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Hiking Trail
· Paljakka-Puolanka
Nature Park trail 6.5 km, Paljakka
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Bracket Fungus Paljakka Nature Park, Paljakka-PuolankaPhoto: Pasi Korhonen, Outdoors Kainuu
The Nature Park trail starting from Ilveskota is a stunningly beautiful route. Untouched, ancient forests exude mystique. Stop, close your eyes, take a deep breath of fresh forest air, and you can smell moss and pine resin. Listen to the sounds of nature and feel their calming and refreshing effect. If the old trees could talk, what stories would they tell? Walk through lush fern groves and snow-damaged old forests, cross a bog with stunted spruces, and sit to admire the sun-lit mirror of the sky, Leililampi pond. The Nature Park trail is an absolute must for travelers who appreciate untouched nature and its peace.
- The trail is marked on the terrain with reddish-brown paint marks
- The route passes through a nature park, so picking berries and mushrooms as well as leaving the trail is prohibited
- There are no official resting places along the route, but there are rocks to sit on at Leililampi where you can take a break
- The trail can be travelled in both directions
Author’s recommendation
Derived from the technical difficulty and the stamina requirements.
Track types
Show elevation profileSafety information
- The trail is rocky and rooty in places and can be slippery when wet.
- Wet boardwalks are slippery.
- Many fallen trees lie across the trail in places, and the new trail bypasses the fallen trunk, so it is important to carefully follow the route markings.
- Be careful when crossing fallen trees on the path.
Tips and suggestions
See here for more information about moving around and rules in the Nature Park
Roadbook
From the Pirunkirkko parking area, follow the forest road south until a trail to Ilveskota branches off on the left side of the road; the signs are also on the left side of the road. The Ilveskierto route (yellow trail markings) leads to Ilveskota located in the pass between Latvavaara and Holstinvaara, about 1.6 km. At Ilveskota, it is possible to make fires both indoors and outdoors.
The Nature Park trail begins at Ilveskota and runs about 100 meters north until reaching the trail junction. The route can be travelled in both directions, so it doesn’t matter which way you continue. Note that continuing clockwise involves a slightly steeper ascent than going counterclockwise. The route instructions describe the trail as travelled counterclockwise.
From the junction, the trail continues winding along the slopes of Holstinvaara through pristine coniferous forests until arriving at the edge of Kilpisuo bog. The forest contains many trees fallen due to rot and snow damage. The trail passes between the high summits of the fells crossing Kilpisuo and following long boardwalks between Kilpisuo and the Alttarinta bog, which lies on the slope below it.
After crossing the bog, the trail returns to the forest shade and ascends the fell slope, circling north of Kilpisuo towards the main Holstinvaara. The path goes through old spruce forests and along the edges of peatlands up to the highest point of the route. Near the highest point of the fell, Leililampi remains on the right side of the trail. There is a ten-meter side path to its shore, where there is a good resting spot on a rock.
After Leililampi, the trail passes by the edge of Vaaranpäällysuo bog and begins descending the slope of Holstinvaara back toward Ilveskota. The slope again has many fallen and rotting trees, also on the trail. From Ilveskota, follow the Ilveskierto route (yellow trail markings) back to the Pirunkirkko parking area.
Löytöjärven päivätupa, Paljakka-Puolanka
Peacefulness
Leililampi pond
Pironkirkko, Devil's church parking area
Pirunkirkko gorge, Paljakka Finland
Pirunkirkon Päivätupa, Paljakka-Puolanka
Public transport
There is no public transport to the Nature Park trail.
Get Timetable to destination
Directions
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From highway 78 turn onto the road (no. 888) leading to Ristijärvi. From this road, turn north onto Hoikanvaara road (the sign says Paljakka 3). The intersection of Hoikanvaara road is about 11 km from highway 78. Drive approximately 3.5 km on Hoikanvaara road, just under one kilometer past Paljakka ski resort, then turn right onto Holsintie road. Drive about 3.5 km on Holsintie road, after which the Pirunkirkko parking area is on the right side of the road.
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If coming from the north from Hyrynsalmi direction, turn left from Hoikanvaara road onto Holsintie road about one kilometer before the Paljakka ski resort.
Parking
The free parking area for Pirunkirkko is on Holstintie road.
Coordinates
Book recommendation by the author
Author’s map recommendations
- See this map of the Nature Park trail. !NOTE! The map helps in planning the trip but is not suitable for use in the terrain
Equipment
- Good hiking boots and outdoor clothing
- Sufficient drinking water and snacks
- First aid kit
- Emergency number 112
Derived from the technical difficulty and the stamina requirements.
User Questions