Hiking & outdoor recreationLength25.4 km
Duration(1-2 days)
Degree of difficultyEasy
On the Patvinkierto trail, you can enjoy the landscapes of the large open bogs of Eastern Finland and the wilderness atmosphere. The route can easily be combined with connecting trails, such as Suomunkierto, to create a longer route for a weekend hike.
The trail can only be used during the snow-free seasonCheck the status of the Nälmänjoki ferry. The ferry is usually in operation from the end of May to October.
Camping permittedCamping is only permitted in the immediate vicinity of marked rest areas and campfire sites and huts.
Circle trailThe recommended direction of travel is clockwise.
Multi-purpose trailYou can hike, bike, snowshoe or run along the trail. Please note other trail users (moving at different speeds)
No winter maintenance
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.
Campfire siteAlways check for any wildfire warnings in effect before making a fire.
Dry toiletRemember to bring toilet paper.
Contact information
Starting pointLahnalampi pysäköintialue
You can start the Patvinkierto circle trail from several points, but the direct access to the route is from the Lahnalampi parking area (Lahnalammentie 18). The route ends at the starting point.
When walking clockwise, the trail passes along the border of the Hiidenvaara firing range. The area is used by the Finnish Defence Forces and the Border Guard. If shooting exercises are underway in the firing area, crossing the border is strictly prohibited.
Halfway between the campfire sites at Pirskanlampi and Majaniemi, the Nälmänjoki river is crossed using a cable boat. The ferry is operational from spring to autumn, roughly from the end of May to October. Information regarding the use and locking of the cable ferry is provided on the national park's page and app.
From Majaniemi, the trail continues mostly through forested terrain towards Teretti, where there is a birdwatching tower and a lean-to shelter with a campfire site. The views from the Teretti birdwatching tower extend over vast wetland areas. Beyond this, the trail passes through treeless marshlands interspersed with drier forested islets. In the marshlands, spring floods often rise above the duckboards.
End pointLahnalampi pysäköintialue