Hiking & outdoor recreationLength7.7 km
Duration(2-3 h)
Degree of difficultyMedium
Enjoy the tranquil beauty of the winter forests and climb high onto the northern ridge of Ukko-Luosto Fell, where you can see the enchanting snow-covered trees and distant views. A break spent in the warmth of the Ukko-Luosto Scenic Hut completes the trip. At the hut, you can also explore an intriguing nature exhibition about the lightscapes of the fell. The hut, equipped with large panoramic windows, is also a prime spot for observing the Northern Lights or admiring the starry sky during the dark hours - keeping in mind that you need a headlamp on the trail. The trail has big elevation changes as well as steep ascents and descents, and weather conditions can affect the difficulty of the trail. The section of the route starting from Luostonportti and ascending via Tikkalaavu to the scenic hut is popular, and typically becomes compacted enough to be usable with regular winter shoes; however, in the steep hills, traction aids or walking poles can be helpful. The section of the trail between Torvisen maja café and Tikkalaavu rest spot, also serves as a winter cycling trail and is regularly maintained.
Circle trailThe trail can be taken in both directions, in the trail description the direction is clockwise.
No winter maintenanceThere is also as a maintained winter biking trail on the trail section between Tikkalaavu and Torvisen maja.
HutUkko-Luosto Scenic Hut (day-use hut).
Campfire siteTikkalaavu lean-to shelter. There is a wood stove in the Ukko-Luosto Scenic Hut.
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.
Read more about the trail
Contact information
Starting pointLuostonportti parking area
The trail is marked in the terrain in winter with blue plowing marker poles with reflector ends.
You can start from Luostonportti starting point, where you first walk along the side of the cross-country skiing track, crossing the road via the ski bridge and passing by the large parking area below the ski slopes. 200 meters from the start, the snowshoeing trail diverges to the left towards Tikkalaavu, passing by the cabin area and arriving at a large map and a signpost with metal signs.
If you arrive by car, it is advisable to park in the large parking area below the ski slopes. The trail starts directly from the northwest corner of the parking area, where you ascend to a large map and a signpost with metal signs.
From the signpost and map, head towards Tikkalaavu and Ukko-Luosto Scenic Hut.
The trail continues in the forest of majestic pines, arriving about 650 meters later at a signposted junction. From the junction, you can visit the Tikkalaavu rest area about a hundred meters away or continue on towards Ukko-Luosto Scenic Hut.
The 0.9 km section of the trail to Ukko-Luosto Scenic Hut ascends very steeply at times, and especially in these places, it can be slippery due to the compacted path and weather conditions. In some of the climbs, you can also use the stairs next to the trail, which have wooden railings and metal grating steps. The stairs are not maintained in the winter, so snow and ice may accumulate on them. Between the climbs, take a moment to look around; as the trail climbs up the slope, beautiful views begin to open up among the trees.
Soon ahead, high on the slope, you will see Ukko-Luosto Scenic Hut, and the journey continues uphill through the signposted junction of summer and winter trails. Snow and frost transform the hut and the ancient trees sparsely growing around it into a magical scene. Here, the trail reaches its highest point; both the eyes and the mind can rest while looking at the distant landscapes towards the surrounding hills and the northernmost peaks of the national park.
After a break at the scenic hut, descend back to the signposted junction. From the junction, the snowshoeing trail heads northwest towards Torvisen maja, which is about 2.2 km away. Initially, the trail descends into a steep depression, after which the terrain becomes more level. The trail passes through the forests on the north side of Ukko-Luosto Fell, and especially during the mid-winter, the snowy environment is enchantingly beautiful. However, do not go directly under snow-laden trees or try to knock snow off them with a pole – the snow load weighing hundreds of kilograms can be dangerous when it falls.
About half a kilometer before Torvisen maja, the trail begins a steep descent down the slope, arriving at a signposted junction. From the junction, the snowshoeing trail and winter cycling trail turn right towards Tikkalaavu. If you want to visit Torvisen maja, continue descending about 200 meters from the junction, where the trail arrives at the base of Ukko-Luosto and along the edge of the surrounding cross-country skiing trail. The red cabin by the trail, Torvisen maja, is one of the oldest buildings in the area intended for tourism and now serves as a café during the high seasons. You can also start the trail from here: about 300 meters away by the Pyhä-Luosto road is the parking area of Luostonloma and Torvisen maja.
From Torvisen maja, return along the same trail about 200 meters back to the junction on the slope, from which now turn left towards Tikkalaavu. This approximately 2.8 km section of the trail is also a maintained winter cycling trail, which initially runs a bit higher and then continues mostly along the lower part of the slope, in gently rolling forest terrain all the way to Tikkalaavu.
From Tikkalaavu, continue about 100 meters up to the signposted junction where the trail visited at the beginning. The rest of the way back to the Luostonportti starting point follows the same route as when you started the hike.
End pointLuostonportti parking area