Hiking & outdoor recreationLength10.6 km
Duration(5-7 hours)
Degree of difficultyHard
The Kitulankierros trail in Hiidenportti National Park offers stunning landscapes and fascinating nature. Along the trail, there are many interesting sites. At the beginning of the trail, you can experience the Hiidenportti Gorge, where cliff walls drop vertically up to twenty meters. From the edge of the cliff, you can enjoy breathtaking views over the one-kilometer-long valley. At the Kitulanlampi lean-to shelter, you can also visit the remains of the Kitula hut, which tells the story of past logging activities in the area. The area’s nature is almost pristine, consisting of pine and spruce forests with ancient, thick-barked trees. The mires, edged with silver-gray snags, naturally wind through valleys and hollows. Along the trail, you can experience the park's rich flora and fauna, as well as its cultural history and captivating stories. Mountain biking is not prohibited, but due to the extremely rocky terrain, it is not recommended. Especially near the Hiidenportti Gorge, the trail is quite demanding because of the rugged terrain. There are also some moderately steep ascents and descents along the trail.
Circle trailThe recommended direction of travel is clockwise.
Campfire siteAlways check for any wildfire warnings in effect before making a fire.
Camping permittedCamping is only permitted in the immediate vicinity of marked rest areas and campfire sites and huts.
Dry toiletRemember 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.
Water point
No winter maintenance
Contact information
Starting pointPalolampi parking area
Marked with yellow paint, the Kitulankierros Trail starts from Palolampi and continues through Hiidenportti to Porttilampi on the same route as the Hiidenkierros.
Then the trail continues towards Urpovaara and you will get a glimpse of the impressive spruce forests at the Urpovaara hill. Also the mires now enter the picture.
At Kitulanlampi you slip from the dusky forest atmosphere back to more majestic scenery of cliffs and lakes. The lean-to-shelter is located in a gorgeous spot in the heart of an almost pristine wilderness at the tip of a long, narrow cape. Near Kitulanlampi, off the trail, are the remains of Kitula's cabin, which tell their own story of the logging activities that once took place in the area.
From the Kitulanlampi cape the path returns to the old forest. The forest landscape features centuries-old fire-scarred pines and dead trees. The rare animal and plant species of the old forest are still thriving here.
When the route meets the path towards Allaslahti, you are on the culturally and historically interesting Sivakka Trail. The same footsteps were followed by the residents of Kovasinvaara, who lived in the middle of roadless areas, centuries ago when they traveled towards Sivakka and Nurmes.
The route continues to Hiidenportti, where it once again joins the Hiidenkierros and returns via Kovainvaara to Palolampi. The trail sections Hiidenportti – Porttilampi and Porttilampi – Kitulanlampi are demanding, while the other sections are of medium difficulty.
End pointPalolampi parking area