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Gravel Bike
· Ristijärvi
Saukonselkä - Hiisijärvi gravel route 120 km, Ristijärvi
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Ristijärvi town centerPhoto: Outdoors Kainuu
On the challenging gravel biking route circling the southern parts of Ristijärvi, you climb to the top of the Saukkovaara ridge a couple of times. The route also goes through the famous Hiisijärvi sand area.
This gravel route starts from the Saukkovaara ski center, circling through the forested stretches of southern Ristijärvi. The summit of the Saukkovaara ridge is climbed twice, at two different points. The route also includes other hills.
Only a quarter of this challenging route is paved with asphalt. Most is ridden on quieter smaller sandy roads. The route offers magnificent hillscapes and impressive wilderness stretches. There are only scattered inhabited areas along the way.
There are no cafés or shops along the route, except right at the start when passing through the center of Ristijärvi.
Most of the route is cycled within the Ristijärvi area, but a large part also goes through the Paltamo and Sotkamo areas, passing by Huovisnäreikkö.
Author’s recommendation
It's worth stopping for a break on the sands of Hiisijärvi. The beach area has an outhouse, changing rooms, and a barbecue shelter.
At halfway, you can stop for a break at Lahtanen.
Derived from the technical difficulty and the stamina requirements.
Track types
Rest stops
Café 5-Stop, RistijärviPizzeria & Kebab Alisa, Ristijärvi
Kahvipaussi, K-market, Ristijärvi
Ristijärvi Pirtti Camping
Safety information
- In sparsely populated areas, there are not many other travelers.
- It is also advisable to have a paper map with you.
- In places, the network of small gravel roads is dense, and you must follow carefully to stay on the correct route.
Roadbook
The route is not marked in the terrain. Follow the route from the map.
Saukkovaara panoramic lean-to shelter, Ristijärvi
Café 5-Stop, Ristijärvi
Pizzeria & Kebab Alisa, Ristijärvi
Pappilanranta beach, Ristijärvi
Kahvipaussi, K-market, Ristijärvi
Ristijärvi Frisbee golf course
Ristijärvi Church
Maastopyöräily ja sup-lautailu, 4H-yhdistys Ristijärvi
Katvela Suojeluskunta and Lotta Exhibition and Museum, Ristijärvi
Ristijärvi Pirtti Camping
Tuulentupa, wilderness hut, Saukkovaara Ristijärvi
Laahtanen camping, Ristijärvi
Laahtanen hiking and fishing area, Ristijärvi Finland
Sands of Hiisijärvi Lake, Ristijärvi
Public transport
From Ristijärvi bus station to the top of the hill it is 3 km.
Get Timetable to destination
Directions
Follow directions to Ristijärvi and further to Saukkovaara. Turn from Sotkamontie onto Saukkovaarantie and drive near the viewpoint shelter.
Parking
Parking at the ski stadium is free.
Coordinates
Book recommendation by the author
Author’s map recommendations
Equipment
A bike suitable for sandy road cycling.
Bring snacks and drinks.
Localization
Derived from the technical difficulty and the stamina requirements.
User Questions