Hiking & outdoor recreationLength35.5 km
Duration(2 days)
Degree of difficultyMedium
The Ruijanpolku Trail runs in between the rugged Nattastunturit Fells across the Sompio Strict Nature Reserve. The handsome views from the summit of Terävä-Nattanen Fell. The Suku-Nattanen Fell, the Seinätunturi Fell with its multiple peaks and the Pyhä-Nattanen Fell dominate the scenery. The fells of the Urho Kekkonen National Park, such as Sokosti and Ukselmapää, are visible further away. In summer time, you can hike by walking. Cycling is also allowed on this trail. The trail is marked with the wooden poles and there are also several heaps of stones marking that were gathered in former times to function as trail markings. HuomioituHiking on the trail requires moderate navigation and wilderness skills. Hiking is permitted only on marked trails in Sompio Strict Nature Reserve. There are several campsites on the trail. Consequently, it is advisable to wear hiking boots, and rubber boots in early summer and during rainy periods.
The trail can only be used during the snow-free season
Campfire siteIn Ruijanpolku Trail lighting a campfire is only allowed on designated campfire sites. Always check for any wildfire warnings in effect before making a fire.
Camping permittedCamping in the Sompio Strict Nature Reserve is only allowed on the shores of Lake Sompiojärvi. In the recreational and nature tourism zone of the Urho Kekkonen National Park camping is allowed only in the immediate proximity to huts, lean-tos, and campfire sites.
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 pointYou can draw water from flowing rivers and streams. You should always boil water from natural sources before using it.
Contact information
Starting pointSompiojärvi pysäköintialue 2
Other starting points: Kiilopääntie road parking area. From the Kiilopääntie road is signs to parking area and to the trail. Coordinates: WGS84 lat: 68° 20.1716' lon: 27° 25.7065' ETRS-TM35FIN N: 7580409 E: 517651 Laanila starting point to summer hiking routes. Coordinates: Euref-Fin WGS84 lat: 68° 23.5589' lon: 27° 24.0504' ETRS-TM35FIN N: 7586696 E: 516473
Sompiojärvi - Terävä-Nattanen, 6 km
The first section of the trail passes through an old-growth forest at the foot of Nattastunturit Fells. There are scree stone fields particularly in the ravine between Seinätunturi Fell and Terävä-Nattanen Fell, and in early summer there is often snow in the ravine, too. The rocky trail leads you to the first target of the hike, to the Terävä-Nattanen fire place. While hiking you have crossed the small brook of Kulmakko-oja, where you can get water.
Terävä-Nattanen campfire site - Summit Terävä-Nattanen, about 1 km
The ascent onto Terävä-Nattanen is the only major climb on the Ruijanpolku Trail. The trail onto the summit ascends to a height of 544 m, and the whole 1-km journey to the felltop is very rocky. There are only scree stone fields on top of Terävä-Nattanen. From the summit the scenery opens up in all directions. The other five Nattaset Fells are located nearby; i.e., Pyhä-Nattanen, Seinätunturi, Serrikainen, Lupukainen and Suku-Nattanen. The broad fell area of the Urho Kekkonen National Park looms further away to the north, northeast and east. In the south you can see the legendary Lake Sompiojärvi and further back, the Lokka Reservoir.
Terävä-Nattasen campfire site - Kaptukaislampi lean-to shelter, 9 km
From the Terävä-Nattanen campsite, the trail continues for another 6.5 kilometres in the Sompio Strict Nature Reserve. You will cross the Kulmakko-oja Stream again and Nattushaara via walking bridges. The distance from the border between the Strict Nature Reserve and the National Park to the Kaptukaislampi Pond is approximately two kilometres. You can camp in a tent or in the lean-to shelter at the Kaptukaislampi Pond.
Kaptukaislampi lean-to shelter - Kiilopääntie Road, 13 km
From the Kaptukaislampi campfire site, the journey continues through a dry, pleasant forest terrain. You will cross the road track leading to Lake Kopsusjärvi at a distance of about five kilometres from the Kaptukaislammet Ponds. There is a lean-to shelter along Kopsusjärventie Road about 600 m west of the Ruijanpolku Trail. You can take a break or stay there overnight. The mountain birches and the pine heaths lead you to Kiilopääntie Road. About a kilometer before the road is a Sivakkaoja lean-to shelter, where you can camp.
Kiilopääntie Road - Laanila, 6 km
From Kiilopääntie Road, the hike continues to Laanila through a pine terrain. The Kiilopää Fells frame the scenery on the eastern side. There is a connection from Laanila to the Saariselkä-Kiilopää area's marked trails.
End pointViskitie 2, 99830 Saariselkä