and links to Pieni karhunkierros, a shorter circular route that also passes Myllykosken päivätupa on its own line. Further along, Puurosuon laavut, Karhunkierros offers additional lean-to space on open bog and forest fringe before you leave this mapped segment. Kitkajoen koskimelontareitti runs parallel to walking trails in places along the Kitkajoki canoeing line—useful context if you are planning boating as well as hiking. The Koukkulampi–Viipus snowmobile route shares the Konttainen parking hub with summer hikers; respect separate seasonal use where posted. Kuusamo lies in North Ostrobothnia. Dry toilets are available at several stops together with the shelters; use the official pages for hygiene and any route notices before multi-day use(1)(2).

Elämys is about a 3.4 km hiking option in the Kupson Kutsu network on Kupsonvaara above Jaurakkajärvi in Pudasjärvi, North Ostrobothnia. The City of Pudasjärvi presents the three marked day loops from one roadside parking area on kantatie 78: Elämys about 4 km, Lumous about 5.6 km, and Keidas about 9.1 km, each with its own character but the same friendly maintenance story(1). The shortest branch is famous for something rare on municipal trails: Kupson Kutsun Elämys - sauna ja laavu bundles a wilderness sauna, lean-to, and fireplace near a small stream fed from a spring a little uphill, with an information board trail nearby explaining tar pits from the export era(2)(3)(4). On this line you reach Isojyrkän näköalalava ja kota (Kupson kutsu) about 1.2 km along—a wooden viewing deck with a table group, and a kota with a fireplace slightly higher on the slope where visitors sometimes find embers ready for a sausage stop(2). The lookout sits at the edge of old cut blocks rather than crossing them, and opens long sightlines over Lake Jaurakkajärvi toward distant hills(2)(3). Retkipaikka describes Elämys as the gentlest circuit of the trio, without the steeper pull that dominates Lumous when you chase the summit first, which makes it a workable choice when you mainly want the sauna side of the hill and a shorter forest walk(2). Out in the Nature highlights mailbox maps beside road 78 and cautions that signposted section lengths do not always match how you stitch branches together when you hop between Elämys, Lumous, and Keidas highlights(3). Iijokiseutu recalls the late-1990s Jaurakkajärvi development roots of Kupson Kutsu, volunteer upkeep, and why the network became a regional talking point(4). If you still have energy, Lumous visits the same Isojyrkän deck with a longer climb profile, and Keidas continues to Lohilammen laavu (Kupson kutsu) on the longest ring; all three share the gate, tar pits, interpretation boards, and the quirky sauna hospitality(1)(2)(3). Pack boots with good grip after rain, respect firewood etiquette at kota and sauna, and check the city pages for any booking or cleanliness updates before you count on the sauna being available(1)(2).

For current trail information, visitor services and the wider Sanginjoki network in the nature reserve, start with the Sanginjoki destination page on Luontoon.fi(1). Visit Oulu lists practical access notes for the Sanginjoki Loppula area and nature centre (Sanginjoentie 1101)(4). Retkipaikka’s walk-through adds on-the-ground detail on activity points along the longer riverside loop, Sadinkoski rest area facilities, and how the pink-marked paths feel underfoot (2). Kaleva reported Metsähallitus Luontopalvelut accessibility upgrades on the main Loppulan loop in autumn 2025—worth checking for the latest surface work if you are planning a wheelchair or rollator trip (3). On our map this route is about half a kilometre along the Sanginjoki shore beside Lemmenpolku’s campfire sites. It is not a loop: it follows the riverbank where Tulipaikka 5 sits right next to the path, Tulipaikka 6 appears a little further along, and Tulipaikka 7 lies near the far end of the segment. The same strip also passes Tulipaikka 2, Tulipaikka 3 and Tulipaikka 4 slightly off the main line, and Lemmenpolku kuivakäymälä serves the Lemmenpolku area. Together these are the picnic-and-fire spots that make Sanginjoki a popular day-out destination. If you want a longer outing, continue onto Lemmenpolku (Sanginjoki, Oulu), which shares Tulipaikka 5 and several other stops with this segment and runs about 1.5 km on our map, with Sanginjoen P-paikka near the parking end of the network. The same valley hosts longer Metsähallitus circuits such as Kalimenpolku and Isokankaan retkeilypolku, described from the Loppula nature centre pages(1)(4). Terrain is easy gravel and forest path typical of the reserve; the river is never far away. Campfires belong only at the maintained fire rings. Bring your own firewood if you are unsure supplies have been restocked. Oulu lies in North Ostrobothnia; Sanginjoki is roughly a twenty-minute drive from the city centre.

Satupolku Taivalkoski is a short, child-friendly hike of about 0.8 km through forest on the flanks of Taivalvaara in Taivalkoski, North Ostrobothnia. Visit Taivalkoski(1) presents it as a themed story path that begins from the grounds of Hotelli Herkko at Taivalvaarantie 2 and has been promoted as a very long outdoor storybook: along the way, panels carry tales from the Napero-Finlandia children’s writing competition curated by the Päätalo Institute, with imaginary detours such as a toy shop, outer space, and the Land of Lost Things and figures from miniature people to animals. The same source invites families to slow down for berries, beard lichen, and birdsong, and points to a picnic table known as the Seven Bears’ picnic spot for a packed lunch. About 0.3 km into the route on our map you pass Taivalvaaran liikuntapuiston kuntoportaat, the big fitness stair climb at Taivalvaara sports park—useful as a landmark if you combine this outing with longer Taivalvaara walks. Taivalvaaran näköalapolku is the classic longer ridge loop from the same hill; Visit Taivalkoski’s ridge trail page(3) describes that blue-marked circuit linking forests, small lakes, and a laavu at Pikku-Tervalammi, and notes how a fairy-tale add-on of roughly one kilometre ties back toward the Satupolku end—planning detail that helps families decide whether to stay on the short story path or string in extra kilometres. If you specifically want the walking-trails category entry for the same hill, our map also lists Satupolku as its own short loop in the sports-park cluster. Toward the last few hundred metres, the line runs close to Taivalkosken uimahalli and Hotelli Herkon kuntosali, then Taivalvaaran liikuntapuiston ulkokuntosali, Taivalvaaran liikuntapuiston beachvolleykentät, and Taivalvaaran liikuntapuiston tenniskenttä, so you finish right beside everyday sports facilities should anyone want a swim, indoor gym visit, or court games after the walk. The Municipality of Taivalkoski(2) explains Napero-Finlandia as an annual national fairy-tale competition for primary pupils and the channel through which many Satupolku texts are chosen; checking their page is the shortest route to contest rules, mailing addresses for paper entries, and fresh year-to-year themes before you tie a school visit to the trail. Pohjois-Pohjanmaa stacks serious wilderness around Taivalkoski—national parks such as Syöte, Oulanka, Hossa, and Riisitunturi sit within reasonable drives—so this path works well as a low-threshold nature break near town rather than a backcountry expedition. For opening hours around the hotel courtyard, winter slipperiness on short slopes, and any timetable changes to on-trail features, rely on the official trail copy(1).

Kaarlo Circuit is a short hiking add-on at Kuusaa–Jokela in Haapajärvi, North Ostrobothnia. On our map the marked path is about 0.9 km; the City of Haapajärvi describes roughly 1.4 km of walking for the full out-and-back with the small loop on the private Jantunen nature reserve(1). Most visitors tie it to Hullun polku: from that trail’s forest-road turnaround you turn right and walk about 300 m on the road to the Kaarlo start, which sits about 150 m northwest of where Hullun polku’s forest section meets the gravel(1). The route is named for Kaarlo Kärkkäinen, who protected a 7.2 ha forest patch on the southern margin of the wider Hirsineva Natura 2000 site. Travel is everyman’s right inside the reserve as long as you avoid damaging the environment—stay on the marked line and do not cut branches or trees on the conservation parcel(1). The path begins on an old machine strip with duckboards in wet spots, crosses mire and dry-to-fresh heath, then narrows into a small loop through older, near-natural spruce and mixed forest with deadwood and an undrained mire pocket that explain why the place feels richer than the surrounding plantation(1). Signboards along the way summarise local ecology and history. For services and the large laavu by the community centre, Kylätalo Eurola is the natural base; Visit Haapajärvi summarises catering, caravan pitches, and the Hullun polku departure from the yard(2). The Kuusaa-Jokela community pages repeat the description and classify Kaarlo Circuit as a moderately demanding walking route alongside the longer Hullun polku built in the same village programme(3). North Ostrobothnia mixes open farmland and forested watersheds; Haapajärvi town anchors the Kalajoki valley where this route sits.

The Aittalahti nature trail is about 1.5 km of signed walking by Aittalahti bay on the southwest side of Raahe in North Ostrobothnia. Raahen kaupunki lists nature trails and links the outdoor map with trailheads, shelters and bird towers(1). Visit Raahe rounds up regional hiking and biking ideas and etiquette for coastal rest areas(2). The path is mostly easy and flat with short rootier stretches, yellow-topped posts marking the way, and duckboards along the shore where the ground is wet(3). About 1.5 km into the walk you reach the Aittalahden lintutorni lookout: a roughly seven-metre Corten-steel tower in a shell-like spiral form, completed in 2008 as a SSAB steel showcase project with Outi Palosaari as lead architect, according to contemporary press cited by Taipaleita(3). Near the tower there is a campfire and picnic setup and a bench facing the water; Taipaleita also notes parking and an information board by Lapaluodontie(3). The trail runs near a freight railway line that once carried passengers until 1966—use normal caution at crossings(3). Järvi-meriwiki, aggregating Finnish Environment Institute lake data and local contributions, describes Aittalahti as one of Raahe’s most important bird lakes and lists flagship species such as marsh harrier, black-throated diver, gadwall and common pochard; the bay was reshaped in the 2000s with dredging, new islets and water management, and later an aerator was added to address oxygen issues(4). The same article notes that a roughly three-kilometre lakeside nature trail with a tower and two campfire sites was upgraded around 2007–2008, but that industrial expansion has since left a gap of about half a kilometre where the loop cannot be completed on the nature path alone(4). Cyclists on the long-distance Flatland Route pass the same bird-tower area as part of the Raahe stage; Visit Raahe outlines the 320 km circuit and its coastal villages(5). On foot, Varvin luontopolku, Raahe offers a separate seaside nature loop closer to the old town if you want another short hike the same day(1).

The Ryökönkangas nature trail is about 3,3 km through old spruce-rich forest in the Ryökönkangas reserve on the Alavieska side of the boundary with Merijärvi, in Alavieska, North Ostrobothnia. The City of Alavieska lists Ryökönkankaan aarnimetsä nature trail among its outdoor destinations and notes the area was accepted as a protected site in 1994(1). ATLA hosts a long-form trail guide with waypoint notes, access detail, and practical rules such as the strict no-fire rule on the reserve itself(2). Taipaleita’s May 2022 walk adds colour from the trail: a short gentle climb on the approach spur, roots and stones underfoot, numbered boards on forest and history, and a rest glade where fires would not be appropriate anyway(3). Alavieska is inland in North Ostrobothnia. From the approach track you enter the ring-shaped section on the edge of the protected patch; markers include white paint and tape, and the ring is described as following a clockwise direction on the ground(3). Highlights called out in local material include a 1760 parish boundary stone between the old Suur-Kalajoki and Pyhäjoki parishes, borrowable seat pads and copied board texts in a red post box, and a wide mix of forest nature topics on the boards(2)(3). Ryökönkangas is also part of the EU Natura 2000 network as site FI1002011; the EUNIS habitat summary lists western taiga, a small siliceous rocky patch, and a strip of bog woodland on about 25 hectares(4). Outside the strict reserve, local guides mention a lean-to along Alakorven forest road that visitors often combine with the hike for a meal stop where fire is allowed; treat firewood and tidiness with usual leave-no-trace care(2)(3). An unofficial foot connection from Merijärventie is described in ATLA for experienced visitors who accept informal access; distances and wayfinding there change with maintenance(2).

Rokuansydän is about 8.3 km of hiking in Rokua National Park on the Rokua UNESCO Global Geopark drumlin and dune landscape near Utajärvi in North Ostrobothnia. Metsähallitus manages the park; check Luontoon.fi(1) for the latest route names, closures, campfire rules, and other bulletins before you go. Rokua Geopark introduces the wider hiking network around rivers, islands, and the long-distance tar trail corridor(3). This line is laid out as a day walk rather than a loop: it starts a few minutes from Opastuskeskus Supan kota, passes Hiihtostadionin laavu roughly 0.7 km in, then dives into dry pine heath toward the Saarinen lake area a little past 4 km. There Saarisen kota and Saarinen kota sit close together for a sheltered break, with a composting toilet nearby at Saarinen kompostikäymälä and Saarinen pysäköintialue if you prefer to leave a car mid-route. Dry ground continues toward the end at Pookin paikoitusalue, which also anchors Syvyydenkierros and links toward Pookinpolku and Keisarinkierros on our map. The big landform story is Syvyydenkaivo, one of Finland’s most impressive kettle holes; many visitors pair the national park gates with Keisarinkierros or the shorter Syvyydenkierros circuit that now concentrates foot traffic on terrain the managers want to harden. Retkipaikka’s Luontopolkumies photo story from 2021 captures how gentle the sandy paths, wooden junction signs, and blue-painted tree marks felt on the former Rokuansydän round tour, how wide the Saarinen shore section felt, and why Metsähallitus later steered new winter-summer waymarking toward Syvyydenkierros instead of a full lake loop(2). Expect lichen bright heaths, occasional stairs where the line drops toward the sinkhole rim, and enough fellow hikers on nice weekends that you should step aside on narrow pinches. On the same trailhead benches you can branch into lit ski tracks in snow season or connect toward Rokuan maastopyöräreitit and the Utajärvi–Rokua snowmobile corridor—read our pages for each mode before mixing uses. Oulujokilaakson Tervareitistö Muhos-Rokua stitches the geopark into Utajärvi’s riverfront if you are planning a longer trek.

The Oravisjärvi loop is about 3.1 km of marked hiking around Lake Oravisjärvi southeast of Pyhäjoki town centre. City of Pyhäjoki lists it among the municipality’s marked hiking routes and offers printable route maps in PDF form(1). Pohjolan Rengastie describes the Oravisjärvi circuit as marked in orange and notes that the wider Halusen route links the town centre with Oravisjärvi(2). For on-phone maps and track details, the same municipal listing points to Outdoor Active(3). The circuit passes Oravisjärven laavu, tulipaikka, käymälä at the lakeshore: a lean-to, campfire place, and dry toilet together for a break by the water. The same stop appears on the longer Pirttikosken reitti network, so day hikers can combine lake views with that river-village corridor if they want more distance. From this loop you can join longer Pyhäjoki trails: Halusen reitti runs between the centre and Oravisjärvi, with Hourunkosken kota along that trail; Nasin reitti and Pirttikosken reitti meet the same shoreline area with different lengths and river scenery. See our pages for Oravisjärven laavu, tulipaikka, käymälä and Hourunkosken kota for facilities. Pyhäjoki lies in North Ostrobothnia. North Ostrobothnia offers varied lake-and-forest hiking between the coast and the interior.

For current conditions, closures during large events, firewood deliveries, and services at Koiteli, start with the City of Oulu Koiteli pages(1). The same recreation area is listed on Luontoon.fi(2). Visit Oulu summarises the visitor experience for the rapids and islands(3). Retkipaikka’s walk-through of the Koitelinkoski rapids captures how the site feels on a busy weekend(4). The Koitelinkoski outdoor trail is about 2.1 km along the Kiiminkijoki rapids near Kiiminki in Oulu, North Ostrobothnia. The wider Koiteli area is a long, near-natural rapid stretch with several islands linked by suspension bridges; this hiking segment follows the shore and service points where picnic and grill facilities are clustered(1)(3). The route is not a closed loop. From the direction of travel on this line, you soon pass Koitelinkosken Tulipaikka 3 and Koitelin ulkokuntoilupaikka, an outdoor exercise spot beside the path. A little farther along are Koitelinkosken tulentekopaikka 3 and Koitelinkosken Nuotiopaikka 2. The middle section includes Koitelinkosken esteetön tulentekopaikka and another Esteetön tulentekopaikka with easier access to a riverside fire ring, then Koitelinkosken grillipaikat 4. Toward the far end you reach Koitelinkosken tulentekopaikka, Koitelinkosken Grillikodat 5, and Koitelinkosken Grillikota 6 before the line ends near Iso-Kraaselin Tulentekopaikka. Dry toilets are available in the main service areas of the Koiteli recreation site rather than at every stop(1). The long Kiiminkijoki kayaking route Kodanovisen melontareitti passes through the same rapid landscape for paddlers planning a combined visit. Koiteli is one of the best-known outdoor destinations in the Oulu area, with annual visitor numbers often quoted in the tens of thousands across different official summaries(1)(3).

Iso Ahvenjärvi Forest Learning Trail is about 8.8 km of hiking in the Iso Ahvenjärvi recreation area on Pyhäntä’s eastern edge in Ahokylä, North Ostrobothnia. The municipality describes the destination as quiet backcountry-style terrain in the Hellämönharju Natura 2000 envelope with several clear-water ponds. For planning, current services, and how the forest trail fits the wider Ahvenjärv shore facilities, start with the City of Pyhäntä’s Ahvenjärv recreation area page(1). Locally the same path is often introduced as the Kairanmaankierros nature loop of about eight kilometres: three lean-tos with campfire places line the walk, and interpretation boards explain Kairanmaa’s nature and traces people have left behind over the centuries, with ridge views and lake-and-pond scenery along the way(2). That makes the route a strong pick for families or anyone who likes reading panels between short breaks. The trail also suits mountain biking on the same recreational network as other paths around the lake(2). Roughly 2.7 km along the line you pass Ahvenjärven uimaranta, Pyhäntä’s public swimming beach on Ahvenjärvi. The shore hub groups a grill shelter, kota, dry toilets, smoke sauna, and accommodation buildings together with the beach—details on municipal services stay on the city pages(1). Uimaan.fi lists changing rooms, a grill shelter, and municipal stewardship for the beach itself(3). In winter, maintained snowmobile connections reach the lake from Pyhäntä and Vieremä(1)(2). Metsähallitus publishes the Pyhännänjärvi–Iso Ahvenjärvi snowmobile corridor on Luontoon.fi for riders who want the official track description in the same landscape(4); it shares the Ahvenjärv shore stopping point that appears in our stop list. Day hikers can combine the forest learning loop with beach time, fishing (the lake is stocked with brown trout and whitefish alongside natural fish, with permits sold locally)(2), and—when snow cover allows—awareness of the shared winter motor route. Pyhäntä lies in the Siikajokilaakso countryside within North Ostrobothnia; the trailhead area is about 24 km from the municipal centre(1)(2).

The path starts by Finlandia Hotel and goes to a bird tower and outdoor grill.

Hyypänkallio nature trail is about 1,4 km through a protected old-growth pocket in Ylivieska’s Liikuntapuisto sports park, minutes from the town centre in North Ostrobothnia. The City of Ylivieska describes a marked branch that leaves the bark track about 100 metres from its start, bound for quiet forest that feels deliberately separate from the busy exercise zone around the stadium(1). Within a few hundred metres of that hub you pass Hyypänkallion kuntoportaat—25-metre fitness stairs with a midway landing—and Salmiperän moukarinheittopaikka, then thread toward Liikuntapuiston kota - Ylivieska and Liikuntapuiston parkour-alue Ylivieska as the path ties the woodland section to the larger park(1). Those stairs double as a leg-burning warm-up before you slip into the aarnimetsä stretch the municipality promotes as a calming, almost storybook forest setting(1). Further along the line toward Liikuntakeskus you skirt indoor facilities such as Padel Ylivieska / sisäkentät, Ylivieskan Liikuntakeskuksen squash-halli, Ylivieskan Liikuntakeskuksen uimahalli, Ylivieskan Liikuntakeskuksen tennishalli, and Ylivieskan Liikuntakeskuksen Sisäkiipeilyseinä—handy landmarks if you arrive by foot from Närhitie(1). The same park hosts the roughly 5,8 km Liikuntapuiston valaistu kuntorata and parallel Liikuntapuiston valaistulatu; walkers on those loops reach Koivukallion laavu and Huhjan esteetön laavu with not much extra distance if you want a fire or shelter after the short nature walk(1). Safaripuiston latu crosses the ski network near Liikuntapuiston kota - Ylivieska for a winter add-on(1). If you enjoy smartphone orienteering, MOBO control plates sit in the same woods and the club landing page explains the free app download(1)(3). Keskipohjanmaa reporting on Liikuntapuisto’s participatory-budget work notes how new cycling lines are being layered beside the existing nature paths near the centre—useful context if you also ride the vajaa 2 km maastopyöräreitti the city finished in autumn 2025 with larger jumps at Hyypänkallio(1)(2).

Meksi nature trail is about 3.2 km as one continuous walk in Kalajoki in North Ostrobothnia, linking the Sautinkari shore area with the rocky Meksi viewpoint band. Kalajoki lies on the coast of North Ostrobothnia; this path is part of the outdoor offering around former Himanka, now within the same municipality. Luontoon.fi lists the trail under the Finnish name Meksin luontopolku and is a good place to check the public listing and wider outdoor context(1). City of Kalajoki describes the same shoreline area as a birdwatching nature route to Meksi rocks, with bird towers at Sautinkari and on Meksi rock and about two kilometres between those towers along the connecting path(2). About three kilometres along the route you pass Sautinkarin tenniskenttä and, a little farther, Sautinkarin uimaranta — useful landmarks if you combine the walk with tennis or a swim in summer. There are no lean-tos or bookable kota named on our map along this line; the draw here is coastal forest, rocky steps toward Meksi, and the bird towers for quiet observation. Reissuesan matkablogi walked the Sautinkari–Meksi path using blue paint marks on trees near the Sautinkari caravan area and mentions an old sawmill chimney as a landmark, sheep on pastures in summer, and Meksi rocks as a local downhill-ski spot in past decades — worth reading for on-the-ground pacing and weather notes(3). Some official round figures differ from tracker distances on blogs; treat our 3.2 km figure as the line we publish and allow a little extra if you explore side viewpoints.

The Giant Island nature trail is about 4.4 km and loops through the Jättiläissaari mire area in Muhos, North Ostrobothnia. The landscape is a raised bog with a rocky forested islet: mixed woodland, partly older stand, threaded by duckboards across wet ground toward the Neolithic stone enclosure called Jättiläissaaren jätinkirkko. For directions to the parking area, current maintenance, and the official description of the site, start with the City of Muhos page for Jättiläissaaren jätinkirkko(1). The enclosure sits on the highest part of the islet above the southeastern slope; a duckboard path leads there from the east side of Lake Pirttijärvi. The Finnish Heritage Agency register gives measured details of the stone walls, gateways, and cleared inner space, useful if you want to understand what you are looking at on site(3). Muhos sits in the Oulujoki valley and is part of the Rokua Geopark corridor described on the municipality’s wider hiking pages—easy to combine with other local walks such as Lemmenpolku or stretches of the Oulujokilaakso Tervareitistö when you are in the area(1). Underfoot you should expect mire, duckboards, and natural forest floor; the character is a day trip in a quiet local nature destination rather than a fell or lake-shore promenade. Kaleva reported in 2020 on a temporary outdoor photo exhibition mounted among the pines and open bog as part of a youth workshop project with nature mentors—worth knowing as an example of how the area is sometimes used for community art, even if nothing is mounted during your visit(2). Berry picking is part of how people use these mires; stay on paths and boardwalks where they exist and check the City of Muhos material for any seasonal access notes(1).

Kivikangas nature trail at Lake Pitkäjärvi is a hiking route of about 11.4 km in the Pitkäjärvi–Pernu outdoor countryside west of central Kalajoki in North Ostrobothnia. For current route descriptions, lean-tos, and maintenance notes for the wider Pernun outdoor area, start with the City of Kalajoki’s outdoor routes page(1). The Pernun recreation area is looked after in cooperation with local clubs; Himangan Urheilijat describes the ski lodge, lit tracks, and other facilities around Pernu(3). The trail is not a closed loop. Along the trail you pass mixed forest and open patches, old lichen-picking boxes, and forestry roads; a trip write-up from Reissuesan matkablogi describes marked options of about 7 km and about 9 km on area maps, lean-tos with firewood including Kivikankaan laavu on the longer branch, Lappalaisenkankaan laavu, barley fields, a marked ancient burial site, and shoreline near Pitkäjärven leirikeskus(2). About 3.5 km from the start you reach Pitkäjärven uimapaikka Kalajoki on Pitkäjärventie — a swimming and day-visit shore with a campfire place by the beach(2). The City of Kalajoki lists Pernun nature trails in the roughly 5–12 km range with lean-tos on both main options(1), which fits the mapped distance when longer combinations or outer links are included. The same blog author parked at the swimming beach and walked a longer custom loop of about 17 km in a little over three hours at a brisk pace; for this mapped route, plan roughly half a day of walking unless you move quickly(2). Mid-summer visits can bring biting insects; sturdy footwear helps on stony and occasionally soft ground after rain(2).

Huippupolku Pudasjärvi is a short nature trail on the summit of Iso-Syöte, Finland’s southernmost fell, in Pudasjärvi municipality in North Ostrobothnia, within Syöte National Park. The trail is about 1.2 km as mapped here. Metsähallitus describes it as a guided nature trail at the fell top with a wide view over the national park; in winter, snow and northern lights add their own mood(1). For everyman’s rights, restrictions, and how to move safely in the Iso-Syöte hiking area, check Metsähallitus on Luontoon.fi(2). The route is a compact walk on the open fell: interpretation boards along the path explain fell ecology and landscape(1)(3). The Syöte destination site notes the trail is well marked, with a viewpoint partway around where you can sit and eat; there is no campfire site or toilet on the fell top itself—plan services before you climb(3). Out in the Nature’s Iso-Syöte article adds practical context: the hotel parking area is the usual access point, the wider Syöte trail network uses yellow paint for many shorter walks and blue for the UKK trekking route, and this summit path is not suitable as a wheelchair or stroller route(4). From the top you look out over forest, lakes, and mire country typical of the park(1)(4). If you want a longer approach or return leg, the Luontokeskus – Iso-Syötteen huippu hiking route links Syötteen luontokeskus to the same summit area, and Huipunlenkit offers marked biking options nearby. After a hot summer walk, Syöte.fi suggests cooling off at Luppovesi beach near the Iso-Syöte resort—Luppovesi lies a short distance from the fell base(3).

For opening hours, maps, and the latest service information at this trailhead, start with the Syöte Nature Centre page on Luontoon.fi(1). Metsähallitus prints day-route maps and tables for Syöte that sit alongside the wider trail network starting from the same visitor centre(2). Out in the Nature’s walk-through of Iso-Syöte explains how separate summit paths work: after you gain height, a short Huippupolku interpretive loop circles the fell top and is usually approached from the hotel side(3). The trail is about 2.5 km as a one-way climb in Pudasjärvi in North Ostrobothnia, from Syötteen luontokeskus and Luontokeskus pysäköointialue toward the Iso-Syöte summit ridge—plan on walking back the same way or joining a longer circuit if you intend to return on foot. Right at the start you pass Syötteen luontokeskuksen laavu for a sheltered break and fire ring, with Syötteen luontokeskus a few steps away for maps and route advice. The first few hundred metres also brush Syöte DiscGolfPark at Erätien ja Pärjänjoentien risteys, which is easy to pair with a summit outing on calm summer days. At trail junctions the same corridor links into Ahmankierros and Torpparin taival, so you can expand this into a much longer fell tour when you have time and daylight. Walking trails across the Syöte area are described as marked with yellow paint blazes, with wooden guide posts at junctions(4). Expect spruce forest, then increasingly open views as you approach the southernmost tall fell landscape in Finland; Out in the Nature notes wide panoramas of forest, lakes, and wetlands from the top(3). Wind and cooler air near the tree line are common—bring a wind shell even for short trips(3). At the top, Huippupolku is a separate short interpretive loop; Out in the Nature describes how visitors often approach it from the hotel side after gaining height(3). Mappa.fi teaching material describes the same Huippupolku as a one-kilometre ring on the Iso-Syöte fell top with boards explaining fell nature, starting from Tunturihotelli parking(5)—optional after this climb from the nature centre if you want the full summit circle.

The trail is about 12.4 km between Kivisaari wetland and the forests and shores around Iso-Kärsämäenjärvi in Kärsämäki, North Ostrobothnia. It is a point-to-point day hike through the Sydänmaankylä–Syke countryside where Visit Kärsämäki highlights nature trails, snowmobile and mountain bike routes, and dozens of laavut and kodat for breaks(1). For the wider Metsähallitus trail catalogue in the same municipality, Luontoon.fi lists the shorter Sydänmaankylä–Kokkopuro polku nearby(2); use that page for general hiking context and map browsing alongside local material(2). From the north end, you soon reach Kivisaarenkosteikon laavu+kota at the wetland edge, then Kivipuron laavu in mixed forest. Around Syke village centre the route passes Sykkeen beachvolleykentät and Kyläkeskus Sykkeen tanssilava off Sykkeentie—useful landmarks if you coordinate transport or a food stop. Mid-route, Ylikulun laavu sits roughly eight kilometres from the start as a longer break point before the final lakeshore section. The line finishes near Ison Kärsämäenjärven laavu on the big lake, a natural place to pause before arranging pickup. The same corridor is shared in our database with Pyöräilyreitti Kivisaaren kosteikko - Iso-Kärsämäkijärvi, and it meets other marked networks including Sydänmaankylä - Kokkopuro polku and winter snowmobile routes through the same laavu names—check seasonal rules on municipal and trail-manager pages(1)(3). Kärsämäki municipality publishes general leisure contacts for local advice(3).

For opening times, boat access, and services on the island, start with the City of Raahe’s Ison-Kraaselin luontopolku page(1). Visit Raahe’s Iso-Kraaseli island guide adds detail on habitats, the historic pilot buildings, and grazing(2). Taipaleita’s on-the-ground walk notes marking colours, duckboards, and how the path feels underfoot(3). The Iso-Kraaseli Island nature trail is about 1.8 km long and forms a loop on Iso-Kraaseli, Raahe’s second-largest island in the Bothnian Bay archipelago. The island lies in the Raahe archipelago Natura 2000 site. Along the route, fifteen nature boards introduce birds, plants, land uplift, and shoreline habitats(1)(2). The terrain is mostly easy with little elevation change; the surface shifts between even forest floor, stony and rooty sections, and short duckboard crossings over wet ground(3). Look for the snake spruce and a particularly large old pine that sources highlight beside the path(2)(3). In the middle of the island, a landlocked coastal lake (kluuvijärvi) sits in quiet contrast to the open sea(2)(3). Summer sheep graze the island as part of management(1)(2). Near the main landing area you pass Iso-Kraaselin pooki, the wooden daymark rebuilt in the 19th century, and the historic Iso-Kraaselin luotsitupa area with services run by MeriRaahe (café seasons, accommodation—see their site for bookings). For a break outdoors, Koitelinkosken Tulentekopaikka 9, Iso-Kraaselin Laavu, and Varaustupa (Pikkulahden Palvelut) sit close together by the shore; Iso-Kraaselin Rantautumispaikka offers a landing point a little farther along the loop. In winter, the marked Smitti-Iso-Kraaseli jäälatu ski trail uses the same island as part of a longer ice route toward Smitti, separate from summer hiking maintenance(1). Raahe is a coastal city in North Ostrobothnia; the archipelago here was named Finnish Outdoor Destination of the Year in 2016 in regional promotion. Check Visit Raahe for cruises and water taxis when planning how to reach the island(2).

Kuntivaara Trail is about 1.4 km of marked hiking trail on the north-east edge of Kuusamo, on a quartzite fell beside the national border zone toward Russia. The path starts essentially at Kuntivaara kota, a wilderness kota that was rebuilt in late 2021 after a fire; the City of Kuusamo announced the new element kota for public use after inspections on 23 December 2021(2). The open kota, fire pit, firewood storage, viewing tower, and dry toilet described in METSO programme trail materials for the wider border-zone walking route still match what visitors expect at the top area today(4). For the Luontoon.fi listing that pairs with the same Kuntivaara destination under the closely related name Kuntivaaran polku, see Metsähallitus on Luontoon.fi(1). Kuusamo lies in North Ostrobothnia; this part of Koillismaa is remote from shops and fuel. Mobile coverage is patchy, so carry maps, spare clothing, and the usual basics even though the climb from parking to the summit area is short(5). The summit lies roughly 460 m above sea level in regional trail writing, with views toward Russia and old-growth spruce forest and mire features protected in the Natura 2000 mosaic along the way(4)(5). In winter the surroundings are heavily used by the maintained snowmobile network that links toward Kuntivaara; the city has documented large-scale track upgrading and the popularity of kelkka access and kota stops for riders(6). For summer drivers, sources still describe a small parking area some tens of kilometres beyond Kuusamo town toward the trailhead, then a straight-forward foot path to the top(5). On foot you can continue seamlessly into the city’s slightly longer Kuntivaaran polku walking route along the same ridge infrastructure, and the snowmobile routes Kuntivaara–Määttälänvaara and Kiviperä–Kuntivaara pass the same summit kota and lookout.

Hiiden Hurmos is a summer hiking trail of about 4.3 km in Oulanka National Park. Kuusamo is the gateway municipality in North Ostrobothnia, and the route lies entirely inside the national park. The trail introduces the Kiutaköngäs rapids and the forests and mire-edged ponds west of the river. Start planning on the Luontoon.fi page for Hiiden hurmos(1). The trail begins at Oulangan luontokeskus beside the nature-centre parking; the same arrival hub serves Karhunkierros day hikers and paddlers continuing toward the river from Savilampi or Taivalköngäs. From the centre you follow a gentle, clearly marked path. Independent visitors describe pine-cone symbol markers plus yellow paint blazes on tree trunks, wooden duckboards over wet ground, and a reindeer-handling fence with interpretive boards before the route splits into a ring around two small forest ponds often called the Hiidenlammet(2)(3). That middle section stays quiet and sheltered compared with the roar near the rapids, and several trip reports time a lunch stop for after the ponds so Kiutaköngäs comes last along the ring(2). About 3.4–3.5 km into the walk the character shifts: you reach Mataraniemi and the camping-related campfire spots, the Kiutaköngäs rest shelters, an accessible fireplace and dry toilet beside the river, and a boat launch on Oulankajoki. Matkablogi Mangostania’s account highlights viewing platforms and footbridges that lead onto rocky islets in the whitewater, and notes how loud and spray-filled the main chute feels up close(2). The nearby Kiutakönkään esteetön tulipaikka and the very short Könkään kuohu esteetön polku give visitors who need firm surfaces a way to sample the same bank without the full forest loop(3). Matkalla Missä Milloinkin adds that Hiiden hurmos was easier going on packed snow than the longer Könkään keino loop during their winter visit, and that staff still recommended a counter-clockwise circuit(3). In summer the same advice appears in family blogs: save the biggest whitewater for the end of the hike and carry water, because there is no vending along the trail(2).

Rajaniemi Trail is a long day hike of about 19.3 km between the Yppäri school area and Kielosaari in Pyhäjoki, North Ostrobothnia, on the Gulf of Bothnia coast. The trail is not a loop: it is a point-to-point hike between the two trailheads. For the full trail list, printable maps, and any updates, the City of Pyhäjoki publishes its hiking hub online(1). Pohjolan Rengastie lists the same route as a Pyhäjoki segment in the wider regional outdoor network, with blue markings and about 19.9 km in their summary(2). The printable hiking route maps name landmarks such as the Isovihan memorial, Merimaja shore, Perilahti, Veteraanimaja, Rajaniemi, Ruonan bridge, Vaaranlahti, and Pyhäluoto shore, and they flag sandy beach walking, rocky shoreline, and Etelänkyläntie road traffic as places to treat with extra care(3). The route sits in Pyhäjoki. North Ostrobothnia is the English region name; Finnish pages use Pohjois-Pohjanmaa in parallel so city and region links resolve cleanly. From the Yppäri end, the line passes local services and shore scenery described in the municipal materials. Within the first kilometre, Pörkän sataman laavu ja nuotiopaikka offers a lean-to and campfire by the harbour; Elävisluodon reitti and Viirretjärven reitti share this part of the network if you want shorter loops or links toward Lake Viirretjärvi. Yppärin merimaja/ tanssilava and Merimajan ranta and Merimajan uimaranta sit by the shore for a swim or a pause. Yppärin urheilukenttä lies just inland from the early shore section. About 6.8 km from the mapped start, Veteraanimaja varaustupa is a reservable wilderness-style hut on a short signed add-on, Rajaniemen reitin lisäosa, Veteraanimaja, that branches from the main Rajaniemi Trail. Farther along, Pyhäluodon Laavu and Pyhäluodon ranta cluster on Pyhäluoto with a lean-to and a swimming shore. The finish area is Kielosaari and Kielopuisto local sports park. Kielosaaren lintutorni is a birdwatching tower above the river; Kielopuiston kota is a kota shelter nearby. The City of Pyhäjoki’s Kielosaaren luontopolku page describes a separate 600 m nature loop from the camping area with small bridges and duckboards to the tower and a campfire spot(5). Taipaleita walked that short loop and captures the boardwalks, bridges, and tower views in plain language(4). Kielopuisto, Kielopuiston tenniskenttä, Pyhäjoen urheilukenttä, Pyhäjoen jäähalli, and Pyhäjoen liikuntahalli lie in the same town-side cluster at the end of the long hike. You can stitch in more distance from connecting trails without leaving the municipality’s network: Rautiperän lenkki and Rautiperän lenkille siirtymä meet near Kielopuisto; Saaren lenkki and Tervon reitti add short loops from the sports-park side; Pyhäjoen penkkatiet and the Flatland Route long-distance bike ring touch the same zone for riders linking onward(1). Kielosaaren luontopolku is a separate short nature trail that shares the tower and kota(5).

Naavaparta Trail is about 2.6 km as a gentle point-to-point path in Syöte National Park between Annintupa and the Syöte Nature Centre area in Pudasjärvi. The Finnish name in everyday use is Naavaparran polku. Metsähallitus describes it as a gravel-surfaced nature trail suited to hikers of all ages, with story boards along the way about Syöte’s ecology—for example pytho kolwensis beetles, flying squirrels, and beard and horsehair lichens(1). For the wider trail network, up-to-date tips, and how Syöte’s footpaths are marked, Syöte.fi is a practical first stop(2). In winter the same corridor is one of two official snowshoe routes in the national park; Scandinavian Outdoor’s Syöte winter article notes that one half of the loop is packed by snowmobile, so you may not need snowshoes at all, and that the route reaches Annintupa for a snack stop(3). On the ground you can walk either from Annintupa toward Syötteen luontokeskus or the other way round; regional copy often pictures a break at Annintupa and services at the nature centre(2). Shortly after setting out from the hut end you are on the same corridor as Ukk-ulkoilureitti—the long UKK hiking route through this landscape—while other park paths use yellow paint marks and the UKK spine itself is marked in blue(2). About 2.4 km into the walk you pass Syöte DiscGolfPark at the Erätie and Pärjänjoentie crossing. The nature-centre end clusters Syötteen luontokeskuksen laavu, Syötteen luontokeskus, and Luontokeskus pysäköointialue, so it is straightforward to combine the walk with visitor services, maps, and the lean-to terrace. Dry toilets are available near Annintupa alongside the hut cluster rather than as separate sightseeing stops. Pudasjärvi lies in North Ostrobothnia; Iso-Syöte and the national park draw hikers year-round. Dedicated YouTube searches did not surface a clip whose title clearly isolated only this named trail, so video is omitted for now.

Kivijärvi nature tower trail is about 0.1 km as a short loop in Pyhäntä, North Ostrobothnia. It leads to the Kiivijärvi luontotorni viewing tower beside Lake Kivijärvi, a Natura 2000 bird habitat where a large black-headed gull colony and diverse waterfowl and waders have been recorded, though the wetland is now heavily overgrown toward mire(2). The walk is best combined with the wider Kivijärvenkangas outdoor pocket: the same trailhead area links to the lit ski trail and lit fitness loop on Kivijärvenkangas (about 1–3 km on the ski line, with lighting) maintained by the City of Pyhäntä(1), and grooming status is posted on the municipal ski information page(3). Kivijärvenkangas laavu sits a short distance from the short tower loop and is a practical break point for winter events and local gatherings; Lamujoki–Ojalankylä village association has sold snacks by the laavu during community ski-week openings. The City of Pyhäntä lists contact details for sports services on its outdoor recreation pages if you need maintenance timing or local guidance(1). Pyhäntä lies in Pohjois-Pohjanmaa. Visitors interested in birdlife and quiet lake-and-mire views climb the tower and use the short foot loop; longer exercise belongs on the parallel Kivijärvenkankaan valaistu latu and Kivijärvenkankaan valaistu kuntorata, which pass the tower area along their circuits.

For trail-specific planning and the national outdoor listing for this segment, start with the Luontoon.fi page for Halusen reitti lisäosa Kupuliskoski pohjoinen(1). The City of Pyhäjoki publishes the wider hiking network around Pirttikoski—including Halusen reitti at 9.9 km and Kupuliskosken reitti at 5 km—with printable overview sheets(2)(3). The trail lies in Pyhäjoki, North Ostrobothnia. Halusen Trail extension, Kupuliskoski north is about 0.1 km as a very short loop beside the Pyhäjoki river at Kupuliskoski rapids. It extends the Halusen day-hike network on the north bank so you can step between the north-shore kota and campfire point and the rest of the riverside trail system without backtracking only on longer circuits. Along the line you pass Kupuliskosken pohjoisrannan kota, tulipaikka, käymälä on the north shore and stay within a few dozen metres of Kupuliskosken eteläranta kota, tulipaikka, käymälä on the south shore—the two day-use kota sites that frame this rapid. Pirttikoski village describes Kupuliskoski as one of the largest rapids on this reach, with a kota on the south side of the river at the rapid and shore roads that tie the village into wider cycling and outdoor networks(4). The same riverbank is threaded by Kupuliskosken reitti, Vuotinperän reitti, and Pirttikosken reitti on the hiking side, while Pirttikosken taidereitti, Oulainen-Pyhäjoki pyöräilyreitti, and Flatland Route retkipyöräilyn rengasreitti meet the network for bikes; Pyhäjoen melontareitti passes for paddlers. Pyhäjoki is on the Pohjolan Rengastie touring corridor, which highlights the municipality among North Ostrobothnia’s outdoor destinations(5).

The Kalettisuo hiking trail is about 5.7 km point-to-point in Pudasjärvi, North Ostrobothnia, threading forest and mire margin country beside the middle course of the River Iijoki. For local trail listings, contacts, and the same municipal hiking network context, start with the City of Pudasjärvi outdoor pages(3). The Finnish Environment Institute describes the wider Natura 2000 site around Sotkajärvi, Helkalansuo, and Kalettomansuo—forming the Helkalansuo–Kalettisuo aapa mire and lake complex with strong wetland bird values—so you are walking at the edge of one of the best-known inland water and mire landscapes in the province(1). The North Ostrobothnia Ornithological Society gives driver directions toward Sotkajärvi and on-foot access toward Kalettomansuo from the Iijoki bridge area; many visitors combine a short walk with lake and mire birdwatching there(2). Iijoki.fi explains how the main stem runs 370 km through North Ostrobothnia with Pudasjärvi on its banks, highlights canoeing and rowing as the classic way to see the valley, and notes Sotkajärvi among the area’s well-known waterfowl wetland sites—helpful background if you pair this hike with a summer paddle(4). On our map the foot trail almost touches the long Iijoen vesiretkeilyreitti kayaking route on the Iijoki waterway, so paddlers and hikers can plan shuttles or mixed days along the same river corridor. Treat the mire–lake fringe as bird-sensitive in spring and early summer and follow every Finnish everyman’s rights alongside any local guidance from managers(1)(2)(3). There are no huts or laavut from our route-stop data on this line, so carry what you need for weather and bugs on open mires.

Kikarilampi Winter Trail (Kikarilammen talvireitti) is a maintained winter multi-use route in Taivalkoski, North Ostrobothnia, intended for walking, snowshoeing, and fatbiking. The route on our map is about 3.8 km as one continuous line along the Susiraja–Ouluntie corridor. The City of Taivalkoski describes the full Kikarilampi winter tour at roughly 11 km: it runs out and back across Highway 20 (VT20), then follows a circular loop through esker scenery(1). Visit Taivalkoski gives the same picture and rounds the Kikarilampi tour to about 11 km, starting from Taivalvaara Ski Resort(2). Dogs are welcome when kept on a leash(1)(2). The municipality maintains the winter trails together with volunteers(1). For the latest groomed line and crossings, use the Taivalkoski map service winter-trails layer(3). Taivalkoski lies in southern Koillismaa; the trailhead area most often used for both municipal winter loops is Taivalvaaran hiihtokeskus on Mäkitie(1)(2). Along the segment mapped here you pass Susiraja Sauna and Susiraja Camp, Taivalkoski Finland within the first half-kilometre—handy if you combine a sauna session or camping with a winter outing. Near the eastern end of this line, about 3.7 km from the start of the mapped segment, you reach Tervas Frisbeegolf on Ouluntie, beside the same winter network that links to Pikku Tervalammen laavu and other Taivalvaara trails. On the full Kikarilampi winter circuit described by the City of Taivalkoski, two lean-tos sit a short branch from the main line: Pikku-Tervalammen laavu about 1.8 km from Taivalvaara in their materials, and Turvakonaluksen lintutornin laavu about 1.6 km from Taivalvaara—firewood is provided and both suit family outings; the path toward Pikku-Tervalammen laavu has more height change, while the bird-tower branch is easier and flatter(1)(2). The same outdoor cluster connects in our database to Siikavaaran talvireitti, the other signed winter loop from the same network(1); in summer, overlapping lines include Kikarilammenpolku, Pikkutervalammenpolku, Pahkakurun retkeilyreitti, Taivalvaaran valaisemattomat ladut, and the Taivalkoski–Atsinki–Syöte mountain bike route, so Kikarilampi works as the winter counterpart to that larger Taivalvaara system.

Tahvolan Trail is a short hiking loop of about 1 km in Muhos, North Ostrobothnia, along the Oulujoki Valley Tar Trail network. The City of Muhos Halinsaari page is the best official place to read how the Halinsaari laavu, firewood, and parking on Pyhänsivuntie fit together with the wider trail(1). The trail lies in Muhos. The loop shares the same corridor as the long-distance Oulujoki Valley Tar Trail (Muhos–Rokua) hiking route and sits a short walk from Halinsaari laavu—about 140 m from the route start—so you can combine a quick forest-and-river outing with a break at the lean-to and fireplace. The municipality’s Tervareitistö introduction explains the orange-marked tar-boat signage and the cultural storyboards along the valley route(2). Metsähallitus describes the national Muhos–Rokua hiking section on Luontoon.fi for anyone planning longer legs on the same network(3). Jalkaisin’s account of walking from Halinsaari along the river notes a path that hugs the Oulujoki bank, sometimes narrow and sometimes wide, with short duckboard sections and varied forest underfoot on the onward Tervareitistö leg—useful colour for what the riverside tread can feel like in summer(4). In winter the same landscape is served by the wide Oulujoki Valley Tar Trail ski route where it overlaps the valley; the summer hiking route and winter ski route are separate entries in public data but share place names like Halinsaari laavu. North Ostrobothnia offers straightforward access from the Oulu–Kajaani axis for a short stop or as part of a longer Tervareitistö day.

Nasin Trail is a marked day hike in Pyhäjoki, North Ostrobothnia, threading the municipality’s river-and-lake outdoor network east of the town centre. City of Pyhäjoki lists Nasin reitti among its named hiking routes, links the same name to Outdoor Active for on-phone maps, and publishes printable PDF maps for the full local trail set(1)(3). Pohjolan Rengastie lists this route by name with orange markings and describes the corridor at about 14 km(2). The trail is about 11.9 km as one continuous path; municipal and regional listings often round the same line to roughly 14 km depending on how the segment is measured(1)(2). The route is point-to-point, not a loop. Along the wider Pyhäjoki system it meets several other marked trails: Halusen reitti links the centre with Oravisjärvi and passes Hourunkosken kota by Hourunkoski rapids; Oravisjärven lenkki circles Oravisjärvi with Oravisjärven laavu, tulipaikka, käymälä on the shore; Liminkajärven reitti runs toward Liminkajärvi and passes Nikulan maja varaustupa, with a short add-on segment Liminkajärven reitti, lisä Nikulan kämppä for the reservable hut area. Pirttikosken reitti is a common junction village in this network—City of Pyhäjoki’s printable map pack shows how Pirttikoski connects Halusen, Oravisjärvi, Nasin, and Helaakosken reitit with road crossings, so you can plan joins or day combinations from the same PDF overview(3). Retkipaikka’s Flatland Route article highlights Hourunkoski and the Pyhäjoki embankment trails as part of the wider river landscape if you want regional trip context beyond this foot line(5). Visit Raahe summarises Pyhäjoki’s river, fields, and coastal outdoor character for visitors planning wider trips in the Raahe region(4). Pyhäjoki lies in North Ostrobothnia. North Ostrobothnia offers varied hiking between the Gulf of Bothnia coast and inland lake country.

The Lihapyörre accessible trail is a very short loop in Hossa National Park along a bend of Somerjoki, with open pine-and-river scenery typical of the esker landscape. Metsähallitus lists it as a demanding accessible route (vaativa esteetön): the surface is meant to work with powered mobility, but grades and outdoor conditions still deserve a careful read of Luontoon.fi before you travel(1). For driving directions, parking layout, and the yellow trail markers, Visit Suomussalmi’s Lihapyörre page is a practical companion(2). The trail is about 0.2 km as a circuit on our map. The tread is described as a clearly passable track paved with stone ash, marked in yellow(2). Electric wheelchairs and electric scooters are explicitly mentioned as suitable when conditions allow(2). Most of what you come for clusters around Lihapyörre laavu: an open accessible lean-to, a fire ring, and an accessible dry toilet — bring your own toilet paper(1)(2). In front of the lean-to, an accessible pier is set up for fishing, launching or landing small craft, and simply watching the river(1)(2). Lihapyörre laituri and Venelaituri Lihapyörre sit with the water access points in the same band, while Lihapyörre pysäköintialue and Lihapyörre linja-autopysäköintialue handle cars and coaches a little farther out along the approach road. Dry toilets are also placed for the parking corners at Lihapyörre p-paikan käymälä and Lihapyörre laavu käymälä for day visits. Retkipaikka’s Hossa series explains how Lihapyörre was upgraded as one of the park’s new barrier-free campfire focal points, with fire pits shaped so wheelchair users can reach the flames safely and toilets converted to match(3). From this quiet river pocket you can join longer hiking and cycling networks: Värikallion kaarros follows the main hiking arc past the Värikallio rock art, Sininen saavutus overlaps here on the shared Blue trail cycling line, Kokalmus - Laukkujärvi heads toward Laukkujärvi wilderness hut country, and the JulmaÖlkky - Somer - Hossa kayaking route passes the same docks when you arrive by canoe. Kuusamo is the city we use for this listing, and North Ostrobothnia is the region anchor, even though Hossa itself spreads across several municipalities. Fishing needs the normal permits for Hossa waters; Luontoon.fi mentions species such as river grayling along Somerjoki in its overview copy(1).

Välineva–Pienimäki hiking trail is a roughly 11.5 km point-to-point walk in Kärsämäki, North Ostrobothnia, linking the Välineva and Pienimäki sides of an extensive forest-and-bog outdoor network. Plan from the Luontoon.fi entry for this route, which publishes the national outdoor-service description and map layer for the trail(1). Visit Kärsämäki(2) promotes the municipality’s year-round lean-to and kota network and notes nature paths, snowmobile corridors, and mountain-biking lines around Sydänmaankylä—the same countryside this hiking line crosses. Landscape context on Visit Kärsämäki’s Kärsämäki-info pages(3) explains why the surroundings feel open and damp: Kärsämäki sits on the Suomenselkä watershed divide, most landforms are gentle lake-and-mire country, and peatlands cover more than half of the municipal area, with larger bogs such as Kärsämäenneva and Lauttaneva named for orientation. Along the trail you reach Syvänojan laavu first, about one kilometre from the northern end—a simple overnight shelter and natural break spot among spruce and stream gullies. After a longer middle section through mixed forest and wetland fringes, Ylikulun laavu appears some six to seven kilometres from that same starting end, a second lean-to where you can pause before pushing on toward Pienimäki. Dry toilets are typically associated with these maintained shelters; check current upkeep on the official listing if you rely on them. The same forest corridor is used in summer and winter by the Välineva - Pienimäki mountain-biking route and the Välineva-Pienimäki snowmobile trail, so expect wider tracks and shared etiquette in season. From Ylikulun laavu you can also branch onto Iso-Kärsämäenjärven polku for a shorter loop around Lake Iso-Kärsämäenjärvi, or explore longer wetland connectors such as Kivisaaren kosteikko - Iso-Kärsämäenjärven polku if you want to extend into the Kivisaari mire complex described on connecting-trail pages elsewhere in Luontoon.fi.

For trail descriptions, national park rules, and the latest service information, start from the Toraslammen kierros trail page on Luontoon.fi(1). Metsähallitus’s printable overview highlights spruce forest, streamside deciduous strips, Toraslampi as an overnight setting, Ahmavaara, and views from the lookout tower on Ahmakallio—terrain that suits a hike of several nights(2). Syöte.fi reminds visitors that Syöte National Park follows litter-free hiking principles and that there is no waste collection at Metsähallitus huts, so everything you pack in must leave with you(3). The Toraslampi round trail is about 26 km in Pudasjärvi in North Ostrobothnia, mainly inside Syöte National Park. The line reaches Toraslampi wilderness hut and its campfire spot near the water, Koiratupa and Koiraoja shelters not far past the first few kilometres, then Lomaoja laavu before the climb toward Ahmakallio torni on Ahmavaara. About 13 km along, Ahmatupa brings together an open wilderness hut, a reservable hut with sauna, kota, well, and shared firewood and dry-toilet facilities; the reservable side is where you read about booking and sauna use on our Ahmatupa pages. Ylpiätupa and Välitupa offer more day-hut and campfire shelter further south along the circle before Annintupa. Near Syötteen luontokeskus you pass Syöte DiscGolfPark, Luontokeskus pysäköointialue, Syötteen luontokeskuksen laavu, and Syötteen luontokeskus—handy services if you want to finish with café, maps, or staff tips. The route shares track with Ukk-ulkoilureitti (the UKK Trail Syöte–Puolanka section) at the start and threads the same hut network that long-distance walkers use on that line. In winter, Syötteen SM-ladut groomed ski trails run close to the nature-centre end; this research describes the marked summer hiking circuit, not those machine-groomed ski routes. Terrain shifts from gentle paths near Toraslampi and the visitor centre to rockier, rootier forest footpath in the Lomaoja–Ahmavaara section; carry map or phone navigation for poor weather. Metsähallitus describes the tour as a strong choice when you want several nights in the vaara forest with lake shoreline and viewpoints(2). Hikinen reppu’s summer walk around the loop from Toraslampi adds plain-language notes on mosquitoes in warm weather, how the Lomaoja laavu shelter felt recently maintained, and how busy Ahmatupa can feel when the seasonal kiosk side is open (9–15 in their visit context)(4).

Korkattivuori Nature Trail is about 1.5 km of walking through forest and rock in Haapavesi, North Ostrobothnia. Locals often call the same path Korkatin luontopolku after the Korkatti area. Visit Haapavesi introduces the hill as the highest point in the western part of the old Oulu Province—today read that as a clear landmark on the Haapavesi uplands—with the summit at 186.6 m above sea level, strong relief over nearby bogs, and a short nature trail through varied habitats beside an old-growth forest reserve(1). The City of Haapavesi publishes a dedicated trail PDF with maps and access notes that pair well with the wider Visit Haapavesi hiking overview(2). You reach the forest road fork from main road 793 by driving about 10.7 km from Kirkonkylä toward Pulkkila to a signposted turn for Korkatin polku; within roughly 800 m the drive meets the lean-to and fire place where the marked footpath starts(1). About 1.1 km along the route you pass Korkattivuoren laavu, a lean-to with a barbecue spot that works well as a lunch pause; bring your own firewood, because supplies are not guaranteed on site(2)(3)(4). Read more about the shelter on our Korkattivuoren laavu page. From the lean-to the path climbs Korkattivuori with blue trail ribbons, stretches of bedrock, wooden stairs, and duckboards; Taipaleita’s on-foot notes highlight the contrast between rocky slopes, ancient-forest legs, and a devil’s field edge before the route drops back toward the forest road(3). Near the top, materials from Visit Haapavesi and walkers describe a picnic table and the lower platform of an old fire-watch tower adapted as a lookout—climbing the tower itself is not intended(1)(3)(4). The outing is compact but packs relief, scenery, and habitat variety typical of western North Ostrobothnia. Taipaleita and Täyttä elämää both suggest reserving about half an hour to an hour for the round trip with photo stops(3)(4). For the latest maintenance notices, any map updates, and the observation tower fact sheet, start from the City of Haapavesi retkeily index and PDF set(2); Visit Haapavesi stays the plain-language guide for coordinates and road approach from highway 793(1).

Julma Ölkky trail is a short, point-to-point hiking connection of about 2.3 km along the Julma-Ölkky canyon-lake service area in Hossa National Park. Kuusamo is the nearest large municipality on the address register, and North Ostrobothnia is the region. For national park rules, services, and updates for Julma-Ölkky, Metsähallitus publishes the main visitor information on Luontoon.fi(1). You start from the busy Julma-Ölkky “service end” of the lake near Julma-Ölkyn esteetön melontalaituri and Ala-Ölkky vetotaival. Julmaölkky linja-auto p-paikka and Julma-Ölkyn lisäparkkipaikka give room for cars and coaches; dry toilets sit close to Julmaölkyn käymälä near the parking edge. Within a few hundred metres you reach Ala-Ölkky tulentekopaikka, a campfire spot on the Ala-Ölkky shore. Visit Suomussalmi describes a campfire spot at Ala-Ölkky about 300 m south of the Julma-Ölkky parking pocket and notes dry toilets only near the main parking, which matches how facilities cluster at this end of the canyon(2). Further along the line, Ala-Ölkyn laavu offers a lean-to break beside AlaÖlkky laavu käymälä. Near the far end you pass Somerojoki hete, a small spring on Somerojoki. The trail is a handy link for longer Julma-Ölkky outings. The same hub connects to Ölökyn ähkäsy, the demanding ~10 km circuit around the lake, and to Ölökyn ylitys, the shorter circular route that crosses the canyon on a suspension bridge with stone stairs and spiral stairs on the far wall(2). Visit Suomussalmi also points out a connecting path toward the Värikallio rock paintings via Ala-Ölkky(2), which aligns with how Värikallion kaarros meets this corner of the network(3). JulmanÖlkyn vesiretkeilyreitti shares the launch and vetotaival for paddlers. Retkipaikka’s introduction to Julma-Ölkky sets the scene: a roughly three-kilometre rift lake with cliffs up to about 50 m above the water, Finland’s largest canyon lake by reputation, with Pirunkirkko cave and rock-art sites along the east shore described for visitors who combine walks(4). Luontopolkumies’ walk report on Ölökyn ylitys from the same yard emphasises rocky, uneven tread on the western rim, sturdy footwear, and a popular summer kiosk and boat departures beside the trailheads—good practical colour for what the Julma-Ölkky shore feels like even on a short leg(5).

Vihaslahti Birdwatching Tower Trail is a compact loop of about 0.1 km beside Vihaslahti bay on Kalajoki’s Hiekkasärkät coast in North Ostrobothnia. Luontoon.fi(1) describes the setting: Vihaslahti is a former sea bay among the dune landscapes, with land-uplift shoreline meadows and sand shores that keep changing; an about 100-metre path leads from the namesake rest area to Vihaslahti lintutorni, with views across the bay and meadows. Visit Kalajoki(2) explains that the wider bay area in the Vihas-Keihäslahti nature reserve draws many bird species feeding and nesting, that summer grazing sheep often show up in the fields, and that boardwalk and embankment trails from the resort make the approach easy for walking or cycling (for example on the order of four kilometres one way from Marine Nature Centre or a shorter hop from Tahkokorvi near Restaurant Lohilaakso). Kalajoki is the home municipality; use the official pages for the latest seasonal access tips. Luontopolkumies captured the longer Hiekkasärkät–Vihaslahti boardwalk day with photos and bird notes on Retkipaikka(3)—helpful context if you add kilometres before or after this short tower loop. On the ground you reach Vihaslahti lintutorni first, then follow the tiny circuit past Vihaslahti tulentekopaikka and Vihasniemen laavu. Vihaslahti pysäköintipaikka sits at the service cluster with the laavu and an information shelter that Visit Kalajoki(2) mentions beside the bay; dry toilets are available in that cluster. Bring binoculars for waterfowl and waders over the reeds and shallows. If you want a longer outing on foot, Vihasniemi nature trail and Hiekkasärkkien rantareitti share this headland and add shoreline walking along the dunes network.

The Hannuksen laavu trail is a medium-demand hiking circuit on Hailuoto, Finland’s largest island in the Bothnian Bay. For map browsing and the service entry for this outing, Luontoon.fi lists Hannuksenlammen laavun reitti(1). The City of Hailuoto publishes distances, difficulty, marking colours, and how the route lines up with the wider Marjaniemi trail network(2). This trail segment is about 3.5 km. The City of Hailuoto describes the full Hannuksenlammen laavun reitti as about 5.2 km and roughly one to one and a half hours, as a circuit that can start from Marjaniemi lighthouse or from the Ranta-Sumpu end(2). The same pages mark the trail with red paint on trees, note duckboard sections, sand and cart tracks, and pine forest paths past small forest ponds typical of the island(2). Retkipaikka’s Luontopolkumies trip report adds on-the-ground texture—boardwalk feel on wet sections, a large lean-to at Hannuksenlampi with a route map on an information board, and how the path joins the longer Marjaniemi–Pajuperä round before returning toward the coast(4). About one kilometre into the walk from a Marjaniemi start you reach Hannuksenlammen laavu: a lean-to with a campfire ring and benches, and an accessible dry toilet described on the City of Hailuoto’s lean-to and campfire pages(3). Lean-tos are for day use rather than overnight stays; the municipality notes that firewood is no longer stocked at island shelters—bring your own if you plan to use fireplaces(3). The lean-to sits where this route meets the shorter Hannuksen lampi trail and shares trailhead logic with Marjaniemi–Sunikari–Pöllä, which continues toward Matikanniemen kota and the Sunikari and Marjaniemi beaches on a longer west-coast loop. Hailuoto in North Ostrobothnia is a national landscape of dunes, pine forest, and open lichen heath; stay on marked paths because much of the hiking network crosses fragile Natura 2000 terrain(2). Motor vehicles are not allowed off road, and the City of Hailuoto states that trails and fireplaces are not maintained in winter(2).

Hiking trail in Oulu

For trail facts, closures, and the national park setting, start from the Laukkujärven lenkki page on Luontoon.fi(1). Driving directions, parking, and what structures the municipality lists along the route are on Visit Suomussalmi’s Laukkujärven lenkki archive page(2). Laukkujärven lenkki is about 9.8 km on our map as one hiking line through Hossa National Park, mostly on the Suomussalmi side of the park, between the Laukkujärvi wilderness hut area and Puukkojärvi wilderness hut. The shores of Talasjärvi and Puukkojärvi take up much of the distance. North Ostrobothnia contains both the park gateway country around Kuusamo and the long drive-in from the south; Kuusamo and the Ruka area are a practical base if you want forest and fells before or after this day walk. From the Laukkujärvi autiotupa cluster at the northwestern end you share the trailhead space with the Sininen saavutus mountain-biking route. About 0.9 km along the walking line, Umpi-Valkeinen pysäköintipaikka gives another access point with UmpiValkeinen tulentekopaikka nro 1, UmpiValkeinen tulentekopaikka nro 2, UmpiValkeinen tulentekopaikka nro 3, and UmpiValkeinen käymälä grouped around the small lakes. Kattilalampi tulentekopaikka sits farther along the ridge-to-lake rhythm Hossa is known for. Near the midpoint you reach Puukkojärvi laavu with Puukkojärvi laavu käymälä beside it; Puukkojärvi autiotupa, Puukkojärvi autiotupa tulentekopaikka, and Puukkojärvi autiotupa käymälä form a second overnight and lunch cluster on the Puukkojärvi shore. Closer to Hossalaislammit, Invakäymälä Hossalaislammit and Hossalaislampi pysäköintipaikka sit with PieniHossalaislampi laituri, Pieni-Hossalaislampi tulentekopaikka, and the Hossalaislampi services—worth combining if you start or finish from that parking. Suottavirta tulentekopaikka, Hakokosken laavu, and Hakokoski laavu käymälä break up the climb toward the Suottajärvi end of the line, and Suottajärvi tulentekopaikka appears in the last kilometres before Puukkojärvi autiotupa. Walkers describe the going as mostly easy forest and shoreline, with short steeper pulls, ridge walking with more height change toward the end, and blue paint blazes throughout(2)(3)(4). Matkalla Missä Milloinkin suggests about three hours for the circuit and clockwise travel as the comfortable direction(3). Kävelystä ja elämästä adds the newer Laukunsalmen bridge between Laukkujärvi and Talasjärvi, an old barn beside the path, and summer mosquitoes serious enough to pack repellent(4). Our pages for Laukkujärvi autiotupa and Puukkojärvi autiotupa carry hut rules and seasonal detail.

The Isokangas Loop Trail is about 9.9 km as a marked day hike in the Sanginjoki landscape east of Oulu, looping through forest, esker edges, and lakeshore on state-managed conservation land(1). North Ostrobothnia keeps shifting between coastal plains and these forested inland corridors; Oulu itself is only a short drive away, yet the Sanginjoki–Kalimeen–Isokangas network feels roomy once you are on the trail. Metsähallitus lists this exact circuit as Isokankaan kierros on Luontoon.fi(1), and the City of Oulu’s Sanginjoki nature reserve overview still helps orient visitors to the wider protected block and the spring 2021 handover of stewardship responsibilities described there(2). Route character in one sentence: think spruce- and pine-dominated woodland, occasional duckboards in wetter steps, and several shelters and campfire stops you can plan breaks around—not a summit chase, but a proper forest loop with lake outlooks. Aggregate descriptions and trip write-ups praise the diversity from drier esker caps toward lusher shores near Isokangasjärvi, plus pockets of older forest fabric such as the Asmonkorpi pocket highlighted in regional trail copy(3). Retkipaikka’s long-read on Kalimeen–Isokangas lean-tos captures how locals weave Kalimeenkierros, Isokangas, and short links into longer hut-hopping days, and it sketches access choices like the Nuutinpalon parking strip on Ylikiimingintie when you want a main-road start(3). Practical staging from our map data: within the first kilometre you are already near Kalimeenkierros Tulipaikka and the Korpilampi Oulu rental-hut area, a natural place to adjust clothing or chat with other hikers when weekends are busy. About 2.8 km into the loop, Viehkon laavu sits right on the line—an obvious lunch stop—with a composting dry toilet nearby for day-trip comfort. Past the midpoint near Ahinmaja, the trail threads Ahinmaja, vuokratupa, Ahinmajan laituri, Kalimeenkierros Laavu 2 - Oulu, and the Isokankaanjärven P-paikka parking spur; dry toilets are grouped with these service points rather than advertised as sightseeing in their own right. Closing the ring toward Kalimenlampi, laavu Kalimenlampi Oulu and Kalimeen laavun käymälä sit almost at the same kilometre mark, which makes a calm final break before you walk out to your car or connect onto Kalimeenkierros again. Trail network context from our database: Kalimeenkierros shares the same fireplace clusters at the north end, the longer Isokangas-Kalimeenlampi retkeilyreitti splices many of the same shelters into an 18+ km traverse, Riistapolku and UUSI Korpilammen kierros offer short nature-loop sides around Korpilampi Oulu, and UUSI Isokankaan kierros parallels part of this geometry with a slightly different officially drawn option—handy if you are comparing GPX downloads before heading out(1). A snowmobile route also crosses portions of the landscape; day hikers should stay on walking markings and yield where winter motor traffic is allowed(1). Maintenance reality: Metsähallitus announced major duckboard renewals and temporary detours on Isokangas and Korpilampi loops during summer 2023, with follow-on messaging about updated alignments near Loppula parking and new connector work toward Kalimeenkierros(4). Treat that history as a reminder to confirm the latest line on Luontoon.fi before a trip—official notices now funnel through the Sanginjoki hub rather than scattered PDFs(4). Sanginjoen luontokeskus Loppula publishes a nearby-trails sheet that lists Isokangas at about 10 km and shows the loop in red on their overview graphic, which matches how visitors read posted routes on the ground(5). For atmosphere beyond facts, the same article adds honest shelter-by-shelter nuance—wind exposure, water sources, and which lean-tos feel best for stormy nights—without replacing Metsähallitus rules(3). Start planning from Luontoon.fi for closure alerts, and skim the City of Oulu reserve introduction if you want the institutional framing before you leave town(1)(2).

Soiperoisen Trail is a marked hiking route of about 4.7 km through the Soiperoinen nature reserve in northern Taivalkoski, North Ostrobothnia, beside the Syöte National Park area. The walk threads between the clear groundwater lakes Soiperoinen and Rääpysjärvi on Soiperoharju ridge, in forest that shifts from pine stands to open ridge top. For Metsähallitus’ official trail page and destination copy, use the Soiperoisenpolku entry on Luontoon.fi(1). Visit Taivalkoski publishes the same trail under its Soiperoinen service page with practical access notes, a PDF map, and the reminder that Soiperoisentie is closed to cars from December to May(2). Along the route you pass Soiperoisen päivätupa and a fireplace area near the eastern shore, Soiperoisen Keittokatos and Soiperoisen tulipaikka toward the west shore, then Rääpysjärvi polttopuusuoja/wc and Rääpysjärvi laavu overlooking Rääpysjärvi, and Soiperoinen polttopuusuoja/wc before Soiperoisen P-alue at the far end. Dry toilets are grouped with the firewood shelters at the lake stops, which makes a half-day outing comfortable. Parking is available at Soiperoisen P-paikka, länsipää and at Soiperoisen P-alue; see our place pages for exact spots. The trail is marked in the terrain with orange paint marks and signposts(2). The walking is moderate: some height difference, roots, and short stair sections between the lakes(2). From the ridge you can look across both lakes; Visit Taivalkoski notes reindeer trapping pits and older land-use traces such as charcoal and tar culture in the wider landscape(2). Taipaleita’s on-foot account from Soiperoisentie describes orange rectangular blazes, the two parking ends, stairs up to the ridge, and a branch toward Poromyhkyrän polku at the harju top(3). Sonja’s Tien päällä travel blog highlights the unusually clear, turquoise-toned water in Soiperoinen and the quiet character of the ridge-and-forest mix(4). Taivalkoski lies in North Ostrobothnia on the Koillismaa upland between several national parks; Soiperoinen is an easy day trip when you are staying in the municipality or driving toward Syöte. Confirm Soiperoisentie opening dates before you go(2).

Ölkky walking trail is a very short footpath of about 0.3 km at Lake Ölkky in Metsäkylä, Taivalkoski, in North Ostrobothnia. It is essentially a lakeside link for walkers visiting the Ölkky cliff and rest corners: the path reaches Ölkyn kalliokiipeilypaikka, where bolted sport and traditional lines follow the lakeshore wall(3), and passes the campfire spots Ölkky tulipaikka and Ölkyn tulipaikka plus Ölkky kuivakäymälä so you can combine a quick hike with climbing, lunch by the fire, or simply enjoying the steep-walled pond scenery typical of this corner of Koillismaa. For planning wider hikes, rentals, and regional context, the City of Taivalkoski groups outdoor services under its nature and hiking pages(1), and Visit Taivalkoski summarises the surrounding national parks and day-trip ideas on its nature pages(2). Use those hubs for current local guidance alongside our place pages for Ölkky tulipaikka, Ölkyn tulipaikka, the dry toilet, and the climbing site. 27 Crags describes the cliff as a sunny lakeside wall roughly up to about 15 metres high, with old campfire traces on the summit that are no longer maintained, a foot approach to the base of the wall, and a narrow strip of shore between rock and water where a belayer can stand; the community beta notes friable rock in places and recommends helmets even though loose blocks have been cleaned from the lines(3). That chimes with how compact and vertical the Ölkky pocket feels for such a small lake. Regional lake listings record the open-water patch at about five hectares(4). Taivalkoski lies amid Syöte, Oulanka, Riisitunturi, and partly Hossa national parks, but Ölkky itself is a local Metsäkylä destination rather than a park interior trail.

The Kirkaslampi trail is about 1.9 km one way on our map through the southern edge of Olvassuo strict nature reserve in Utajärvi, North Ostrobothnia. Metsähallitus manages the reserve; for season windows, zone rules, and the latest visitor guidance, start from the Olvassuo material on Luontoon.fi(1). Utajärvi is a practical anchor for local context, and the City of Utajärvi also introduces Kirkaslampi with its laavu and bird tower among Marttisjärvi-area nature outings(2). From Kirkaslampi pysäköintipaikka you step quickly into a compact day-trip hub at the pond. Kirkaslampi laituri sits by water that visitors often treat as a swim or cool-off spot in summer, and Kirkaslampi laavut together with Kirkaslammen laavu - Utajärvi give a roomy, windproof cooking and overnight base maintained for public use—read fire and booking rules on the official reserve pages rather than assuming open flame everywhere(1). A dry toilet and woodshed cluster with the laavu area, so you can plan a half-day without guessing about basic services. The route then crosses mixed forest and mire fringe before long duckboard sections lead toward Olvassuo lintutorni at about 1.9 km from the start. The tower is a multi-level wooden structure above open aapa mire, suited for scanning migrants and breeding birds when visibility is good. Interpretation boards along the way explain drainage history and restoration work such as ditch blocking and treatment of planted stands—useful background on why the landscape looks as it does today. Milla and Jiri’s Retkipaikka hike describes Kirkaslammen luontopolku as roughly 3.5 km of path with year-round access on paper, dramatic tower views, and—on their autumn visit—sections where duckboards had sagged into wet peat so that continuing would have meant wading(3). Treat boardwalk condition as something to reassess after wet weather, and align your turnaround with comfort and ice competence in winter. Dedicated Finnish-language YouTube searches did not surface a short overview clearly focused on this exact path rather than generic Olvassuo footage.

Sammakkosuo nature trail is about 1.1 km one way through the northern fringe of the Olvassuo protected area in Pudasjärvi, North Ostrobothnia, linking the Sammakoinen lintutorni side of Ruottisenharjuntie with Sammakoinen pysäköintipaikka. Metsähallitus publishes maps, service notes, and reserve context for the route on Luontoon.fi(1). Retkipaikka’s long-running column on the site, with photos from winters around the tower and lean-to, captures how approachable the duckboards and open bog views feel in practice(2). Taipaleita adds on-the-ground detail in a late-summer hike blog post: solid boardwalks, short natural-footpath stretches with roots, yellow paint marks and signposts on their visit, interpretation panels on mire formation, and a 200-metre side path from Sammakoisen päivätupa up to the bird tower(3). Treat the layout as a simple there-and-back spine. Near the start you are already beside tall Sammakoinen lintutorni, a covered tower with handrails and landings; from there duckboards swing past Sammakoisen päivätupa, where Metsähallitus keeps a day shelter finished in 2021 with room to sit out bad weather. A woodshed and dry toilet sit close to the shelter, and the boardwalk threads on toward Sammakoinen pysäköintipaikka at the far end. Many parties therefore park at Sammakoinen pysäköintipaikka, walk to the tower and shelter, and return for a total of a little over two kilometres with almost no climb. Interpretation boards and small bird charts near the trail explain the aapa mire and some of the species you might hear toward the Resu-Sammakko rim woods. Pudasjärvi lies in the Koillismaa hill-and-mire belt; the wider Olvassuo landscape is a major peatland complex where careful foot travel matters. Winter visitors in independent reports snowshoe or ski the route when snow allows; Retkipaikka notes that the formal parking area is not ploughed, so cars are often left along Ruottisenharjuntie while people still break trail on the mire(2). Check Luontoon.fi before you go for any reserve-specific reminders or maintenance news(1).

For stage descriptions, alternative starting points, and how the markings look on the ground, start from the City of Pudasjärvi Kannonnousu pages(1). Yle coverage from 2007 recorded the public funding story behind the trail’s completion and later signage work(2). Järjen äärellä – Pudasjärvellä describes how the marked path up Hampusvaara to the laavu connects to the same long-distance line(3). The Syöte–Kurenalus hiking route is about 95.5 km on our map as one continuous line. The same trail is widely known as Kannonnousu (“cannon climb”): a long link between Pudasjärvi town and the Syöte area at Naamankajärvi. It is not a closed loop. You can treat the official description as running from the Iijoki-side culture landscapes near Kurenalus upstream through rolling forest and mire country toward the Syöte fells, or walk it the other way—alternative starts listed by the city include Hirvaskoski, Hampusvaara at Iinattijärvi, an Oulu–Kuusamo road crossing, Pintamon Myllyvaara, and Petäjäkoski(1). Near the town end, Rajamaanrannan laavu and the Rantaraitti Nature Trail sit close to the same shore band as the river corridor; the Iijoen vesiretkeilyreitti paddling route shares long sections of the same valley if you combine hiking with a canoe day. After the first dozen kilometres, Pajulan rannan nuotiopaikka and Pajulanrannan rantautumispaikka offer a riverside break before the path climbs toward drier ridge ground past Hirvaskoski. Around the high thirties and forties of kilometres from the start, Rumavaaran laavu and Saukkolammen laavu bracket a stretch where the city suggests a short detour to a lookout; Saukkolammen rantautumispaikka sits at the water’s edge nearby. Hampusvaaran laavu ja nuotiopaikka on Iinattijärvi is a natural rest stop before the terrain begins to feel more fell-like toward Pintamo; dry toilets sit with several of these shelters but need no call-outs by name in the narrative. Further along, Pintamo-ojan laavu, Pintamon laavu, and the cooking spot Ruoanlaittopaikka support long days, while Naamankajärven uimaranta marks the Syöte-side finish setting described by the city(1). Taimenmutkan autiotupa and Huuhkasen laavu lie on the last major forest stages before Kaakkurinlammen laavu ja nuotiopaikka; the line is rich in wetland crossings—the city notes many duckboard sections over mires(1). Expect root-shaped trail posts and orange paint on trees for route finding in open forest(1). Pudasjärvi is in North Ostrobothnia; the route ends with onward links to other Syöte-area trails from the Naamankajärvi shore(1).

Vitikkamäki Nature Trail is about 9.8 km through forest in Pyhäjärvi, North Ostrobothnia, shaped as a point-to-point walk rather than a loop. The trailhead side is tied to Hiidenniemi: City of Pyhäjärvi lists the route from Suezintie 680, publishes a printable map(3) and a trail introduction PDF(2), and gives phone and email contacts for trail questions(1). The municipality also ties berry picking, mushroom walks and wider outdoor life around Pyhäjärvi together on its outdoor recreation pages(4). Along the trail you pass Havukkakangas, a roadside parking patch that sits roughly mid-route if you want a shorter out-and-back from a car stop rather than walking the full distance between ends. Farther on, Kylmänkolonlammen laavu offers a classic forest lean-to break beside a small waterbody—plan time for a snack or fire if conditions allow and local rules permit open flames. Terrain is typical north-boreal forest track: roots, soft needle carpet and short climbs between low moraine ridges rather than big vistas. Bring map awareness even though City materials describe a marked nature trail, because phone coverage can be patchy and winter conditions change tread quickly(2)(3).

This is the longest day-hike option in the Kupson Kutsu network on Kupsonvaara above Jaurakkajärvi village in Pudasjärvi, southeast of the town toward the Syöte hiking country. City of Pudasjärvi describes one shared Kantatie 78 car park, three named rings—Keidas about 9.1 km, Lumous 5.6 km, and Elämys 4 km—and a free-to-use wilderness sauna with strong viewpoints from the hill(1). On our map Kupson kutsu - Keidas is about 8.2 km end to end through the same maintained network that local people built in the late 1990s. Almost from the gate you pass interpretive material and a tar pit (tervahauta) that explains how pit tar sustained Ostrobothnian and Kainuu livelihoods(2)(3). About 1.4 km along the trail you reach Isojyrkän näköalalava ja kota (Kupson kutsu), the Lumous viewpoint cluster: a large viewing deck with tables, a kota upslope, and dry toilets. Retkipaikka’s on-the-ground account praises the wide view toward Jaurakkajärvi and notices how the path runs along the edge of a cut block before the deck(2). Roughly 2.5 km from the start, Kupson Kutsun Elämys - sauna ja laavu adds the famous public sauna beside a stream fed from a spring; City of Pudasjärvi stresses how unusual a municipally maintained sauna is on a nature trail(1). About 6.9 km along this line, Lohilammen laavu (Kupson kutsu) sits at pond shore—City of Pudasjärvi shows Lohilampi imagery and Retkipaikka names this as the Keidas rest focus at the end of the longest ring(1)(2). Terrain mixes gentle forest walking with steeper, rooty and stony climbs toward Isojyrkkä; wet hollows use duckboards that Retkipaikka reported as ageing before the 2020–2021 renewal programme, and the blog recommends ankle-supporting boots after rain(2). Markings include paint blazes on trees; maintenance in 2020–2021 aimed to make directions readable both ways(2). Out in the Nature suggests summer visits when snow does not hide the tar exhibits, praises printed maps at the car park, and lists bus access via the nearby Jaurakkajärvi stop(3). For another outing, the same author suggests Rumavaara in Pudasjärvi after Kupson(3).

The Stonecutter nature trail loop through Lehmilampi, Suutarinkuja and Rakennuskivi is about 2.4 km of easy walking in the Järvikylä woods south of central Nivala. The City of Nivala presents it as a way to sample typical local nature and groups it with other Kivenhakkaajan luontopolku variants maintained for jogging, trail running and hiking. For downloadable maps, numbered parking and practical rules—fires only at rest spots, dogs under control, careful use of firewood and respect for neighbouring private forest—start from the nature-trail material published by Nivalan liikuntakeskus Uikko(1). Visit Nivala links the same trail family to Liikuntakeskus Uikko and to the interactive outdoor map that gathers municipal sports and nature sites(4). Along the loop you are never far from Lehmilammen laavu on the pond shore: it sits right on the line toward the end of the circuit and is the obvious coffee or sausage stop. About halfway around, the trail passes closest to the Pyssymäki multi-use area, where Pyssymäen laavu and Pyssymäen kuntoportaat sit a short detour off the core ring but connect through the wider path network used by Nivalan XCM-rata and Pyssymäen valaistu kuntorata if you want to stitch in a lean-to visit or a climb on the fitness stairs. Duckboards lead from Nakkauksentie toward Lehmilammen laavu; Nivala-lehti described a barrier-free approach from the Nakkaperäntie parking area and renewal of worn boards when that line moved under direct city maintenance in spring 2021(2). Municipal planning for the Pyssymäki sports block has also flagged repair of Kivenhakkaajan polku duckboards as part of wider area upgrades that Yle reported when covering the Pyssymäki investment package(5). Those notes concern maintenance scheduling and access improvements rather than day-to-day difficulty, but they show how the city treats connectors around Lehmilampi. If you are curious why the trails carry a “stonecutter” theme, Nivala-Seura’s bookable Työn polkuja day folds a guided walk on Kivenhakkaajan luontopolku together with quarry and industrial history elsewhere—it targets pre-booked groups rather than drop-in walkers(3). The short Kivenhakkaaja nature trail — Nakkauksentie, Käkikivi & Lehmilampi loop shares Lehmilammen laavu and the same duckboard approach; the Kivenhakkaaja nature trail — connector loop (cycling emphasis) is another nearby ring in the same branded set on our map. Nivala sits in North Ostrobothnia’s lake-and-field belt. This loop is compact enough for a town-edge nature break, with straightforward options to enlarge the day by picking up Pyssymäen valaistu latu or other Pyssymäki trails where they touch the network. No YouTube clip that clearly follows only this 2.4 km ring surfaced in dedicated searches; rely on the municipal map and markings when planning access.

Siiponjoki nature trail is about 19 km in Kalajoki in North Ostrobothnia, following pine ridges, rocky patches, and wetland edges down to the Siiponjoki River. The river lies in a shifting sand landscape and cuts meanders with steep banks; occasional riverside groves break up the brighter pine heath. Visit Kalajoki describes it as an all-year hiking route where part of the line also suits mountain biking or fat biking if you are confident on sand and roots, and winter visitors may use a classic ski connection from Tapion Tupa toward the Särkijärvi kota when snow and grooming allow(1). Kalajoen kaupunki publishes the Reitistöt overview for the town’s maintained routes, contacts, and seasonal track notes(2). Detailed conservation context — dunes, natural riparian forests, endangered species, and why the Siiponjoki corridor is a Natura 2000 site — is summarized on ymparisto.fi(3). Along the line you pass several shelters named on our map. Near the northern end, Pleunan laavu sits close to the river and is a practical first stop for a break. About 4.6 km from the start, Kourinkallion laavu offers another riverside pause on rockier ground. Near the midpoint at Särkijärven kota the route shares ground with Särkijärven kodan reitti, the shorter circuit built around the same kota and lean-tos; read more on our Särkijärven kota page for overnight and fireplace etiquette. Further along, Valkianveden laavu makes a longer-day rest before the trail turns toward the Hiekkasärkät holiday area, finishing near Tapiolandian maauimala on Matkailutie — where you are close to the Hiekkasärkät rengasreitti cycling ring and other resort services. Dry toilets are available at the shelters along the marked path. A personal account of the riverbank section — old pines, a bench overlooking clear water, spring water by the river, and lunch at Pleunan laavu — appears on Reissuesan matkablogi, which also notes uneven terrain in the gorge and a separate car approach from the Kourinjärvi side(4). Take plenty of water in warm weather and expect mosquitoes in summer bog stretches; boardwalks can stay slippery after rain.

Martimon hiking route is a one-way forest walk of about seven kilometres in Oulu, North Ostrobothnia. For closures, access rules, and the wider Sanginjoki trail network, start from Luontoon.fi(1) and the City of Oulu natural sites pages(2). Visit Oulu describes the Sanginjoki area as an easy-going day-hike destination with old spruce stands, mires, dry esker forest, riverside fishing, fireplaces along the river corridor, and birdlife ranging from owl and grouse species to more everyday woodland birds(3). Regional field writing helps picture the ground underfoot. Retkipaikka’s long notes on Kalimeen–Isokangas describe duckboard-equipped wet stretches, esker and mosaic forest, and a chain of laavut a day-hiker can link into loops well under twenty kilometres(4). That matches the kind of terrain many walkers meet on the eastern Oulu hiking belt between Sanginjoentie and Ylikiimingintie. Loppula’s trail sketch for Sanginjoki names the main signed day routes riders often combine (Kalimenpolku, Isokankaan retkeilypolku, Sanginjoen riistapolku) and highlights Lemmenpolku’s picnic sites along the river(5). Seasonally coverage in Suomen Luonto emphasises how marked trails in the Sanginjoki woods stay readable in deep snow, with boardwalks crossing summer mires that turn into uniform white fields in winter, and how small landmarks like meadowsheds and feeding stations break up the forest(6). Use those articles for atmosphere and winter behaviour; always confirm the latest track conditions on official channels before you set out.

Lumous is about a 4.7 km hike on Kupsonvaara hill by Lake Jaurakkajärvi in Pudasjärvi, North Ostrobothnia. Together with Elämys and Keidas it makes up the Kupson Kutsu trail network: three marked day-trip options from one parking area on national road 78, each with a mix of forest slopes, tar-pit history boards, shelters, and views. The City of Pudasjärvi's Kupson kutsu pages list the official trio at roughly 4 km, 5.6 km, and 9.1 km with the same trailhead(1). Luontoon.fi(2) publishes the Kupson Kutsu – Lumous entry with its own trail page, maps, and descriptive text. On the ground, Lumous is the natural “middle” outing: it aims for Isojyrkän näköalalava ja kota (Kupson kutsu) with its kota, table space above the treeline, and far-reaching views over Jaurakkajärvi toward other north Ostrobothnian municipalities, while about 1 km along the line you pass Kupson Kutsun Elämys - sauna ja laavu with a wilderness sauna, lean-to, and fireplace cluster from the same hospitality project. If you extend onto Keidas, Lohilammen laavu (Kupson kutsu) sits by Lohilampi with cooking shelter space at the end of that longer loop. Locally the area is also promoted by Korpisen kyläseura, which repeats the same three distances and social links. Retkipaikka recounts a counterclockwise Lumous round that shows how the grade steepens, roots and stones demand ankle support, duckboards were due for replacement after very wet seasons, and paint marks on tree trunks were historically one-way before renewal works aimed for markings in both directions(3). Out in the Nature stresses how useful the mailbox maps beside road 78 are, spells out the Elämys–Lumous–Keidas highlights, and reminds readers that signposted kilometre splits do not always match how you stitch branches together(4). Iijokiseutu captured the late-1990s Jaurakkajärvi development roots of the network, the community maintenance story, spring and autumn as mellow visiting windows, and the “Hiljaisuuden meri” quiet zone along Keidas as part of the wider experience(5). Expect a proper fell-foot climb in places, occasional mires crossed on boards, and sweeping vista rewards rather than a flat interpretive footpath. Bring boots with grip, a wind layer for the lookout, and room for berries in late summer.

The Akionlahti Bird Trail is a 3.1 km trail on Akionsaari island in Varjakka, about 20 km southwest of Oulu in North Ostrobothnia. The trail circuits the island through spruce and mixed forest and takes about an hour at a relaxed pace. For current area information, check the Akionsaari and Varjakka page on the City of Oulu website(1). The main attraction is Akionlahden lintutorni, the bird-watching tower on the island's southern shore. Around 2.5 km into the trail, a marked side path branches off to the tower, where open views extend across the protected Akionlahti bay. Akionlahti is a 263-hectare Natura 2000 protected area — a near-isolated coastal lagoon formed around 400 years ago as the land lifted. Its maximum depth is just 1.3 meters, and the bay supports over 50 breeding waterbird species. During spring migration, more than 2,000 waders rest on the mudflats — curlews, dunlins, ruffs, and black-tailed godwits among the most common — and up to 2,000 waterfowl gather simultaneously in autumn. Whooper swans and geese also stop over in significant numbers. Information boards near the tower describe the local birdlife. Early on the route, at about 0.28 km from the start, Akionlahden tulentekopaikka provides the first campfire spot just off the main path. The City of Oulu does not supply firewood to Akionlahti, so bring your own(1). Further along at about 0.9 km, Akionlahden laavu stands on the northern shore of the island, looking out toward Varjakka island — a well-regarded rest stop with a peaceful view over the water. Near the end of the circuit, Varjakan uimapaikka is a short walk off the trail, with a dock, changing rooms, and a toilet. On the neighboring Varjakka island, Varjakan saaren tulentekopaikka is a popular campfire spot, especially in late winter and early spring. In summer the island is reachable from the guest marina by boat or by the traditional hand-rope ferry (kapulalossi). The old sawmill buildings on Varjakka island are part of the region's cultural heritage — at its peak in the early 1900s the sawmill employed around 700 workers(3). The trail is marked throughout with white-topped poles. Terrain is mostly flat with some rooty sections — no significant elevation changes except climbing the bird tower. Taipaleita.com's June 2022 trip report describes the walk as a relaxed circuit through forest with birdsong throughout, even if the birds themselves tend to stay out of sight(2). Beyond the trailhead parking area, a path continues on the mainland to the protected sea mark pine and onward to the historic Varjakka manor area.

Laivavaara Ancient Trail is about 5.7 km as a marked loop through forest and former harvest openings near Laivakangas in the Saloinen area of Raahe, North Ostrobothnia, visiting Pirttivaara’s stone-age Pirttivaaran jätinkirkko and related burial heaps, tar pits, and house depressions before returning via forest roads and Laivavaaran tupa, a simple shelter beside the path. The City of Raahe lists this segment with the wider village-maintained Muinaispolku network and points readers from its Liikkuva Raahe trail pages to the project’s Facebook presence for extra detail (1). The same pages repeat litter-free hiking expectations and that firewood is rarely delivered to municipal lean-tos, so treat Laivavaaran tupa as a self-sufficient stop unless you have confirmed local rules (1). Use the City of Raahe’s outdoor and hiking map to confirm parking pins before you drive out (2). Taipaleita’s visit describes yellow-topped posts, yellow paint on trees and rocks, and summer ribbon extras on an often brushy clear-fell tread, QR-linked boards beside major archaeology stops, and about one-and-a-half hours on the marked heritage circuit once you reach the Pirttivaara trailhead—still worth sturdy footwear because the ground is uneven and tall vegetation hides some marks (3). About 3.6 km from the route start on our map you align with Laivavaaran tupa, which the same write-up sketches as a small hut with sleeping platforms and a table rather than a prehistoric site (3). North Ostrobothnia is the region that contains Raahe.

Pahkakurun retkeilyreitti is an about 28 km loop hiking trail in Taivalkoski, North Ostrobothnia. It circles through pine and spruce forest, follows the Iijoki riverbank and smaller lakes, and crosses Pahkakuru — a dramatic gorge where a stream runs between steep rock walls. The loop is a full-day or two-day outing for many hikers, with several lean-tos along the way. For current access, the marked route through the gorge, and options to start from the town centre or drive closer, Visit Taivalkoski’s Pahkakuru page(1) is the best place to begin. The Taivalkoski municipality outdoor pages(2) list the circuit as part of the wider Taivalkoski–Pahkakuru–Atsinki trail network. Retkipaikka’s write-up by Anu Suomalainen describes the gorge edge in detail: cliffs dropping on the order of tens of metres, no guard rails, and a steep path down to the stream bed — worth reading if you are unsure about exposure or are planning with children or dogs(3). Along the loop, Atsingin laavu sits essentially at the start. After roughly 5 km you reach Porraslammen laavu on a quiet lake shore — Retkipaikka notes it as a comfortable overnight lean-to, linked by a marked connection toward the Syötte direction. About 6 km in, Pahkakurun laavu stands at the rim of the gorge, with a shelter, woodshed, and dry toilet; the same writers underline staying back from the unstable cliff edge near the lean-to. Further on, the route passes Susiraja Sauna and Susiraja Camp, Taivalkoski Finland and Tervas Frisbeegolf — a cluster of services and recreation around the mid loop. Pikku Tervalammen laavu offers another sheltered break before the climb toward Taivalvaara. Near kilometre 16 you pass Turvakonalustan laavu and Lintutorni (Taivalvaaran luontopolku): the bird tower and lean-to sit at the same knot on the line, a natural place to pause before the northern arc. Ohtaojan laavu, well over 20 km along, is a late-loop shelter before the trace closes back toward the start. The route shares tracks with other outdoor Lines in the area: Pitämävaara - Taivalvaara reitti overlaps this geometry, Taivalvaaran luontopolku links the bird-tower area to shorter nature walking, and summer maintenance and ski Lines use nearby corridors — handy if you want to shorten a day or add a side trip. Mountain bikers also document the circuit on Jälki.fi, with orange markings called out on the main Pahkakuru trekking line and a blue-marked approach from the canoe-centre side toward the bird tower; riding is demanding in places and some seasonal restrictions may apply(5). If you are on foot, treat those notes as a reminder that you may meet bikes on shared forest tracks. Taivalkoski lies between four national parks and the landscape here mixes rolling dry heath forest with river scenery and the punchy drama of Pahkakuru — a deep fracture gorge rather than a wide canyon valley.

For maps, rules, and structures across Metsähallitus’ Iso-Syöte hiking area, start from the Iso-Syöte hiking area page on Luontoon.fi(1). The Visit Syöte destination site rounds out accommodation, events, and seasonal ideas for the wider Syöte holiday area(2). The Iso-Syöte resort’s mountain biking hub describes the large maintained network in the same landscape and notes that route maintenance is Metsähallitus’ responsibility, with up-to-date route text on Luontoon.fi(3). Regional news described Kettutupa being relocated in early 2023 so it sits along the former Ketun kevennys line—now marketed at Iso-Syöte as Harjujen kierros—better serving cyclists and other trail users(4). The listing name Ketunlenkki SUUNNITTEILLA flags that this hiking line is still shown as in planning in source data; treat signage and final naming as subject to change and confirm details on Luontoon.fi before a trip(1). This is not the well-known Luontoreitti Ketunlenkki near Kurikka on Luontoon.fi, nor the famous Ketunlenkki loop in Repovesi—those are different regions entirely. On our map the walk is about 4.8 km and is not a closed loop. It runs through the Luppovesi recreation pocket next to Iso-Syöte: you pass Luppoveden uimaranta on Syötetie and the Syötteen Luppopark activity area, with Luppoveden nuotiopaikka ja kato for a kota shelter and campfire stop. Iso-Syöte ski centre sits just off the same cluster, handy if you combine a short walk with lift-serviced skiing in winter. Further along the line, Kettutupa päivätupa and Kettutupa offer a day shelter and a small wilderness hut with Kettupa liiteri/käymälä for firewood storage and a dry toilet—natural lunch and windbreak stops in forest terrain. The same corridor ties into longer Syöte networks: the Taivalkoski–Atsinki–Syöte mountain biking route, Maisemareitti, the long UKK Trail (Syöte–Puolanka section), and a parallel mountain-biking line also labelled Ketunlenkki SUUNNITTEILLA in our database. If you are planning a bigger day, read those route pages and Luontoon.fi’s cycling material for the 25 km Harjujen kierros ring, which shares the broader Iso-Syöte trail philosophy but is a different distance and activity mix than this short hiking segment(3). Pudasjärvi lies in North Ostrobothnia; Syöte straddles forest and fell scenery typical of southernmost Finnish fells.

Elävisluoto Trail add-on – Pörkä harbour loop is a very short marked circuit at Yppäri village harbour in Pyhäjoki, North Ostrobothnia. The trail is about 0.2 km and forms a small loop through the Pörkä harbour area. Luontoon.fi lists this segment as its own trail card alongside the longer Elävisluodon reitti network in the same municipality(1). For Outdoor Active links, printable maps, and how this name sits in the full Pyhäjoki list, use the City of Pyhäjoki hiking hub(2); the printable hiking route maps pack every named route into one PDF(4). Pyhäjoki lies on the Gulf of Bothnia coast. The harbour loop is meant as an add-on to Elävisluodon reitti: you reach the lean-to and campfire at Pörkän sataman laavu ja nuotiopaikka about 0.2 km along the marked line from the loop start. The City of Pyhäjoki describes the wider Yppäri shore and Elävisluoto setting on its visitor information pages: the village harbour beach beside Pörkäntie 110 is over 200 metres wide and suits all ages, and a birdwatching tower was added at the harbour in 2024(3). Elävisluoto itself is a rocky shore area popular with surfers, including in winter when the sea is still open, and the page notes a small fishing harbour there(3). Together with the main Elävisluodon reitti, nearby Rajaniemen reitti, and the Yppärin kuntorata and Yppärin latu lines that also pass the harbour facilities, this is an easy coastal stop for a break, a fire, or a swim on a warm day. North Ostrobothnia is known for long daylight in summer; Finnish pages use Pohjois-Pohjanmaa for the region name in parallel.

Kalastajien polku Päähkänä is about 1 km point-to-point along the Kitkajoki fishing and paddling corridor near Venäänniemi in Kuusamo. Start with the City of Kuusamo summer trails overview for how this area fits the wider hiking and water-trail network around North Ostrobothnia(1), then double-check dates, camping, access rules, and any closures on Luontoon.fi’s Oulanka National Park pages—Metsähallitus is the authority for the protected river landscape you are entering(2). The path is built for short foot access between riverside shelters and campfire spots that anglers and paddlers already use. About two thirds of a kilometre from the start you reach Pähkänän laavu; dry toilets sit a little farther along near the same cluster. Toward the far end, Ylikota, Ylikodan tulentekopaikka, and the Ylikota toilets form the Venäänniemi service group at roughly a kilometre, with marked campfire infrastructure for breaks on a longer fishing day. At the downstream bend, Vennäänmutkan laavu and the Vennäänmutka seating frame mark the transition toward the main river channel where the trail meets Kitkajoen koskimelontareitti, the Kitkajoki whitewater paddling route—useful context if you are pairing a walk with a paddle shuttle or meeting someone coming off the water. Kuusamon Koskimelojat’s Kitkajoki notes place the Harrisuvanto–Päähkänäkallio–Oulankajoki sequence on the lower river inside Oulanka National Park, with steady current, forested banks, and rapids that kayakers read in a separate difficulty scale from this short foot path(4). If you plan to fish, separate permits and national fishing-management fees apply to Kitkajoen alajuoksu; the angling pages list seasonal fees and list laavu and campfire services that support overnight-style fishing trips along the same corridor(3). Kuusamo is the home municipality. North Ostrobothnia is the larger region.

For route descriptions, maps, and the wider Sanginjoki trail family, start with Luontoon.fi(1). Visit Finland’s Sanginjoki overview explains what kind of forest and mire terrain you are walking in, reminds you that conservation-area rules differ from everyday everyman’s rights, and notes that Metsähallitus manages the destination(2). Retkipaikka’s long walk-through of the Kalimeen–Isokangas shelters names the main forest roads, the Nuutinpalo parking option on Ylikiimingintie, and why duckboards show up in wet steps across this harju-and-mire mosaic(3). Taipaleita’s Loppula-area trip report is written around Korpilammen kierros but spells out how the same trailhead board links onward to longer Isokangas options, why duckboards can ice up in late autumn, and that Sanginjoki hiking routes are not mechanically winter-maintained even when the main parking gets ploughed(4). The trail is about 8.3 km. It runs in Oulu, in North Ostrobothnia, through the well-known Kalimeen–Isokangas day-hiking belt roughly 20 km east of the city centre. Early on you pass Korpilampi Oulu and the Korpilammen kompostikäymälä dry toilet cluster a little over one kilometre from the start—easy landmarks if you are threading in from Korpilammen kierros or Riistapolku. Around three kilometres you reach Viehkon laavu with Viehkon kompostikäymälä beside it, a natural pause on soft ground before the line pulls toward larger open mires. The western shore of Isokankaanjärvi is the busiest service cluster: Isokankaanjärven P-paikka gives drivers a stop right beside the tracked route, Kalimeenkierros Laavu 2 sits a few dozen metres along the same fraction of trail, and Isokankaanjärven käymälä serves the parking visitors. A short detour on the same shoreline brings you to Ahinmaja, vuokratupa, Ahinmajan laituri, and the Polttopuusuoja-kuivakäymälä, Ahinmaja firewood shelter and toilet—read rental and harbour details on our Ahinmaja pages when you plan a longer stop. If you want to extend the day, the area shares junctions with Isokangas-Kalimeenlampi retkeilyreitti, Isokankaan kierros, UUSI Korpilammen kierros, Riistapolku, and the separately mapped Kalimeenkierros that Luontoon.fi lists on its own trail card(5). Independent walkers often quote easy-going terrain—the same landscape that Visit Finland sums up as gentle, without big climbs, though roots and stones still appear underfoot(2). Taipaleita flags icy duckboards as a seasonal caution when freeze–thaw cycles begin before snow cover(4).

Hahtikari Nature Trail is a short forest loop in Liminka, North Ostrobothnia, at the fringe of the Liminganlahti landscape. The trail is about 2.1 km. For maps, nearby outdoor services, and how Liminka lists local walking and cycling options, start with the City of Liminka’s outdoor and hiking destinations pages(1). The Hahtikari woods sit next to the internationally important Liminganlahti wetland; Liminganlahden koulu and Limingan lukio run a fundraising campaign with Luonnonperintösäätiö to protect a “reading forest” parcel at Hahtikari and support biodiversity and young readers(2). Rantalakeus reported when the municipality agreed to sell a four-hectare plot at Hahtikari into that conservation effort(3). PPLY’s Liminganlahti birding guide describes the bay’s habitats and where serious birdwatchers focus their time—useful background if you combine a short walk with wider wetland visits(4). The loop begins beside Hahtikarin puolikota, a half kota where you can pause out of the weather and use a campfire when conditions allow. From there the path circles through mixed forest typical of the Liminka shore plain. In winter the groomed ski line Meriladun mannerhaaha Kirkonkylä–Liminkajokisuu Latu passes the same kota area, so skiers and snowshoers may meet day hikers’ infrastructure; this page describes the summer hiking loop. The Limingan moottorikelkkaura network runs wider circuits across the municipality and crosses related points of interest for motorized winter use—keep to the foot trail here unless you are on those designated routes. Liminka lies on the Liminganlahti shore. North Ostrobothnia links the village with the Liminganlahti visitor centre and longer outdoor networks.

Varvin nature trail is about 5.7 km as an easy shoreline loop on the Varvi peninsula roughly a kilometre from central Raahe in North Ostrobothnia. For current access notes and the municipality’s own distance figures along the water, start with the City of Raahe’s Varvin luontopolku page(1). Visit Raahe packages Varvi Beach visitor information for swimmers and day visitors in the same neighbourhood(2). From the Varvi end you quickly reach Varvin uimaranta, Varvin tulentekopaikka, and Pooki-kota, a large kota by the sand that community volunteers finished in 2010 with space for dozens of people according to a detailed walk-through on Taipaleita(3). The path then follows the Bothnian Bay shore past a playground and outdoor gym near Purjehtijankatu, threads around Raahen Ratsastuskoulun kenttä on the grounds of the old Pirttiniemi sawmill, and continues to small-boat landing points such as Koninpään Rantautumispaikka and Lapaluoto - Rantautumispaikka. History boards recall Raahen Veneveistämö and its last launch Tiira in 1921 and the sawmill that once employed on the order of 400 people(3). Near Maivaperä, interpretation marks Finland’s best-known surviving roopenkki, a mid-1800s careening dock where vessels were tilted for hull work(3). About 0.8 km along the circuit the route passes the junction where Aittalahti nature trail heads inland toward Aittalahden lintutorni. In winter the same corner ties into the Tasku-Thompson jäälatu ski track, and the long Flatland Route retkipyöräilyn rengasreitti cycling ring shares short overlaps for riders linking wider itineraries. Taipaleita notes duckboards and playful shore micro-routes for wet feet, quiet spring flowers, and seabirds along the reeds—worth a slower pace with binoculars(3). No YouTube title met the trail-overview quality bar for this exact loop; many hits are unrelated channels or other regions.

The trail is about 0.1 km as a short loop beside Lake Mäntyjärvi in Reisjärvi, North Ostrobothnia. The Finnish name marks it as the path at the Mäntyjärvi tervahauta (traditional tar-production pit) site, so the walk is mainly a quick cultural stop at the lakeshore rather than a hike in itself. Reisjärvi lies on the Suomenselkä water divide; the lake sits in the wider Etelä-Sydänmaa Natura 2000 patchwork of rocky pine forest, wooded mires, and small waters described by the Finnish environment administration(5). For route descriptions, season (the Metsähallitus brochure lists May–October use for the wider circuits), parking at the Kuivajärvi trailhead, and rules for fires and camping, rely on Luontoon.fi Mäntyjärvenkierros(1). City of Reisjärvi explains how the 15 km Mäntyjärvi ring links into the 115 km Peuran Polku network and where to buy maps(2). Muuta Maalle promotes the same ring as an easy day walk marked blue, with overnight options at Raatejärvi and Saarijärvi and driving via Kuivajärventie(4). Metsähallitus publishes a printed overview of Mäntyjärven kierros and Kotajärven kierros with driving directions via Mäntyperä village to Kuivajärventie 700 and notes on stony tread, green and purple blazing on the longer options, and services such as rental huts and fireplaces(3). The sheet’s map labels Mäntyjärven savottamuseo near the Mäntyjärvi shoreline in the same recreation cluster(3). On the ground you can use Mäntyjärvi tulentekopaikka Reisjärvi for a campfire stop and dry toilets lie close by—Mäntyjärvi käymälä 1 serves this shore area without needing to call the facility out by type in the middle of a sentence. Nearly everyone pairs this path with Raatejärvi - Mäntyjärven reitti, the roughly 15 km ring through Etelä-Sydänmaa that Peuran polku publicity treats as Mäntyjärven rengasreitti. Retkellä metsässä describes lots of small lakes along that ring, solid markings, lean-tos, rental wilderness huts, and saunas toward Saarijärvi and Raatejärvi after a winter-and-summer visit in 2011(6).

For the Turpeinen lean-to itself and how it sits inside the wider Kylmäluoma state hiking area, Metsähallitus publishes service and access details on Luontoon.fi(1). Metsähallitus summarises area-wide rules, services, and the trail network on the main Kylmäluoma hiking area page(2). Visit Taivalkoski Region describes the landscape—forest, eskers, and lakes around the visitor hub—and how day hikes from the camping and hiking centre fit together(3). The trail is in Taivalkoski in North Ostrobothnia. Turpeinen Lean-to Surroundings Loop is about 0.1 km as a very short forest loop around the Turpeinen shelter. It is a compact ring for visiting Turpeisen laavu and Turpeinen kuivakäymälä without a longer hike: step off nearby paths, stretch your legs, and use the lean-to and toilet as part of a day in Kylmäluoma. Taivalkoski lies in the Koillismaa lake plateau; Kylmäluoma is one of the municipality’s main hiking destinations, with the main visitor services concentrated at the eastern part of the area(3). This micro-loop does not replace the longer marked nature trails that start from the same landscape, but it gives a clear, low-distance option when you mainly want the shelter facilities(2)(3).

For shelters, firewood, access roads, and seasonal grooming, start with the City of Ylivieska’s outdoor recreation pages(1). The Joonaala Trail is about 14.7 km point-to-point through forest between the Liikuntapuisto–Huhja area and the Huhmari outdoor area in Ylivieska, North Ostrobothnia. It follows the same corridor as the Salmiperä–Joonaala–Huhmari winter connection track: in winter that link is an unlit ski trail that needs more snow than the groomed stadium loops; in summer and autumn you walk or ride the same kind of forest paths and track beds that locals use for hiking, skiing, and mountain biking between the sports park and Huhmari(1). From the Huhja end, the accessible lean-to at Huhjan esteetön laavu sits near a short, bridged approach with resting spots and bird boards along roughly 700 m from Huhjantie(1). About three kilometres farther along the route you reach Kivinevan laavu, where the city keeps a traditional log lean-to with a fireplace and, after a late 2025 renewal, a new sheltered kota-style lean-to and refurbished duckboards funded under Finland’s Suomi liikkeelle programme for nearby recreation areas(1)(2)(3). Around the midpoint, Joonaalan kota stands on the Ylivieska–Huhmari track: the parish owns the kota and a small bookable cabin nearby, with the kota open on a self-service basis and the cabin for small groups by reservation(1). Farther toward Huhmari, Rämekummun laavu offers a small shelter roughly halfway between Joonaala and the stadium hills, and Huhmarlammen laavu sits by a rocky shore at the end of Huhmarlammen forest road, with a fireplace and woodshed and swimming off the rocks in warm weather(1). The route finishes near Huhmarin kota and the Huhmarkallio parking area beside Huhmari’s competition and training facilities—close to lit ski loops, the MTB Huhmari route, fitness stairs, and other Huhmari services you can combine for a longer day(1). The same corridor doubles as Joonaalan latu in winter; Liikuntapuiston valaistu kuntorata and other Liikuntapuisto trails meet the Huhja end of the line. For a different long day hike in the same municipality, Törmälän luontopolku links some of the same Huhmari facilities into a separate network(1).

Vitsasuo nature trail is about 12.4 km as a point-to-point hike through lake, stream, and mire country northeast of Oulu, in North Ostrobothnia. The trail shares lean-tos, a rest shelter, bird towers, and a campfire place with the longer Yli-Iin luontopolku, which Luontoon.fi(1) lists at roughly 24.2 km with white paint markings on trees and a start described from the Kierikki centre area. For how the city looks after municipal nature-trail structures and summer maintenance, and for firewood notes at lean-tos, see the City of Oulu’s nature trails pages(2). Oulu is a good base; Visit Oulu(4) rounds up regional walking and cycling ideas if you are planning several outings. Early on, about 1.5 km from the start, Taukopaikka gives a sheltered break. Around 4.3 km, Koutuanjärven laavu sits by flowing water for a longer lunch stop. The Iso Mättäisjärvet pair defines the middle of the outing: Iso Mättäisjärven Lintutorni offers raised views over the big lake near 6.8 km, and Iso Mättäisjärven laavu sits almost next to the shore a little farther along—convenient if you want to combine a climb and a break. Near 9.4 km, Pikku Mättäisjärvi Nuotiopaikka adds a campfire spot beside the smaller lake. The Vitsasuo end of the route gathers bird interest and shelter: Vitsasuon Lintutorni and Vitsasuon laavu lie essentially together around 11 km over the Vitsasuo mire fringe. The City of Oulu’s regional bird-tower materials(3) class inland towers like this with lake- or mire-edge viewing, which matches the tower’s setting. If you want a much longer day, the same shelters and towers appear on Yli-Iin luontopolku; follow Luontoon.fi(1) for the full loop-style network and its services. Motorized winter trails also cross parts of the wider Kiiminki–Yli-Ii countryside—useful background if you ski or hike when snowmobile traffic is about—while this path itself is a quiet hiking trail.

For current services at the hill—seasonal ski slope, rental, kota and barbecue spots, and how the colour-coded trails fit together—start with the City of Merijärvi Ristivuori outdoor area page(1). The municipal route map uses red for Ristivuoren ulkoilualue, green for Kirkonkylä-Ristivuori vaellusreitti, and pale blue for lit ski tracks in winter(2). Merijärvi lies in North Ostrobothnia; the trail is about 11.8 km and runs as a point-to-point link through the Pyhänkoski countryside toward the Ristivuori hill, where it meets the same corridor described for Kirkonkylä-Ristivuori vaellusreitti on Luontoon.fi(3) and ties into Kupuliskosken reitti and Vuotinperän reitti along the Pyhäjoki valley(4). Near the end you pass the facilities around Ristivuorentie: Ristivuoren ylämaja and the lower barbecue area, Ristivuoren laskettelurinne (run by the local 4H when open), Ristivuoren Frisbeegolfrata, and Ristivuoren ampumarata—use extra care and follow local rules around the range and slope. Taipaleita’s walk at Pyhänkoski captures the river-bank character upstream—parking, a kota, and a short riverside path by the rapids—useful context for the same river landscape(5).

Keidas is about a 7.9 km hiking variant in the Kupson kutsu nature trail network on Kupsonvaara above Jaurakkajärvi in Pudasjärvi, North Ostrobothnia. For closures, seasonal tips, and the overview of all three variants, start with the City of Pudasjärvi’s Kupson kutsu page(1). The circuit is the longest choice beside the shorter Lumous and Elämys options and threads ridge forest, small lakes, and damp hollows while visiting the network’s three main rest hubs. Along the way you pass Kupson Kutsun Elämys - sauna ja laavu, where a stream-side sauna and kota invite a long break; Isojyrkän näköalalava ja kota (Kupson kutsu), with a viewing deck, kota, and dry toilets partway up the fell flank; and Lohilammen laavu (Kupson kutsu) at the shore of Lohilampi. Those structures sit roughly 1.3 km, 2.1 km, and 7.9 km from the mapped start. The trail shares trailheads and overlaps with Lumous and Elämys, so you can shorten or combine if time is tight. Maaseutuverkosto’s project sheet for Kupson kutsu still quotes about nine kilometres and roughly five hours for the full Keidas round with the same landmark order via Lohilampi, ridge forest, and the Lumous and Elämys nodes(2), which fits a leisurely day with breaks and photography. Retkipaikka’s Pudasjärvi article captures how steep and stony the climb toward Isojyrkkä can feel, how boards over wet ground needed renewal during the 2020–2022 rebuild, and how paint marks on trees help when side paths fork(3). Early signage also interprets historical tar pits beside the trail; Out in the Nature explains the tar-burning context for visitors who want the background before the first steps(4). The same Leader-funded maintenance drive replaced boards and refreshed the 18 information panels on flora, birds, terrain types, and tar history(2).

Temmesjoki Nature Trail is a short point-to-point hike in Liminka, North Ostrobothnia, from Temmesjoen marina toward Temmesjoen lintutorni at the river mouth. The trail is about 1.9 km as one walking line. For the latest on structures, signing, and etiquette on this municipal route, start with the City of Liminka’s article on the renewed trail(1). The same corridor sits in the Liminganlahti area where Metsähallitus reports maintenance work on the access to Temmesjokisuu bird tower(2). Rantalakeus reported when Liminka began the renovation project and the ELY grant backing it(3). You can snack by the fire at Temmesjoen venesataman puolikota right by the marina before you set off. About 1 km along the line you pass Kalatien kota, a good bench-and-shelter stop on the way toward the tower. At the far end, Temmesjoen lintutorni looks out over Liminganlahti and the mouth of Temmesjoki—bring binoculars in migration season. In the same landscape, the Limingan moottorikelkkaura winter route network uses overlapping points of interest for snowmobilers; this hiking page is for the foot trail to the tower. Liminka lies on the Liminganlahti shore plain. North Ostrobothnia links the bay’s visitor services with village-scale outdoor loops like this one.

Paulan puhuri is a day hiking route of about 9.6 km in Taivalkoski, North Ostrobothnia, inside Metsähallitus’s Kylmäluoma hiking area. Taivalkoski is the municipality; the trailhead and services sit in the Kylmäluoma recreation centre / campsite area. For area history, storm recovery, route names, and practical notes on the Paula-themed day routes, Visit Taivalkoski’s Kylmäluoma page is a clear starting point(1). Metsähallitus lists Paulan puhuri together with the other Kylmäluoma routes on Luontoon.fi(2). The route takes its name from the Paula storm that swept Koillismaa in summer 2021. Visit Taivalkoski notes that a very large share of the area’s boreal old-growth forest was blown down and that trails were later realigned and remarked, with maps and signage updated through the 2023 season(1). Along Paulan puhuri you still see extensive storm wood: windthrow, standing deadwood, and more open forest than before the storm—landscape that Kiipeilysohlot describes as unusually dramatic for Finland and well worth a full circuit on foot or at an easy run(4). Retkipaikka’s Luontopolkumies walk report on neighbouring Luontopolku Puuska explains how the new colour-coded day routes leave from the camping area and names Paulan puhuri as the green-marked option in that network(3). Terrain is mostly gentle pine forest and mire–pond scenery. Mire crossings use duckboards and gravel reinforcement; some newer alignments can feel soft and winding until they bed in(4). Visit Taivalkoski highlights cloudberry picking in late summer on this route(1). From the Maantielampi area you pass dry-toilet and woodshed points and Maantielampi kota, then cross toward Pikku-Pajuluoman laavu and Pajusalmi laavu with its companion Pajusalmi wc/liiteri. Around Iso-Pajuluoma the route meets lakeshore paths and services: Iso pajuluoma rantapolku 18, Iso Pajuluoma rantapolku 15, Kylmäluoma Campsite, Kylmäluoman leirintäalueen kota, Kylmäluoman leirintäalue, Sarvi, laituri, Iso-Pajuluoma, uimalaituri, Iso-Pajukuma invalaituri, campfire spots on both sides of the lake, and the Kylmäluoman retkeilykeskuksen frisbeegolfrata. Toward the end, Vanielinlampi laavu and Vanielinlampi wc/liiteri make a natural break before you return toward the start. The same junctions link to other named day routes in the network, including Luontopolku Puuska, Hukanharjun hurrikaani, Myrskyn jälkeen, and Kylmäluoma rantapolku—handy if you want to shorten, lengthen, or combine loops after checking current maps.

This short connector in Pyhäjoki takes you straight to Nikulan maja varaustupa on the shore of Lake Liminkajärvi in Liminkakylä. City of Pyhäjoki names this line Nikulan kämpän reitti in its trail index, links it beside the other numbered routes for mobile maps, and bundles it with the full printable PDF map set for the municipality(1)(2). The Liminkakylä village page on the City of Pyhäjoki site explains how the village sits along road 790 and Liminkaoja, points signposting from the village hall area toward Nikulan kämppä at the lake, and describes Liminkajärvi as a shallow lake where open water has been restored for birds(3). The trail is about 2.1 km as one walking line between the Keskikylä end and the hut. Pohjolan Rengastie lists the same named corridor at about 2.3 km with red markings—easy going on forest estate roads, with Liminkaoja, views of Liminkajärvi, and the reservable hut as the main reasons to walk it(4). At the water you reach Nikulan maja varaustupa; use our place page for booking rules and overnight detail. Where this segment meets the wider network: along Vihannintie you can connect to Nasin reitti toward Pirttikoski and to Liminkajärven reitti toward Parhalahti village, so you can stitch a longer day from the same trailhead area(1)(4). Pyhäjoki lies in North Ostrobothnia; the Liminkaoja stream valley and lake fringe here are typical northern Ostrobothnian forest-and-water walking country.

The trail is about 7.6 km in the Raahen hiihtomaja and Kaupunginmetsä forests west of central Raahe. For current loop lengths, trailhead addresses, firewood rules, and the 2024 route realignment, start with Liikkuva Raahe(1), then the City of Raahe Viitajärven luontopolku page(2). Liikkuva Raahe notes a major outdoor-route project in 2024: the alignment that was long known as Viitajärven luontopolku was renamed Pikku-Viitajärven luontopolku and no longer follows the main Viitajärvi shoreline—confirm the map and names before you go(1). Older materials and a detailed 2021 walk-through still describe the area as Viitajärven and Ahtimuksen kierros loops with yellow paint, wooden arrows, many nature boards, Pirunpelto (ancient shoreline boulder fields crossed on duckboards), hiidenkivi erratics, small mires, and a spring near the Natura 2000 Viitajärvi shore zone(3). The line on the map is not a closed ring. Around the ski-lodge cluster you pass Raahen hiihtomajan grillikatos and Raahen hiihtomajan kuntoportaat, share ground with winter ski tracks and the Lappanen–Raahen hiihtomaja latu and Ketunperäntie–Raahen hiihtomaja latu networks, and meet the Viitajärven maastopyöräilyreitti where mountain bikers use the same maintenance base. Kraken Raahen frisbeegolfpuisto and the Raahen hiihtomajan ampumahiihtoalue sit beside the path—use care where runners, skiers, cyclists, and biathlon training share space. Nuotiopaikkoja appear at the lodge and along the lake-side sections in older descriptions; Liikkuva Raahe states a leave-no-trace policy and that most laavu sites expect you to bring your own firewood, while the grillikatos at Raahen hiihtomaja may supply wood—check the city pages for the latest rules(1). Raahe lies in North Ostrobothnia; movement on municipal nature trails is at your own risk where the city states so(2).

This Kivenhakkaajan luontopolku loop is about 1.3 km through the Lehmilampi pocket of forest south of central Nivala. The name flags the main road and landmarks along the circuit (Nakkauksentie, the Käkikivi stone and Lehmilampi itself), where the City of Nivala maintains Kivenhakkaajan luontopolku together with longer variants in the same themed network. For current trail listings and practical rules—fires only at rest spots, dogs under control, careful use of firewood and respect for neighbouring private forest—start from the nature-trail pages published by Nivalan liikuntakeskus Uikko(1). About 0.7 km into the walk you pass Lehmilammen laavu on the shore of the pond: it is the natural place to brew coffee or wait out a shower before closing the loop. A barrier-free duckboard connector runs from the Nakkaperäntie parking area toward the laavu; Nivala-lehti reported in spring 2021 that worn boards on that approach were renewed once the route moved under direct city maintenance, and the structure was described as suitable for progressing with a wheelchair in mind(2). That does not guarantee every forest edge along the main loop is equally smooth, but it shows how access is handled next to the pond. The wider Kivenhakkaajan luontopolku family links toward Pyssymäki’s multi-use tracks and toward Nivalan XCM-rata, and the longer Järvikylän pururata–Vattumäki–Kivilampi variant passes Kivilammen laavu - Nivala if you want a bigger loop than this 1.3 km ring. Mountain bikers and trail runners often stitch the short ring into a longer outing in the same woods; the City of Nivala still frames the luontopolut set chiefly for jogging, trail running and walking(1). If you want the cultural story behind the “stonecutter” label, Nivala-Seura’s bookable Työn polkuja day programme folds a guided walk on Kivenhakkaajan luontopolku together with mining and industrial history elsewhere—it is aimed at pre-arranged groups rather than casual drop-in hikers(3). Nivala lies in lake-and-field country in North Ostrobothnia. Visit Nivala points travellers to an interactive map that gathers municipal sports and outdoor sites for orientation when you pick a trailhead(4). No YouTube walkthrough specific to this 1.3 km ring surfaced in a dedicated search; rely on municipal maps and on-the-ground markings for the latest layout.

Kielosaari nature trail is a short river-islet loop of about 0.4 km beside Pyhäjoki town centre in North Ostrobothnia, threading small islands in the Pyhäjoki river channel with bridges and duckboards. For how the municipality introduces the path, the official trail card on the City of Pyhäjoki website is the best starting point(1). Visit Finland’s Pyhäjoki product entry flags year-round walking and bird interest, and notes that spring flooding on the Pyhäjoki can sometimes block access—worth checking before a May visit(3). From the camping side you cross to Kielosaari and follow a signposted nature-trail marker; the line is partly a there-and-back lead-in and partly a ring walked clockwise in the layout Taipaleita photographed in 2022(2). Metal footbridges hop from islet to islet, duckboards keep feet dry through the dampest spots, and benches and water-worn rock ledges invite you to pause over the rapids and pools(1)(2). About a third of a kilometre into our line you reach Kielosaaren lintutorni, a small tower with views upriver to the north, with a campfire spot and wood shelter alongside—good for a snack stop and scanning the river for birds(1)(2). The loop sits next to Kielopuisto recreation area: Kielopuiston kota, Kielopuisto, Kielopuiston tenniskenttä, Pyhäjoen jäähalli, Pyhäjoen urheilukenttä, and Pyhäjoen liikuntahalli lie within a short walk of the shore for anyone combining a nature stroll with local sports facilities. If you want a much longer hike on the same river mouth system, Rajaniemen reitti continues the coastal and river-bank network for many kilometres past shared points such as Kielopuisto; Pyhäjoen penkkatiet offers a separate signed cycling tour along the embankment roads when you prefer wheels.

Könkään keino is about 6.9 km on our map as a hiking segment from Oulangan luontokeskus toward the Merenoja end of the river valley in Oulanka National Park. Kuusamo is the home municipality on this side of the park, in North Ostrobothnia. For national-park rules, trail closures, and the wider route network around the visitor centre, start with the Oulanka hiking and outdoor section on Luontoon.fi(1). You begin beside Oulangan luontokeskus, with parking at Luontokeskus parkkialue. The nature centre is the natural hub for toilets, exhibition space, food service in season, and trip questions before you walk. CAMICUVA drove to Liikasenvaarantie 132, 93900 Kuusamo for a reindeer stew meal and then walked from the same gateway straight onto this hike(3). Within the first kilometres the path overlaps the busy visitor-centre end of Hiiden hurmos and shares Kiutaköngäs with the very short Könkään kuohu esteetön polku spur for a quick look at the rapids. About 4.3 to 4.7 km along you reach Kiutakönkään taukokatos, Kiutaköngäs taukokatos, Kiutaköngäs taukokatoksen käymälä, Kiutakönkään esteetön tulipaikka, and the Kiutaköngäs esteetön kuivakäymälä beside the river; Oulankajoki, Kiutakönkään vesillelaskupaikka marks the canoe launch on the shore. Kiutakönkään telttailualueen tulentekopaikka 1, Mataraniemen tulentekopaikka 1, and Mataraniemi kompostikäymälä cluster on the same river bend before the line runs on through pine heath toward Merenoja kompostikäymälä and Merenojan tulentekopaikka near kilometre seven. Along Oulankajoki the valley walls and rapids feel much larger than the kilometre count suggests; Retkipaikka describes moving from crowded Kiutaköngäs viewpoints to quieter shoreline mileage and meeting Karhunkierros pack-carrying hikers at Merenojan tulentekopaikka(2). CAMICUVA contrasts the gentler pace here with the stair-heavy Pieni Karhunkierros loop on the next day, and singles out Loseikko as a viewpoint stop above the winding river(3). Independent pieces also mention Ala-Kitkan paliskunta reindeer separation fences and a tower for watching corrals—worth expecting as a cultural landscape element, not only as scenery(2)(3). Canoe travellers can tie the start into Melontareitti Savilampi – Oulangan luontokeskus, which threads Savilampi kanoottiränni, Savilampi autiotupa, and Taivalköngäs landings before returning to the nature-centre docks. From mid-route, Melontareitti Mataraniemi - Jäkälämutka uses the same Kiutaköngäs launches for long river days toward Ansakämppä autiotupa and Jäkälämutkan puolikota if you pack boats(1).

For the national outdoor listing and map entry for this route, start with the trail page on Luontoon.fi(1). The City of Oulainen groups Honkamaja with summer trails, laavu shelters, and other local outdoor services on its outdoor sports facilities page(2). The Oulainen–Honkamaja hiking trail is about 8.6 km as a point-to-point line in Oulainen, North Ostrobothnia. It leaves the Ouluntie exercise corridor and forest fringe east of the town centre and runs toward the Honkamaja outdoor area at Piipsjärvi. Along the first kilometres the same corridor carries the lit Ouluntien kuntorata-latu for skiing and running and meets the Ouluntie–Piipsjärvi cycling route—useful if you arrive by bike or want a short warm-up on the track before the forest section. About 6 km into the route you reach Kettukallion laavu - Oulainen, a city-maintained lean-to where firewood is supplied; pack out your own waste, as the city asks at all its laavut(2). The route finishes at Honkamaja (Hietalantie 91), where Honkamajan laavu, Honkamajan kuntoportaat, and the 18-hole Honkamajan frisbeegolfrata sit near Honkamajan ampumarata and Sporting ammuntarata. Treat the shooting ranges as active sport facilities, keep to public paths, and follow local safety rules. In winter the municipality maintains a connector ski trail from Ouluntien pururata to Honkamaja and a wider lit ski network; lights on lit tracks go off at 22:00, and the Honkamaja loop behind the centre is unlit(3). The Honkamaja area also hosts a ski centre, log main building, and café; group stays and catering for Honkamaja are handled separately through the city’s nature tourism pages(4). Longer marked walking connections from Honkamaja—including the Kymmenenkylänpolku toward the main trail network and the marked Aarnon polku—are described on the outdoor sports facilities page(2).

The Sydänmaankylä–Kokkopuro trail is about 4.3 km point-to-point in Sydänmaankylä, east of Kärsämäki in North Ostrobothnia. It starts from the Syke village hub near Sykkeentie and follows forest toward Kokkopuro stream country, finishing at Ylikulun laavu—a typical Kärsämäki lean-to stop for a fire, shelter, or a longer break. The opening section passes Kyläkeskus Sykkeen tanssilava and the Sykke beach volleyball courts, so you begin from a rural events and accommodation area before the path turns into quieter woods. Metsähallitus publishes this route on Luontoon.fi(1). For the wider Sydänmaankylä outdoor picture—nature paths, snowmobile and mountain bike routes, and dozens of laavut and kodat for day trips—Visit Kärsämäki is a practical planning companion(2). The Kärsämäki municipality website lists contacts for leisure and sports(3). The Sydänmaankylä village association’s Kyläkeskus Syke pages describe restaurant, sauna, and summer dance pavilion services at the village centre(4). In the same landscape, Kivisaari wetland – Lake Iso-Kärsämäenjärvi trail and cycling variants share infrastructure near the start; Välineva–Pienimäki hiking trail and Iso-Kärsämäenjärven polku meet the network around Ylikulun laavu, so you can combine shorter legs or return by road if you arrange transport. Winter snowmobile routing uses overlapping corridors in places—check current rules and season before you travel(2)(3).

Puuska nature trail is about 4.1 km of marked walking in Metsähallitus’s Kylmäluoma hiking area beside Highway 5 near Taivalkoski, North Ostrobothnia. Luontoon.fi presents it as an interpretive path about how the landscape formed, logging and meadow culture, wildlife, and local natural curiosities(1). Visit Taivalkoski frames the wider area: roughly ninety clear lakes and ponds, Finland’s first state recreation area designation in 1979 alongside what is now Hossa National Park, and the summer 2021 Storm Paula blowdown that forced extensive rerouting and new colour-named circuits on shared trailheads(2). Luontopolkumies walked the white-marked Puuska line after those changes and describes a moderate outing on esker crests and pine heath, short bridges and duckboard stretches, loud birds such as woodpecker and common sandpiper, and information boards on big 1930s logging camps(3). Practical staging clusters around Kylmäluoma camping and the outdoor centre on Pajuluomantie 20. Within the first tens of metres you pass tent pitches at Kylmäluoma Campsite, jetties such as Kylmäluoman leirintäalue, Sarvi, laituri, a bookable Lapp-hut at Kylmäluoman leirintäalueen kota, and the nine-hole Kylmäluoman retkeilykeskuksen frisbeegolfrata—use extra care where fairways cross the footpath(3). Mid-route, Vanielinlampi laavu offers a forest lean-to pause, and Maantielampi kota pairs a kota and fire ring with a woodshed toilet building at Maantielampi wc/liiteri—handy for a longer break(3). Toward Iso-Pajuluoma you meet paired campfire spots on the west and east shore at Iso-Pajuluoma, länsipuoli, tulipaikka and Iso-Pajuluoma, itäpuoli, tulipaikka, then Iso-Pajukuma invalaituri and Iso-Pajuluoma, uimalaituri for swimming and boarding small craft(3). The route stitches neatly into Kylmäluoma’s larger signed network at the same trailheads: you can lengthen a day onto Kylmäluoma rantapolku along Iso-Pajuluoma, Paulan puhuri through mire and lake shores, the shorter Hukanharjun hurrikaani esker loop, or the full Myrskyn jälkeen circuit, and the lakeshore connector Iso-Pajuluoma lakeshore connector ties the camping beaches together(2). Expect white paint marks in the field consistent with Metsähallitus trail materials on Luontoon.fi(3). Carry water in warm weather; swimming off Iso-Pajuluoma, uimalaituri is a popular cool-down after the ridgewalk(3).

Raatetuva Trail is about 5.9 km as a point-to-point forest walk in Pudasjärvi, on Metsähallitus-managed ground inside the Syöte area of North Ostrobothnia. For park rules, services, and the hut network around this line, the Syöte National Park material on Luontoon.fi is the right place to start(1). Syöte.fi describes more than 122 km of marked paths, lists Syötteen luontokeskus as the hub for maps and the latest trail news, and notes that local day routes use yellow paint blazes while the UKK long-distance trail through the area uses blue blazes(2). Retkipaikka’s Syöte hub stresses how densely huts, day shelters, and campfire points are spaced—usefully thick context even when a specific named segment has little standalone press(3). On our map the line leaves the Raatetupa autiotupa cluster at the north end: the wilderness hut sits beside the route with a nearby woodshed and outdoor toilet, and you can read more about overnight etiquette on our Raatetupa autiotupa page. After roughly 3.4 km the path meets the same corridors as Torpparin taival, Rytivaaran kierros, UKK-reitti Syöte - Kouva, and the long UKK Trail (Syöte–Puolanka section) near Rytivaara, where Rytitupa vuokratupa, Rytivaara sauna, and campfire spots sit a short detour away for anyone combining loops. The southern end lands at Ukonvaaran P-alue, a parking area shared with several other Syöte routes—handy if you want a car waiting after a hut-to-car day. Walkers often stitch Raatetupa into longer Syöte itineraries; Syöte.fi suggests one classic two-night outline from Ruuhensuo parking via Raatetupa, Rytivaaran crown-forest croft, Toraslampi autiotupa, and back toward Syötteen luontokeskus at about 36 km(2), and our corridor is the hut-to-Ukonvaara link in that wider maze. Carry a map even if you only plan this shorter segment: junctions toward the UKK and Torpparin taival corridors reward careful reading of blaze colours in the terrain(2). Dedicated YouTube searches did not return a clip whose title clearly isolated only this named trail rather than the whole Syöte backcountry, so video is omitted for now.

The Pilpasuo Nature Trail brings you through one of Oulu's most popular and ecologically rich outdoor destinations — a vast, largely undrained mire in eastern Oulu, about 20 km from the city centre in North Ostrobothnia. The City of Oulu manages the trail and publishes up-to-date service information on their Pilpasuo page(1). Two loops start from the same trailhead. The Pahalampi Nature Trail (Lystireitti) is a 1 km loop around Pahalampi pond, takes about 30 minutes, and is well suited for families with small children. The Pilpasuo Nature Trail (Aistireitti) is the 7 km route, taking about 2 hours, and visits far more of the mire. Both share a sensory nature education theme — task boards at intervals invite you to pause and experience the landscape through sound, touch, and observation. The shorter trail has 4 task stations and the longer has 8. Follow red paint marks for the short loop and blue for the longer route. On the 7 km Aistireitti, the terrain is varied and rewarding. The route travels on duckboards across boggy sections and through spruce woodland before climbing to Ala-Korkiakangas — a dramatic boulder field that was a small island in the sea 6,500 years ago and now rises 55 metres above sea level. This is the most demanding stretch but also a natural rest stop; the boulders make good seats and from here the bog opens up in all directions. From Ala-Korkiakangas the trail descends to open fen with sweeping views before heading into Pilpakangas, a dry ridge of pine forest. Three stops are spaced along the longer route. Pilpasuon laavu, about 2.3 km from the start near Pahalampi pond, has a campfire site with a firewood shed. About a kilometre further, Pahalammen toinen tulentekopaikka offers a second campfire option on the pond shore. Further on, Pilpakankaan laavu at roughly 5.3 km sits at the edge of the pine forest overlooking the open bog — the best place to stop for a longer rest or a fire. City of Oulu delivers firewood to all three sites when the ground can bear machinery, but it runs out quickly; bringing your own is strongly recommended. A dry toilet is available only at the Pahalampi area on the short loop — there are none on the rest of the longer route. Overnight stays at lean-tos are allowed; camping elsewhere in the conservation area is prohibited. There are no waste bins on the trail, so pack out everything you bring. Pilpasuo is a Natura 2000 protected area and part of Finland's national mire conservation programme. 23 different wetland types have been recorded here, from dwarf-shrub bogs and cotton grass bogs to spring-fed fens. Birds are a highlight: meadow pipits and yellow wagtails are among the most numerous, cranes are regulars, and waders including wood sandpiper and curlew visit seasonally. Great grey owl, boreal owl, and northern eagle owl also reside in the area. The rare marsh saxifrage — protected in Finland and listed under the EU Habitats Directive — grows here among sphagnum mosses, bog rosemary, and cranberry. At Pilpakankaan laavu, a signpost shows distances to Kallioselän kämppä, Pilpajärven laavu, and Sankivaara — key points on the Oulujokilaakson Tervareitistö. This 32.9 km summer hiking route passes directly through Pilpasuon luontopolku via Pilpakankaan laavu, linking the area westward to Sankivaara in Oulu and eastward to Pilpajärven laavu, Kallioselän kämppä, and eventually Rokua National Park. In winter, the paired Oulujokilaakson Tervareitistö Latu provides a 97 km ski trail between Oulu and Rokua; this winter route skirts the western side of the bog near Pilpaselä rather than crossing through the mire itself. The Pilpasuon parking area serves as an access point for both. Karttaselain's day trip report gives a thorough walk-through of the Aistireitti with photos from each section and a recorded GPS track confirming the 7.1 km length(3). Vagabonda describes a May visit noting the trail at its spring best, with patches of snow still visible alongside early blooms(4). Both are worth reading if you want to know exactly what the route feels like underfoot. Trail shoes are usually enough in summer. In spring or after prolonged rain, waterproof footwear is recommended as some sections can be wet. The route has no winter maintenance but stays walkable thanks to heavy visitor traffic; in winter it is also popular for snowshoeing and aurora spotting. Mountain bikes are not permitted on the duckboards.

Palovartija Trail (in planning) is about 3.5 km point-to-point in the Syöte National Park area on the border of North Ostrobothnia and Lapland, in Pudasjärvi municipality. The Finnish listing name includes SUUNNITTEILLA (in planning): treat length and geometry as provisional. Metsähallitus, Parks & Wildlife Finland publishes current Syöte National Park information on Luontoon.fi(1), including rules, seasonal closures, and campfire restrictions—read that before you set out. The same planning pass should include the UKK-reitti entry on Luontoon.fi(2), because this segment meets the Urho Kekkonen National Hiking Route network almost at once from the start of the drawn line. About 0.4 km along the route you reach the Riihitupa day hut cluster at the edge of Riihisuo: Riihitupa päivätupa is a day-use shelter and Riihituvan WC Liiteri groups dry-toilet and woodshed buildings a few steps away. Read more on our Riihitupa päivätupa page for the pin and gallery; Metsähallitus still hosts the public service description on Luontoon.fi under the same name. From that junction the corridor aligns with other Syöte hiking infrastructure: UKK Trail: Syöte to Pintamo (west section) continues toward wilderness huts and boat landings farther west, Pytkyn pyrähdys is a longer marked walking loop through Kellarilampi and Lauttalampi, and Syötteen kierros maastopyöräreitti shares trail bed in places with the summer hiking mesh—watch for bikes where signage allows shared use. Matkalla Suomessa rounds out the picture for trip planning around Iso-Syöte: the park mixes short family loops with multi-day links, UKK-reitti is highlighted as part of the hiking palette, and Syötteen luontokeskus at Erätie 1 is named as the practical place to pick up maps(3). Pudasjärvi sits on Finland’s southern fell fringe; Syöte draws hikers, mountain bikers, and winter skiers into the same upland mosaic.

Valkiaisjärvi–Loppula is about 2.3 km on our map as a one-way forest link between Lake Valkiaisjärvi and the Loppula service area in the Sanginjoki nature reserve north of Oulu, in North Ostrobothnia. Metsähallitus publishes the route nationally under the name Metsänvartijan polku (Forest Ranger Trail) on Luontoon.fi(1), and local reporting summarises a broader Valkiaisjärvi–Loppula hiking connection on the order of 10 km with new trail signing and upgraded rest and parking as part of Sanginjoki’s 2024 construction season(2). Oulu reminds readers that recreation structures in this landscape moved to Metsähallitus care from 2021 and points to the city’s nature-trail hub for background on how municipal networks meet reserve trails(3). Kaleva followed later widening of the outdoor network toward Valkiaisjärvi from the Knuutilankangas side, with gravel surfacing and small bridges planned along roughly nine kilometres of shared path fabric aimed at multi-season use(4). Sanginjoen luontokeskus Loppula’s trail notes describe Loppula as the lively eastern gateway to Sanginjoki: café hours in summer, ski-track links in winter, and many optional connectors toward Kalimenpolku, Isokankaan retkeilypolku, and the short Sanginjoen riistapolku for anyone who wants a longer day after the lake-to-Loppula leg(5). Terrain is typical north-boreal forest and shoreline edge around Valkiaisjärvi; official work in 2024 stressed wear-sensitive spots, new signs, and rest points elsewhere in the reserve, so expect maintained surfaces on busy lines but check Luontoon.fi for seasonal closures while machines finish upgrades(1)(2). For a short distance the trail runs close to Muuraiskangas-Kiiminki moottorikelkkareitti, where winter snowmobile traffic may be heavy—keep skiers and hikers aware if you combine visits. Oulu is an easy drive from the Gulf coast; combine this segment with Metsähallitus pages for Kalimeenkierros, Isokankaan kierros, or Muuraiskankaan kierros when planning a multi-stop Sanginjoki outing.

For signage, duckboards, shelters and how this walk fits Sievi’s wider paths, Sievin kunta lists Pappissaaren laavu on its Retkeily ja kalastus pages(1). The municipality’s ski-track and running-trail page also highlights the same Pappissaari duckboard sections in the fitness-trail network(2). Pappisaari Trail is about 2.3 km in Sievi, North Ostrobothnia. It runs point to point through the forest rather than closing a loop. Begin from the fitness trail at the sports-ground area in Kirkonkylä as the official access, then follow the well marked path that includes duckboards on wetter stretches to Pappissaaren laavu. The laavu sits in a small island-style forest patch with a campfire place where day visitors often grill food. About 2 km from the route start you reach Mutterilaavu, where the route meets Keskustan kuntorata—the central running loop past Jussinmäki sports facilities and, a little along that loop, Sievin frisbeegolfrata and the main sports field. That makes the hike easy to combine with a run or a short detour to other facilities near the track. Terrain is typical low Ostrobothnian forest and shoreline fringe; elevation change is modest and the duckboards help when the ground is soft. Sievi keeps broader trail descriptions and fishing permit sales on the same municipal outdoor pages if you plan a longer stay(1). Geocachers maintain an eight-cache walking series named Patikkapolku Pappissaareen listed under Sievi on Geocache.fi, which follows the same general corridor if you want an extra navigation game on the outing(3). No verified on-trail YouTube clip surfaced in search, so video is omitted.

The Kirkonkylä–Ristivuori hiking trail is a point-to-point forest link of about 10 km between Ristivuori outdoor area in Pyhänkoski village and the services of Kirkonkylä in Merijärvi, North Ostrobothnia. Merijärvi is a small municipality in coastal Northern Ostrobothnia; this route ties the hill-and-ski recreation cluster at Ristivuorentie to the church village, where Merijärven urheilukenttä and FrisbeeGO DiscGolfPark sit close to the line. For current marking, winter grooming, and services at the hill, the City of Merijärvi's Ristivuori outdoor area page is the main local authority(2); the same route is also catalogued nationally on Luontoon.fi(1). At the Ristivuori end you quickly pass Ristivuoren Frisbeegolfrata, Ristivuoren laskettelurinne with its rental base, Ristivuoren ylämaja, and Ristivuoren ampumarata—all within the first kilometre from a typical start near the outdoor-area parking. The municipality describes roughly 8 km of shorter trails on the hill itself, a 200 m ski slope with about 30 m of vertical, rental cabins including the retro-style Ylämaja, two grill spots, and dry toilets near the car park(2). On summer trails, walking and cycling are allowed on the maintained network(2). From this hub you can branch onto Ristivuoren ulkoilualue (running trails) and the longer foot loops Ristivuoren reitti and Vuotinperän reitti; Mustoslähteen kota and other shelters appear on those connecting hikes rather than on every step of the Kirkonkylä connector. The connector crosses forest and rural fringe to Kirkonkylä. Official copy rounds the distance to Kirkonkylä church to about 9 km(2); winter maintenance describes a classic-style ski link of about the same length between Ristivuori and Kirkonkylä when snow allows(3). The municipality marks the hiking route with red markings and the winter ski alignment with blue markings on the same corridor(2). The municipal routes map legend colours this long link green alongside Ristivuori outdoor area (red), ski tracks (light blue), and other networks(5). Near Kirkonkylän koulun hiihtolatu and Ellinsaaren valaistu latu you are in the village sports cluster; FrisbeeGO DiscGolfPark on Merijärventie and Merijärven urheilukenttä on Salmentie sit at the Kirkonkylä end of the line. Allow roughly half a day on foot for the full line at an easy pace, faster on a bike when surfaces suit. Confirm the latest ski track opening and lighting details on the City of Merijärvi's ski-trail page(3).

Ölökyn ylitys is about 5.3 km as a marked loop along the south shore of Julma-Ölkky, Finland’s famous canyon lake in Hossa National Park on the North Ostrobothnia side of the Kuusamo–Suomussalmi area. Metsähallitus keeps the official trail description and maps for this exact route on Luontoon.fi(1). Visit Suomussalmi publishes practical driving directions to the Julma-Ölkky service yard and spells out how you reach the suspension bridge by stone steps and climb the far cliff on rock and steel spiral stairs, with orange paint blazes along the way(2). Luontopolkumies recounts the same loop on Retkipaikka tall west-shore boulders, slow pace on the west side, quicker forest going on the east, and the 2017-vintage bridge as the visual highlight—worth reading before you pack boots(3). Most people stage from the Julma-Ölkky south end where Julmaölkky linja-auto p-paikka and Julma-Ölkyn lisäparkkipaikka give room for cars and coaches, Julmaölkyn käymälä serves the parking area, and Julma-Ölkyn esteetön melontalaituri marks where canoe shuttles meet the shoreline. About 2.2 km into the walk you are above Ala-Ölkky tulentekopaikka on the smaller southern lake, and Ala-Ölkky vetotaival shows where boats are portaged between the two basins—useful context if you arrive by packraft or watch paddlers from the trail. After the bridge the east shore leg is generally easier walking, while the west rim stays rough underfoot; allow longer than a typical 5 km woodland stroll. If you still have energy, the longer Ölökyn ähkäsy circuit continues around the whole canyon and Julman Ölkyn polku explores the tight ravine from the same service area. Kuusamo holds the postal address for Julma-Ölkyntie, while many visitors approach from Suomussalmi along Visit Suomussalmi’s Highway 5 corridor instructions(2).

Elävisluodon Trail is a day hiking loop of about 9.9 km around the Elävisluoto shoreline and Yppäri village area in Pyhäjoki, North Ostrobothnia, on the Gulf of Bothnia coast. For printable maps, the full trail list, and any updates, the City of Pyhäjoki publishes its hiking hub online(1). The same route is highlighted on Pohjolan Rengastie as a Pyhäjoki outdoor segment in the wider regional ring route(2). The printable hiking route maps give step-by-step notes for this loop, including where the optional Ojansuunlahti spur adds distance and where the Kokkolantie road crossing needs extra care(3). The loop is marked in orange(2)(3). Official materials describe the main circuit at about 10.3 km plus an optional Ojansuunlahti round of about 1.7 km(3); on our map the continuous loop is about 9.9 km. The municipality classifies the terrain as mostly easy overall, while calling the optional Ojansuunlahti section wet and more demanding on the marked ground(3). From the Yppäri school area the route ties together shoreline, small harbours, and local services. Near the start, Pylhyn laavu, tulipaikka, käymälä and Pylhyn uimapaikka sit close together with Lehtikarin uimaranta a short detour from the same cluster—good for a swim, a fire, or a break. Further along, Pörkän sataman laavu ja nuotiopaikka offers another shelter and campfire spot by the water. Yppärin merimaja/ tanssilava marks the village dance pavilion and sea pavilion setting beside the shore; Yppärin urheilukenttä and the Yppärin koulun liikuntasali, Yppärin koulun luistelukenttä, and Yppärin koulun pallokenttä sit by the school block where the loop is described as starting and finishing(2)(3). You can extend or vary the day using trails that share the same network. Elävisluodon lisäreitti, Pylhy - Lehtikarinranta is a short add-on between Pylhy and Lehtikarinranta beaches. Elavisluodon reitti, lisäreitti Pörkän hamina is a very short branch at Pörkän harbour. In winter, Yppärin latu and Yppärin kuntorata overlap nearby for skiing and running. Longer hiking links include Rajaniemen reitti toward Kielosaari and central Pyhäjoki, and Viirretjärven reitti toward Lake Viirretjärvi and Rautiperä—use the PDF map to see how segments meet(3). Pyhäjoki is a coastal municipality. North Ostrobothnia frames the wider region name in English; Finnish pages use Pohjois-Pohjanmaa in parallel sentences so city and region links resolve cleanly.

Ukkopetäjä nature trail is about a 1 km walk in the Vuohtomäki countryside of Pyhäjärvi in North Ostrobothnia. It leads through forest to Ukkopetäjä, a very old, monumental Scots pine the village is named after in everyday speech. The City of Pyhäjärvi groups the path with other local outdoor options as Ukko-petäjän polku on its village-activities page(1). For phone contacts about Pyhäjärvi’s nature trails and maps, use the municipal nature-trails page(2). The same authority’s Näe ja koe overview describes Vuohtomäki more broadly: the lookout tower on Kankimäki, nationally listed village landscape, and forested, rocky terrain typical of the eastern side of the municipality(3). The route is short and forested; combine it with other marked trails nearby if you want a longer day—Rillankiven luontopolku and Vitikkamäen luontopolku are the main signed alternatives the city promotes from the same pages(1)(2). Askelmittari’s 2016 travel notes from the area spell out what independent visitors often find: they could locate the kilometre-long path’s far end toward the big pine, but the first stretch looked unpromising, parking space felt tight, and they chose to move on rather than complete the walk that day—worth knowing if you like clear trailheads and roomy lots(4). There is a campfire place at the tree in local descriptions; carry water, map or offline route, and patience for a rural road junction that is easier to miss than a major trailhead(4).

For the municipal trail list, GPX-style maps on Outdoor Active, and printable overview sheets, start with the City of Pyhäjoki hiking trails page(1). The same corridor sits in the Pohjolan Rengastie regional network, which lists Kupuliskosken reitti as an orange-marked day section in Pirttikoski(4). The rapids walk lies in Pyhäjoki, North Ostrobothnia. Kupuliskoski Rapids Trail is about 5.1 km as a point-to-point walk beside Pyhäjoki: it branches from Rautiperän lenkki and finishes at the Kupuliskoski rapids on the south bank, where Pyhäjoki drops through one of the largest rapids pairs in the Pirttikoski village reach(3). At the water, you can pause at Kupuliskosken pohjoisrannan kota, tulipaikka, käymälä and Kupuliskosken eteläranta kota, tulipaikka, käymälä—north- and south-bank kota with fireplaces and dry toilets—before looping back on other marked routes or returning along Rautiperän lenkki toward Rautiperän hiihtomaja and the Pirttikoski shore roads. Ristivuoren reitti meets the line partway, and Pirttikosken yhdysreitti with Pirttikosken taidereitti, Pyhäjoki give cyclists marked links through the same rapids pocket; Halusen reitti lisäosa Kupuliskoski pohjoinen is a very short orange add-on at the kota cluster, and Oulainen-Pyhäjoki pyöräilyreitti passes the fords on longer bike tours. The printable Pyhäjoki route pack calls out wet stretches beside Pitkännevanoja and Kalliokoskenoja and busy traffic on Oulaistentie (kt 787)—worth reading before you go(2).

After the Storm is a full-day marked hiking circuit in the Kylmäluoma recreation area near Taivalkoski in North Ostrobothnia. Metsähallitus manages the area; Visit Taivalkoski summarises the day routes and links to Luontoon.fi for the wider route hub and the latest official information on access and maintenance(1). Luontoon.fi lists Kylmäluoma’s hiking routes together with other services for the destination(2). The trail is about 15.3 km long. Official descriptions round it to about 16 km and present it as a circular day route through boreal forest, mire, and lake shores. The route was relined after the Paula storm in summer 2021, when windthrow hit a large share of the old-growth classified forest on the area; the new line is meant to show both surviving old forest and open storm mosaic(1). On the Konttivaara section you walk in older forest with relatively little fresh windthrow, whereas the latter part of the circuit passes more of the storm-opened stands; wet mire crossings use duckboards or hardened surfacing similar to other rebuilt Kylmäluoma trails(1)(3). Along the way you pass lean-tos and kota-style shelters tied to the area’s network: near the start, Salmijärven kota and the Maantielampi kota sit a few kilometres apart; Pikku-Pajuluoman laavu and Pajusalmi laavu frame the Pajuluoma narrows; Iso-Pajuluoma has campfire spots on both sides of the stream; Kylmäluoma Campsite, the camping kota, and jetties at Iso-Pajuluoma sit in the central services cluster; Valkeinen laavu offers a break on the western return; and Vanielinlampi laavu sits near the northern end of the circuit. The route shares trailheads and segments with other Kylmäluoma hiking routes such as Kylmäluoma–Taivalkoski, Paulan puhuri, Luontopolku Puuska, and the short Kylmäluoma lakeshore routes, so careful attention to markings is useful where paths cross(1).

For route description, duckboards through Kirkkosalmi reedbed and what you reach at the end, the City of Hailuoto groups this short hike under Kirkonkarin retkeilyreitti on its hiking page(1). Visit Hailuoto’s Kirkkosalmi bird tower article adds migration timing, breeding waterbirds and waders, and how the shallow bay ice tends to open early beside the new bridge—useful context for planning a quiet hour with binoculars(2). Luontoon.fi’s Hailuoto bird-watching overview ties the same sites into Metsähallitus–managed visitor information for the island(3). PPLOY’s regional birding guide for Hailuoto explains why serious birders treat the whole island as a hotspot, with Kirkkosalmi among the most visited towers(4). Hailuoto lies in the Bothnian Bay in North Ostrobothnia. Kirkkokari nature trail is about 0.4 km as one straight walk on our map, not a loop. It leaves the church-islet end of the duckboards through the reedbed: you soon pass Kirkonkarin lintulato, then continue on boardwalk over wet ground toward Kirkkosalmen lintutorni. Near the tower rest area, Kirkkosalmi tulentekopaikka makes a natural break; a spacious dry toilet sits in the same cluster (Metsähallitus maintains the tower; the municipality and partnership pages describe the facilities)(2)(3). That layout matches how the city labels WC beside the lintutorni taukopaikka across the road margin from the path(1). The same boardwalk and tower corner also sit on the short walking route Kirkkosalmen katseluladon reitti in our database if you want an alternate label for the wheelchair-friendly tower approach and fireplace infrastructure. April–May is the highlight window for mass migration and breeding hustle around Kirkkosalmi; midges can still be part of the package on calm warm days, so a head-net can be worth packing(2). Winter maintenance for island trails and fireplaces is not guaranteed—check current guidance before a cold-season visit(1).

Letonniemi Nature Trail is a 2.1 km loop trail on a protected cape about 6 km north of Oulu's city centre, in the Letonniemi Nature Conservation Area. For up-to-date conditions and closure information, the City of Oulu's Letonniemi page(1) is the place to check. The conservation area covers 44 hectares and was established in 1994 as a Natura 2000 site to showcase how coastal land develops from sea to forest, driven by post-glacial rebound — the ongoing geological rise of land that was compressed beneath the last ice age. Letonniemi is also an active research and education site for monitoring this process on the Bay of Bothnia coast. The trail runs through lush birch-dominated forest to the tip of the cape and back. The outward section follows duckboards for over a kilometre through the dampest terrain; the return leg is a wider, gravel-surfaced path. There are virtually no elevation changes throughout. In spring and during high sea levels the route can be muddy, so rubber boots are a sensible precaution. The main draw is the Piispanletto area about 1.1 km into the walk, where the Letonniemen tulentekopaikka campfire shelter sits with a covered picnic table and a firewood storage shed. Right next to it stands the Letonniemen lintutorni bird-watching tower, close to the water's edge — the birch canopy partially screens the sea view, but it is still worth the climb. During the wettest periods, firewood delivery to the shelter may be paused. Along the route, look out for a small 1940s lighthouse that once guided ships into Toppila harbour. It now stands roughly 150 metres from the current shoreline in the middle of the forest — a vivid illustration of how much this coastline has risen from the sea in less than a century. When it was built, the Piispanletto area in the heart of the reserve was still a small island; the word letto means a bare, rocky islet in the local dialect. Visit Oulu(2) describes this landmark as one of the highlights of the walk. The area is excellent for bird-watching. Willow warblers, chaffinches, lesser spotted woodpeckers, robins, and woodcocks inhabit the birch forest; redshanks, oystercatchers, curlews, and common snipes wade the coastal meadows. During nesting season (May to July), please stay off the coastal meadows and reedbeds. Rabbits and elk also roam the reserve. A short distance from the route at roughly km 1.8 lies Rajahaudan uimaranta — a handy add-on for a summer visit. The trail is not maintained in winter, but regular visitors keep it in good condition. Only walk on marked routes; damaging plants is prohibited under the conservation declaration, though berry and mushroom picking is allowed. Motor vehicles are banned in the area, and mountain bikes must give way on the gravel path and must not be ridden over the duckboards. Luontopolkumies Mika Markkanen at Retkipaikka.fi(3) visited in May 2024 and found the trail dry enough for trainers, with clear signage and a welcoming atmosphere — a short, easy walk worth combining with a picnic at the Piispanletto shelter.

Valtavaara Peak Trail (Valtavaaran huiputus) is a demanding day hike in Kuusamo in North Ostrobothnia, in the Valtavaara–Pyhävaara Nature Reserve east of Ruka. The trail is about 5.2 km long as shown on our map and climbs to some of the highest natural terrain in the region, with a big vertical gain packed into a short distance. For current rules, any closures, and reserve-specific guidance, start from the Metsähallitus Luontoon.fi page for this trail(1). Ruka.fi places the route in the wider Ruka–Kuusamo trail network and explains how it relates to the Karhunkierros landscape and other marked day hikes in the fells(2). Retkipaikka carries Luontopolkumies Mika Markkanen’s 2024 walk-through—useful for how the stone steps, views, and wet sections feel on the ground(3). You begin from Saaruan P-alue on the Itä-Ruka side. The path follows the Karhunkierros line part of the way, then branches on a circular line up and around Valtavaara. The climb is steep in places: stone steps, rope handrails on the steepest pitches, and rocky tread underfoot alternate with forest and mire, and the return side uses long duckboard stretches that can stay damp after rain(3). Marking in the terrain is green paint. About 1.2 km from the start you reach the Valtavaaranlampi cluster: Valtavaaranlampi taukokatos and the nearby Valtavaaranlampi laituri sit by the pond, with Valtavaaranlampi käymälä a few steps away—natural break spots before the final push. Higher up, Valtavaaran päivätupa sits at the summit area in the old fire warden’s building; a little below on the east side, Valtavaaran kota and Valtavaaran kota käymälä offer shelter and a fireplace for a meal stop. The top opens views toward Ruka, surrounding lakes, and the wider Oulanka–Karhunkierros country to the north—on a clear day you can orient using distant fells and the ski resort silhouette. The same Saarua parking area is shared with other marked routes: Rukan kierros and Rukan ympäristön maastopyöräilyreitit pass through this trailhead, and Rukan ympärysreitti runs nearby—handy if you are combining a resort day with a short summit outing. In winter, separate snow routes and ski infrastructure apply; check Luontoon.fi for the winter line and Ruka.fi for snowshoe and ski options around Valtavaara(1)(2).

For lean-tos, Pallomänty natural monument, the forest playground beside Kärkiniemi shore trail, and how the walk sits in the municipality’s nature recreation offering, start with Siikajoki municipality’s nature recreation pages(1). Parking, the sports park address, Runoilijan polku along the Siikajoki river, and the wider 3 km fitness track or ski trail loop at Kärkiniemi are described on the Kärkiniemi sports park pages(2). Visit Raahe’s Siikajoki destination introduction helps situate the municipality among river-and-sea outdoor destinations in the Raahe region(3). Sahanseutu shore trail is about 1.7 km on our map as a riverside walk along the Siikajoki river in Ruukki, North Ostrobothnia. From the Kärkiniemi sports park cluster you quickly reach riverside vegetation, Kärkiniemen Laavu 2, then Sahanseudun parkkipaikka and a short stretch onward to Kärkiniemen laavu. Further along the shore, Sahanseudun pysäköintialue and Sahanseudun Veneluiska give a hand‑launch option for small boats and canoes; Sahanseudun grillipaika near the far end is a natural break spot. The route is a good add-on after tennis or track training because Kärkiniemen kaukalo, Kärkiniemen tenniskenttä, and Kärkiniemen urheilukenttä sit steps from the same Kärkiniementie 11 access(2). The same riverbank connects to Pallomännyn polku at shared shelters and parking, so you can extend with a very short walking loop around Pallomänty. In winter, Kärkiniemen latu uses overlapping facilities and passes the boat launch, grill, and lean-tos from its own groomed line. Long-distance cyclists on Kylien helminauha pass the Sahanseudun grillipaika as part of the wider village network. Read more on our pages for Kärkiniemen laavu, Kärkiniemen Laavu 2, and Sahanseudun grillipaika for day-trip details.

Syölätin reitti add-on: Selkälippi is a short point-to-point hiking segment in Pyhäjoki, North Ostrobothnia. It branches from the Syölätin reitti shore network toward Selkälipin laavu, tulipaikka ja käymälä at the coast. The trail is about 2.1 km. For Outdoor Active links, the full municipal trail list, and the latest local notes, start with the City of Pyhäjoki hiking hub(1). The same add-on appears on Luontoon.fi under the Finnish name Syölätin reitti lisä Selkälippi(2). Pohjolan Rengastie describes the main Syölätin reitti as about 10.4 km plus a 5.3 km link toward Parhalahti town centre, with blue markings, which helps you situate this add-on in the same marked coastal network(3). Pyhäjoki lies in North Ostrobothnia; Finnish pages use Pohjois-Pohjanmaa in parallel for the region name. The line runs through forest toward the Selkälippi shore. About 2.1 km from the junction with the main spine you reach Selkälipin laavu, tulipaikka ja käymälä: a lean-to, campfire spot, and dry toilet a few metres off the tread. Use the facilities as one rest area rather than naming the toilet on its own. If you combine with Syölätin reitti, Hourunkosken kota sits at the start of that main route for a longer day, and Parhalahden pallokenttä marks the far end of the same main line in municipal data(1). The gravel Flatland Route cycling loop meets the hiking network at the same junction family, so cyclists and hikers may cross paths near the start(1). Syölärin reitti, lisä Tankokari - Kultaranta and Kultarannan lisäreitti Tankokarin reitiltä share the Selkälipin laavu area with this add-on, so you can stitch Tankokari, Kultaranta, and Selkälippi into one coastal outing(1)(2). The printable hiking route maps pack every Pyhäjoki trail name into one PDF(4).

For the dedicated trail card and map browsing, start from Luontoon.fi’s Pirttikosken reitti page(1). For what Pirttikoski village is like along Pyhäjoki—rapids, swimming spots, and the lean-tos by the river and lakes—City of Pyhäjoki’s Pirttikoski page is the clearest official overview(2). The Pirttikoski Trail is about 4.6 km as a point-to-point hiking line in Pyhäjoki, North Ostrobothnia. It threads the Pirttikoski village countryside above the Pyhäjoki rapids belt, not a loop. The mapped start sits near Pirttikoskentie, where Pirttikoski’s village centre clusters school and association sports facilities—Pirttikosken kylätalon liikuntasali and Pirttikosken kuntosali are practical landmarks if you arrive on foot from parking along the village road. About 1 km into the route from that start, the line reaches Kupuliskoski, one of the larger rapids on this river reach. Both banks have kota-style shelters with campfire places and dry toilets: Kupuliskosken eteläranta kota, tulipaikka, käymälä and Kupuliskosken pohjoisrannan kota, tulipaikka, käymälä make a natural break before you continue toward the lake. The trail end lies at Oravisjärven laavu, tulipaikka, käymälä on the shore of Oravisjärvi. The same official village page notes Oravisjärvi as a fish-rearing and birdwatching lake beside Vaihojantie, with the lean-to and fire place on the shore(2)—a calmer, more open finish after the wooded river banks. On the wider outdoor network, Pyhäjoen penkkatiet follow the river embankments: Visit Raahe describes how the north-side embankment reaches Pirttikoski and how a roughly 19 km Pirttikoski loop uses Kuusiniemi bridge and both embankments—useful context if you combine short hiking with easy cycling along the river(3). On our map, Kuusiniemen sillan yhdysreitti Pirttikoski links the village beach and connector paths near the bridge, while Kupuliskosken reitti and Pirttikosken yhdysreitti overlap the same kota banks. Oravisjärven lenkki shares the Oravisjärvi lean-to, and longer cycling lines such as Pyhäjoen penkkatiet, Oulainen-Pyhäjoki pyöräilyreitti, and Pirttikosken taidereitti touch the same village facilities. Pirttikosken kylä association notes that Pyhäjoki’s wider hiking and biking route network was expanded around 2023 and that Pirttikoski kylätalo offers basic services for touring cyclists—water, tools, and optional Matkaparkki.com stops—separate from the foot trail but handy if you approach the area by bike(4).

Markkuu Nature Trail is a riverside hiking route in Tyrnävä, North Ostrobothnia, about half an hour’s drive from Oulu. The mapped route is about 6.6 km; Visit Tyrnävä(1) and Pohjolan Rengastie(3) often describe the full Ängeslevänjoki circuit as roughly 10 km and highlight gorge-like river bends, lichen pine forest, groves, and meadows in open farmland country, with the wren (Peukaloisen polku) as the emblem bird. Markkuun Seudun Kyläyhdistys ry(2) built the trail in volunteer work in 1999 and still maintains the fire sites and summer tidying; the association’s page has the printable PDF map and contact details. The trail starts from the Peukaloinen nature and wellbeing centre area on Ängeslevän Ylipääntie. Right at the beginning you pass Markkuun koulun beachvolleykenttä, Markkuun koulun pallokenttä, and Markkuun koulun luistelukenttä—school outdoor courts that show how close the path is to village life. Visit Tyrnävä(1) highlights the Metsänhaltian taitorata adventure course for children in the first hundred metres, before the path enters more wooded river scenery. About 0.8 km from the start you reach Markkuun luontopolun kota: a kota-style shelter with a campfire, a dry toilet, and space for families to pause; sources describe a suspension bridge roughly one kilometre out that carries the trail into forested banks above the river(1)(3). Farther along, about 4.4 km from the start, Markkuun luontopolun laavu offers a lean-to and campfire in a quieter stretch of forest—natural lunch or overnight stops if you carry a tent or use the shelter(1)(2)(3). In winter, Kempele-tyrnävä-muhos Moottorikelkkareitti passes near the same laavu area, so stay alert where motorised routes intersect quiet walking terrain. The going is mostly moderate walking, but official copy warns of steep riverbank slopes in places(1)(3); allow extra time after rain or when leaf litter hides roots. Berry and mushroom picking are good in the surrounding woods in season(2).

Parhalahti loop (Parhalahden lenkki) is about 13.2 km of easy walking and cycling in Pyhäjoki, North Ostrobothnia. The loop lies in Pyhäjoki municipality. The trail is a loop on village roads and the wider forest-road network around Parhalahti. The City of Pyhäjoki lists it as Parhalahden reitti at 13.2 km and links printable PDF maps for all municipal hiking routes from the same retkeily page(1). The Outdoor Active route sheet for Parhalahden reitti(2), published under Pyhäjoen kunta, names the start at the former Parhalahti school (now a daycare), with links onward to Syölätin reitti, Tankokarin reitti, and Kultaranta beach, and junctions toward Tervanevan reitti and Liminkajärven reitti. Pohjolan Rengastie also highlights the inner Parhalahden lenkki as about 6 km with red markings(3). Right at the trailhead area on Parhalahdentie 68 you pass Parhalahden luistelukenttä and Parhalahden pallokenttä—the local ice rink and school ball field—before the route heads into the village road and forest-road circuit. Along the way the municipality points to sights such as Teerelän rauhoitettu petäjä (a protected pine), Parhalahden kylätie, and Huttukankaan laavu(2). Take care on narrow Parhalahdentie where local car traffic runs(2). This loop sits in the middle of Pyhäjoki’s longer hiking network. Syölätin reitti shares the Parhalahti end and passes Hourunkosken kota at Hourunkosken Koskipuisto, where the City of Pyhäjoki describes an accessible riverside kota and campfire by the rapids(4). Tervanevan reitti meets Parhalahden reitti at Teereläntie in the regional description(3). Liminkajärven reitti adds another lakeside option with reservable shelter places such as Nikulan maja varaustupa on that line. The Flatland Route retkipyöräilyn rengasreitti runs through the same municipality for riders planning a much longer gravel tour across North Ostrobothnia—Visit Pyhäjoki summarizes the 320 km ring in passing, separate from this walking loop.

For a readable, place-specific introduction with parking notes and the local story behind the name, start with the City of Raahe’s Retkellä viinapolulla article(1). Taipaleita’s on-the-ground walk-through adds detail on wayfinding, the yellow paint marks in autumn foliage, and how the ring route joins forest tracks and short road links around Pattijoen Ylipää(2). Liikkuva Raahe’s nature-trails hub explains how Raahe splits municipal maintenance and reminds visitors that many village-association trails follow leave-no-trace practice and carry firewood to lean-tos yourself unless a site page says otherwise(3). Viinapolku is a story-led forest loop in Raahe, North Ostrobothnia, in the Lasikangas–Kastelli area north of the city centre. The Lasikangas village association has cleared and marked the path and installed story boards along the way; published walk descriptions put the ring at about 6.5 km and suggest at least two hours on the trail. The trailhead on Linnalantie is signposted from the Kastellin linnanrauniot (castle ruin) direction, with a parking area and a composting toilet mentioned in independent walk reports. From the start, a short signed branch leads toward Viinapolku proper, while another branch reaches Kastellin jätinkirkko—a stone-age stone enclosure—within a few hundred metres for a side visit. Along the ring you move through mixed forest, occasional small clearings, and short connections on gravel roads; some stretches stay faint in dense forest, so following the yellow marks and posted maps pays off. Story boards retell how the path began in the 1700s as a shortcut between two syytinki farmsteads and later gathered colourful tales of peat-land reclamation and the “wine stone” at a mid-route junction. Berry pickers use the area in autumn. Summer visitors note Ruusumuorin kesäkahvila near the parking when it is open.

Kuivajärvien kodan polku is a very short circular footpath of about 0.1 km around the Kuivajärvi service area in Reisjärvi, North Ostrobothnia, at the heart of the Peuran polku hiking network. The line links Kuivajärven kota, Kuivajärvi P-alue, Kuivajärvi vuokratupa, Kuivajärvi laituri, and Kuivajärvi kämpän tulentekopaikka so you can stroll between parking, the lean-to, reservable cabin, dock, and campfire ring without a long trek. For how the wider 115 km Peuran polku system is managed and where to buy maps, start with the City of Reisjärvi Peuran polku outdoor route page(1). Practical detail on the Kuivajärvi parking, reservable cabin and sauna, shared campfire rules, and the nearby Kirves-Heikki canal story is summarized on the Muuta Maalle Kuivajärvi loop page(2). Metsähallitus describes the linked Mäntyjärvi round route nearby on Luontoon.fi(3). From Kuivajärvi P-alue you step straight into the amenities cluster. Kuivajärven kota offers shelter character next to the trail, while Kuivajärvi vuokratupa adds an overnight option tied to Metsähallitus booking in season—check rules on our place page and the municipality-backed Muuta Maalle copy before planning a fire or rental night. Kuivajärvi laituri sits close for a short lakeside break, and Kuivajärvi kämpän tulentekopaikka is the main fire ring beside the cabin yard; dry toilets sit near the parking strip for day visitors. If you are linking into longer hiking, the same junctions meet Raatejärvi - Mäntyjärven reitti toward lake Mäntyjärvi, the Peuran polku runkoreitti E6 backbone, and Peuran polku (Reisjärvi) toward Petäjänmäki—those trails carry orange-marked day-loop options of several kilometres around Kuivajärvi once you leave this pocket(2). Jalkaisin describes the Kuivajärvi shoreline, reservation cabin, and onward paths toward Ahveroisen laavu with the rocky, duckboard-backed character typical of this Suomenselkä watershed country—useful colour if you plan to continue past the kota pocket(4). Reisjärvi hosts this trailhead, and North Ostrobothnia is the administrative region.

Ruhankangas nature trail is a forest hike in the Ruhankangas area north of Kärsämäki in North Ostrobothnia. The trail runs through Kärsämäki municipality. The trail is about 6.9 km end to end as shown here; local visitor copy often describes a shorter 2 km option and a longer option of about 6.5 km, so you can pick an easier out-and-back or the full line through the woods(2). Luontoon.fi(1) is the published source for this summer hiking route. Kyläkaunis rannalla, a local tourism site for the village, summarises summer and winter use and names the two lean-tos(2). Along the route you pass Teeri laavu roughly halfway from the start, a natural place to pause before continuing. Near the far end, Kumpu laavu sits close to the trail—useful if you want a fire or shelter before turning back or finishing. The ground is typical North Ostrobothnian forest and ridge terrain; winter descriptions note traditional ski tracks on variable ground when snow allows(2). In winter, Metsähallitus(3) documents the parallel ski track as Ruhankankaan hiihtolatu along essentially the same alignment as this summer hiking line, with 6.5 km and 2 km options described in local material(2). The long-distance Haapavesi-Pyhäjärvi pyöräretkeily reitti passes through the same broader trail network and shares the Teeri laavu stop, so summer visitors sometimes combine a short hike with bike touring plans in the region.

For structures, rules, and the visitor network around Oulanka, start from the Pieni Karhunkierros trail pages Metsähallitus publishes on Luontoon.fi(1). The City of Kuusamo introduces Karhunkierros and Pieni Karhunkierros on its outdoor pages and sends walkers to Luontoon.fi for national-park services(2). Kuusamo lies north of Ruka and the town centre; North Ostrobothnia is the region. Fishermen's Trail (Vattumutka) is about 0.3 km long. It is not a loop. The line sits on the lower Kitkajoki where Pieni Karhunkierros runs along the canyon forest; in practice you reach it as a short marked side trip off that busy day-hike circuit. The path is useful if you want a few minutes beside the river at the Vattumutka bend, especially with an angler's eye on the water. Pieni Karhunkierros stays Finland's best-known short wilderness day walk, with suspension bridges, Myllykoski, Jyrävä falls, and Harrisuvanto pools drawing very large summer crowds(3). This spur does not duplicate those sights, but it plugs you into the same green-blazed network and the Kitkajoki shore environment(3). Kitkajoen koskimelontareitti is the long whitewater kayaking line that shares the same river corridor if you are comparing paddle plans with walking. Uistin.net describes Kitkajoki access from Juumankylä along marked paths toward Harrisuvanto and names Vattumutka among the lower river's productive grayling pools(4). If you plan to fish, check the joint Kitka–Oulankajoki permit rules and sales channels those pages summarise(4) — that is separate from simply walking the path.

Kultaranta add-on from Tankokari route is a short point-to-point hiking segment in Pyhäjoki, North Ostrobothnia, continuing the Tankokari shore route toward the Kultaranta recreation shore at the Gulf of Bothnia. The trail is about 2.6 km. For Outdoor Active links, the full municipal trail index, and printable maps, see the City of Pyhäjoki hiking hub(1). The wider Syölätin reitti family is documented on Luontoon.fi as the main Pyhäjoki hiking spine in the same network(2). Pohjolan Rengastie lists Kultarannan reitti at 2.7 km and Tankokarin reitti at 3.9 km with red markings on the regional outdoor listing, which helps situate this add-on between those named routes(3). Pyhäjoki lies in North Ostrobothnia; Finnish pages use Pohjois-Pohjanmaa in parallel for the region name. From the junction area near Selkälipin laavu, tulipaikka ja käymälä you enter the forested link toward Kultaranta. About 2.6 km from the start, the route reaches the Kultaranta shore cluster: Kultaranta käymälä, Kultarannan kota, and Kultarannan uimaranta on Puustellintie 506 — a lean-to and kota for breaks and a swimming beach in summer. Dry toilets serve the area; use them as part of the shore facilities rather than as separate named stops. Together with Syölärin reitti, lisä Tankokari - Kultaranta and Tankokarin lintutorni on the parallel add-on, this makes an easy half-day on the coast(1)(2). If you want a longer day, combine with Syölätin reitti lisä Selkälippi or the main Syölätin reitti loop from the same hub(1)(2). The printable hiking route maps pack every Pyhäjoki trail name into one PDF(4).

Peuran polku (Reisjärvi) is about 19.2 km of the Peuran polku long-distance hiking network on the north side of Reisjärvi in North Ostrobothnia. The wider Peuran polku system is roughly 115 km across several municipalities on the Suomenselkä watershed; Metsähallitus publishes maps and service information for the full trail on Luontoon.fi(3). The City of Reisjärvi outlines the network structure—77 km backbone, Mäntyjärvi ring and other legs—and notes that maps are sold at the library and municipal service point, with more background on the association site linked from the municipal page(1). Muuta Maalle — Reisjärvi describes the overall route as intermediate in difficulty, snow-free season hiking with paint marks on trees(2). Beyond this slice, the same Peuran polku runkoreitti E6 backbone continues into Peuran polku (Lestijärvi) toward Central Ostrobothnia. This segment is a point-to-point leg from the Petäjänmäki outdoor area toward the Saarijärvi shore. It shares the trailhead hub with Petäjämäen latu (ski trails) and Petäjämäen kuntorata (running trail): lit loop tracks, fitness stairs and a disc golf course sit beside the start. After the first few kilometres you reach the Musta campfire cluster with a dry toilet nearby. About 12.9 km in, Ahveroisen laavu offers a lean-to stop where Raatejärvi – Mäntyjärven reitti meets the line. Around 15 km the path threads the Poskeinen and Kirves-Heikki shore area—several fire places and the short Kotajärven kierros loop, plus connections to Suurijärven vaellusreitistö and Jääkolun reitti branch from the same neighbourhood. The Kuivajärvi shore has a rental cabin, Kuivajärven kota, a small dock, parking at Kuivajärvi P-alue and the very short Kuivajärvien kodan polku link between buildings. Nearer 18.6 km the Koukkunen lean-tos and kota cluster sits beside Peuranpolku Koukkusen kota; the leg finishes at Saarijärvi with a rental cabin, campfire place and jetty. Dry toilets are grouped with the main shelters rather than listed by name. The line is part of Peuran polku runkoreitti E6; treat signage, spring wet sections and remote navigation like the rest of the backbone—carry a map even where orange paint marks are present(2)(3).

Saari loop is an easy, family-friendly walking loop of about 3.9 km around Kielosaari and the Hourunkoski–Etelä-Houru shore in Pyhäjoki, North Ostrobothnia, where the Pyhäjoki river splits toward the Gulf of Bothnia. The City of Pyhäjoki lists the same route as “Saaren reitti” in its trail index and links printable maps and Outdoor Active views from its outdoor recreation pages(1). Luontoon.fi publishes the route under the name Saaren lenkki for national outdoor browsing(2). Pohjolan Rengastie includes it in the regional Bothnian coast network with white markings noted in their route tables(4). Pyhäjoki sits on the coast; North Ostrobothnia is the English region name, with Pohjois-Pohjanmaa used on Finnish pages so city and region links stay clear. The loop starts and finishes at the Kielosaari side of town beside Kielopuisto local sports park. Pyhäjoen urheilukenttä, Kielopuiston tenniskenttä, Pyhäjoen jäähalli, and Pyhäjoen liikuntahalli sit a short walk from the path—handy if you combine a walk with other errands. Very near the start, Kielosaaren lintutorni rises above the river for birdwatching; the separate Kielosaaren luontopolku nature trail shares the tower and a campfire spot, and Taipaleita describes the short bridges and boardwalk loop from the camping side in a dedicated post(5). About 1.6 km into the loop you pass Hourunkosken kota, a kota shelter by the rapids. The Hourunkosken Koskipuisto page on the City of Pyhäjoki website explains riverside paths, an accessible tread on the south bank of the north branch, and a kota and campfire on the far bank reached from Koskikuja—worth combining if you want more time at the water(6). Farther along, Etelä-Hourun rantautumispaikka is a small boat landing on Saaren penkkatie if you arrive from the river. Ollinmäen kuntosali and Jokikartanon kuntosali ikäihmisille sit inland where the route brushes residential streets. The walk returns to Kielopuisto, Kielopuiston kota, and Kielopuisto itself at the end of the circuit. You can extend the day using trails that meet the same zone without leaving town: Rajaniemen reitti and Pyhäjoen penkkatiet share Kielopuisto links; Rautiperän lenkille siirtymä and Rautiperän lenkki add forest loops toward Rautiperä; Tervon reitti and Halusen reitti branch toward river and mire scenery; Syölätin reitti and Tervanevan reitti head toward Parhalampi; the Oulainen–Pyhäjoki bike route and the long Flatland Route ring pass nearby for cyclists; Pyhäjoen melontareitti overlaps the shore if you paddle instead of walk(1). The printable hiking route maps spell out road names and the Highway 8 crossing called out below(3).

The western Syöte–Pintamo leg of the UKK-reitti is about 27.6 km as a point-to-point hike in Pudasjärvi and Syöte National Park. It is a practical chunk of Finland’s long-distance UKK corridor: you leave the Syöte visitor hub with its nature centre, lean-to, and Iso-Syöte hill resort ambience, then head south through forested fells toward Pintamo. Metsähallitus publishes the Pudasjärvi UKK description and updates on Luontoon.fi(1). Syöte.fi notes that day trails around Syöte use yellow paint blazes while the UKK uses blue(2). The Metsähallitus trail brochure for Syöte day routes shows the UKK printed in blue on the same overview map as the yellow-marked local loops(5). From the Luontokeskus pysäköointialue you step onto the line past Syötteen luontokeskus and Syötteen luontokeskuksen laavu. Within the first few kilometres the route brushes Luppoveden nuotiopaikka ja kato, Luppoveden uimaranta, Syötteen Luppopark, and the Iso-Syöte ski hill area—handy orientation if you are staying or eating near the resort. Around six kilometres from the start, Riihitupa päivätupa offers a day-use shelter cluster in the woods before the trail dives deeper toward the Portinkuru country between Syöte and Pintamo village. Nuorcamino describes Portinkuru as a narrow gorge up to about twenty metres deep on this corridor, with a lean-to and fire ring on the south rim—worth treating as a serious terrain feature, not a casual shortcut(4). Retkipaikka’s winter account from Portinojan laavu nearby stresses how gentle-looking fells and low visibility can still make navigation demanding, and reminds readers the UKK passes the lean-to(3). Farther along, Taimenmutkan autiotupa and Taimenmutkan rantautumispaikka give a wilderness-hut stop and a canoe landing on Telkkälampi shores; Nuorcamino notes the previous autiotupa burned in 2018 and a replacement building was inaugurated in January 2020(4). The segment finishes at Pintamon laavu, where you meet the continuation toward Puolanka as UKK-reitti Pintamo - Puolangan raja and a short running loop at Pintamovaaran kuntorata. Connecting trails at the Syöte end include Ahmankierros, Torpparin taival, and UKK-reitti Syöte - Kouva for alternative multi-day loops. Naamangan lenkki is a marked gravel-bike circuit that shares Mustanrinnan laavu and Ruoanlaittopaikka with hikers and makes a useful mental map of the mid-route rest points. Check the nature centre’s hours before counting on firewood briefings or maps, and carry your own navigation backup whenever snow, leaves, or weather reduce visibility(2)(3). Pudasjärvi lies in North Ostrobothnia; the national park rules (dogs on leash, fires only at designated structures, Leave No Trace) apply throughout the protected area.

Honkanen Nature Trail is about 2.5 km as a loop in Kempele, North Ostrobothnia. It sits in the Köykkyri–Honkasen outdoor area on the recreation hill south of Oulu: the same forest and hill surroundings as the roughly 36 km Köykkyri hiking and mountain-biking trail network, the Honkasen kuntorata running loop, and winter lit tracks such as Honkasen valaistu latu and Koiralatu Kempele. For maps, ring lengths elsewhere in the network, toilets at the service building, and rules for the whole Köykkyri system, start with the City of Kempele’s trail-network page(1). National service copy and Pohde’s Reittis listing summarise the network, including the link route toward the Oulu border where outdoor routes continue toward Rusko(2)(3). Along this short loop you stay close to the Pyrinnöntie side of the hill: Köykkyri DiscGolfPark, Pyrinnön maja, Köykkyrin ulkokuntoilupuisto, Köykkyrin kuntoportaat, Köykkyrin rinne, and Peipontien kenttä are all beside or just off the route — the same cluster Honkasen kuntorata and ski trails use for workouts and breaks. About a third of a kilometre into the walk you pass Köykkyrin tulentekopaikka, a campfire spot for a pause if you bring your own supplies. Marjasuo Nature Trail meets the same Köykkyri campfire point from another direction if you want to combine loops. Kempele works well as a half-day outing from Oulu.

Hyöteikönsuo Trail is about 3.2 km as a point-to-point walk through Metsähallitus Näränkä Natural Forests in Kuusamo, North Ostrobothnia. It links the Hyöteikön forest parking edge and Suojärven parkkipaikka across open mire, mostly on raised duckboards. Kuusamo sits where old-growth forest borders extensive bog country near Finland’s eastern frontier, and this short crossing is an atmospheric way to sample the protected Hyöteikönsuo without committing to a long trek. Start with Luontoon.fi’s Vaaranpolku material(1) for maps, difficulty guidance, and access rules that apply to the wider Näränkä day-route network—the Suojärvi end of Hyöteikönsuo Trail shares that trailhead with Vaaranpolku. From the western access, duckboards and forest paths soon open onto wide mire views. About 2 km along, Hyöteikön katselulava offers a raised spot to pause over the bog—the same boardwalk line is visible from Vaaranpolku’s Yhdeksänsylenkallio viewpoint when you eye the mire from the rock(3)(4). At Suojärven parkkipaikka the route meets maintained parking, Suojärven tulipaikka for camp meals on the provided fireplace, and the continuation into Vaaranpolku toward Närängän erämaatilan vuokratupa, sauna yard, and Kirkkokallio viewpoints(1)(3). Dry toilets are available at both ends of the crossing. Johanna Suomela Maisemaonnellinen describes how poorly maintained duckboards once forced a seasonal closure and how renewed boardwalks reopened the crossing for mire lovers—still worth packing insect protection on warm, calm evenings(2). Polkujen Lumo’s Näränkä report from the Suojärvi side stresses how dense mosquitoes can feel at bog level in mid-summer even when the boardwalk crossing itself feels calmer, and how the central laveri works as a sunset platform over the patterned fen(4). Taipaleita notes Vaaranpolku’s signposting includes the branch toward Hyöteikönsuo for hikers stitching routes together(3). Retkiseikkailu still rounds the one-way distance to about 3.5 km in the same trail listing family as Vaaranpolku(6). Plan enough time for photography and birdwatching on the open sections; the crossing is only a few kilometres but the landscape invites slow movement.

Siikavaara Winter Trail (Siikavaaran talvireitti) is a maintained winter multi-use route in Taivalkoski, North Ostrobothnia, intended for walking, snowshoeing, and fatbiking. The trail is about 9.4 km long. The City of Taivalkoski describes the Siikavaara tour as roughly 10 km and running through the Iijoki river landscape and the hill scenery of Taivalvaara, with elevation changes and varied views(1). Dogs are welcome when kept on a leash(1)(2). The municipality maintains the winter trails together with volunteers(1). Visit Taivalkoski presents the same two winter trails—Siikavaara and Kikarilampi—and notes lean-tos with firewood along the way(2). For the latest layout and seasonal grooming, check the Taivalkoski map service winter-trails layer(3). The route sits in the Taivalvaara outdoor area west of the centre. After the first few kilometres you reach the Susiraja Sauna and Susiraja Camp, Taivalkoski Finland beside the trail—useful if you are combining a sauna or camping stay with a winter outing. Near Pikku Tervalammen laavu, about 3.8 km from the start, the route passes Tervas Frisbeegolf on Ouluntie. Pikku Tervalammen laavu is a natural break spot on the Iijoki side; the City of Taivalkoski states that the path toward this lean-to has more height variation, while the branch toward the bird tower is easier and more level(1). Closer to Taivalvaaran hiihtokeskus, the trail runs past Taivalvaaran hyppyrimäki K73, Pöllimehtä frisbeegolf, Taivalvaaran hyppyrimäet K49/K30/K20/K10, and the Taivalvaara ski hill buildings—so you are clearly in the ski-centre recreation cluster before climbing toward the bird tower. Near Lintutorni (Taivalvaaran luontopolku) and Turvakonalustan laavu, about 6.7 km along the route, you can pause at the lean-to next to the tower that also belongs to Taivalvaaran luontopolku; firewood is provided at the municipal lean-tos(1)(2). The same junction area links to other trails in the database: Kikarilammen talvireitti is the other signed winter loop from the same trailhead network(1). In summer, overlapping lines include Taivalvaaran luontopolku, Pahkakurun retkeilyreitti, Pikkutervalammenpolku, Kikarilammenpolku, and the long Taivalkoski–Atsinki–Syöte mountain bike route, so Siikavaara works well as a winter counterpart to that larger outdoor system.

For current distances, rest spots, public transport and parking at Montta and Leppiniemi, start with the City of Muhos Lemmenpolku page(1). The route sits in Rokua UNESCO Global Geopark; the geopark’s route overview names Lemmenpolku among the themed trails that highlight local cultural history(4). Retkipaikka’s walk-through adds on-the-ground detail on geology boards (Kieksi conglomerate, Pyhäkoski granite), Niukkakallio viewpoint, and how the trail connects to the wider Oulujoki valley story(2). Jalkaisin’s autumn hike notes steep wooden stairs, occasional high-water conditions beside the dam, and how families paced the ups and downs—worth reading if you want a candid sense of footing and seasonal quirks(3). The trail is about 1.6 km on our map along the Oulujoki shore between the Montta camping area and Leppiniemi. The City of Muhos describes the main Lemmenpolku link as about 2.1 km and lists Lemmenpolun alareitti as a shorter variant (about 0.9 km or a 1.6 km loop) with its own signpost at Leppiniemi(1). The same municipality pages place Lemmenpolku in the roughly 100 km Tervareitistö network that follows the Oulujoki valley(1). From the Montta end you pass services tied to the camping area, including Montan leirintäalueen talviuintipaikka and Esteetön kalastuspaikka Muhos near Kieksintie. Along the river the route threads forested bluffs and drops to the shore: Lemmenpolku, nuotiopaikka, Kieksi, Nuotiopaikka, Oulujoki, Montta-Pyhäkoski, and Ouluoki Kalastuspaikka sit in the same riverside cluster where the water and power-plant landscape dominate. Further toward Leppiniemi you reach Lemmenpolku, nuotiopaikka, kalastuslaituri and Lemmenpolun kalastuslaituri—metal fishing docks and campfire spots where the city lists maintained fire rings(1). At the far end, Leppiniemen uimapaikka gives a swimming place on the Leppiniemi shore. If you only want the lower shoreline section, Lemmenpolun alareitti is the short branch that shares the fishing dock and shore stops; see our page for that route for a tighter loop. Terrain is moderate: gravel and forest path, boardwalks and stairways on the bluffs, and exposed views from the red granite cliff line over Oulujoki(1)(2). There is no winter maintenance; ice and wet leaves on stairs can make short sections slippery(1)(3). Campfires are intended only at the signed nuotiopaikat(1). Fishing is part of the local use pattern; bring your own firewood if you rely on a specific shelter’s wood pile, as busy weekends can empty stocked cages(3). Muhos lies a short drive south of Oulu in North Ostrobothnia. The trail is a practical day trip from the city by car or bus.

Harjunpolku Trail is a short loop hike in Rokua National Park on the Utajärvi side of the UNESCO Rokua Global Geopark in North Ostrobothnia. The trail is about 2.5 km and is intended as an easy introduction to the park’s ice-age esker ridges, pine forests and clear lakes. Metsähallitus describes it as a short, easy loop suitable for children, running between Rokua Health & Spa and Lake Lianjärvi(2). For national park rules, services and seasonal restrictions, the Rokua National Park section on Luontoon.fi(1) is the place to start. You start and finish near Rokuan kylpylä and Rokua Health & Span kuntosali: the sign cluster at the spa hotel corner points onto Harjunpolku, and the route is marked with blue paint marks that are easy to follow(3). The first section crosses pine forest with lichen and heath ground; along the way you pass small wooden sculptures carved from stumps(3). Retkipaikka notes the Ahveroinen pond and boardwalk right by the trailhead as a popular spot for a swim after a warm-weather walk(3). Near Lianjärvi, the path descends to a narrow shoreline strip where the sandy track runs close to the water; the lake section is also where you reach Lianjärvi päivätupa, with Lianjärvi, käymälä-liiteri for a dry toilet and wood storage next to the shelter. Dry toilets are available at the facilities by the lake, which makes the loop comfortable for families. From Lianjärvi the route climbs back through rolling terrain toward the spa area, passing Rokuan Kuntoutuskeskuksen liikuntasali on the same sports campus as the spa and gym. The same ground tread is shared with longer Rokua hiking routes such as Tervareitistö Rokualla, Energiankulutusreitti and Keisarinkierros, so you can combine Harjunpolku with a longer day if you want more distance. Matkalla Suomessa situates the park as part of Finland’s first UNESCO Global Geopark and highlights the area’s fragile lichen heath and sand—stay on marked paths and follow all fire restrictions during drought warnings(4). The same article(3) stresses how easily the sand and lichen wear, and the national park rules on Luontoon.fi(1) reinforce that visitors should keep to marked routes and avoid lighting fires when a forest or grass fire warning is in effect.

The Marjaniemi–Sunikari–Pöllä trail is about 15 km as one continuous hiking route on Hailuoto, the largest island in the Bothnian Bay in North Ostrobothnia. The City of Hailuoto describes the Marjaniemi–Pöllä hiking itinerary on its retkeily pages, including how it shares the opening boardwalk with the Hannuksenlampi routes before branching toward Pajuperä, Matikanniemen kota, Sunikari’s old fishing harbour, and onward toward Pöllä(1). Some materials round the distance to about 14 km; the line on our map follows about 15 km end to end. Retkipaikka’s Luontopolkumies walk-through of Hailuoto’s west-end network adds practical texture—boardwalk beside dunes, wet sections where boots help, and yellow paint marks on trees in the forest stretches(2). Visit Oulu packages minivan day trips from Oulu with the road ferry to Hailuoto if you want help with mainland-to-island logistics before you start walking(3). The route is not a loop. It begins from the Marjaniemi harbour area on duckboards and, on the first kilometres, overlaps the same paths as Hannuksenlammen laavun reitti until the split near Pajuperä’s traditional fishing-cottage landscape, which the municipality highlights as culturally important ground(1). About 5 km from the start you pass Matikanniemen kota, a Lappish hut for breaks. Further along, the trail reaches Marjaniemi uimaranta and Pöllän uimaranta—sandy swimming beaches where it is worth reading local rules for dogs and informal beach use on the municipality’s outdoor pages(1). Toward the end of the day’s line you approach Sunikari uimaranta near the old Sunikari harbour end of the itinerary(1). The very short Hailuoto Marjaniemi connector and Hannuksen lampi branch from the same Marjaniemi west-end network if you want to add a lean-to stop at Hannuksenlammen laavu or stitch shorter loops from the lighthouse and Ranta-Sumpu side. Terrain mixes coastal harju and dune-backed shoreline, pine forest, lichen heath, and short forest-path links between old fishing settlements(1). Trails and campfire sites are not maintained in winter, and motor vehicles are not allowed off roads—the island’s open fells and lichen carpets erode quickly, and much of the network crosses Natura 2000 terrain(1). Mountain biking is only on existing marked trails and duckboards where provided(1).

The Wolf Circle Trail (Ahmankierros) is about 14.9 km point-to-point through Syöte National Park in Pudasjärvi, North Ostrobothnia. Luontoon.fi carries reserve rules, maps, and service contacts for Syöte National Park(1). Syöte.fi pulls the day-hike network together: well over 120 km of marked paths, maps and live advice from Syötteen luontokeskus, and Ahman kierros at about 17 km on its popular day-route list(2). This line begins at the Ylpiätupa päivätupa cluster with Ylpiätupa WC liiteri and soon crosses spruce stands and mire edges. About 6.3 km in, Välitupa päivätupa and Välitupa tulentekopaikka make a natural halfway-style break before the climb toward Ahmatupa autiotupa and Ahmatupa vuokratupa around 6.9 km. That site combines an open wilderness end and a reservable end in one log building from 1989 with a 2002 renovation, plus Ahmatupa kota, Ahmatupa sauna, Ahmatupa kaivo, and firewood shelter and toilets in the Ahmatupa polttopuusuoja-kuivakäymälä-jätteiden keräypiste group—Eräluvat spells out sauna access for rental guests, high-season skiers on the approach trail, and a wilderness café operating at the open end during February–April(4). Dry toilets sit near each main shelter area. Beyond Ahmatupa the path drops toward Koiratupa päivätupa and Koiraoja WC liiteri at roughly 10.7 km, then climbs toward Annintupa and Annintupa WC liiteri near 13.3 km. The walking finishes at Luontokeskus pysäköointialue by Syötteen luontokeskus, with Syötteen luontokeskuksen laavu beside the centre and Syöte DiscGolfPark visible near the final road crossing. Retkipaikka contributor Kerttu Komulainen describes an early-spring circuit from the visitor-centre yard with finicky snowmelt on mire boardwalks, handsome old spruce uplands, and a side trip to the viewpoint tower on Ahmavaara before dropping back through intact boardwalks—useful colour on how tangled roots and windthrow can slow progress right after winter even when the main duckwalk renewals are done(3). Metsähallitus publishes a printable Ahmankierros route brochure with map graphics for pre-trip planning(5). Many hikers stitch Ahmankierros into the longer Toraslammen kierros loop to reach Ahmakallio torni farther west on that circuit. Winter skiers share approaches with Syötteen ladut where the networks meet near Ahmatupa. Dedicated YouTube searches did not surface a short trail-overview clip that clearly focuses on this exact route.

The Särkijärvi kota trail is about 7.2 km in Kalajoki on the Hiekkasärkät coast. It is the hiking line that links the busy Hiekkasärkät services area with Särkijärven kota on Lake Särkijärvi, and it sits inside the same Siiponjoki–Hiekkasärkät outdoor network as the long Siiponjoki nature trail. Visit Kalajoki describes the wider Siiponjoki nature trail, winter access by traditional ski track from Tapion Tupa toward Särkijärven kota when snow allows, and the mix of pine forest, sandy ground, and small mires along the network(1). From the Tapiolandia / Matkailutie 3 corner you soon pass Tapiolandian maauimala, then Valkianveden laavu with a fireplace in a quiet forest and lake-edge setting a few kilometres in, and finish at Särkijärven kota on the shore of Särkijärvi. The kota is a natural lunch and fire-making stop at the end of the walk. At roughly the same early section, the line meets the Siiponjoen luontopolku network, so you can extend a day with the full Siiponjoki loop or add distance on the Hiekkasärkät rengasreitti cycling ring if you want more distance. Reissuesan matkablogi walked a 10 km round on this part of the Siiponjoki system and notes clear marking with signs and blue paint marks, duckboards in wet places so ordinary trainers suffice in summer, and that the route is also rideable on a mountain bike on suitable sections(2). Taipaleita’s shorter outing on another Siiponjoki segment highlights frequent signposts and marker posts that keep junctions easy to follow in the larger trail system(3). Kalajoki is in North Ostrobothnia. For current track grooming on ski connections and the rest of the local trail network, follow updates from Kalajoen latu ry and the city’s winter trail notices rather than relying on any single static description.

Viirretjärven lisäreitti—the Viirretjärvi additional route—is about 2.4 km as one short point-to-point hiking segment beside Lake Viirretjärvi in Pyhäjoki, North Ostrobothnia. It is not a loop. The City of Pyhäjoki publishes the municipality’s full hiking trail list—including the main Viirretjärven reitti at 14.5 km—with printable PDF maps and links to detailed route views, and that hub is the best place to confirm names, combinations, and any updates(1). This short line sits in the same lake and forest setting as the wider Viirretjärven network. Pohjolan Rengastie describes the main Viirretjärven reitti as about 14.5 km with green trail markings(2). Your 2.4 km segment is a compact add-on along the shoreline compared with that full circuit; treat it as a focused lakeside walk rather than the entire Viirretjärven reitti. From this route you connect logically to other mapped trails in our database. Viirretjärven reitti continues the lake-focused hiking network toward the Yppäri village area. Rautiperän lenkki ties into Rautiperän outdoor area, where the Rautiperä outdoor area page describes marked summer trails on former ski-track bases, a ski hut with a maintenance building, Rautiperän grillikota, Rautiperän laavu with firewood storage, and dog walking on leash in summer(3). Those facilities sit on the longer Rautiperän circuit rather than on every short spur; plan them if you extend onto Rautiperän lenkki. Pyhäjoki lies on the coast of the Gulf of Bothnia. The names Pyhäjoki and North Ostrobothnia appear here so city and region pages link cleanly.

Leto nature trail is about 4.1 km of marked walking in Kempele between Sarkkiranta and the Leto shore area on the Gulf of Bothnia, North Ostrobothnia. It is not a closed loop on the map: you follow one continuous line out and back or use other local paths to return. About 1.7 km from the start you reach Leton laavu, a lean-to in general use—read more on our page for Leton laavu. In winter the same corridor is heavily used as part of Leton latu, the municipality’s ski track from Sarkkiranta toward the sea(3). Kempeleen kunta describes the wider Leton corridor from Sarkkiranta to the shore as a long-standing outdoor route that residents have wanted upgraded; recent work has added a new alignment with reinforcements alongside the bike path, a culvert bridge for a ditch crossing, and PDF maps for the trail and ski track(1). The service is free year-round, and Suomi.fi summarises access and use under the municipality’s outdoor route listing(2). A separate trail with a similar name exists at Letonniemi in Oulu—this page is only for Kempele’s Leto route. Terrain along the shared Leton alignment is mostly easy: long sections cross former seabed with coastal reedbeds and scrub, as described for winter travel on Leton latu(3). Jarkko Tervonen notes optional extensions after crossing Letontie toward Koivukarin lintutorni and wider ski links toward Oulunsalo and Liminka when snow allows(3)—hikers should treat the tower and onward paths as add-ons and check local guidance. Rantalakeus reported that maintenance of Leton reitistö’s main tread won Kempele’s 2024 participatory budgeting vote with 151 votes out of 276, reflecting strong local support for keeping the route in good shape(4).

Kukonkylä Nature Trail is about 1.5 km in Sievi, North Ostrobothnia. It crosses forest and the open bog Kotoneva on duckboards, with a lean-to and campfire on a rocky outcrop in the bog. For Metsähallitus trail information, use the Kukonkylän luontopolku page on Luontoon.fi(1). The City of Sievi’s hiking pages list parking, the laavu, dry toilet, and firewood support for the village association, and note that the Kukonkylä village committee maintains the trail(2). Mika Markkanen’s Retkipaikka walk-through describes white paint marks on trees, a tar pit near the start, dense erratic boulders on the bog, and a bird tower about 200 m from the lean-to—worth reading for photos and wet-season footnotes(3). Near the start of the line, the route passes the Kaukalo sports area on Poleentie 29 (ice rink and local sports facilities). About 1.4 km along, you reach Kukonkylän laavu with a campfire and dry toilet; the lean-to sits on a small rocky island in the bog. Beyond the laavu, the marked route continues toward the bird tower and back through forest on duckboards and forest path. Some guides describe the full marked circuit around Kotoneva at roughly 3 km end to end; allow about an hour on foot if you walk the full loop in calm conditions(2)(3). Sievi is a practical stop between Nivala and Kokkola; Kukonkylä is a quiet village setting. Waterproof footwear is a good idea when duckboards are wet(3).

Muhos sits on the Oulujoki river east of Oulu. Lemmenpolun alareitti is the lower branch of the Lemmenpolku nature trail near Leppiniemi: a short, marked walk of about 0.6 km along the river bluff beside the Montta–Pyhäkoski reach. It is part of the same Rokua Geopark destination as the full Lemmenpolku and links logically onto the longer Lemmenpolku line, which the City of Muhos describes as roughly 2.1 km between Montta campsite and Leppiniemi on the wider Tervareitistö network(1). For current route notes, rest-stop counts, and the Leppiniemi trailhead, the City of Muhos’s Lemmenpolku page is the place to start(1). Retkipaikka’s walk-through of Lemmenpolku explains how the lower branch fits next to the main loop, and it highlights the large fishing pier, riverside campfire spots, and views toward the Pyhäkoski setting—useful context if you are deciding between the short lower line and the full trail(2). Rokua Geopark presents Lemmenpolku among its themed routes in the geopark area(3). Along this short line you pass Leppiniemen uimapaikka, then reach Lemmenpolun kalastuslaituri and the shared spot Lemmenpolku, nuotiopaikka, kalastuslaituri—good places to pause above the water. Closer to the Montta–Pyhäkoski shore you also pass Nuotiopaikka, Oulujoki, Montta-Pyhäkoski and Ouluoki Kalastuspaikka, where anglers use the river margin. If you want the full cliff-top views, wooden structures, and interpretation boards along the whole Lemmenpolku, continue onto Lemmenpolku from the same area; our page for that trail lists the longer distance and shared stops.

Palosaari Forest Ranger Trail—often listed in Finnish as Palosaaren luontopolku—is about 2.4 km as one forest loop around the Palosaari ranger-estate area on Palosaarentie in Pyhäjoki. Visit Raahe rounds the distance to roughly two kilometres and describes the path through mixed forest beside the restored ranger homestead, with interpretation along the way on forest types, bird life, and trees, plus good berry and mushroom spots in season(1). The same copy notes Palosaari operated as a ranger station from 1861 to 1975, that the 19th-century courtyard belongs among Metsähallitus’s oldest ranger-estate restorations, and that the site now serves as a Game Services model estate with 27 demonstration habitats and several species-focused conservation areas, recognised with a Wildlife Estates label in 2009(1). Raahe is the nearest larger coastal town many visitors combine with a trip here, while the driveway and address sit in Pyhäjoki(2). Terrain is easy forest walking. About 1.4 km into the loop you pass the main yard cluster tied to the estate: Palosaari uusi sauna, Palosaari savusauna, Palosaaren mallitila, varaustilat, Palosaari päärakennus vuokratupa, and Palosaari kaivo. Read more about bookings and facilities on our Palosaari sauna and rental building pages. Yppärin maa- ja kotitalousnaiset’s outing note confirms multi-age groups can enjoy the forest nature trail loop, packed lunch, and sauna in one day without the walk feeling excessive(3).

Saarived Trail is about 6.2 km point-to-point through Sievi in North Ostrobothnia between the Saarived forest shore and the Maasydän visitor area at Lake Maansydänjärvi. For distances along the marked path, the City of Sievi quotes roughly 3.7 km from the Saarived side to Huuhankallio and about 2.5 km from Maasydänjärvi to the same hilltop(1). Their separate hiking and fishing article adds that a guided hiking trail of about 6 km leaves Saariveden savottakämppä toward the Maasydän travel area, where more marked trails fan out(2). Urjanlinna runs the commercial services at Maasydän by the lake; opening hours, food service, and accommodation types are listed on Urjanlinna’s own pages(4). Mtbfin’s long write-up on the Maasydänjärvi trail network names Saariveden reitti alongside Huuhankallion luontopolku, Maansydämen rantapolku, and Ahvenlammen polku, notes renewed orange paint blazes on trees, and warns that some shorter arms can still be rough or lightly used even after remarking(3). The line is a practical link into the wider Maasydän–Huuhankallio system rather than a mountain day. About 4 km from the start you reach the Huuhankallio cluster with Huuhankallion luontotorni, Huuhankallion laavu, a campfire spot, a lean-to shelter, and dry toilets in the same area; Metsähallitus built the tower above Sievi’s highest terrain and the views open widely over surrounding forest(1). From there the trail continues roughly another two kilometres along the lake shore toward Maansydänjärven laavu and Maansydänjärvi veneiden laskupaikka, with Maasydän P-alue sitting almost at the route end for drivers who want to meet walkers or finish with a short ride. You can stitch longer days by combining Huuhankallion luontopolku, Maansydämen rantapolku, or the nearby Ahvenlammen polku on the same remarking system, and winter visitors can share trail infrastructure with Huhankallion retkihiihto where those groomed ski lines brush the same viewpoints and shelters(3). Leave no trace, check wildfire warnings before lighting campfires, and treat wooden lookout steps with care when damp.

Ruka Landscape Trail is about 0.5 km as one short link on the Ruka ski fell in Kuusamo, North Ostrobothnia. It runs between the Rukan laskettelukeskus area and Juhannuskallion parkkipaikka, so you can stitch it into a quick approach from village services or use it as a hop toward the Juhannuskallio viewpoints above the tree line. For how marked summer routes on the slope area relate to winter skiing lanes—and how the visitor-facing Ruka Scenic Trail in English and Rukan Maisemapolku in Finnish are described as staying in use as a snowshoe route while many other summer paths become ski tracks—see Ruka.fi(1). From the ski-centre end the walking is easy to moderate underfoot on a typical resort maintenance surface; the main payoff is reaching the Juhannuskallion parkkipaikka cluster, where several other short marked options branch off. Retkipaikka’s summer walk report from Juhannuskallio highlights how quickly the forest opens into wide views over the Ruka slopes, and why locals often time a calm morning coffee on the cliff tops after leaving the car at the spacious Juhannuskalliontie parking(2). Seitakuvia explains that the end of Juhannuskalliontie is the starting point for two parallel ideas: the rocky Juhannuskallion polku that climbs to the summit lookout—narrow and stepped in places—and Rukan esteetön reitti, which offers a barrier-free surface in snow-free months so more visitors can still reach open views(3). If you are browsing our map network, the same parking is shared by Juhannuskallion päiväreitti, Rukan esteetön reitti and the bike loop Rukan kierros; a little higher on the fell, Rukan huippupolku and the wider Rukan ympäristön maastopyöräilyreitit network intersect the visitor circuit around the lifts. On winter days the broader fell is busy with alpine traffic, but the short link still works well as a low-commitment breath of air between village cafes and the Mast–Juhannuskallio viewpoint rim.

The Oulujoki Valley Tar Trail (Muhos–Rokua section) is about 67 km of marked hiking and winter touring-ski corridor on the Oulujoki Valley tar trail network. It runs from Korkalanvaara in Muhos toward Rokua, crossing forests, riverbanks, and peatlands and passing through Utajärvi’s built-up riverfront along the way. The route is part of the larger Tervareitistö story: tar from Kainuu forests moved by boat along the Oulujoki toward Oulu and world markets, and information boards along the route explain local geohistory, log-floating, hydro development, salmon history, and nature values. For the official trail description and the most up-to-date visitor information, see the Metsähallitus Luontoon.fi page for this route(1). The Muhos municipality visitor pages describe how Tervareitistö crosses Muhos and what to expect at the trail’s edge(2). Oulun matka’s regional tourism article gives practical access ideas, parking options along the wider network, and notes on markings and shelters(3). From the start you are near Korkalanvaaran laavu, where the same trailhead also connects to lit running trails and ski tracks on Korkalanvaara and to the shorter Oulujokilaakson Tervareitistö hiking route toward Sankivaara and shelters such as Pilpakankaan laavu, Pilpajärven laavu, Matkajärven laavu, and Kallioselän kämppä. The first kilometres follow Montta: Montan uimaranta, Montta nuotiopaikka, and Montta laavu are close together. After a longer forest and river stretch, Halinsaari laavu and Pällin laavu sit beside the Oulujoki river landscape, with Pälli Frisbeegolf nearby. Around Sotkajärvi and Leppäharjuntie there are boat launches if you combine water and land travel. From roughly the mid-30s kilometres the route threads Utajärvi’s active riverfront: fitness stairs, outdoor gyms, a swim beach at Kirkonkylän uimaranta Utajärvi, Utajärven frisbeegolfrata, and several boat ramps along the Utajoki–Oulujoki channel area. Jalkaisin’s long-distance walk blog describes the narrow river-centre causeway section with kilometre posts and a quiet river-side atmosphere—worth reading for a ground-level sense of the Utajärvi passage(4). Further north, Kullesaaren laavu, Utasen kota, and Utasen canal boat launches mark the transition toward the Rokua end of the trail. Near Kirvesjärvi you pass a dry toilet and kota shelters; Lianjärvi päivätupa and related shelter points sit in the last forested kilometres before Rokua spa and visitor services. The route finishes near Rokua’s ski stadium area at Hiihtostadionin laavu and Opastuskeskus Supan kota, close to Rokuan kylpylä and other Rokua services. The trail is demanding overall: surfaces vary from tar and firm gravel to duckboards on peat, and in town you share space with local paths and roads. In summer, carry water and plan for sun and insects on open river and mire sections; in winter the same corridor is a wide, groomed ski track—check the city’s outdoor groomer pages before you go(3).

Hannuksen lampi is a short hiking connection on Hailuoto, Finland’s largest island in the Bothnian Bay, linking Marjaniemi uimaranta with Hannuksenlammen laavu beside a small forest pond. For service information on the lean-to and the wider Hannuksenlammen outing, Luontoon.fi publishes Hannuksenlammen laavun reitti(1). The City of Hailuoto describes how the full Hannuksenlammen laavun reitti fits into the Marjaniemi trail network, with duckboards, sand and cart tracks, and pine forest typical of the island(2). Visit Oulu lists guided minivan day trips from Oulu that include time in Marjaniemi for coastal walking and the lighthouse area—useful if you are combining ferry logistics with a hike(5). The trail is about 2.5 km as one continuous path. It is not a loop: you walk from near Marjaniemi uimaranta through coastal and forest terrain toward Hannuksenlammen laavu. Early on, the route passes close to Marjaniemi uimaranta, then continues inland. The very short Hailuoto Marjaniemi connector near the harbour overlaps the same west-end network if you are linking walks from the marina. About 2.5 km from the start you reach Hannuksenlammen laavu, a lean-to with a campfire ring and benches where you can pause before returning the same way or joining longer circuits. The City of Hailuoto presents the full Hannuksenlammen laavun reitti as about 5.2 km and roughly one to one and a half hours as a red-marked circuit that can also start from the Ranta-Sumpu end; if you want that complete ring, follow the Hannuksen laavun reitti on our map instead of stopping at this shorter segment(2). The Marjaniemi-Sunikari-Pöllä -reitti shares the first part of the same coastal boardwalk system before branching toward Pajuperä, Matikanniemen kota, and Sunikari(2). Retkipaikka’s Luontopolkumies walk-through of Hailuoto’s trails notes boardwalk sections that feel like a soft track over wet ground, a large lean-to at Hannuksenlampi with an on-site route map, and how paths tie into the wider west-coast loop(4). Hannuksenlammen laavu has a campfire place and seating; facilities and rules for island lean-tos are summarised on the City of Hailuoto’s lean-to pages(3). Trails and fireplaces are not maintained in winter, and motor vehicles are not allowed off roads—Hailuoto’s dunes and lichen heath are fragile, and much of the hiking network crosses Natura 2000 terrain(2).

For national park rules, trail maps, hut bookings, and the latest service information, start with the Syötteen kansallispuisto pages on Luontoon.fi(1). Matkalla Missä Milloinkin’s walk-through of the route adds practical colour: allow about half an hour to drive from Syötteen luontokeskus to the trailhead, expect varied forest, aapa mire, and fell-edge scenery, and bring proper boots when the ground is wet(3). The trail is about 9.3 km and returns to Ukonvaaran parking. Some published brochures round the distance to about 10 km with a typical walking time near four hours(4). The route lies in Syötteen kansallispuisto in Pudasjärvi, North Ostrobothnia. About halfway along the route you reach the Rytivaara cluster: Rytitupa vuokratupa (reservable wilderness hut), Rytivaara sauna, Rytitupa WC and woodshed, and Rytivaara tulentekopaikka campfire spot—together the main service stop before you continue toward the parking area. The same junction links onward to Torpparin taival, UKK-reitti Syöte - Kouva, and the long Ukk-ulkoilureitti (UKK Trail, Syöte–Puolanka section); Raatetuvan polku meets the network near Ukonvaaran P-alue. Dry toilets sit with the hut and sauna; mention them only as facilities at the stop, not as separate sightseeing points. Independent hikers describe a calm day-hike character: mire pools and ridge lines typical of the park, and a rockier stretch after the mid-route highlight(3). Metsähallitus’s Luontoon.fi article on Rytivaaran kruununmetsätorppa explains how the crown-forest croft was rebuilt as a heritage courtyard and how sheep grazing and meadow care keep the traditional landscape open(2). Retkipaikka’s winter report from Rytitupa shows the wider Syöte winter trail network—skiing, snowshoeing, fatbiking—reaching the same buildings when snow cover allows(5).

This route is a short add-on to the Syölätin reitti hiking network in Pyhäjoki, North Ostrobothnia, running between the Tankokari and Kultaranta shore areas on the Gulf of Bothnia coast. For the full municipal trail list, Outdoor Active links, and printable maps, the City of Pyhäjoki keeps the hiking hub updated online(1). The parent Syölätin reitti is also described on Luontoon.fi as a Pyhäjoki hiking route in the same network(2). The municipality groups the Kultaranta and Tankokari named routes at a combined 6.2 km with separate Outdoor Active entries for each name; this page follows the Tankokari–Kultaranta add-on segment at about 3.7 km(1). The trail is in Pyhäjoki. North Ostrobothnia is the English region name; Finnish pages use Pohjois-Pohjanmaa in parallel. About 2.65 km from the start you pass Selkälipin laavu, tulipaikka ja käymälä, a lean-to with a campfire place and dry toilet in the forested stretch between shore sections. At the Tankokari end, Tankokarin lintutorni sits in Parhalahden kalasatama (Parhalahti fishing harbour), about 5 km north of the town centre by road; the City of Pyhäjoki’s birdwatching towers page describes it as one of North Ostrobothnia’s best spring migration watchpoints, with peak counts of geese, swans, waders, and raptors from mid-April to late May, and notes the gravel road in to the harbour(3). Tankokarin laavu ja tulipaikka is a second stop at the shore with a lean-to and campfire. Together these stops make a compact birdwatching and break day out from the main Syölätin reitti loop(2). If you want a longer day, Syölätin reitti is published at 14.5 km on the same municipal list and links from the hiking hub(1). The printable hiking route maps pack every Pyhäjoki trail name into one PDF for orientation(4).

For driving directions, a species list, and what you will find at the south shore, start with Visit Kärsämäki’s Nurmesjärvi and bird tower article(1). Metsähallitus describes the lake’s Natura 2000 bird-water protection frame, why most of the lake is kept as calm breeding and staging habitat, and how the 2010–2014 restoration widened open water and renewed the trail-side laavu, tower, boat launch, and swimming place visitors use today(2). Reporting from the start of that project notes dredging on the order of 80,000 square metres together with upgraded structures to slow reed encroachment and improve recreation access(3). The walk is about 0.2 km on our map as a compact loop at the south end of Lake Nurmesjärvi, a roughly 260-hectare headwater lake on the Kalajoki branch system between Kärsämäki and Pyhäjärvi in North Ostrobothnia. Pyhäjärvi hosts the access road address recorded for Nurmesjärvi lintutorni at Haapasaarentie 115; planning copy still describes a small roadside pull-off on Haapasaarentie about a kilometre from the turn, with faint waymarking and roughly a hundred metres from the car to the tower(1). You begin beside Nurmesjärvi lintutorni, where the viewing platform sits almost among the open water and reed edge that birders come for. About 0.12 km along the loop you pass Nurmesjärven laavu, a natural pause before you return toward Nurmesjärvi pysäköintipaikka 2. Dry toilets sit near that parking spur, which keeps the outing practical even though the hike itself is only a few minutes on foot. Please treat the lake as sensitive bird habitat: stay on the marked approach, keep noise down near the tower, and double-check Visit Kärsämäki or Metsähallitus material if ice, nesting, or maintenance changes access. The City of Pyhäjärvi’s general bird-tower page on its website describes a separate urban tower completed in 2020 near the town bridges—not this lakeshore structure—so rely on the regional pages above when planning Nurmesjärvi.

Kallioselän ulkoilureitti is about 2,1 km of summer hiking on the Oulujoki Valley Tervareitti network near Päivärinne in Muhos: a short, linear forest walk that belongs to the same themed corridor as longer tar-heritage routes in North Ostrobothnia. For how Muhos introduces the network’s story, orange-topped waymarks and rest stops along Tervareitistö, start from VisitMuhos(1). Luontoon.fi also lists the Kallioselä wilderness hut service for hikers continuing on the wider system(4). The trail sits beside the Päivärinne sports area where the municipality maintains lit fitness trails and winter ski tracks; the same pages describe the wider Päivärinne–Kallioselkä ski circuit and other Tervareitti sections for winter(2). In summer this segment is an easy forest path suited to a quick outing or as a first leg before joining longer Tervareitti walking options toward Kallioselä. Kallioselän kämppä, the historic forest cabin with sauna and kota, lies deeper on the full route system toward Kallioselä; overnight rules, firewood and driving access are explained on the municipal cabin page(3). Near the same trailhead, Kallioselän retkilatu follows the winter line toward Kallioselä; Päivärinteen kuntorata and Päivärinteen valaistu latu offer running and lit skiing on separate loops. Together they make Päivärinne a year-round outdoor hub while this hiking line gives a compact summer option on the tar-route story(1)(2). Muhos lies in North Ostrobothnia. The Tervareitti tells how tar moved from Kainuu forests toward Oulu; information boards along the wider network cover local nature and river history(1).

Hailuoto Marjaniemi is a short hiking loop of about half a kilometre along the dune and fishing-village fringe of Marjaniemi on Hailuoto’s west coast in North Ostrobothnia. It sits in the same trailhead area as longer marked hikes: you can continue onto Hannuksen lampi toward Hannuksenlammen laavu, or onto the Marjaniemi-Sunikari-Pöllä -reitti for a full island shore day. About 0.15 km into the loop you pass Marjaniemi uimaranta, a sandy swimming beach that works well for a swim or a wind-sheltered break before or after the walk. For campfire locations, boardwalk access notes, and the reminder that trails and fire rings are not maintained in winter, rely on the Hailuoto municipality hiking pages(1). Retkipaikka’s Luontopolkumies travelogue captures how the Marjaniemi shore walks start between old fishermen’s sheds, use Metsähallitus-maintained plank sections near the dunes, and link toward Hannuksenlampi on the wider circuit(2). Mind of a Hitchhiker’s Marjaniemi visit adds practical colour: information boards near Marjaniemen majakka suggest hike ideas, and a coastal boardwalk leads past small dunes toward the open Bothnian Bay beach(3). Marjaniemi is one of the island’s busiest visitor corners—majakka, harbour, and services cluster here—yet the tread itself is a vignette. If you want more distance or a lean-to stop, step onto Hannuksen lampi or the long Marjaniemi-Sunikari-Pöllä -reitti from the same shoreline network. Hailuoto is Finland’s largest island in the Gulf of Bothnia; respect dry sandy soils, stay on marked lines where provided, and remember motor vehicles are not allowed on the sensitive backshore tracks(1).

The Sahanoja trail is a day loop of about 4.8 km in the Pernu outdoor area of Kalajoki, North Ostrobothnia. The City of Kalajoki lists the Pernu recreation area on its nature trails and lean-tos page: the association Himangan Urheilijat maintains the site, with nature paths in the roughly five- to twelve-kilometre range (several line options in the same forest network), lean-tos, a ski lodge, a disc golf course, and biathlon-related ranges around the lodge(1). Visit Kalajoki’s hiking overview points visitors to island and river destinations elsewhere in the municipality and links onward to route cards and the Outdoor Active app for mobile maps(2). Open mapping data records this line under the combined name Sahanojan reitti / Pahkala-Pernu luontopolku with easy mountain-bike difficulty on forest paths(3). Kalajoki includes the former Himanka municipality; Pernu sits in that northern part of the city. The loop follows forest around the Sahanoja stream corridor and ties into the same trailhead cluster as the longer Pahkala-Pernu luontopolku and the winter Pernun hiihtomajan latu ski line. About two kilometres from the start you pass Kotasaaren Laavu Himanka, a lean-to suited to a longer break. Nearer the finish the route skirts the Pernu sports cluster: Pernun frisbeegolfrata, Pernun ampumahiihtostadion, Pernun hiihtomajan ampumarata, and Pahkalan ampumarata sit beside Pernuntie—useful landmarks if you arrive from the lodge or parking along the road. Dry toilets are typically associated with the lodge and shooting-sports facilities rather than named as separate waypoints along the walk. If you want a longer hike on the same network, Pahkala-Pernu luontopolku adds distance and includes Rahkanevan Laavu on its line; in winter, Pernun hiihtomajan latu shares part of this trailhead environment for skiing(1).

Iirinki is a marked hiking route in the Iivaara area south of Kuusamo in North Ostrobothnia, in Metsähallitus-managed Iivaara Nature Reserve. For the latest route description and service updates, use the Iirinki trail page on Luontoon.fi(1). Luontopolkumies Mika Markkanen’s Retkipaikka walk-through covers the full circuit, terrain, and pacing in detail(2). Metsähallitus reported in 2021 how the Juhannus-week Paula storm damaged forests across the reserve, why the earlier Iirinki ring had to close, and how a new alignment from Rajalampi toward the fell top reopened access while leaving storm-felled trees in place for biodiversity(3). The trail on our map is about 8.2 km. Signage and Metsähallitus materials for the current marked Iirinki circuit often quote roughly 10 km, which matches what many hikers measure on the ground after the post-2021 realignment(2). From Rajalampi parking you climb through forest and mire toward Iivaara; within the first few kilometres you reach Iivaara’s fireplace and dry toilet. Higher up, viewpoints around the Iivaara summit open views over the lake mosaic of Koillismaa. The Näätälampi basin sits mid-route: there you pass the signed source of the Iijoki, campfire spots, Näätälammin tupa, and Näätälampi autiotupa, with dry toilets nearby. The walking is rewarding but physically demanding in places—steep climbs and descents, roots, rocks, and wet stretches where duckboards help(2). The same Näätälampi stopping point is shared with the Iivaara–Koskenkylä snowmobile route in our database, so winter traffic and shared facilities are worth bearing in mind if you visit in snow season. Kuusamo is a practical base for the drive in along forest roads toward Rajalampi. Dry toilets are available at Iivaara and Näätälampi rather than at every waypoint; plan water and snacks for a half-day to full-day outing.

Muhos lies in North Ostrobothnia along the Oulujoki river. The City of Muhos highlights the Oulujoki valley, peace, and greenery, and points visitors to Tervareitistö and other local day-trip trails on VisitMuhos(1). Rokua Geopark describes the Oulujoki as the largest river in the geopark and outlines how the valley formed after the Ice Age and how settlements grew along the waterway—useful background for any walk in this landscape(4). The Huikari Trail is about 4.4 km as a point-to-point forest walk in Muhos. It sits in the same broad recreation area as the Oulujoki Valley Tar Trail (Oulujokilaakson Tervareitistö Muhos-Rokua), which Metsähallitus presents on Luontoon.fi as a long summer hiking and winter ski route between Muhos, Utajärvi, and Rokua(2). That network passes lean-tos, beaches, and other service points elsewhere along the valley; this shorter segment is a local line you can combine mentally with those descriptions when planning a day in the area. The trail takes its name from the story of Keräsen torppa near the former Pyhäkoski reach. Tiedonportailla recounts that Metsäntutkimuslaitos (METLA) acquired the tenant farm in 1980 and tied the buildings into a recreation route called Huikarin polku; the buildings later returned to private ownership, so the torppa itself is not open for visits(3). Treat any walk here as a public trail experience in the forest and river valley, not as access to private yards. Winter skiers use a separate maintained route system (Oulujokilaakson Tervareitistö Latu) with grooming tracked by the municipality; that is not the same line as this summer hiking geometry.

This segment is about 6.9 km of the Oulu River Valley Tar Trail (Oulujokilaakson Tervareitistö) through Rokua UNESCO Global Geopark and Rokua National Park, listed under Muhos in North Ostrobothnia. For the full long-distance route, closures, and national park rules, start with the Oulu River Valley Tar Trail Muhos–Rokua page on Luontoon.fi(1). The City of Muhos describes the network’s orange-tipped posts with the tar-boat symbol and the trail story of tar from Kainuu forests to Oulu and world markets(2). Rokua.com’s hiking pages detail short day walks from Rokua Health & Spa that share the same paths: an easy family-friendly trip toward Kirvesjärvi kota and a separate Harjunpolku loop past Lianjärvi(3). Oulun matka.fi adds practical context on how the wider tar trail works as a wide ski corridor in winter and a hiking route in summer, with grooming notes in season(4). From north to south along this segment you pass Kirvesjärvi kota and Kirvesjärven kota with a dry toilet nearby, then Lianjärvi päivätupa and Lianjärvi, käymälä-liiteri beside clear kettle ponds—Rokua.com notes a newer campfire spot at Lianjärvi for breaks. The Rokua Health & Spa service area brings together Rokuan kylpylä and nearby indoor sport facilities on Kuntoraitti. Toward the south you reach Opastuskeskus Supan kota at the visitor orientation area and finish near Hiihtostadionin laavu by the ski stadium. The tread is mostly marked forest path on esker heath and lake shores; stay on marked routes because geopark soils are fragile off-trail. The same corridor meets longer hiking rings such as Keisarinkierros and Energiankulutusreitti, the shorter Harjunpolku near the spa, and the main Oulujokilaakson Tervareitistö Muhos–Rokua line toward Utajärvi and Oulu. Mountain bike and multi-use connectors branch nearby where posted.

Depth Circuit (Syvyydenkierros) is about 6.3 km as a day loop in Rokua National Park on the Rokua esker in North Ostrobothnia; Utajärvi is the municipality this listing uses. For closures, national park rules, and the authoritative route description, start with the Syvyydenkierros trail page on Luontoon.fi(1). Rokua Geopark summarises how to reach the area by car, train, and seasonal bus from Oulu and Kajaani, with stops such as Rokuanhovi near the trailheads(2). Mika Markkanen’s walk-through on Retkipaikka names the landforms you actually see on the ground—pale lichen carpets, wooden stairs on steeper esker flanks, and the junction where the loop leaves the old Saarinen-lake side alignment toward Kakkoskuppi and Pookinkuppi kettle holes before returning north(3). A family-oriented follow-up on Retkipaikka stresses the same Ice Age story in approachable steps: rolling harju forest, small dunes, and the big kettle at Syvyydenkaivo as the emotional centre of the hike(4). The loop is moderate in demand: short climbs, roots, and stairways are part of the character on Rokuanvaara-style heath. The trail is marked with blue paint blazes; you can walk clockwise or counterclockwise. The signature sight is Syvyydenkaivo, Finland’s deepest natural kettle hole—wide and deep enough that the shape is hard to photograph from one viewpoint, with a descent on wooden stairs and a wet, peat-lined floor tens of metres below the rim(3). Smaller kettles named Kakkoskuppi and Pookinkuppi sit along the southern arc; the same stair zone also carries the much longer Keisarinkierros, so junctions deserve a quick map check. About 2.3 km along the circuit from the geometry start you pass Opastuskeskus Supan kota at the visitor orientation area, then Hiihtostadionin laavu by the ski stadium—both are natural coffee stops if you time a short detour from the blue loop. Near 4 km you reach Pookin paikoitusalue, a parking area on the esker road network. A few hundred metres off the main ring (sources quote roughly 400 m one way), Pookivaara holds Pookin paussi päivätupa, Palovartijan autiotupa, Pookivaaran kuivakäymälä, and Pookin pirtti vuokratupa around a 1936 fire-guard outlook—worth the add-on if you want a roof, a view, and dry toilets without retracing to the spa village(3). The main ring itself has no campfire site; treat fire and camping under national park rules on Luontoon.fi(1). The Rokua trail network around the same hub includes Energiankulutusreitti, Rokuan monikäyttöura, Tervareitistö Rokualla, Rokuansydän, Pookinpolku, Rokuan Maastopyöräreitit, and lit ski and running loops at the stadium—handy if you want to stitch a longer day from one car park.

This segment is a short marked connection in the Elävisluoto day-hiking network south of Yppäri in Pyhäjoki, North Ostrobothnia. It links Pylhy and Lehtikarinranta along the bay shore so you can walk between the beaches, the lean-to, and swimming spots in one outing. The City of Pyhäjoki lists the wider Elävisluodon network and links to maps and digital views from its hiking hub(1). Pohjolan Rengastie describes the main Elävisluodon loop with an extra Ojansuunlahti round of about 1.7 km on orange markings starting from Yppärin koulu(2); this supplement matches that bay-side add-on in spirit and sits with the same orange-marked family of paths(2)(3). The printable hiking route maps spell out how the optional Ojansuunlahti section behaves on the ground, including wetter tread in the marked bay fringe(3). On our map the route is about 1.8 km point to point. Very near the start you pass Pylhyn laavu, tulipaikka, käymälä—firewood, a campfire place, and dry toilets—then Pylhyn uimapaikka on Elävisluodontie. About half a kilometre along the line you reach Lehtikarin uimaranta on Pölläntie, a second shallow beach pocket. Together these stops make an easy family outing: swim at one beach, picnic at the laavu, and stroll to the other beach without driving between them. The municipality’s swimming beaches page notes that Pylhy and Pöllä sit just south of the rocky Elävisluoto surf area and describe the Pylhy shore as a shallow sandy beach suited to children(4). That matches how the two swimming stops feel along this walk. Tie the outing into the longer Elävisluodon Trail loop when you want a full day: the main circuit visits harbours, school fields, and more shoreline while reusing the same orange marking system(2)(3). Elävisluodon Trail is the wider loop name in English materials; the Finnish page title uses Elävisluodon reitti for the same hike. Pyhäjoki is the home municipality; Pohjois-Pohjanmaa is the Finnish region name alongside North Ostrobothnia in English.

The Liimanninkoski Nature Trail is a short marked loop of about 0.8 km in Muhos, North Ostrobothnia, along the Muhosjoki valley to the Liimanninkoski rapids. City of Muhos publishes the Liimanninkoski visitor page with parking directions, the lean-to and picnic spots beside the water, and the covered table group near Liimanninkoski P-alue(1). Rokua Geopark presents the site as part of the western Rokua UNESCO Global Geopark, where the river has cut a deep channel in ice-age sands and gravels and now tumbles over granite thresholds; nutrient-rich reddish sand colours the water in places and the sheltered canyon climate supports rich grove vegetation(3). Luontopolkumies’ report on Retkipaikka describes walking through the sheep-grazed hillside meadow, closing pasture gates behind you, cone-topped marking posts on a wide forest path, and a rest at Liimanninkoski tulentekopaikka between Liimanninkosken laavu and Liimanninkoski laavu before a short riverside bend back toward Liimanninkoski P-alue(2). Muhos lies in the Oulujoki watercourse country. From Liimanninkoski P-alue the path rises from bright rinne meadow, passes through spruce and lush riverside broadleaf forest inside a nationally protected grove reserve, and reaches the foaming Liimanninkoski rapids. About 0.71 km into the loop, Liimanninkoski tulentekopaikka sits with the two lean-tos Liimanninkosken laavu and Liimanninkoski laavu a few steps from the river; Liimanninkoski huussi is in the same service cluster, so you can plan a longer break without leaving the canyon atmosphere. Some outdoor writers measure a slightly longer circuit when they include every meadow zigzag; if your own watch reads nearer to 1.3 km, that usually reflects the same loop walked with a wider GPS trace. Liimanninkosken luontopolku 2 is a very short adjoining marked route that shares the same lean-tos, Liimanninkoski P-alue and service cluster—easy to combine if you are looking for an extra few minutes on connecting trails. Spring and early summer bring the strongest whitewater noise, which Rokua Geopark notes can be audible all the way to the Suokyläntie parking area on a high-water day(3).

The Peuran polku spur to Koukkusen kota is about 0.3 km point-to-point in Reisjärvi, North Ostrobothnia. It is a short, marked link on the large Peuran polku hiking system that ends at the Koukkunen rest area beside Kuivajärvi, where Koukkunen tulentekopaikka, Koukkunen kota, and Koukkusen kota sit together with dry-toilet service at Koukkunen käymälä. Most visitors arrive via longer Peuran polku stages or link walks; for route-wide access rules, maps, and where to buy trail maps, start with the City of Reisjärvi’s Peuran polun ulkoilureitti page(1) and Muuta Maalle – Reisjärvi’s Peuran polku introduction(2). The spur itself is a straightforward forest walk to a kota and fire ring cluster useful as a short break or overnight dot on the network. The wider Peuran polku system is described as Finland’s second-longest marked trekking route at about 115 km across the Suomenselkä divide, with a roughly 77 km backbone plus connecting rings including the 15 km Mäntyjärvi circuit referenced on the municipal and tourism pages(1)(2). Trail paint on trees is described as orange on the regional visitor page(2). At the junction, Raatejärvi - Mäntyjärven reitti, Peuran polku runkoreitti E6, and Peuran polku (Reisjärvi) continue toward Kuivajärvi’s shores, rental cabin and parking services, and onward toward Saarijärvi, Petäjämäen ulkoilukeskus, and the national-park sections of the long E6 backbone. Jalkaisin’s walking journal from Koukkusen kota captures what the lakeside stage feels like and points to nearby sights such as Kirves-Heikin kanava on longer legs worth reading for on-the-ground pacing(3). North Ostrobothnia and Reisjärvi municipality host this segment of Peuran polku; the network also reaches into Central Finland on the same watershed.

For maps, rules, and the latest service status for this trail, use the Teerivaaran kierros page on Luontoon.fi(1). Metsähallitus’s printed day-route guide for Syöte summarises duration, difficulty, markings, and safety notes for the same 4.5 km loop(2). Regional tourism pages for Syöte describe Teerivaaran kierros as a challenging climb onto Teerivaara with wide views over Syöte National Park and a rest at the day hut on the summit(3). The trail is about 4.5 km as a loop in Pudasjärvi in North Ostrobothnia, mostly inside Syöte National Park. It starts and finishes beside Luontokeskus pysäköointialue: park here, then pick up Syötteen luontokeskuksen laavu and Syötteen luontokeskus within a few steps of the trailhead. The path climbs through spruce forest and mires toward two high points on Teerivaara; Metsähallitus describes lush summer forest, small streams, and rocky fell tops, and winter travel as a snowshoe route when conditions suit(2). Around 2.8 km into the loop you reach Teerivaara päivätupa, a day hut (Teeritupa) where you can sit on wooden benches and use a fireplace on the built structure—handy for lunch out of the weather. Dry toilets are available near the hut area. The return leg passes close to Syöte DiscGolfPark at Erätien ja Pärjänjoentien risteys—useful if you combine hiking with disc golf the same day. The same parking hub is used by longer Syöte routes and by the Taivalkoski-Atsinki-Syöte Mountain Biking route where it meets the visitor-centre end of the network. Lähtöportti describes a steep, rocky northern slope and a clockwise circuit that places the day hut toward the end of the climb sequence; the same winter trip report found the path well trodden for normal winter boots on a quiet day, with limited distant views when trees or weather close in(4). Sturdy footwear is important on the rock steps and slopes(2).

For up-to-date trail information and maps for this exact route, start with the Syötteen kierros trail page on Luontoon.fi(1). Metsähallitus’s Syöte National Park publication for the 19 km circular trail summarises the landscape, suggested duration, and starting point at Syötteen luontokeskus(2). Syöte.fi’s hiking overview lists this as a flagship day hike among more than 122 km of marked paths and points to the visitor centre for route condition updates(3). The trail is about 19.1 km as a loop on our map. It runs in Pudasjärvi in North Ostrobothnia, mostly through Syöte National Park scenery: spruce forest, open mires, the Pärjänjoki valley, the Pytkynharju ridge, and the wide Riihisuo mire—Metsähallitus highlights those as the main visual draws(2). After the Luontokeskus pysäköointialue and Syöte DiscGolfPark, you reach Annintupa and dry-toilet facilities within the first couple of kilometres—good early shelter if the weather turns. Around 8.6 km, the Lauttalampi area clusters Lauttalammen laavu, Lauttalampi, pieni laituri, Lauttalampi pysäköintialue for drivers who skip the main car park, and dry toilets. The Pytkynharju section brings open views; Matkalla jonnekin’s ride report describes wide boardwalks there and a scenic break at Lauttalammen laavu before easier forest on the return(4). Near 10–11 km, Kellarilampi pysäköintialue, Kellarilammen invalaavut, and accessible dry-toilet buildings support a longer stop on the ridge above the ponds. Past Riihitupa päivatupa around 13.5 km, the route turns north toward Luppovesi: Syötteen Luppopark, Luppoveden uimaranta, and Luppoveden nuotiopaikka ja kato sit together for swimming, play, and a kota-style fire shelter. Hiihtokeskus Iso-Syöte appears before you close the loop at Syötteen luontokeskuksen laavu and Syötteen luontokeskus. The same corridor is shared by the Syötteen kierros maastopyöräreitti bike route; Matkalla jonnekin found mixed forest path, roots, rocks, and widened duckboards on Pytkynharju—useful perspective if you also ride here(4). From the same hub you can add shorter walks such as Korpikolvan polku, Luontokeskus - Iso-Syötteen huippu, or Teerivaaran Kierros, or join longer UKK-reitti Syöte - Pintamo, itä.

The Tervaneva Trail is a green-marked day hike in Pyhäjoki through the Tervaneva mire and river corridor toward Hourunkoski. City of Pyhäjoki lists Tervanevan reitti among its named hiking routes, links the same name to Outdoor Active, and publishes printable PDF maps for the whole network(1). Luontoon.fi carries the route entry for planning and map browsing(2). Pohjolan Rengastie describes the same name at about 5.2 km with green markings between Pyhäjoki centre and the junction with Parhalahden reitti at Teereläntie(3). The trail is about 5.1 km as one continuous walk. Some municipal tables round the same corridor to about 7 km when the full network segment is counted differently(1). After forest and mire walking along the Pyhäjoki valley, the route reaches Hourunkosken kota near the Hourunkoski rapids—about 5 km from the start—a kota and natural stopping point before you explore the Koskipuisto river park. Hourunkosken Koskipuisto on the south bank of the northern branch of the Pyhäjoki has accessible paths, a kota, and a campfire place; the opposite bank is reached from Koskikuja(4). Hannele78's Koskipuisto post captures the riverside kota and campfire setting in a short visit write-up(5). The Tervaneva Trail meets Parhalahden lenkki, Pyhäjoen penkkatiet, the Oulainen–Pyhäjoki cycling route, Halusen reitti, the Flatland Route ring, Saaren lenkki, Syölätin reitti, and Pyhäjoen melontareitti at Hourunkosken kota, so you can switch to cycling, a longer hiking loop, or kayaking in the same river system. Pyhäjoki lies in North Ostrobothnia. North Ostrobothnia links the Bothnian Bay coast with inland lake and river hiking.

The Halusen Trail is a marked day hike in Pyhäjoki between the town centre and Lake Oravisjärvi. City of Pyhäjoki lists Halusen reitti in its index of local hiking routes, links to Outdoor Active for the same name, and publishes printable PDF maps for all trails(1). Metsähallitus also lists the route on Luontoon.fi under the Halusen reitti name(2). Pohjolan Rengastie describes the same connection as yellow-marked endpoints at Pyhäjoki centre and Oravisjärvi(3). The trail is about 8.3 km end to end. Municipal and regional listings often round the same corridor to about 9.9 km depending on how the segment is measured(1)(3). Early on, the route passes Hourunkosken kota: a kota by Hourunkoski rapids within a few hundred metres of the start, useful for a fire or shelter break. The play and activity area Leiki-liiku-puisto sits very near the northern end of the corridor on Vanhatie for families combining a short town walk with the trail. Hourunkosken Koskipuisto beside the northern branch of the Pyhäjoki has accessible paths on the south bank of the rapids, a kota, and a campfire place; paths are designed so people with reduced mobility can enjoy the bank(5). Retkipaikka’s Flatland Route road-trip article highlights Hourunkoski and the Pyhäjoki embankment trails as part of the wider river landscape in this area(4). The hiking trail shares ground with the long Pyhäjoen penkkatiet cycling corridor along the river levees, and meets Syölätin reitti, Saaren lenkki, Tervanevan reitti, Rautiperän lenkki, Nasin reitti, Oravisjärven lenkki, Pyhäjoen melontareitti, the Oulainen–Pyhäjoki cycling link, and the Flatland Route ring—so you can shorten, lengthen, or switch to bike or kayak in the same river-and-lake network. Visit Raahe summarises Pyhäjoki’s river, fields, and coastal outdoor character for visitors planning wider trips in the Raahe region(6). Pyhäjoki lies in North Ostrobothnia. North Ostrobothnia offers varied hiking between the Gulf of Bothnia coast and inland lake country.

For maps, GPX, seasonal notes, and the official description of this trail, start with the Pyhän jyssäys page on Luontoon.fi(1). The City of Kuusamo lists Pyhävaaran kota among maintained rest stops along popular hiking and ski trails in the Ruka area(2). Jonna Saari’s Retkipaikka article adds on-the-ground detail about tread, steps, and the Hirsilampi shore(3). Pyhän jyssäys is about 5.8 km as a loop on forested fells next to Ruka in Kuusamo, North Ostrobothnia. The line climbs gently toward Pikku Pyhävaara, where Pyhävaaran kota sits with a fireplace area and a wooden viewing terrace toward Kuusamo’s lake-and-fell landscape(1). Metsähallitus describes the outing as suitable on foot or by mountain bike and as a relaxed family day trip, and reminds visitors that fragile fell vegetation must not be walked on—stay on marked routes(1). Along the way the terrain mixes forest path, short stepped sections, and stretches of gravel or wood-chip tread; steeper climbing tends to come early, then the route opens into thinner forest near the top(3). After the kota the loop descends through forest and passes Hirsilampi, where a dock and fireplace may sit next to private shore(3). The same corridor is shared in places with the Pyhän jyssäys mountain bike line and connects to the short Kivilammen lenkki near Juhannuskallio parking; snowmobile routes also use parts of the wider trail network in winter—watch for other users and follow current local guidance. In winter the path is often well packed for walking; soft snow may call for snowshoes—In the Woods, Dear has a dedicated winter note on the same round(4). Allow roughly two to three hours on foot at an easy pace, or less by bike if conditions suit you.

For the national outdoor listing and trail-specific page for this route, use Luontoon.fi(1). The City of Pyhäjoki maintains the wider marked hiking network—including printable overview maps—and links digital route sheets for each trail(2)(3). Viirretjärvi Trail is about 13.3 km as one point-to-point day hike in Pyhäjoki, North Ostrobothnia. Pyhäjoki lies on the Bothnian coast; the trail threads countryside between lake shore, village roads, and forest paths. Official descriptions give green paint markings and name the main endpoints as the junction with Rautiperän reitti at Viirreoja, Puskakorven tie, and Yppärin koulu(3). Along the way you pass Viirretjärvi village, the Viirretjärvi school path, Tekevän mylly, and Yppäri village—typical North Ostrobothnian rural scenery rather than remote wilderness(3). Terrain is mostly easy walking on roads and paths, but the Viirretjärvi school path and field sections can be soft or wet after rain, and there are wide ditch crossings with plank bridges sized for walking (mountain bikers use the route too, with care on those stretches)(3). At the mapped start, the line meets Rautiperän lenkki at Viirreoja; a short marked branch, Viirretjärven lisäreitti, joins within the first couple of kilometres. Closer to Yppäri, Rajaniemen reitti and Elävisluodon reitti tie into the same shore and school area, and Yppärin latu and Yppärin kuntorata run nearby for winter skiing and running. The route is highlighted among Pyhäjoki outings on the Pohjolan Rengastie touring corridor(4). Near the Yppäri end, the path passes Yppärin koulun liikuntasali, Yppärin koulun luistelukenttä, and Yppärin koulun pallokenttä beside Vanhamaantie—useful orientation if you finish at the school.

Rantaniity Nature Trail is about 0.6 km of easy, compacted gravel path beside Liminka Bay (Liminganlahti), in Liminka in North Ostrobothnia. It was built to bring visitors closer to meadow and shore habitats that are hard to reach elsewhere on the bay. For route facts and service updates, start with the trail page on Luontoon.fi(1). The City of Liminka and Visit Liminka describe Liminka Bay as a year-round bird destination with walking routes starting from the visitor centre area(2)(3). From the Liminganlahden luontokeskus yard the path runs past a sheep pasture edge and themed nature trail boards illustrated by cartoonist Seppo Leinonen, which Rantalakeus described when the route opened in spring 2021(4). About halfway along you pass near Virkkulan katselutasanne, the lower viewing deck below Virkkula tower, a natural add-on if you want wider views over the meadows. The line finishes close to Liminganlahden luontokeskus, where exhibits, a shop, and visitor facilities anchor a full day out. You can combine this outing with Liminganlahti lintutornin polku or Liminganlahden luontokeskuksen luontopolku, which share the same visitor hub, or explore Maankohoumapolku and the longer Fatbike-reitti Rantakylä network when you want more distance. Karttaselain’s day-trip write-up praises how easy both short paths are with prams or wheelchairs and notes the sheep pasture setting along Rantaniity(5). Visit Liminka mentions the Kukkala outdoor learning patch on the visitor centre grounds for meadow plants and habitats—worth a stop after your walk(3).

Tervo Trail (Tervon reitti) is a roughly 5 km point-to-point hiking route in Pyhäjoki, North Ostrobothnia, linking the Tervo riverbank area with Kielopuisto and the town’s sports cluster beside the Pyhäjoki River. The City of Pyhäjoki currently lists this route as not in use for the time being(1). Treat the municipality’s hiking trails listing as the place to confirm whether the route has reopened before you plan a visit. The same trail also appears on Luontoon.fi for map browsing and general outdoor information(2). When the route is open, it works as a riverside connector: within about the first hundred metres from the start you pass Tervon laavu ja tulipaikka, a lean-to and campfire spot for a break. About 3 km along, Kielosaaren lintutorni sits near the junction with longer trails such as Rajaniemen reitti and Pyhäjoen penkkatiet, and a short detour leads to Kielosaaren luontopolku, a separate 600 m nature loop on the camping islands. Toward the northern end, Kielopuisto at Ruukintie 42 gathers Kielopuiston kota, tennis, and the ice hall and sports field—useful landmarks if you approach the river from the town side. Taipaleita’s on-the-ground notes from the nearby Kielosaaren luontopolku describe small bridges between islands, boardwalks toward the bird tower, and a campfire shelter beside the tower—helpful context for what the Kielosaari shoreline feels like where Tervon reitti meets the same river landscape(3). Pyhäjoki’s destination text for Kielosaaren luontopolku adds that the short island trail introduces varied river nature and that spring flooding can occasionally affect access—worth keeping in mind for any linked walks(4). North Ostrobothnia’s Bothnian Bay coast is an important migration flyway; the bird tower looks north along the river. For longer days, the same trail network connects to Rajaniemen reitti, Saaren lenkki, Rautiperän lenkille siirtymä, and other Pyhäjoki routes that share stops at Kielosaari and Kielopuisto. Pyhäjoki lies on the coast northwest of Oulu.

The Rautiperä loop connector is a short point-to-point hiking link in Pyhäjoki, North Ostrobothnia. The trail is about 0.7 km. It joins the longer Rautiperän lenkki hiking route to the Kielopuisto and Kielosaari sports and riverfront area near Ruukintie, so you can move between the Rautiperä forest network and the town’s riverside facilities without walking on roads. The City of Pyhäjoki lists Rautiperän reitti (about 18.3 km in the municipal hiking list) and publishes printable route maps on its retkeily page(1). The Rautiperä outdoor area page(2) at Hiihtomajantie 94 explains how, in summer, ski trail bases serve as outdoor paths, with marked and lit loop options (1 km, 2.5 km, 4 km, 5 km), a ski hut, kota, laavu, grill kota, and summer dog rules when dogs are leashed. That context helps you plan onward loops from the same end of town as this connector. Along this segment you approach Kielopuisto (Ruukintie 42) and the Kielopuiston kota, Kielopuiston tenniskenttä, and the sports cluster around Pyhäjoen urheilukenttä, Pyhäjoen jäähalli, and Pyhäjoen liikuntahalli—handy if you are combining a walk with a game, ice time, or a break at the kota. Near Kielosaari, Kielosaaren lintutorni is a short detour from the Kielosaari nature trail network. The Kielosaari trail page on the City of Pyhäjoki website(3) describes the 600 m Kielosaaren luontopolku from the campsite with small bridges, duckboards, a birdwatching tower, and a campfire place. Visit Pyhäjoki notes the long Flatland Route mountain-bike ring through North Ostrobothnia, including Pyhäjoki, for riders stitching a wider tour(4). Taipaleita’s walk report on the same nature trail adds a practical time estimate of about half an hour for the 600 m loop and highlights the easy terrain and river scenery(5). From this junction you can also connect to Rautiperän lenkki (the main Rautiperä loop), Saaren lenkki, Rajaniemen reitti, Tervon reitti, Pyhäjoen penkkatiet, the Flatland Route retkipyöräilyn rengasreitti, Pyhäjoen melontareitti, and Kielosaaren luontopolku for a longer day in Pyhäjoki.

Könkään Kuohu demanding accessible route is a very short barrier-free loop of about 0.1 km beside Kiutaköngäs on Oulankajoki in Oulanka National Park. Kuusamo is the nearest large town, and North Ostrobothnia is the region most visitors use in address searches; the falls sit roughly 50 km north of Kuusamo and about 40 km south of Salla by road in typical trip write-ups(2)(3). Metsähallitus lists this trail under the Finnish title Könkään kuohu vaativa esteetön reitti and uses that vaativa esteetön grading for barrier-free routes that can still include slopes or edges worth reading about before you commit wheels or assistants to the outing(1). Along the ring you pass service corners people also use on longer Oulanka day walks. Oulankajoki, Kiutakönkään vesillelaskupaikka is the formal boat ramp off Liikasenvaarantie 150, with Kiutaköngäs esteetön kuivakäymälä a few metres away for barrier-free toilet access. Kiutaköngäs taukokatos and Kiutakönkään taukokatos provide covered cooking breaks beside the roar of the rapids, and independent blogs note a woodshed for fuel near the lean-to cluster at Kiutaköngäs in general(3). Kiutakönkään esteetön tulipaikka is the accessible-design fireplace woven into this loop. A little farther along shared ground toward Mataraniemi you also reach Kiutakönkään telttailualueen tulentekopaikka 1, Mataraniemen tulentekopaikka 1, and Mataraniemi kompostikäymälä—handy if you combine the short roll with camping or paddle plans on Melontareitti Mataraniemi - Jäkälämutka. KAUKOKAIPUU explains that Kiutaköngäs rapids are easiest to admire from the barrier-free viewing line, while scrambling down the rocky bank beside the main pitch stays steep and is not a wheeled option(3). Reissuesan matkablogi’s account of Kiutakönkään polku from Oulangan luontokeskus underlines how dramatic the red dolomite walls look when Oulankajoki is running strong, even outside peak spring melt(2). For a longer hike after the loop, Hiiden Hurmos kesäretkeilyreitti and Hiiden hurmos circle about four kilometres from the nature-centre side, while Könkään keino continues downstream with more distance and the same Kiutaköngäs shelters appearing deeper in the day.

Lemmenpolku is about 1.5 km on our map as an easy, point-to-point path along the Sanginjoki riverbank in the Sanginjoki nature reserve north of Oulu, in North Ostrobothnia. Metsähallitus has managed the protected area since spring 2021; for reserve rules, services, and the wider trail network, start from the Sanginjoki destination pages on Luontoon.fi(1). Visit Oulu summarises the landscape as gentle, day-hike-friendly forest and river shore with many campfire stops so legs of a walk stay short(2). The City of Oulu still publishes a short reserve introduction and reminds readers that municipal recreation-structure planning was updated when Sanginjoki maintenance responsibilities shifted to Metsähallitus(3). Practically, this is a family-friendly riverside walk: you can leave a car at Sanginjoen P-paikka, pass Tulipaikka 1 and Tulipaikka 2 while the bank opens toward wetter spruce forest, use Lemmenpolku kuivakäymälä about halfway, and continue past Tulipaikka 3, Tulipaikka 4, Tulipaikka 5, Tulipaikka 6, and Tulipaikka 7 toward the west end of the line. Kompostikäymälä Loppulan viereinen P-paikka sits near the eastern cluster if you arrive from the Loppula side. Around Tulipaikka 5 the path meets the short Loppulan kierros loop on our map for an easy add-on beside the same shoreline camps. Luontopolkumies’s walk report on Retkipaikka is written for the longer Loppulan kierros circuit but captures the same riverbank character, activity points, and accessible rest construction style now common on Sanginjoki(5). Official messaging now also uses the name Sanginjokivarsi for this corridor so it is not mixed up with the better-known Lemmenpolku near Muhos and so emergency crews get a precise location(4). Oulu lies roughly 16–20 km from this landscape by road. Respect reserve-specific rules: everyman’s rights are not automatically the same as on ordinary forest land, so read Metsähallitus material before you light fires or fish(1)(2).

Korpikolva Trail is a short loop of about 0.5 km in Pudasjärvi, North Ostrobothnia, winding around the yard of the former Syötteen luontokeskus visitor centre near Syöte National Park. Metsähallitus lists it in the national outdoor register as a demanding accessible route; use the trail page on Luontoon.fi(1) for the latest official description and any updates to services. You can park at the nature centre parking area and walk the loop past Syötteen luontokeskuksen laavu, a lean-to suitable for a snack stop. Syöte DiscGolfPark sits just off the same cluster of paths for anyone combining a very short walk with other activities. The route meets longer hiking options here: Ahmankierros (Wolf Circle Trail) and Torpparin taival start from the same visitor-centre area, so this loop works as a warm-up or family outing before a longer day in the vaara forest. Yle reported in 2025 that Metsähallitus would end operations at the Syötteen luontokeskus building and put the property up for sale, with closure targeted for the end of October that year(2). Outdoor access, parking, and the trail itself remain; indoor exhibitions, shop, and staffed services depended on the building and may no longer be available—confirm current status through Metsähallitus channels and Luontoon.fi(1). Syöte.fi described autumn 2022 opening-week activities when the renewed local path was presented as Korpikolva, including guided walks introducing Syöte’s nature(3).

For the municipality’s overview of hiking in Muhos and how it fits the wider Oulujoki valley and Tervareitistö story, start with the City of Muhos Visit Muhos hiking section(1). The same pages place Muhos inside Rokua UNESCO Global Geopark. Rokua Geopark(3) describes ridge-and-valley walking, river groves, and themed nature trails across the geopark area. There is no separate municipal page that names this exact luontopolku line; the City of Muhos outdoor routes listing(2) is still the right place to watch for updates on local trails and winter routes. The trail is about 2.3 km on our map and runs as a one-way line (not a loop) through forest near Kylmälänkylä. Kylmälänkylä is a long roadside village north-east from central Muhos along highway 22 toward Vaala. Pohjois-Pohjanmaan Kylät(4) profiles the village in a long article that mentions the Satumaa village shop and community spaces—useful context if you combine a short walk with errands or a break in the village centre. On winter ski routes, the City of Muhos lists a separate Kylmälänkylä–Rokua connection (7.5 km one way, 15 km return) starting from Kylmälänkylän kauppa; that is a ski track, not this summer hiking geometry, but it shows how the village is used as an access point toward Rokua(2). Muhos is a short drive south of Oulu in North Ostrobothnia. Expect ordinary forest path conditions typical of the geopark fringe—roots, soft ground after rain—unless a future municipal notice describes upgrades.

Rajaniemi Trail extension to Veteraanimaja is a short spur of about 0.4 km in Pyhäjoki, North Ostrobothnia. It branches from the longer blue-marked Rajaniemi Trail and ends at Veteraanimaja varaustupa, a reservable wilderness hut by the shore in the Yppäri village area. The trail sits on the Gulf of Bothnia coast in Pyhäjoki; Pohjois-Pohjanmaa is the Finnish region name alongside North Ostrobothnia in English. Metsähallitus lists this exact spur on Luontoon.fi(1). The City of Pyhäjoki publishes the parent Rajaniemen reitti in its hiking network and links to maps from the municipal outdoor hub(2). The printable hiking route maps describe the wider Rajaniemi network: blue markings, easy overall difficulty with road sections on the long loop, and landmarks such as Merimajan ranta and Rajaniemi—plus cautions for sandy shore, rocky shoreline, and Etelänkyläntie traffic when you combine segments(4). For Veteraanimaja itself, the City of Pyhäjoki Yppäri page gives practical detail: the hut stands at Harmintie 227, bookings go through the municipal office, and the site has a wood-fired sauna, duckboards to a sandy swimming beach, and a bird tower with wide views over the sea and shore(3). Use this spur when you want a minimal add-on from Rajaniemi Trail to reach the reservable hut. The main Rajaniemi Trail runs about 19 km between the Yppäri school area and Kielosaari; along it you pass lean-tos, beaches, and at the Kielosaari end Kielosaaren lintutorni and Kielopuiston kota. A parallel short spur on Luontoon.fi leads to Partiokämppä scout cabin if you are planning another nearby destination.

For birdwatching context, nesting and feeding habitat in the bay, summer sheep on the surrounding grassland, and how to approach from Hiekkasärkät on boardwalks and embankment paths, Visit Kalajoki is the clearest planning page for this shore(1). Visit Arctic Coast gives a compact English summary of the same protected bay and tower(2). For how the wider Hiekkasärkät–Vihaslahti walk feels underfoot—dense benches on the boardwalk section, crossing Tahkokorvantie onto a normal outdoor path, a wooden bridge over Keihäs Creek as the trickiest spot for people with reduced mobility, and interpretation boards on the Kirkolta Kallaan cultural section—Retkipaikka publishes Luontopolkumies’ photo-led account of the linked route(3). The trail is about 2 km on our map as a short, linear path in Kalajoki on the North Ostrobothnia coast. Kalajoki lies beside the city’s famous dune resort; this segment threads the Vihaslahti birding pocket inside the Vihas-Keihäslahti nature reserve rather than crossing the entire resort network. You begin at Vihaslahti lintutorni with wetlands spreading below the tower. Within the first few hundred metres you pass Vihaslahti tulentekopaikka for a campfire stop, Vihasniemen laavu for a sheltered break, and Vihaslahti pysäköintipaikka if you started from the car park rather than the tower. Dry toilets sit with the services area near the parking and lean-to. Farther along, the path opens toward the fringes of Kalajoen raviradan kilpailukenttä and Kalajoen raviradan verryttelykenttä on Matkailutie—handy landmarks when orienting toward the racecourse edge of town. If you want a longer day, Visit Kalajoki describes roughly four kilometres one way from Meriluontokeskus to the bay on easy boardwalks and embankments, plus a shorter option from Tahkokorvi near Ravintola Lohilaakso(1). Those approaches tie into the same service cluster around the tower, lean-to, and fireplaces that appear on our map. Nearby marked routes you can combine include Vihaslahden lintutornin polku at the tower, Mariston ulkoilureitti along the shore, and the Hiekkasärkät walking and cycling loops such as Hiekkasärkän polku and Hiekkasärkkien rantareitti. Expect level, family-friendly walking when conditions are dry; occasional wind exposure on the meadow fringe and seasonal wet spots near the reed beds are part of the coastal meadow character that protection targets(1)(2). Bring binoculars in migration season—regional birding material highlights Kalajoki’s coastal towers for passing geese, swans, cranes, and raptors as well as breeding waders(1).

Mikonkarin luontopolku is an easy-going hiking route of about 4.4 km between the south and north branches of the Pattijoki river in Raahe, in North Ostrobothnia. The City of Raahe groups this ground as Mikonkarin retkeilyalue and publishes route cards, maps, and maintenance contacts on its Mikonkarin retkeilyalue page(1). Visit Raahe highlights the small beach and family-friendly services along the shore where the nature trail runs(3). Taipaleita’s on-foot account from the Lohenpyrstö area adds detail on terrain, marking colours, and the bird tower(2). Along the trail you pass Mikonkarin lintutorni, a nine-metre tower from 1987 with room for several watchers, and Mikonkarin uimaranta at Lohenpyrstöntie 22—read more on our pages for the tower and the beach. The yellow-marked Mikonkarin kierros (about 1.7 km on the city pages) is the loop often still spoken of as the “luontopolku”; the wider recreation area also includes the red Parrin polku (about 800 m) and the blue Rivin reitti (about 2.5 km) with links toward Pattijoki’s north branch and Rivin venesatama(1). In winter the overlapping Mikonkarin jäälatu ski track uses the same headland area, so daylight ski outings and summer walks share parking and views toward the sea. Terrain is mostly gentle forest and shoreline with short duckboard sections, occasional roots and stones, small forest ponds, seaside herb-rich forest, and granite boulders beside interpretation boards(2). A campfire site sits near Mikonkarin uimaranta; bring your own firewood if you plan to use it(2). Across Pattijoki’s mouth, Mikonkarinlahden merenrantaniitty is a protected seashore meadow—worth knowing when you look toward the water(1).

Maansydämen Shore Trail is about 3.2 km of marked path beside and through forest around Maasydänjärvi in Sievi, North Ostrobothnia, near the Urjanlinna holiday area. For the latest on blue tree markings, signage, and which trails hikers share with mountain bikers and runners, check the City of Sievi’s hiking and mountain biking routes page(1). The Urjanlinna & Maasydänjärvi activities website describes this strand as an easy walk from the Maasydän recreation shore(2). Sievi’s hiking and fishing pages sketch the wider lake circuit—lean-to, campfire spot, paths toward Huuhankallio viewpoint, disc golf, and fitness tracks—as one outdoor hub(3). From the Maasydän trailhead cluster you quickly reach Maasydän P-alue for parking and Maasydänjärvi veneiden laskupaikka if you arrive with a small boat. About a kilometre along, the line passes Maasydänjärven frisbeegolfrata, an 18-hole course that shares the forest with walkers and cyclists. Nearer the far end of this segment, Maansydänjärven laavu offers a sheltered break beside the water; dry toilets are available right there. The route is one leg of the larger Maasydänjärvi walking and biking network that includes Saariveden reitti, Huuhankallion luontopolku, and Ahvenlammen polku—worth knowing if you want a longer day(3)(4). Terrain on the shared Maasydän routes mixes needle-carpeted pinewoods, short boardwalks, gravel, and occasional rockier tread; the City of Sievi notes renewed markings finished largely in 2022–23(1). Mtbfin’s long-running report still helps readers picture how the “rantapolku” name fits into boardwalks and wind-exposed rest spots on the lake rim before longer pieces join Saariveden reitti(4).

City of Pudasjärvi publishes the main trail description on its Rantaraitti page: Kurenkoski rapids, summer anglers and traditional whitefish traps, sheep on heritage pasture, rest spots, and a fireplace beside Liepeen former rectory fields, plus where the two ends meet the playground and hotel corners of town(1). Liepeen Pappila, on the protected rectory hillside, adds practical colour: guests there note how Rantaraitti loops the rectory grounds and how swimming spots sit along Rantaraitti with Iso-Syöte ski centre still about 40 km away—the property itself dates from 1844 and sits in river-meadow scenery(2). The trail is about 3.2 km on our map between those published endpoints in Pudasjärvi in North Ostrobothnia’s Kurenalus neighbourhood, hugging the river bluff where City materials describe roughly 1.5 km of landscape and fitness path along the bank(1). That makes an easy town outing rather than a wilderness trek, yet you still get moving water, meadow views, and a mix of natural and built heritage. Near the Rajamaanranta end, the riverside recreation cluster folds in Rajamaanrannan laavu a few hundred metres along from the start, Rajamaan lähiliikuntapuiston uimaranta on Kauralantie, Rajamaanrannan frisbeegolfrata, Rajamaanrannan hiihtomaa, Rajamaanrannan lähiliikuntapuiston luistelukenttä, outdoor exercise gear at Rajamaanrannan lähiliikuntapuiston kuntoilulaitteet, and the wider Rajamaanrannan lähiliikuntapuisto—Frisbeegolfradat.fi lists the nine-hole Kauralantie course built by the city in 2010 with concrete pads, handy if you want to pair a short hike with disc golf or a swim(3). About 1.5 km into the route you reach Koskenhovin ranrautumispaikka for canoe or boat touch-down beside the rapids. Toward the far end, Laidunalueen beachvolleykenttä sits near the Laidunalue playground end described by the municipality(1). In winter the same bank links casually to groomed river ski corridors such as Keskustan jokiladut near the laavu; paddlers following Iijoen vesiretkeilyreitti pass the same harbourage points. Long-distance hikers in the area often use the separate Syöte-Kurenalus retkeilyreitti for multi-day work toward the fells, but Rantaraitti itself stays a compact riverside stroll. Expect an easy surface along a municipal path rather than a rugged forest track; lighting and dog rules are not spelled out on the pages reviewed, so follow general riverbank courtesy and check the city’s page before you plan campfires(1).

UKK Trail: Syöte to Pintamo (east section) is about 36.9 km of marked long-distance hiking between the Syöte visitor area in Pudasjärvi and the Pintamo side, laid out as a point-to-point leg rather than a loop. Metsähallitus documents the wider UKK corridor for Pudasjärvi on Luontoon.fi(1). Syöte.fi describes how the Syöte area hiking network is marked and where to pick up route maps and current trail advice(2). The trail is an eastbound continuation of the national UKK walking network from the Syötteen luontokeskus hub: most walkers start from Luontokeskus pysäköointialue or walk past Syötteen luontokeskus and Syötteen luontokeskuksen laavu. Within the first few kilometres you pass Syöte DiscGolfPark, then Luppoveden nuotiopaikka ja kato and Luppoveden uimaranta by Luppovesi, with Syötteen Luppopark and Hiihtokeskus Iso-Syöte nearby for orientation. About 7 km along, Taikametsän Nuotipaikka and Huipun kota form a natural break on the higher ground before the trail drops toward forest lakes. Myllyn laavu sits near the 10 km mark. The middle and southern half thread remote forest and mires: Portinojan nuotiopaikka and Ylimmäisen Pirinjärven laavu offer longer-stage rest options, and deeper still, Kaakkurinlammen laavu ja nuotiopaikka is a sheltered stop before the stage finishes at Pintamon laavu. On the Syöte massif, Syöte.fi notes that local-day hiking routes use yellow paint marks while the UKK backbone through the landscape uses blue paint blazes(2), which helps you stay on the long-distance line where other loops branch off. Where the same corridor is heavily walked—especially closer to Syöte—trampled paths tend to stay distinct; a detailed 2014 account of moving along the UKK line between Pintamo and Syöte still recommends carrying a map, because forestry work has occasionally removed markings in cutover blocks and small roads only show a minimal "UKK >>"-style pointer(3). That write-up also mentions narrow foot tread, steep pulls onto vaara tops, and serviceable duckboards across wet passages(3). This segment lies on the same multi-day Ukk-ulkoilureitti corridor that continues well beyond Pintamo; near Iso-Syöte it shares ground with the Taivalkoski-Atsinki-Syöte Mountain Biking route in places, so expect occasional bike traffic and yield where local rules prioritise other uses. Pudasjärvi sits in North Ostrobothnia at the southern edge of main fell country; Syöte is the primary gateway settlement name visitors use for the national park side of the trailhead cluster. Check Syöte National Park rules before you travel for pets, fires, and any seasonal restrictions(4).

Hiekkasärkän polku is about 2.2 km of easy hiking between the Kalajoki resort dunes and the Vihaslahti end of the bay in Kalajoki, North Ostrobothnia. It is not a loop: you can walk it one way and arrange pickup, retrace your steps, or combine it with other marked routes in the same recreation area. Visit Kalajoki(1) describes the corridor as a boardwalk of more than two kilometres through the Hiekkasärkät shoreline landscape, then a gravel embankment path onward to Vihaslahti, with benches, signs, and litter bins. That same material states the stretch suits walking and cycling and can be used with strollers and wheelchairs on the boardwalk sections; Luontopolkumies notes one bridge crossing is awkward for some mobility aids on a longer round trip along the full dune-to-bay outing(3). City of Kalajoki(2) lists maintained trails, laavus, and route boards across the Hiekkasärkät network so you can pick a distance that fits your day. From the direction of Kalajoen raviradan kilpailukenttä and Kalajoen raviradan verryttelykenttä on Matkailutie, the path soon threads coastal dunes and pine-backed slopes. About two kilometres in you reach Vihaslahti lintutorni, a good raised viewpoint over the reedbeds and shallows of the Vihas-Keihäslahden conservation area(1)(5). Beside the shore cluster Vihaslahti tulentekopaikka for a campfire pause and Vihasniemen laavu for shelter; dry toilets serve the area. The line ends near Vihaslahti pysäköintipaikka if you want a car waiting at that end. The wider site links to Hiekkasärkkien rantareitti, Hiekkasärkät rengasreitti, Vihasniemen luontopolku, and the very short Vihaslahden lintutornin polku around the tower(4), so you can extend into circuits along the beach or ski centre without doubling back on the same metres. Dune ridges here are old coastal landforms shaped by wind and sea level change; low shrubs, pines, and shoreline pastures appear along the embankment sections(3). Spring and summer bring busy day-trip traffic when Kalajoki’s beach destination fills up; off-season mornings stay calmer for birdwatching toward the tower.

For Pyhäjoki’s full hiking and outdoor route list and printable overview sheets, start with the City of Pyhäjoki hiking trails page(1). The printable route pack highlights Pirttikoski—including Kuusiniemi bridge—as a place where you move between trails on ordinary roads, and it reminds walkers and cyclists to watch for fast traffic on Oulaistentie (kt 787)(2). The trail lies in Pyhäjoki, North Ostrobothnia. Kuusiniemi Bridge connector (Pirttikoski) is about 0.9 km as a short point-to-point link from the Kuusiniemi bridge area into Pirttikoski village beside Pyhäjoki. Near the bridge end you pass Pirttikoski’s village-centre sports cluster—Pirttikosken kuntosali, Pirttikosken kylän pallokenttä, Pirttikosken kylätalon liikuntasali, and Pirttikosken koulun luistelukenttä—before the line reaches Pirttikosken uimaranta on Kalliomäentie, a simple river beach roughly mid-route. The municipality describes a kyläyhdistyksen-maintained swimming spot by Kuusiniemi bridge and twelve rapids in the village reach, with Helaakoski and Kupuliskoski among the largest(3). The same bridge pocket sits on several longer marked routes: Pirttikosken taidereitti, Pyhäjoki, Oulainen-Pyhäjoki pyöräilyreitti, and Flatland Route retkipyöräilyn rengasreitti all meet the network here, so this connector is a practical hop between riverbank walking and those wider bike circuits. Pirttikoski village association welcomes touring cyclists at the kylätalo and notes swimming by the bridge on the north side of Kuusiniemi bridge—helpful if you combine a village stop with this short link(4).

Hirvisuo nature trail is a very short walk—about 0.4 km one way—in the Hirvisuo mire reserve beside Finnish national road 20, on the boundary between Oulu and Pudasjärvi. Metsähallitus publishes the route in its national outdoor service on Luontoon.fi(1). The trail is not a loop: you follow duckboards and short forest paths to Hirvisuon lintutorni, then return the same way. Open aapa bog spreads below the tower, part of the wider Hirvisuo Natura 2000 site; bringing binoculars is worthwhile, especially in spring and around dawn and dusk. Elinan matkalaukussa(2) describes the boardwalk stroll as under ten minutes one way, with highway noise reaching the tower but still a fair view over the surrounding mire. Hirvisuo has no designated campfire site there(2). Dog rules are not spelled out on the pages we used; visitors in travel writing mention dogs drinking from ditches beside the path(2). The Pois työpöydältä blog(3) reminds readers that without constructed trails, this kind of North Ostrobothnian aapa bog would be difficult to visit safely; the same rest-area complex is also known for a longer insect-themed boardwalk route, Ötökkäpolku, with interpretation about insects along roughly a kilometre of duckboards—separate from this 0.4 km bird-tower link, though both start from the road 20 stop. Some visitor accounts group the names; check Luontoon.fi(1) for how the trails are described today.

Voima-Kuusela wheelchair path is a very short loop trail, about 0.1 km, on the edge of Oulu in North Ostrobothnia (Pohjois-Pohjanmaa), in the wooded Voima-Kuusela locality north of the city centre. The name marks it as an accessible path for wheelchair users and others who need a smooth, compact circuit rather than a long hike. National heritage photography archived in Finna shows the same coordinates as a Neolithic Stone Age settlement with dwelling depressions, documented from Metsähallitus-led cultural heritage inventory work and held in the Finnish Forest Museum (Lusto) collections(2). The path itself is a practical outdoor stop in forest surroundings, not a large marked trail network. For route maps, winter maintenance classes for cycling paths, and the wider active-travel network around Oulu, start with the City of Oulu cycling pages(1). Visit Oulu groups longer nature walks and cycling ideas elsewhere in the municipality and neighbouring destinations(3).

For the national UKK corridor on Pudasjärvi’s ground, Metsähallitus lists the route on Luontoon.fi(1). Syöte.fi notes that through the Syöte area the UKK long-distance trail is marked with blue paint blazes, while most local day trails use yellow—worth remembering if you link in from UKK-reitti Syöte - Pintamo, itä, UKK-reitti Syöte - Pintamo, länsi, or the wider Ukk-ulkoilureitti(2). The trail is about 47.7 km end to end as a point-to-point segment on our map. It runs from the Pintamo area toward the municipal border with Puolanka, stitching the long UKK hiking network between Syötteen luontokeskus–Iso-Syöte country to the south and UKK-reitti Puolanka farther east(1). Kaleva described a major 2006 maintenance push on Pudasjärvi’s section from Pintamo leirikeskus to the Puolanka border—new duckboards, wetland bridges, laavu work, and refreshed blue blazes on posts so the line stays visible after forestry openings(3). You soon pass Pintamon laavu, then climb into rolling forest and mire country. About 10 km in, Haapuanojan laavu makes a natural first long break. The midpoint zone near Puhoskylä has Pikkulammen laavu - Puhoskylä, and a few kilometres later Säynäjäojan nuotiopaikka sits close to Porttivaarantie—handy if you are orienting by road access. Late in the segment, Kirkasheteen laavu lies near the Kirkashete heritage pool, where City of Pudasjärvi’s visitor pages describe a roadside UKK lean-to and a fireplace in front of the clear-water pool(5). The line finishes near Ollinlammen laavu at the approach to Puolanka, connecting forward along UKK-reitti Puolanka. Overall difficulty is moderate trekking fitness: distance and terrain suit a two-day hike with the laavus as storm shelters, or a long summer day for steady walkers carrying water between water ways. Trekkari’s UKK history pages remind that marking quality still varies regionally, so carry a current map even when blazes look fresh(4). Shorter local links at Pintamo include Pintamovaaran kuntorata and overlap points with Syöte-Kurenalus retkeilyreitti.

For route descriptions, service updates, and area rules at Kylmäluoma, the Metsähallitus pages on Luontoon.fi are the best place to start(1). The Municipality of Taivalkoski also lists longer connections in the same landscape, including a Taivalkoski–Kylmäluoma itinerary of about 37 km alongside other regional routes(2). Kylmäluoma–Taivalkoski is about 38 km as one continuous trail in North Ostrobothnia. It is not a loop: you walk from one end of the line to the other (or return the way you came). The trail crosses the Kylmäluoma state hiking area, a lake-rich esker and pine-forest landscape east of Taivalkoski. Along the way you pass lean-tos, reservable kota huts, swimming spots, and the services clustered at Kylmäluoma camping and visitor centre. In the first third of the distance, Susijärven laavu offers a sheltered break by the water. From roughly 20 km onward the route threads the heart of the recreation area: Kylmäluoman leirintäalueen kota, Kylmäluoma Campsite, jetties on Iso-Pajuluoma, the disc golf course, Valkeinen laavu, and dry toilets tied to the Valkeinen and Salmijärvi service points. Still further along, Kylmäluomajärvi kota, Kylmäluomaharjun laavu, AARNIKÄMPPÄ, and the western-end lean-tos at Kylmäluomajärvi give options for lunch stops or overnight stays in a hut network typical of large Finnish hiking areas. Where this line meets the visitor hub, several shorter marked loops and connections start: Luontopolku Puuska, Paulan puhuri, Kylmäluoma rantapolku, and Hukanharjun hurrikaani are easy to combine for extra kilometres without leaving the same trailhead area. The mountain bike route network through Taivalkoski and Kylmäluoma shares some of the same terrain for riders who want a different pace. Independent hikers have described clear paint and sign work in the wider trail system after storm damage, with duckboards in wet passages and views over Pajuluoma lakes from the esker ridges(3). Treat windthrow and any re-routed sections as normal for active maintenance: confirm the latest map and notices on Luontoon.fi before you set out(1).