If you're drawn to Kainuu's hill landscapes, Saukkovaara is worth the climb. This scenic spot offers a beautiful year-round destination for hikers and nature lovers.
Saukkovaara’s highest peak rises 320 meters above sea level and 186 meters above nearby Lake Iijärvi. While its southern edges touch Paltamo, most of the ridge lies in Ristijärvi, stretching close to the town center. The area features wetlands, spruce forests, berry and mushroom grounds, and is popular for hiking, hunting, and foraging. In summer, well-marked trails crisscross the terrain; in winter, ski tracks with rest stops invite outdoor enthusiasts.
Year-round, visitors can enjoy a scenic lean-to shelter with a grill spot. Winter activities include skiing, snowmobiling, and downhill slopes. In summer, mountain biking, hiking, and trekking routes are available. The municipality maintains ski trails and a ski stadium for skiers.
Local village associations operate the ski slopes and equipment rental, offering skis and snowshoes at Saukkovaara http://www.saukkovaara.com/. Snowshoes and e-bikes can also be rented from the 4H-run flea market at Koulutie 7.
The landscape also features Rötylä’s hut and Lakivaara’s lean-to, perfect for grilling and coffee breaks. Firewood is provided by the municipality. Tuulentupa is a wilderness hut along the ski and hiking routes, equipped with bunks, a stove, and a sausage grill at the nearby shelter.
Price:
-
Public transport
The nearest public transport stop is in the center of Ristijärvi, at the foot of Saukkovaara hill.
Get Timetable to destination
Directions
You get to Saukkovara along the road leading to Sotkamo that turns from the road nr. 5 (Kajaani - Suomussalmi) near ABC gas station and S-Supermarket . Be prepared for a steep uphill.
Parking
free parking at the ski stadium area on top of the hill
Coordinates
Recommendations nearby
Laahtanen is a small lake with clear water in Ristijärvi. A 6 km hiking trail runs around it.
Café 5-Stop sijaitsee Viitostien varrella S-Marketin ja ABC:n kupeessa.
Kahvipaussissa voi nauttia kahvia, teetä tai mehua ostosten lomassa tuoreiden ja edullisten ...
Along the Viitostie road, a short distance from the village towards Kajaani, on the shores of Lake Iijärvi, is the holiday village Ristijärvi Pirtti, ...
Hike through magnificent Kainuu hill landscapes. The Tuulentupa wilderness hut is suitable even as an overnight place. Saukkovaara rises over 320 ...
Cycle through the beautiful Kainuu hill landscapes. Saukkovaara rises over 320 meters high and offers sometimes wonderful views. The route ...
Experience the beautiful scenery of Ristijärvi on the Saukkovaara mountain bike routes. The Koljatin route is the most challenging but also the ...
The Laahtanen Camping area is located on the shores of the small clear-water lake Laahtanen. There is an interesting hiking trail around the lake and ...
Pappilanranta is a public beach maintained by the municipality of Ristijärvi.
The historical Kirnukoski bridge is a rare combined railway and road bridge, with trains running on ...
Saukkovaara hill, Ristijärvi
88400 Ristijärvi
https://www.ristijarvi.fi/matkailu-ja-vapaa-aika/matkailukohteet...
Laahtanen is a small lake with clear water in Ristijärvi. A 6 km hiking trail runs around it.
Café 5-Stop sijaitsee Viitostien varrella S-Marketin ja ABC:n kupeessa.
Kahvipaussissa voi nauttia kahvia, teetä tai mehua ostosten lomassa tuoreiden ja edullisten ...
Along the Viitostie road, a short distance from the village towards Kajaani, on the shores of Lake Iijärvi, is the holiday village Ristijärvi Pirtti, ...
Hike through magnificent Kainuu hill landscapes. The Tuulentupa wilderness hut is suitable even as an overnight place. Saukkovaara rises over 320 ...
Cycle through the beautiful Kainuu hill landscapes. Saukkovaara rises over 320 meters high and offers sometimes wonderful views. The route ...
Experience the beautiful scenery of Ristijärvi on the Saukkovaara mountain bike routes. The Koljatin route is the most challenging but also the ...
The Laahtanen Camping area is located on the shores of the small clear-water lake Laahtanen. There is an interesting hiking trail around the lake and ...
Pappilanranta is a public beach maintained by the municipality of Ristijärvi.
The historical Kirnukoski bridge is a rare combined railway and road bridge, with trains running on ...

User Questions