Kainuu circuit

The length of the circular route is 497.4 km

The route runs along marked snowmobile tracks, with a total length of 497.4 km. The route can also be started from these locations: Paltamo, Paljakka, Ukkohalla, Suomussalmi, Lentiira, Kuhmo, Sotkamo-Vuokatti. The route is designed so that all services are found along the way.

There are several road crossings, railway crossings, and ice-driving sections on the route. Please check the condition of the ice before starting the trip to ensure safe driving along the entire route.

Departure from the parking area of Kainuun Portti, from where a marked snowmobile trail begins; the first stage to Paltamo is about 48 km. Follow the marked snowmobile trail about 7 km and turn left. Continue about 3 km and turn left to continue. Follow the signs for about 7 km and turn left; the snowmobile trail goes through Kuluntalahti to Oulujärvi.

There is a rapid in front of Paltamo! If you go to the gas station, follow the left snowmobile trail, return to the point where the route branched and continue along the right trail towards Paljakka. 

The Paltamo-Paljakka stage is about 40 km. After the Leppikoski power plant, after some distance the snowmobile trail intersects; continue right at the intersection towards Paljakka about 30 km. In Paljakka, the snowmobile trail continues right towards the north and continues near Hoikanvaara road. Accommodation, dining, and refueling are possible in Paljakka.

From Paljakka, drive towards Ukkohalla about 28 km; when you arrive at Ukkohalla, cross Syväjärventie and turn right; the snowmobile trail circles the cottage area. Upon reaching the ski resort, turn left and towards Suomussalmi about 50 km. Accommodation and dining are available in Ukkohalla. Accommodation, dining, and refueling are also possible in Suomussalmi.

From Suomussalmi, you can continue either on the mainland snowmobile trail or move directly to the ice track, along which the route continues eastward. After driving about 6 km on the ice, the trail intersects in several directions. Continue along the middle trail heading southeast towards Kuhmo, a stage of about 185 km. Drive about 16 km and continue on the right snowmobile trail. Remember to close the gate behind you at the reindeer fence!

There is a rapid at the end of Vuokkijärvi crossing, so be careful and stay on the marked trail. Continue towards Lentiira about 59 km, and when you reach a junction that splits into two directions, continue on the right snowmobile trail and drive across the whole Niskanselkä about 8 km. Continue another 30 km and turn right at the junction to continue towards Kuhmo.

Following this snowmobile trail about 32 km under Tönölänsalmi bridge, drive along Lammasjärvi about another 3 km and turn right. At the next intersection, turn right. After crossing Sotkamo road, turn right to go to the gas station. Accommodation, dining, and refueling are possible in Kuhmo. From Kuhmo, head towards Sotkamo; the stage is about 88 km, following the marked snowmobile trail. Turn right and drive along Kiantajärvi, stay on the route going right and you will reach the St1 gas station after Iso Sapsojärvi.

From Sotkamo, head towards Kajaani 48 km and turn right, drive about another 7 km, and you are back at the starting point.