Hiking & outdoor recreationLength47.6 km
Duration(2-4 days)
Degree of difficultyMedium
Hike from the depths of gorges to the heights of fells, diving at times into ancient forests, over the timeless fells of the Pyhä-Luosto National Park. The 30 km moderately demanding Pyhä-Luosto Hiking Trail between the Pyhä and Luosto resort centers is clearly marked and offers frequent resting spots, making it suitable even for beginner hikers. Those seeking a longer and more challenging alternative can additionally traverse the wilderness-like Luosto–Yli-Luosto Trail, covering the entire Pyhä-Luosto National Park from end to end (45 km). There are several possible starting points and intersecting day trails, allowing for customized routes based on one's fitness and interests. The trail is accessible by public transportation.
- The trail features both easy gravel-covered sections and highly rocky paths.
- Stones and duckboards can be slippery after rain or frost.
- Snow has usually melted from the trail by late May or early June. However, even then, there may still be wet or snowy patches. A permanent snow cover usually falls on Pyhä-Luosto in October–November.
- The most popular time for hiking is from July to September.
- The hiking trail is not a circular trail.
The trail can only be used during the snow-free seasonIn winter, the trail is covered in deep snow, and paths or trail markers are not visible in the terrain.
HutSeveral day-use huts, Yli-Luosto and Huttuloma open wilderness huts. The national park's rental huts are not located directly along the trail.
Camping permittedCamp in the immediate vicinity of marked campfire sites.
Campfire siteAlways check for any wildfire warnings in effect before making a fire.
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.
No water pointThere are only few natural water sources along the route. Water taken from nature is recommended to be boiled before use.
Contact information
Starting pointHighway 4 near the village of Vaisko and Käyräsvaara, 99550 Sodankylä
Starting pointLuostonportti, 99555 Sodankylä
If you are going on the 30 km Pyhä-Luosto Hiking Trail, scroll down the trail description to LUOSTONPORTTI.
Starting point for the 45 km hiking trail: At Käyräsvaara along highway 4, marked by a Pyhä-Luosto sign. There are no hiking structures or parking facilities along the highway.
From highway 4, at the Pyhä-Luosto sign, follow the unnamed forest road and walk forward about 750 meters. It is also possible to drive cautiously and park at the widened section of the forest road (space for two, maximum three cars). Continue on foot for about 100 m, where there is a wooden sign pointing towards Yli-Luosto and a dark wooden post with an orange-red top. The trail has red square markers that begin here. The spot is overgrown, which may make it difficult to see the start of the trail and signs.
The narrow path stretches about 5 km through flat terrain, mostly passing through different types of managed forests. The path may be difficult to distinguish in places, but it features red trail markers and older markings: low posts with a walker symbol. After rain, the trail can be very wet. The journey includes wetlands crossed by duckboards made of two parallel planks. Several ditches are crossed via small bridges made of a few parallel planks.
After crossing the national park boundary, approximately 50 meters before Yli-Luosto open wilderness hut, you reach the Luostonoja stream, which is crossed via a wide bridge with cross-laid planks. Water can be taken from Luostonoja (boil before use). The area around the stream is lush and wooded, with plants such as Geranium (Geranium sylvaticum), Horsetail (Equisetum sylvaticum), and the impressive Bracken Fern (Matteuccia struthiopteris).
Yli-Luosto open wilderness hut
Sheltered by spruce forest lies Pyhä-Luosto National Park’s oldest hut, Yli-Luosto open wilderness hut, built in 1949. It is also possible to camp with a tent or hammock on the hut's grounds.
From the hut, the trail continues along a forest path that soon climbs steeply up the often rocky slope of Yli-Luosto. After a climb of just over half a kilometer, the trail reaches the top of Yli-Luosto, the northernmost peak in the park's chain of fells (315 m above sea level). The top is not treeless; instead, it features impressive old pines and birches.
The trail runs along Yli-Luosto's narrow fell ridge in a spectacular wilderness setting, rocky and at times difficult to discern. Some red trail markers on the trees have faded. Some places there are also old trail markers: posts with a hiker symbol. Occasionally, the trail offers stunning views to the east. As the trail begins to descend, you can admire Keski-Luosto rising ahead.
The route continues near the national park boundary, sometimes as a narrow forest path, and higher up through rocky fields. Among the gray quartzite boulders, you may spot white snow quartz.
About four kilometers from Yli-Luosto open wilderness hut, the trail intersects with the winter snowmobile trail, and the journey continues along the national park boundary, marked by both the red square markers and high posts with red crosses for the snowmobile trail.
The trail continues through the rocky fell ridge forests, enters the national park, and ascends towards Keski-Luosto's highest point (406 m above sea level). As the forest thin out, one can see to the east, about 3-4 kilometers away, the Kitinen River meandering through marshes and forests. From the top area of Keski-Luosto, a memorable view extends all the way to Pyhätunturi fell and Isokuru gorge. The highest fell in Luosto, Ukko-Luosto, rises close by, and from its northern slope, you can spot the prominently visible Ukko-Luosto Scenic Hut, the next rest stop on the trail.
The hiking trail diverges from the snowmobile trail and descends steeply and rocky down Keski-Luosto's slope, narrowing into a path that winds through bright old pine forests. Near Luostonloma, the path curves to the right, and the roughly half-kilometer stretch to Pyhä-Luostontie road traverses relatively flat terrain. After crossing the road, you arrive at the Luostonloma parking area.
Luostonloma parking area
From Luostonloma towards Pyhä, there are several trail options. If you wish to pass through Luosto village and its services, it is recommended to follow the trail surrounding Ukko-Luosto via Tikkalaavu lean-to shelter to Luostonportti (approximately 4 km), from where you can make a detour to Luosto center, about half a kilometer away. You can also circle Ukko-Luosto from the west, passing Torvisen maja and continuing along the trail to Ukkolaavu lean-to shelter, or veer off further from the fell to follow the Luosto Nature Hiking Trail (Pyhänlatvalaavu lean-to shelter and the Yrjölä rental hut are located along this trail).
The trail description continues with crossing Ukko-Luosto fell. From the Luostonloma parking area, short metal grate stairs lead down to the trail that circles Ukko-Luosto. The trail is marked with red squares for 0.3 km to the red hut of Torvisen maja. Built in 1957, Torvisen maja is one of the oldest structures for tourism in the area. Today, it functions as a café during high seasons.
Near Torvisen maja, the trail crosses the national park boundary and starts to ascend Ukko-Luosto’s forested northern slope towards the Ukko-Luosto Scenic Hut (day-use hut) from a brown metal sign. The trail is at times rocky and narrow, ascending rather steeply for the first half kilometer. Higher up, the slope becomes somewhat gentler.
Approximately 2 km from Torvisen maja, the trail reaches a signposted junction, from which it continues up to the Ukko-Luosto Scenic Hut along a wide gravel path for about 100 meters.
Ukko-Luosto scenic hut (day-use hut)
The trail continues along a wide gravel path that gently ascends the northern slope of Ukko-Luosto, winding among increasingly sparse low trees. The route shares its path with the Summit of Ukko-Luosto trail, and blue trail markers can be seen on trees and posts. 0.7 km from the scenic hut, you reach a gravel trail junction, from which you continue straight uphill along a darker gravel path toward the Ukko-Luosto viewpoint.
The gravel path climbs broadly higher along the edge of the national park, transitioning into a nearly treeless open fell. The slope features sharp-edged rock fields and patches of low vegetation. To the east, you can see the distinctive Orresokka rise with its rocky top from the surrounding forest. The trail follows the ridge, with ski slopes to the left. Ahead, Ukko-Luosto’s peak stands out prominently, easily recognizable from afar by the white weather station with its domed top. On clear days, you may even glimpse Pyhätunturi’s profile in the distance.
Scroll down the description to Ukko-Luosto’s top.
LUOSTONPORTTI, the starting point for 30 km Pyhä-Luosto Hiking Trail.
Initially, the path follows a broad, easily navigable gravel track through a gateway of two information shelters. Trail markers are yellow squares on trees. After 0.3 km, turn right at the first junction toward the Ukko-Luosto viewpoint. The path continues as an ascending gravel trail winding through the forest around the fell for 0.7 km. As you proceed, glimpses of Ukko-Luosto’s rocky gray slope emerge through the candle-like spruces and pines, and you continue 0.4 km alongside the slope before following signs to turn uphill toward the Ukko-Luosto viewpoint and stairs.
The metal staircase, featuring 575 wooden steps, winds up the steep rocky slope. It is not maintained in winter and is not safe to use due to avalanche risk during that season. There are scenic platforms for resting and taking in views, such as the sight of Pyhätunturi on clear days.
The stairs bring hikers within 0.4 km of the top, where the trail continues along a broad, but at times steep, gravel path and a few sections of sturdy stone steps.
Ukko-Luostos top
The area around the white weather station at the top is surfaced with gravel, while the rest of the open fell is covered with sharp-edged stone fields. From the top, a roughly 100-meter gravel-covered narrow path descends westward to the Ukko-Luosto viewpoint. From the wooden viewing platform, you can admire the vast mires and forests below, with illustrated information boards providing more insights about the landscape and nature.
The hiking trail continues down Ukko-Luosto's southern slope, marked with yellow squares, initially on dark posts and later on trees. Near the top, there is no distinct path in the rocky terrain. As you descend, a worn path appears, though it remains rocky at points. The scenery in the direction of travel is breathtaking: alternating rocky fields dotted with yellow lichen, low shrubs, isolated pines, and mountain birches line the slope, while the chain of fells and hills in the national park unfolds before you.
The trail descends into ancient forests surrounding Ukko-Luosto, and about 1.7 km from the top, you reach a junction where several summer and winter trails meet in the wooded ravine between Ukko-Luosto and Pikku-Luosto.
From the junction, follow the yellow square markers toward Pikku-Luosto and Lampivaara. Pikku-Luosto is crossed via a narrow, sometimes rocky path through the forest. The peak of Pikku-Luosto consists mostly of stone fields. Upon reaching a junction, turn left toward Lampivaara and follow a wide, easily traversable gravel path for 0.3 km.
Lampivaara
Lampivaara's café and rest area are located at a junction of several summer and winter trails, beside the rocky top area of Lampivaara Fell. The freely accessible rest area features a lean-to shelter (no firewood available) and a dry toilet. The most popular attraction here is the Lampivaara Amethyst Mine, which offers guided tours for a fee. At the café it is usually possible to fill your water bottle.
From Lampivaara, the hiking trail continues along with the Rykimäkuru Trail marked with red squares toward the Pyhälampi rest site, 3.2 km away. The route is also a mountain biking trail and follows a broad gravel path through magnificent old forests, gradually descending.
Pyhälampi
The charming rest area at the forest's edge is named after the nearby Pyhälampi Pond. Water can be taken from the nearby Pyhäjoki River (boil the water before use). The day-use hut is intended for short breaks, but you can stay overnight in the lean-to shelter or pitch your tent in the yard. The surrounding trees also allow sleeping in your hammock.
The Pyhäjoki River is crossed via a wide planked bridge, after which the trail has a 70-meter section of 90 cm wide steel grating boardwalk without a wooden covering. Larger dogs can walk alongside the boardwalk in the brush, while it may be safest to carry smaller dogs across it.
The trail climbs as a root-covered path up the forested northern slope of Latvavaara Hill. At a junction marked with wooden signs, continue toward Pyhä, following a narrow trail marked with yellow squares for 2.5 km over Latvavaara (382 m above sea level). The path is sometimes rocky and root-filled. The trail reaches a gravel junction and the Porontahtoma lean-to shelter.
Porontahtoma
You can stay overnight at the lean-to shelter, and there are trees suitable for hammock camping. It may be challenging to find a spot for a tent, and the next rest stop, Kapusta, is better suited for tenting due to the terrain.
From Porontahtoma, continue toward Pyhä and Kapusta, 1.7 km away, along a wide gravel path that winds through the forest on the Kapusta Fell's eastern slope. The trail is also a mountain biking trail. This section involves an incline, starting more gently but becoming steeper in the last 500 meters, while remaining easily passable thanks to the gravel surface.
Kapusta
Kapusta day-use hut is beautifully situated near the peak of Kapusta Fell (398 m above sea level). The grounds have a campfire site where making fire is allowed when there is no wildfire warning. The day-use hut is intended for day use, but there is level ground suitable for tents in the yard. You can also find spots for a hammock in the nearby wooded areas. Next to the trail, opposite the day-use hut, there is a covered water point, where melt waters and rainwaters collect. The water level varies depending on the weather, and its quality is not tested, so it is recommended to boil it before use.
From Kapusta, the trail continues gently downhill toward Pyhä along a wide gravel path for 0.5 km. The trail is also intended for mountain biking.
The hiking trail diverges from the gravelled biking trail and continues as a sometimes rocky and root-covered path toward Huttuloma, which is about 4.4 km away across Huttutunturi Fell. Climbing the slope of Huttutunturi, the rocky terrain increases, requiring careful steps. The rocky peak of Huttutunturi (418 m above sea level) lies east of the trail, while to the west you can occasionally see glimpses of Lake Huttujärvi through the trees.
At Huttuloma, between Huttutunturi and Peurakero, the trail reaches a junction with metal signs. The Huttuloma open wilderness hut is just over 100 meters away.
Huttuloma
In the hut's yard area, there is a cooking shelter and a campfire site. A few dozen meters from the yard is a natural water point accessible via a duckboard trail. The water quality is not tested, and it is recommended to boil it before use. The area is a popular overnight stop, and the open wilderness hut is small; during the peak seasons in summer and autumn, be prepared with your own tent. Near the hut, there are plenty of spots for tents and trees suitable for hammock camping.
From Huttuloma, the hiking trail continues marked with yellow squares, climbing up the forested slope of Peurakero. The trail is a narrow gravel path, but especially at the start of the steep incline, meltwater has washed away the gravel, leaving a rocky trail. Higher up the slope, the trail becomes a continuous narrow gravel path. Mountain bikers also use this trail.
The gravel path runs in high terrain of Peurakero and the subsequent Laakakero, with open landscapes adorned with shrubs and rocky scree, offering breathtaking views. Here, you can enjoy the fresh wind and let your eyes and mind rest on the soft, rounded shapes of Pyhätunturi's ancient felltops.
Noitatunturi Fell rises as the highest peak in the fell chain, and although the trail passes nearby, you can make a detour to the top from a junction surrounded by quartz formations approximately four kilometers from Huttuloma. A green-marked Trail to Noitatunturi Fell leads about a kilometer up to the top, from where you return the same way.
The hiking trail continues yellow-marked toward Pyhä along the narrow gravel path, along with the green-marked Trail to Noitatunturi. Initially, it passes the Annikinlampi pond, surrounded by rocky cliffs, and then winds next to rocky slopes, past low pines and birches, gradually descending towards the Karhunjuomalampi rest area, where the gravel surfaced path ends.
Karhunjuomalampi
At the atmospheric Karhunjuomalampi pond, there is a day-use hut, a campfire shelter, and a lean-to shelter. There is a small dock by the pond with short stairs. Boil the water from the pond before use. Swimming, letting dogs swim, or washing dishes in the pond is prohibited. The expansive and level yard area of the hut and shelters offers excellent opportunities for camping. There are also suitable trees for hammock camping. Regardless of the shelter type, it is important to consider the Isokuru restricted area where camping is prohibited. The area beyond the fence is part of the restricted area, as is the area around the pond.
Continuing from the rest site, the hiking trail merges with the Karhunjuomalampi Trail, marked with red route markers. After 150 m, turn right at a signposted junction toward Isokuru. The trail enters the Isokuru restricted area where leaving the marked summer trail is prohibited to protect nature and ensure hiker safety.
The trail continues as a wide path on Uhriharju for 0.6 km. From a fenced viewing platform, you can admire the fell views and the colors of the bog in Karhukuru gorge below. From Uhriharju you descend nearly 500 steep steps to Isokuru Gorge. The stairs have metal-grated steps with a narrow wood-covered section for dogs on the side.
The trail continues as a broad walkway of metal and wood, soon reaching Pyhänkasteenlampi pond, nestled among cliffs and fed by the 17-meter-high waterfall, Pyhänkasteenputous. The mystical atmosphere surrounding the pond and waterfall, intertwined with the forest Sámi history, can be enjoyed from a wooden viewing platform. Access to the pond or waterfall is prohibited.
The journey continues along the bottom of the impressive Isokuru Gorge, as a cross-planked walkway for approximately 1.3 km. At the southern end of the gorge, stairs with metal grating steps and a narrow wooden path on the side for dogs lead up to Isokuru campfire hut.
Isokuru
Isokuru campfire hut and campfire shelter, with their surrounding yard, form the final rest stop on the trail. The yard area is flat and surrounded by tall pines, allowing overnight stays in tents or hammocks. However, the slope area behind the campfire hut is part of the restricted area, where camping is prohibited.
The trail continues approximately two kilometers to the Visitor Centre Naava by following the wide, gravel-covered path marked with yellow squares as it winds through the Isokurunkangas forest. Near the national park boundary, the route follows a wide ski track base for a short distance, then crosses Kerontie road and continues toward the visitor center guided by brown signs and trail markers for approximately 0.7 km along paved walkways.
End pointVisitor Centre Naava Luontotie 1, 98530 Pyhätunturi