CyclingLength36.7 km
Degree of difficultyMedium
The Luosto-Pyhä mountain biking trail follows the Pyhä-Luosto National Park's chain of fells, taking cyclists through ancient forests and to breathtaking mountain landscapes. The trail connects the Pyhä and Luosto resorts. It is classified as moderately challenging due to long ascents and descents, making it ideal for cyclists with good fitness levels. Less experienced mountain bikers may need to walk their bikes in more difficult terrain sections. The route mostly consists of gravel paths and ski track bases, with some forest trail sections. The trail is often cycled from Luosto to Pyhä for its longer downhill sections and better views. There are several scenic rest sites along the route. It's wise to allocate plenty of time to fully appreciate the views and unique surrounding nature.
Length
36.5 km
Unpaved
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Duration
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Forest path
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Uphill section
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Degree of difficulty (1-5)
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Downhill section
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Suited for biking
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Read more about the trail
Contact information
Starting pointLuostonportti parking area
Alternatively, you can start at Pyhä from the Naava Nature Center, Luontotie 1, 98530 Pyhätunturi. The route description is from Luosto to Pyhä.
From Luostonportti, the trail begins along a gravel-covered ski track base towards Lampivaara, about 5 km away. This section is gently undulating but predominantly uphill. The trail is wide, firm, and easy to ride on. After about 200 meters, you reach the first junction; to stay on the trail, turn right and follow the signs for Lampivaara and the purple marker tapes for the cycling trail on posts.
After nearly 2 km, the trail reaches the end of the road Rakkapolku. Continue along Rakkapolku for about 100 meters until reaching the road Ukko-Luostontie. Follow this road downhill for about 100 meters until the Ukko-Luosto parking area appears on the right. Cross the parking area; the trail continues on the other side.
From the edge of the parking area, follow the signposts toward Lampivaara. This section is a firm gravel track for about two kilometers uphill to the Lampivaara rest spot.
The Lampivaara rest spot and café are located at a crossroads of several winter and summer trails, next to the rocky peak area of Lampivaara Hill. There is a lean-to shelter without a possiblity to make fire and a toilet. The most popular attraction is the Lampivaara Amethyst Mine, which offers guided tours for a fee. Entering the fenced mine area is not allowed without a guide.
The route continues towards the Pyhälampi, about 3.2 km away, mostly downhill. It follows a gravel-covered trail through beautiful old-growth forests. In some places, the path is worn and reveals stones and roots.
The charming rest spot of Pyhälampi features a day-use hut, lean-to shelter, wood shed, and dry toilet. Note that making fire in the lean-to shelter is prohibited during wildfire warning. Water can be taken from the nearby Pyhäjoki stream (boil the water before drinking).
From the rest spot, wide duckboards lead over Pyhäjoki stream on a wide, board-covered bridge. The trail then continues onto grated steel duckboards that are 70 meters long and 90 cm wide.
After the duckboards, the trail continues gently uphill along a somewhat root-covered track. The climb on Latvavaara’s slope continues for about a kilometer until reaching a t-junction. Turning right leads around the western side of Latvavaara to the Porontahtoma lean-to shelter. The route mostly follows contour lines and offers stunning views of the surrounding fell and marsh landscapes. The western loop around Latvavaara is 3.4 km long.
Alternatively, you can circle Latvavaara on the eastern side. The eastern route first descends in a fun and fast two-kilometer stretch. At a t-junction, continue towards Porontahtoma and Kapusta uphill. The eastern route around Latvavaara is 4.2 km long. If you want to take a break at Porontahtoma rest spot, leave the trail for about 100 meters.
Porontahtoma rest spot features a lean-to shelter, dry toilet, and woodshed. Note that making fire is prohibited during wildfire warning.
Continue eastward from the lean-to shelter and turn uphill at a junction towards Kapusta day-use hut, about 1.5 km away. The path is a wide gravel track.
In the yard of the Kapusta day-use hut, there is a dry toilet and a campfire site. Note that making fire at the campfire site is prohibited during wildfire warning. From Kapusta, the route descends gently towards Huttujärvi along a wide gravel path.
As you approach Huttujärvi, you encounter a faster, approximately one-kilometer downhill section. This section can be difficult due to rocks, roots, and wear on the track. The route does not pass directly through the Huttujärvi rental hut yard but goes behind it towards the Huttuloma open wilderness hut.
The distance from Kapusta day-use hut to Huttuloma open wilderness hut is 5.5 km. Huttuloma rest spot also features a dry toilet, woodshed, cooking shelter, and a natural water point. The water quality is not monitored, so it should be boiled before use. Continue from Huttuloma towards the Huttujärventie parking area along a wide gravel path.
From the Huttujärventie parking area, the trail follows the ski tracks bases towards Pyhä via Kiimaselkä area. This section travels along wide paths, the surface of which varies between firm gravel and softer, chipped wood. In the section between Huttujärventie and Kiimaselkä, there are wetlands, with three-plank-wide duckboards in several places. Depending on weather conditions, there may still be wet and muddy spots on the trail.
End pointVisitor Centre Naava parking area