CyclingLength21.8 km
Duration(3-5 hours)
Degree of difficultyHard
The Rautulampi trail, characterised by magnificent scenery and substantial elevation differences, is the classic trail of the Urho Kekkonen National Park. The trail runs in wilderness terrain around Kiilopää and Niilanpää and is suited for experienced mountain bikers. The rocky fell area and difficult climbs and descents make the trail extremely demanding. From the peaks of Rautupäät and Niilanpää, there are stunning views of Urho Kekkonen National Park. Near the Niilanpää day hut, you can explore an old reindeer round-up corral. The trail is not suited for gravel bikes, except for the moderately demanding section to Niilanpää day-use hut at the start of the route. The wading section on the trail is wide (approximately 4 m) over a ditch. In normal water conditions, the water is up to the ankles. The trail is marked with orange mountain biker symbol and number 6 and the trail is accessible during snow-free season.
Length
21.7 km
Unpaved
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Duration
3-5 hours
Forest path
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Uphill section
-
Degree of difficulty (1-5)
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Downhill section
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Suited for biking
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Contact information
Starting pointKiilopääntie 620, 99830 Saariselkä
You start at Urho Kekkonen National Park entrance gate in Kiilopää Fell Centre and head right towards the marked trail running on an ungravelled path.
After 200 metres, the trail turns left at Sivakka junction and the next section towards the reindeer herders’ cabin at Niilanpää runs on a wide gravel track. This is the easiest part of the trail.
After the reindeer herders’ cabin, the trail continues as a wide gravel track. After about 200 metres, the track diverges left climbing up the fell slope. The trail becomes narrower and in places the climb is extremely rocky, demanding and steep. The section from here to Rautulampi is the most demanding part of the trail. Part of this section has been gravelled.
From the Rautulampi hut, the trail continues across a stream, running on the right side of a pond towards Luulampi. You can cross the Rautuoja ditch flowing eastwards from Rautulampi on an iron bridge. Long and narrow, this path is one of the most impressive paths in the Saariselkä area. It party runs on sand and at first climbs gently but after nearly three kilometres from Rautulampi hut, it goes into a gentle descent.
About 500 metres before Luulampi, the trail crosses a wide ditch. At normal water levels, you can cross the ditch with dry feet by hopping from one big stone to another. After crossing the ditch, the path ends at a reindeer fence from where you turn left along the fence towards the gate.
The distance between Luulampi and the gate is about 200 metres. In the Luulampi area, hikers are encouraged to stay on existing trails. The area around Luulampi is a cultural heritage site, and some parts of the area have a camping ban.
The technically easier return route to Kiilopää (about 4.5 km) runs across the yard of Luulampi day-use hut. The summer trail from Luulampi to Kiilopää is gravelled. In technical terms, most of the route is fairly easy but the initial climb is extremely steep. After this, the climb becomes gentler and easier.
The final descent to Kiilopää ski resort is quick and technically easy.
End pointKiilopääntie 620, 99830 Saariselkä