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Long Distance Cycling
· Arctic Lakeland Kainuu
Cycling the Vaarojen Kainuu 192 km, Kainuu
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Komulanköngäs, Hyrynsalmi - UkkohallaPhoto: Pasi Korhonen, CC BY-ND, Outdoors Kainuu
Experience some of Kainuu's most magnificent fell landscapes along the cycling route that crosses the region. Cycle through the beautiful natural Kainuu and feel welcome!
The Kainuu fells challenge the cyclist but not excessively, as the Vaarojen Kainuu route is surprisingly gentle in profile. Of course, there are hills and some longer climbs, the toughest leading to the top of Saukkovaara (120 m ascent). You can always deviate to other high fells such as Ukkohalla, Paljakka, and Vuokatti.
Besides the fells, the route features many cultural sites, passing through the centers of the three municipalities Suomussalmi, Ristijärvi, and Sotkamo, and ending in the city of Kajaani. You can also take breaks at beautiful natural sites like the Komulanköngäs waterfalls or the Laahtanen recreation area. Along the route, there are numerous lakes where you can swim during stops.
It is recommended to spend five days on the route, allowing time to explore sites. Additional kilometers may be added at spots since there is a vast number of beautiful natural points of interest.
Recommended daily stages and accommodation information
1. Suomussalmi - Ukkohalla, 43 km https://visitsuomussalmi.fi/ and https://ukkohalla.fi/
2. Ukkohalla - Paljakka, 27 km, https://paljakka.fi/
3. Paljakka - Ristijärvi 26 km, Ristijärvi Pirtti
4. Ristijärvi - Vuokatti/Sotkamo, 58 km https://vuokatti.fi/
5. Vuokatti/Sotkamo - Kajaani, 38 km, https://visitkajaani.fi/
Author’s recommendation
Suomussalmi: Soiva Metsä
Hyrynsalmi: Komulanköngäs and Paljakanvaara Observation Tower
Puolanka: Paljakan Teeriharju Lookout and Pirunkirkko
Ristijärvi: Saukkovaara and Laahtanen
Sotkamo: Hiukka Beach and Naapurinvaaran Views
Kajaani: Rauniolinna and Kajaani Church
Derived from the technical difficulty and the stamina requirements.
Track types
Rest stops
Kiannon Kuohut Recreational Spa hotel, Suomussalmi FinlandKultainen Kukko, Suomussalmi Finland
Paljakka House
Ristijärvi Pirtti Camping
Kahvipaussi, K-market, Ristijärvi
Café 5-Stop, Ristijärvi
Sotkamo farmers market, Sotkamo Finland
Hiukka Beach, Accessible, Sotkamo
Break Sokos Hotel Vuokatti, Vuokatti Finland
Vuokatti Sport resort, Vuokatti Finland
Hotel Aateli, Vuokatti Finland
K-Supermarket Vuokatti, Vuokatti Finland
Hotel Vuokatti & Suites
Café Wanha Asema Vuokatti, Sotkamo
Holiday Club Katinkulta Resort and Spa, Vuokatti Finland
Naapurinvaaran lomakeskus resort, Vuokatti Finland
Hotel Scandic Kajanus
Safety information
The route is mainly asphalted. Separate pedestrian and cycling paths exist in urban areas; otherwise, travel is along roadside shoulders. The route follows quieter roads, but some heavy traffic may occur.
The route is not signposted, so follow car traffic signs. There is also pedestrian and cycling signage in the Sotkamo-Vuokatti and Kajaani urban areas.
Tips and suggestions
Especially in early and late summer, make sure in advance about the available services in the Ukkohalla and Paljakka areas.
If you want, you can first cycle from Suomussalmi to Hyrynsalmi via Korpikylä, Suomussalmi Airport, Kivijärvi, Hyrynsalmi. This route is 7 km longer than the main route but lets you see the sights and services of Hyrynsalmi center.
Roadbook
You can also travel the route starting from Kajaani towards Suomussalmi.
Suomussalmi - Ukkohalla - Paljakka - Ristijärvi - Sotkamo - Vuokatti - Naapurinvaara - Kuluntalahti - Kajaani
Jalonkatu - Kyröntie (regional road 892) - Puolangantie (regional road 891) - Hallamaantie - Ukkohallantie - Hallamaantie - Hoikanvaarantie - Ristijärventie / Puolangantie (regional road 888) - Mikkolantie - Saukontie - Sotkamontie/Ristijärventie (regional road 888) - Kainuuntie/Vuokatintie (main road 76) - Kuikkalammentie - Pohjavaarantie (regional road 899) - Vuokatintie - Takkarannantie - Kuurnantie - Onnelantie - riverside pedestrian and cycling path
Kultainen Kukko, Suomussalmi Finland
Suomussalmi Tourist Info - Visit Suomussalmi, Finland
Parking place
Lean-to Syväjärvi, Ukkohalla Finland
Ukkohalla Wakepark
Ukkohalla's Saunaworld & Spa
Hotel Ukkohalla
Komulanköngäs waterfalls and fireplace
Komulanköngäs campfire site, Hyrynsalmi Finland
Lean-to Komulanköngäs
Mustarinda grilling hut, Hyrynsalmi Finland
Iso-Ypykkä, Ukkohalla Finland
Lean-to Ypykkälampi, Hyrynsalmi Finland
Paljakanvaara observation tower, Hyrynsalmi Finland
Rakennusjärven kota - grilling hut
Kotipaljakka Accommodations
Paljakka Skivillas
Paljakka Caravan Area
Paljakka House
Karhunpesät Holiday Apartments
Teeriharju viewpoint
Paljakan Loma-asunnot Holiday Apartments
Kielokota, Paljakka-Puolanka
Ristijärvi Pirtti Camping
Ristijärvi Church
Pappilanranta beach, Ristijärvi
Kahvipaussi, K-market, Ristijärvi
Café 5-Stop, Ristijärvi
Saukkovaara hill, Ristijärvi
Laahtanen hiking and fishing area, Ristijärvi Finland
Sands of Hiisijärvi Lake, Ristijärvi
The church of Sotkamo, Sotkamo Finland
Sotkamo farmers market, Sotkamo Finland
Hiukka Beach, Accessible, Sotkamo
Break Sokos Hotel Vuokatti, Vuokatti Finland
Vuokatti Sport resort, Vuokatti Finland
Vuokatti Adventure Park, Vuokatti Finland
Hotel Aateli, Vuokatti Finland
K-Supermarket Vuokatti, Vuokatti Finland
Vuokatinmaa apartments, Vuokatti Finland
Hotel Vuokatti & Suites
Jäätiölampi lean-to shelter, Vuokatti Finland
Iso-Pölly Vuokatinvaara, Accessible, Vuokatti
Vuokatti Safaris, Vuokatti Finland
Café Wanha Asema Vuokatti, Sotkamo
S-market Vuokatti, Vuokatti Finland
Holiday Club Katinkulta Resort and Spa, Vuokatti Finland
Katinkullan uimaranta, Vuokatti - Sotkamo
Naapurinvaaran satama ja veneenlaskupaikka, Sotkamo - Vuokatti
Naapurinvaara, Vuokatti Finland
Naapurinvaaran lomakeskus resort, Vuokatti Finland
Kesäniemi public swimming beach
Hotel Scandic Kajanus
Tar canal
Kajaani castle ruins
Kajaani Church, Kajaani Finland
Public transport
Public-transport-friendly
There is regular bus service to Suomussalmi from Kajaani and Kuusamo.
You can reach Kajaani by bus, train, and plane.
Get Timetable to destination
Directions
Follow the signs to Suomussalmi.
Parking
In the center of Suomussalmi
Coordinates
Book recommendation by the author
Author’s map recommendations
Book recommendations for this region:
Equipment
You can find more information about planning a cycling trip and equipment for touring cyclists on the Luontoon.fi website.
The route is also suitable for bikepacking, allowing you to travel some sections on parallel trails or gravel roads (e.g., Suomussalmi Korpikylä - Suomussalmi Airport - Kivijärvi - Hyrynsalmi and Paljakka - Tolosenjoki - Ristijärvi).
Localization
Derived from the technical difficulty and the stamina requirements.
User Questions