Hiking & outdoor recreationLength9.4 km
Duration(5 hours)
Degree of difficultyHard
The Ölökyn ähkäsy Trail is a demanding day trail in Hossa National Park. The Ölökyn ähkäsy Trail goes around the Julma-Ölkky Canyon Lake along a demanding trail. Be prepared for many uphill and downhill sections on the trail. Along the trail, you can find the Ölkynperä lean-to shelter and the Ölökynärjä viewpoint, where you can admire blue waters and steep rock walls.
Circle trail
Campfire siteT
Camping permitted
Dry toilet
Remember to bring a trash bag
No water point
No winter maintenance
Contact information
The starting point is the Julma-Ölkky parking area, Julma-Ölkyntie 86, Kuusamo. The Julma-Ölkky summer café and a boat transport company operate in the Julma-Ölkky parking area.
The Ölökyn ähkäisy Trail begins by going up an easy, hardened path towards the Sateenkaariputoukset Waterfall. The hardened trail section ends at the waterfall, after which the trail continues along the steep edge of the rock and towards the suspension bridge across the canyon. This section is more challenging.
At the suspension bridge, you can decide whether you want to continue on the same side or to follow the trail in an 8-shape. After the suspension bridge, in the eastern side of the canyon, the trail gradually starts descending towards Ölkynperä, where the Ölkynperä lean-to shelter and toilet are located.
From Ölkynperä, the trail continues towards the Ölökynärjä viewing platform, which offers a magnificent view across the canyon lake. The terrain remains demanding when hiking southward on the western side of the canyon. There are several rocky climbs and descents along the way. The ground might be slippery, especially in rainy weather. The trail ends at the Julma-Ölkky parking area
If you wish, you can continue on the trail to Ala-Ölkky, where you can find a campfire site. From there, you can continue all the way to the Värikallio Cliffs.