Hiking & outdoor recreationLength4.7 km
Duration(2-3 h)
Degree of difficultyHard
Set out to admire the colors of the sky during the polar night from the top of Kuusamo's highest hill! The magical path through the snow-laden trees leads you to the top of Valtavaara, where the old fire watcher's cabin, now covered with a stunning layer of snow in winter, is located. The ascent to the top of Valtavaara is steep and demanding in places. The trail becomes packed during winter, making it possible to hike without snowshoes. You can take a snack break either at the Valtavaara campfire hut or at the Valtavaaranlampi cooking shelter. The old fire watcher's cabin now serves as a day-use hut.
Circle trailThe recommended direction of travel is counterclockwise.
The trail can only be used in the winter
Campfire site
Camping permittedCamping is only permitted in the immediate vicinity of marked rest areas and campfire sites and huts.
HutValtavaara day-use hut (no stove).
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 point
No winter maintenance
Contact information
Starting pointAhon Jussintie 7, 93830 Kuusamo
Valtavaara's winter trail is marked with red ribbons and reflective plates.
The Valtavaara winter trail partially follows the same route as the Karhunkierros hiking trail and the Valtavaaran huiputus trail, so there are also orange and green trail markers along the route.
The trail's starting point is at the wooden information board at the edge of the parking area.
The first 900 meters go uphill to a junction where the loop part of the trail begins. The recommended direction is counterclockwise, so turn right at the junction.
The next 1.4 km to the Valtavaara day-use hut is a flat, easy-to-walk path.
From the day-use hut, the trail continues 180 meters up a steep slope to the Valtavaara top.
At the top of Valtavaara, there is a day-use hut. From the day-use hut, the trail begins to descend towards Ruka.
After 1 km from the top, you will reach the Valtavaara cooking shelter, which has a campfire site and a dry toilet.
From the cooking shelter, the last kilometer back to the parking area is downhill.
End pointAhon Jussintie 7, 93830 Kuusamo