Hiking & outdoor recreationLength13.7 km
Duration(2-4 h)
Degree of difficultyEasy
This network of snowshoeing trails will guide you through winter forests and to the expansive mire area of Tunturiaapa, where you can admire magnificent fell views towards the southernmost peaks of the Pyhä-Luosto National Park. The surrounding nature enchants with its many expressions throughout the winter, from the crispness of frost to the soft whiteness of snowfall, from the dimness of midwinter to the dazzling spring snow. The terrain is mostly flat, with a few more hilly sections. The trails largely coincide with regularly maintained winter cycling routes, and during peak seasons, all trail sections may become compacted enough for walking in winter boots. Weather conditions can affect the snow coverage of the trail and thus its difficulty. By selecting different trail sections, you can make trips of varying lengths: for example, by following the Tunturiaapa nature trail, the distance will be about 8 km, and you can simultaneously learn about the area's nature and geology through illustrated information boards. There are three rest spots along the entire route, offering the opportunity for enjoying your packed snacks – you might even have a curious Siberian jay or two for company!
Circle trailThe trail can be taken in both directions.
Campfire siteTiaislaavu and Porolaavu lean-to shelters, Isokuru campfire hut and lean-to shelter
Dry toiletRemember to bring toilet paper.
No water point
Multi-purpose trailYou can snowshoe, hike or bike along most of the trail.
Camping permittedCamp in the immediate vicinity of marked rest spots.
Read more about the trail
Contact information
Starting pointVisitor Centre Naava parking area
The trail is marked in the terrain in winter with blue plowing poles that have reflectors at the ends.
The journey begins by walking along the pedestrian path next to Pyhäntie road, past the shopping center. Brown metal signs guide you towards the national park. After about 0.6 km, you will reach the intersection of Kerontie road.
From the intersection, it is possible to head towards the Porolaavu lean-to shelter by continuing along the pedestrian path for about 0.9 km. After this, the route climbs steeply uphill, marked with blue plowing poles, and continues in the forest as a maintained winter biking trail for about 1.4 km to Porolaavu. The swamp sections of the route can be wet, especially at the beginning of winter.
From the intersection of Kerontie, you can also head into the terrain together with the ski track towards Tiaislaavu lean-to shelter, following the blue poles. Walk along the right side of the ski track for 300 m. After passing through the national park's entrance gate, the snowshoeing trail diverges from the ski track to the right, deeper into the national park, where the journey continues through the forest in gently undulating terrain. Turn at the signposted intersections towards Tiaislaavu and Tunturiaapa. The route also belongs to the Tunturiaapa nature trail, marked with blue squares on the trees, along which there are some illustrated information boards.
About 100 m before Tiaislaavu, there is a signposted intersection where you can either continue to Tiaislaavu or turn left towards Porolaavu, which is about 1.5 km away, skirting the edge of the mire and passing through the forest. Part of the route runs alongside a wooden fence.
It is possible to take various lengths of tours to the open mire area to see the impressive fell views. The duckboard section of the Tunturiaapa nature trail from Tiaislaavu is about 0.9 km long (the duckboards may be partially or entirely under snow). The mire trail section between Tiaislaavu and Porolaavu, which is also a maintained winter biking route, is about 2.4 km long. On the open swamp area, snowfall or strong wind can easily cover the maintained route. Water may also rise on the swamp, especially at the beginning of winter.
The 0.9 km loop of the nature trail that starts after Tiaislaavu curves towards the fells after crossing the swamp and ends at the forest edge after a short staircase section. From here, you can turn right and return to Tiaislaavu along the route running along the forest edge. The route description and the nature trail continue forward, deeper into the forest.
After about half a kilometer, the trail descends metal grating stairs to a wintry brook, which is crossed via a metal grating bridge. After crossing the brook, climb uphill on metal grating stairs. Both staircase sections and the bridge have a narrow wooden walkway on the side for dogs. There is no winter maintenance on the structures, so snow may accumulate on them. It is also possible to walk beside the stairs in the terrain.
The trail reaches a signposted intersection at the foot of Ukonhattu fell. Turn right towards Isokuru and Visitor Centre Naava from the intersection.
Next, the steepest slope of the route is ahead, descending about 30 meters of metal grating stairs with wooden steps on the side for dogs. There is no winter maintenance, so snow may accumulate on the structures. Be cautious on the stairs or in the terrain beside the stairs. At the foot of the stairs, continue straight ahead along the wooden walking bridge for about 50 meters.
The trail has reached the southern end of Isokuru gorge and turns right away from it, initially running along the slope in atmospheric old forests. After about 0.4 km, the route starts to wind up the wooded slope towards the Isokuru rest spot. Just before the rest spot, the snowshoeing trail joins the maintained winter biking route.
From the Isokuru rest spot, the shortest distance to the starting point at the Naava Visitor Centre is about 2 km if you return a little back and continue along the maintained winter cycling route towards Tiaislaavu, away from the fells.
From the Isokuru rest spot, you can also continue amidst impressive ancient pines along the slope, together with the maintained winter cycling route towards the ski resort with its hotels. 0.9 km from the rest spot, you reach a signposted intersection where you can either continue straight or turn sharply towards Tiaislaavu.
If you continue straight, you will reach the national park boundary after about 0.2 km, from where you continue downhill along the boundary next to the cottage area for 0.8 km. This section is also maintained for winter cycling. The route reaches the national park's entrance gate, from where you continue along the left side of the cross-country ski trail for 0.2 km and from the intersection of Kerontie road, continue along the pedestrian paths to Visitor Centre Naava.
If you turn towards Tiaislaavu, the journey continues along the Tunturiaapa nature trail, reaching a signposted intersection after 0.5 km, where you turn towards Visitor Centre Naava. The route meanders through the forests together with the maintained winter biking route. After about 0.9 km, you pass through the national park's entrance gate and continue along the left side of the cross-country ski trail for 0.3 km. From the intersection of Kerontie road, continue along the pedestrian paths to Visitor Centre Naava.
End pointVisitor Centre Naava parking area