Hiking & outdoor recreationLength3.6 km
Duration(1 hour)
Degree of difficultyEasy
Pyhäjoen luontopolku Trail offers a unique view of the lush herb-rich spruce forest and the animals living there. The rugged rocky shores and old-growth forest create a wonderful atmosphere. The large and impressive herb-rich plants in Pyhäjoki include Meadowsweet, Ostrich Fern and Red Baneberry. The nature trail runs through easy but varied terrain. The trail is suitable for walking. It provides a great view of Lommoltunturi Fell and the nearby Pallastunturi Fells. Pyhäjoen luontopolku Trail passes through a restricted zone, where hiking is only permitted on the marked route between 1 May and 30 November. Fishing is prohibited in Pyhäjoki River to protect the trout population. There is no campfire site along the trail, so remember to pack some ready-to-eat snacks.
The trail can only be used during the snow-free season
Circle trailThe recommended direction of travel is counterclockwise.
Camping not permitted
No dry toilet
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.
Contact information
Starting pointPyhäjoki Nature Trail parking area
From the starting point, follow the green signposts for Pyhäjoenpolku. The green signposts indicate the total distance travelled and the length of the entire route. Low information boards along the trail describe the nature of Pyhäjoki River.
The easy hardened trail leads into a lush forest where you can admire old trees and diverse nature. After travelling 500 metres, you come to a crossing where you can take a short branch trail through the lush ostrich ferns. The trail continues from the crossing to the right and follows the Pyhäjoenpolku signpost. The hardened trail continues for an additional 200 metres to the Pyhäjoki lookout point. You can hear the soothing sounds of Pyhäjoki River throughout the journey.
The lookout point is a low-set old wooden seat. You can look at the small pond beside the platform or listen to the sounds coming from the pine forest in front of you.
From the observation platform, the trail continues for approximately 500 metres as a natural path through the pine forest, climbing gently towards the Pallaskero Fell slope and the next signpost.
Follow the green signpost for Pyhäjoenpolku. The trail begins to descend towards the lookout point and Kuoppasuvanto bridge. The trail is a natural path and may be slippery in places. Are you daring enough to look down at Pyhäjoki River running through the ravine? The wooden duckboards before the lookout point and Kuoppasuvanto bridge may be slippery.
The lookout point resembles a pier and is right beside the trail. The total distance travelled is 1.7 km. The location of the lookout point near rugged cliffs and water make it well worth a stop.
Continue along the trail and cross Kuoppasuvanto bridge over Pyhäjoki River. After the bridge, walk up the stone steps and reward yourself with a rest on the wooden benches. The total distance travelled is approximately 2 km.
Follow the green signpost for Pyhäjoenpolku. The trail runs approximately 500 metres through a mixed forest and arrives at a mire, which you cross on duckboards. A bench at the starting point of the duckboards is a great place to admire Lommoltunturi Fell.
After the mire, the trail takes you back into the forest and you follow an easy nature trail towards the culturally historic Pakasmaa Meadow and its old hay barns. Enjoy the scent of tall juniper trees as you walk along the edge of the meadow. The total distance travelled is approximately 3 km.
The trail takes you back into the forest where you can see structures related to a study being performed on the vole population.
The last 100 metres of the trail runs on top of an esker near the road. The trail descends close to the bridge, where you have to turn left and walk along the side of the road back to the parking area. The total distance travelled is 3.5 km.
End pointPyhäjoki Nature Trail parking area