Length6.3 km
Duration(3 km Trail 1-2 hours, 7 km Trail 2-3 hours)
Degree of difficultyMedium
IThe Iisakkipää circle trail starts near the center of Saariselkä and first passes through a pine forest. After that, the route continues through a birch forest towards the treeless top of Iisakkipää. The trail is marked with black posts bearing green signs with the Iisakkipää symbol. You can choose a shorter 3 km loop that runs through the forest along streams or a longer 7 km loop that ascends the fell. Along the longer loop, you’ll pass the dramatic Pääsiäiskuru gorge. From the top of Iisakkipää, there is a view of the central fells of the national park. At the start or on your way back, you can detour to Aurora hut, where there is a woodshed, toilet, and campfire sites. The trail is suitable for hikers of all ages.
- No dry toilet
- Camping not permitted
- Circle trailThe recommended direction of travel is clockwise.
- Multi-purpose trailYou can hike, snowshoe or run along the trail. Please note other trail users (moving at different speeds)
- Remember to bring a trash bagThere are no waste bins on the trail. Bring along your own trash bag and take your waste out with you when leaving.
- No water point
- No winter maintenanceWinter maintenance only on the Aurorapolku section.
Contact information
Starting pointLutontie 12, 99830 Saariselkä
The Iisakkipää Trail starts from the gate of the Urho Kekkonen National Park in Saariselkä.
Around 600 metres from the starting gate, the Iisakkipää Trail departs from the Aurorapolku Trail.
Continue for approximately 400 metres from this crossing to a spot where you can choose either the longer or the shorter trail. The shorter 3 kilometre trail takes the traveller to a forest-covered slope on the edge of the gorge. The trail winds along stream banks and continues slightly higher up the slope until close to the tree line at the lower slope of Iisakkipää.
The longer, 7-kilometre trail leads to Iisakkipää. The highest point of the trail is the top of Iisakkipää Fell (approximately 454 metres above sea level).
From there, the trail gently descends towards the Pääsiäiskuru Gorge. When you reach the brink of the gorge, you are almost halfway along the trail. The trail follows the rim of the Pääsiäiskuru Gorge, First along even terrain and then slightly downwards towards the forest and the village of Saariselkä. You can take the trails in either direction.
End pointLutontie 12, 99830 Saariselkä