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Letonniemi Nature Trail

—•Hiking Trails

2.1 km

Route

Letonniemen tulentekopaikka

1.1 km|Free

Campfire Spots

Letonniemen lintutorni

1.1 km|Free

Scenic Lookout Towers

Description

City of Oulu – Letonniemi+

Description

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 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 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 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.

Length & route

The trail covers about 2.1 km as a loop around the cape, starting and finishing at Rajahaudan venesatama. A short marked spur (roughly 100 m each way) branches off to the Piispanletto rest area and bird tower at around the midpoint. City of Oulu and other sources describe the complete circuit including this spur at approximately 2.7 km. Duration is about one hour at a leisurely pace.

Getting there

The trailhead is at Rajahaudan venesatama (marina) at Rajahaudantie 19, 90580 Oulu, about 6 km north of the city centre. Free parking is available at the marina lot. The trail starts from the path on the eastern side of the marina. Look for the information board at the entrance — it is easy to walk past if you are not watching for it. By public transport: several Oulu bus lines serve the area; the nearest stop is Meritaskila P, roughly 500 m from the marina. The address for navigation: Rajahaudantie 19, 90580 Oulu.

Good to know

The Letonniemi Nature Conservation Area is a Natura 2000 site; rules apply throughout the protected area. Only walk on marked routes to protect the vegetation. Damaging or removing plants or plant parts is prohibited under the conservation declaration; berry and mushroom picking is fine. During bird nesting season (May to July), keep off the coastal meadows and reedbeds. Motor vehicles are banned in the area. Mountain bikes must give way on the gravel paths and must not be ridden over the duckboards. Firewood is provided at the Piispanletto shelter, but delivery may be suspended during very wet periods. The trail is free to use. The City of Oulu maintains the route and facilities.

Managed by

Oulu

Official Maintenance

+358 8 558 41330

Trail info

Marked Route

Route Signs

Open / Good Condition

Activities allowed

Hike / Walk

Activity

Terrain & conditions

2.1 km

Distance

1 hour

Est. Time

1994

Construction year

Location

65.05883°N, 25.40847°E

Approximate location

FinlandCountry

North OstrobothniaRegion

OuluCity

Hiking TrailsCategory

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Answers to your questions

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

Finland North Ostrobothnia Oulu Hiking TrailsLetonniemi Nature Trail