Hiking & outdoor recreationLength16.6 km
Duration(8 hours)
Degree of difficultyMedium
The Inari-Otsamo Trail is a magnificent, 18-kilometre day trip destination that offers breathtaking views over the surrounding lake and fell landscapes. From the top of the 418-metre tall Otsamotunturi Fell, you can admire the fells of Hammastunturi, Muotkatunturi and Lemmenjoki. The first five kilometres, the trail follows the rushing Juutuanjoki River in a very old pine forest, after which it begins to go ascend. Going uphill, you reach the limit of the pine growth, and then the limit of the alpine birch. The top of Otsamotunturi Fell is open fell field.If you return along the same trail, it makes an 18-km-long trip altogether. If you travel the trail from the Jäniskoski parking area to Riutula, the one-way distance is approximately 20 km This trail is also suitable for beginners but requires good basic fitness due to the climbs.
The area/trail is not safe to use during the winter
The trail can only be used during the snow-free season
Campfire siteJäniskoski and Lauri Lean-to shelter. Always check for any wildfire warnings in effect before making a fire.
Camping permittedCamping is allowed under everyman’s right.
HutDay-use hut on the top of the Otsamo.
Dry toiletIn Jäniskoski area and near Lauri lean-to shelter. Remember to bring toilet paper.
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 pointRest sites are near the river. We recommend boiling natural water.
No winter maintenance
Contact information
Starting pointKittiläntie 156, 99870 Inari
The Jäniskoski parking area - the Jäniskoski Rapids
The trail starts from the parking area, and the first approximately 500 metres to the Jäniskoski Rapids consist of the gravelled, easy Juutuanpolku Trail. This section is marked with Juutuanpolku signs.
Jäniskoski Rapids – Lauri lean-to shelter
The trail continues behind the Jäniskoski lean-to shelter, and the first section is marked with posts with a red top. From the Jäniskoski Rapids onwards, the trail markings are red wooden posts. The trail narrows and follows the shores of the Juutuanjoki River to the Lauri lean-to shelter. There is a reindeer fence between the river and the trail all the way, but you can find a gate at the Lauri lean-to shelter if you want to get to the riverbank.
Lauri lean-to shelter – Majavaoja Brook
The trail continues in a pine forest along the Juutuanjoki River for 1.5 kilometres until it reaches the Majavaoja Brook.
Majavaoja Brook – Otsamo Fell
The trail becomes narrower and rockier. The trail begins to climb towards the fell. First, you will reach the limit of the pine forest and start encountering mountain birches. The top of the Otsamo Fell is open. The climb on the top of the 418-metre Otsamo Fell is steep and rocky in places. You will return to the Jäniskoski parking area along the same route.
Otsamo - Riutula 9,3 km
If you continue the trail from Otsamo to Riutula, follow the same path back for about 500 meters, then turn left. The trail curves directly west and descends from the fell, initially through birch forest and then through pine forest. The path passes a pond and crosses a mountain stream once before reaching the forest road. From the forest road, it is still 5.6 km to Riutula. The path runs along the side of the hill and crosses two streams. The final part of the journey follows a forest path between two hills towards Riutula.
End pointAngelintie 696, 99870 Inari