Hiking & outdoor recreationLength3.4 km
Duration(1,5 hours)
Degree of difficultyEasy
Varkaankurunpolku Trail winds through the lush and magical herb-rich forest in the ravine. Hikers are surrounded by 200-year-old spruce trees on this easy and short trail. A restricted zone has been established to protect the unique herb-rich forest and the species living in Varkaankuru Ravine. This means that hiking in Varkaankuru is only permitted on the marked trail between 1 May and 30 November. Cycling is prohibited in the Varkaankuru restricted zone. Varkaankuru Ravine has metal duckboards with a dog-friendly planks. The information boards along the trail describe the surrounding nature. The Varkaanlampi lookout points are good places to enjoy nature or peek into the ravine. The charming campfire hut provides an opportunity to stop and eat your snacks.
The trail can only be used during the snow-free season
Circle trailThe recommended direction of travel is clockwise.
Camping not permittedCamping is forbidden in the Varkaankuru's restricted zone.
Campfire site Always 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.
Contact information
Starting pointYllästunturi Visitor Centre Kellokas, yard and parking area
Hiking in Varkaankuru is only permitted on the marked trail between 1 May and 30 November. Cycling is prohibited in the Varkaankuru restricted zone. Follow the green Varkaankurunpolku signs from Yllästunturi Visitor Centre Kellokas. The signposts are located behind the Visitor Centre: both sides and also near the lower entrance of the Visitor Centre. You can start the trail from any of these points. Along the trail, you will find low information boards about the surrounding nature.
After the old hut, the trail descends along a gravel path and short stone stairs into Varkaankuru Ravine, where you can see the babbling Varkaanoja fell stream. Turn right and follow the Varkaankurunpolku signpost. The distance travelled is 700 metres.
Metal duckboards with dog planks take hikers along the lush stream for 1 km towards Varkaanlampi Pond. Duckboards are 60 cm wide and dog planks are 20 cm wide. There are 1,6 meter wide spots for passing. The trail has wooden benches for resting.
After the ravine and duckboards, the trail becomes a gravel path. A small hill increases your heart rate before arriving at Varkaanlampi Pond. Two lookout points provide good opportunities to admire the small waterfalls draining into Varkaanlampi Pond. A Skutsirasti wellbeing activity point is located at the higher point.
Halfway along the trail after the Varkaanlampi lookout points, you’ll find an accessible campfire hut, campfire site, accessible toilets, a wood shed and ash shelter. The distance travelled is 1.9 km.
Continue along the trail by following the green signpost for Varkaankurunpolku Trail and cross a small iron bridge. Soon after the bridge, follow the green signpost towards Varkaankurunpolku Trail.
The gravel trail continues along a gentle descent. About 300 metres after the campfire hut, continue down from the crossing by following the green Kellokas signpost.
After walking for 800 metres, follow the green signpost at the crossing and continue towards Varkaankurunpolku Trail. The remainder of the trail is a rolling gravel path. An open heath forest and old trees lead you back to the Yllästunturi Visitor Centre Kellokas. Just before the Visitor Centre, you can stop at a lookout point by the edge of the mire.
End pointYllästunturi Visitor Centre Kellokas, yard and parking area