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The multi-use route running through the forests on the eastern edge of Vuokatinvaara is suitable for mountain biking as well as hiking and Nordic walking. The summit offers magnificent views over waters and hills.
The summit route leads through forests to the magnificent scenery at the top of Vuokatinvaara. The path is basically easy to follow, but the elevation differences add challenge. The route suits those with less mountain biking experience, but many more experienced riders will also find themselves on it.
Along the way, there are even three huts as rest stops. Ainola's hut is on the lower slopes of the hill in the middle of a spruce grove near the start. From Pöllylampi hut located halfway, there is a view opening to a wild pond valley with steep slopes between Vuokatti's highest peaks. Lehmilampi hut is at a trail intersection on the return.
The route follows wide ski trail bases, where in places two can travel side by side, but in many places there is only one clear track. During rainy seasons, the ground can be soft in short sections, but mostly it is hard. Especially at the highest parts of the hill, the hills are steep-sided, and the downhills are generally fast. From Pöllylampi to Vuokatinvaara's viewpoint, the route partly uses boardwalks.
Author’s recommendation
The route is also well suited for groups because it is partly so wide that two can ride side by side.
On the top of the hill, Vaaran Tupa café serves year-round during seasons.
Derived from the technical difficulty and the stamina requirements.
Track types
Safety information
- On wet weather, rocky and root-filled sections are very slippery.
- Gravel-covered sections can be surprisingly slippery.
- The route is also used by hikers on foot; also pay attention at intersections. Cyclists have the duty to slow down and give way when encountering others.
- Adjust your speed according to weather, other users, and your skill level.
- Download the 112 app and keep your phone sufficiently charged.
Tips and suggestions
Atop Vuokatinvaara, you can admire the views from the observation tower found behind the chairlift.
Roadbook
The summit route of the hill (MTB) follows the ski trail bases of Vuokatinvaara. The route is not marked in the terrain as a separate route, so you have to follow the signs of different trails.
The start is from the yard of Vuokatti Sports Institute in front of Vuokattiareenan. From the yard, you ride onto the so-called ski trail bridge over the railway and turn left onto the illuminated trail of the hill. After the caravan area, the path is mostly a gentle uphill through varying forest scenery all the way to Ainola's hut. The route is easy to follow as it follows the illuminated ski trail base. Ainola's hut is the first good resting place. You can also make a fire outside at the campfire site.
From Ainola's hut, you continue another three hundred meters along the illuminated trail base, after which you reach the crossroads of trails (Pyykorpi). The route turns right uphill and immediately ten meters later left, still uphill. After a slightly steeper climb (600 m), you come again to a crossroads of several routes. There is a table and benches for a break at the intersection.
The route continues to the left and soon turns into the Vuokatinvaara nature reserve. The undulating and steep-graded forest section ends at the shore of Pöllylampi, where the next rest stop is. At Pöllylampi's hut, you can only make fires inside the hut. Soon after the hut, the paths branch, and this route continues left towards the summit of Vuokatinvaara's Iso-Pölly. The route narrows here to a path, and a short section is traveled along boardwalks. After the second pond, the route rises towards the top station of the ski slopes. Here you can admire the views in many directions. The observation tower is located behind the chairlift.
The route returns to Pöllylampi along the same path. From Pöllylampi, you turn left, and from here starts a fast downhill section. The path continues through the nature reserve, and immediately after this, you encounter the route's third hut, Lehmilampi. From the crossroads of several routes, the route follows the ski trail base to the left, returning to the nature reserve. A path descending through undulating terrain leads back to the corner of the caravan area, from where you continue back to the Sports Institute's yard at the starting point.
Break Sokos Hotel Vuokatti, Vuokatti Finland
Vuokatti Sport resort, Vuokatti Finland
Särkinen hut and fireplace, Vuokatti
Kattivankkuri Caravan site, Vuokatti Finland
Ainola hut and lean-to-shelter, Vuokatti Finland
Pöllylampi hut, Vuokatti Finland
Parking Vuokatinvaara Hill
Vaaran Tupa Café, Vuokatti
Iso-Pölly Vuokatinvaara, Accessible, Vuokatti
Lehmilampi hut, Vuokatti Finland
Public transport
Public-transport-friendly
The starting point of the route is in close proximity to the bus stops of routes Kajaani-Vuokatti-Sotkamo-Kuhmo and Kajaani-Vuokatti-Sotkamo-Joensuu.Get Timetable to destination
Directions
The path is located right in the heart of the Vuokatti tourist center, and the starting point of the route is next to the Vuokatti Sport parking area. If you use a navigator, use the address Opistontie 1, 88610 Vuokatti.
The easiest way to get there is by car, but buses that travel the routes Kajaani-Vuokatti-Sotkamo-Kuhmo and Kajaani-Vuokatti-Sotkamo-Joensuu also stop next to the parking area.
Parking
Vuokattiareenan parking area, Opistontie 1, 88610 Vuokatti
Free parking in the area
Coordinates
Book recommendation by the author
More information about Vuokatti services at www.vuokatti.fi
Author’s map recommendations
Equipment
The route can be ridden with a mountain bike or an electric-assisted mountain bike. Also remember helmet and other protective gear. See bike rentals at www.vuokatti.fi
A charged phone as well as drinks, possibly snacks, and if you wish, fire-making equipment.
Localization
Derived from the technical difficulty and the stamina requirements.
User Questions