Hiking & outdoor recreationLength9.1 km
Duration(3-4 h)
Degree of difficultyMedium
Walk through Finland’s deepest gorge, Isokuru, take a moment of peace at Pyhänkasteenlampi pond, and admire the views high from Uhriharju ridge. A break at the beautiful Karhunjuomalampi pond halfway around the trail refreshes both mind and body. On the second half of the trail, you'll find fine forests, distant views, and rock formations. The trail, which is walkable in summer and autumn, is mostly easy to traverse. The challenge increases with two long and steep staircases and a few longer ascents and descents. Along the path, there are information boards about the area's nature, cultural history, and geology.
Karhunjuomalampi day-use hut is closed in Pyhä-Luosto National Park
The day-use hut at Karhunjuomalampi rest spot is closed until further notice for safety reasons due to a gas stove accident in the hut on September 29 2024, which damaged the structure of the hut. The two lean-to shelters in the same yard serve customers as usual.
Circle trailThe trail can be walked in either direction; the description here is clockwise.
The area/trail is not safe to use during the winterIn winter, there is a risk of avalanches in the Isokuru Gorge.
Campfire siteAlways check for any wildfire warnings in effect before making a fire.
HutKarhunjuomalampi day-use hut
Dry toiletRemember to bring toilet paper.
Camping permittedCamping is allowed in the immediate vicinity of marked campfire sites. Camping is prohibited in the restricted area.
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 pointWater can be taken from the Karhunjuomalampi pond but must be boiled before use.
No winter maintenance
Read more about the trail
Contact information
Starting pointVisitor Centre Naava, Luontotie 1, 98530 Pyhätunturi
Starting pointVisitor Centre Naava parking area
The trail begins with a 0.7 km paved walkway along Pyhäntie road marked with red squares on poles. Brown metal signs direct you towards the national park.
At the Kerontie road junction, the trail turns into the terrain and becomes a wide path. Signposts show the names of rest areas or destinations, and red square markers are primarily on trees.
After 0.2 km, you enter the national park, and the gravel path runs through varied pine forest terrain for 1.2 km.
The first rest area is Isokuru campfire hut, located at the edge of a rocky slope. In the yard there is also a campfire shelter, two woodsheds, and a toilet.
From the campfire hut, approximately 200 steps lead down a steep staircase to Isokuru. There is a narrow wooden section for dogs alongside the metal-grated steps.
The Isokuru Gorge is entirely a restricted area, and leaving the marked summer trail or the structures is prohibited to protect nature and ensure hiker safety.
At the base of the stairs, the trail turns right and continues as a wide boardwalk at the bottom of Isokuru for about 1.4 km, surrounded by impressive rock walls and small ponds. The vast scale of Isokuru becomes more evident as you proceed.
Hidden by cliffs lies Pyhänkasteenlampi pond, fed by a narrow, 17-meter-high waterfall, Pyhänkasteenputous. Enjoy the mystical atmosphere and the soothing sounds of the water from a wooden viewing platform with a bench. It is forbidden to go down to the pond or to the waterfall.
At the north end of Isokuru, 475 steep steps lead up to Uhriharju ridge. This is the most demanding section of the trail, but there are rest platforms along the way. The steps are metal-grated with a narrow wooden section for dogs. At the top, breathtaking views open up back towards Isokuru.
The trail continues as a wide path on Uhriharju for 0.6 km. Uhriharju is an erosion-sensitive area belonging to the restricted zone, and leaving the trail is prohibited. From a fenced viewing platform, you can admire the peaks of Ukonhattu and Noitatunturi fells and the colors of the bog in Karhukuru below.
The trail gently descends from Uhriharju to a junction, where Karhunjuomalampi rest area is a 150 m detour. If you prefer not to visit Karhunjuomalampi, continue from the junction towards Pyhä and Visitor Centre Naava.
At the atmospheric Karhunjuomalampi pond, there is a day-use hut, a campfire shelter, and a lean-to shelter. There is a small dock by the pond with short stairs. Boil the water from the pond before use. Swimming, letting dogs swim, or washing dishes in Karhunjuomalampi is prohibited.
Return 150 m to the junction from Karhunjuomalampi and continue towards Pyhä and Visitor Centre Naava.
The wide, easy-to-walk path winds through beautiful forest scenery for about 2 km, circling the northern side of Kultakero fell.
After the forest section, the trail ascends a steep slope to Huttulaavu lean-to shelter and continues next to the ski slopes, offering fine views towards Lake Pyhäjärvi. After the slope, the trail continues as a gravel road, occasionally paved, for 0.9 km with some steep descents. You can admire impressive rock formations on the left.
The trail passes Tajukangas campfire hut and a nearly vertical rock wall with a small viewing area at its base. After Tajukangas, the trail crosses the ski slopes and enters the hotel grounds, where the red square trail markers end.
The final stretch is a 0.9 km downhill walk along the paved walkway of Kultakeronkatu road.
End pointVisitor Centre Naava, Luontotie 1, 98530 Pyhätunturi
End pointVisitor Centre Naava parking area