recommended route
Pahakuru Trail, Salla
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Pahakurun kierrosPhoto: Milla Sairanen, Metsähallitus
See the beautiful old-growth forests, fell landscapes and steep ravines of Salla National Park
The Pahakuru trail takes in most of the finest sights in Salla National Park. Hikers can enjoy old-growth forests, thick-barked pine trees, standing deadwood and ancient spruce forests carpeted with mosses. There are many streams, mires and small lakes along the trail. Fell views open out in several directions. You get to see Iso Pyhätunturi fell, which is the highest point of the national park, and also have a peek at the large fells on the Russian side of the border. The climax of the trail is Pahakuru rest stop with its ancient pines, rocky ravine and the hills of Aatsinginhauta valley glimpsed through the trees. The trail gives you a real taste of the wilderness. The Pahakuru trail is also part of the UKK trail, which divides into two branches at Sallatunturi.
Author’s recommendation
You can admire a magnificent fell landscape from duckboards near the Tunturilampi lean-to shelter, with a great view of Iso Pyhätunturi.
Track types
Rest stops
Papana Pupi pub, SallaRestaurant Kiela, Salla
Restaurant Revontuli, Salla
Log restaurant, Salla
Salla Ski Resort
Safety information
Consider your skills and the weather conditions when choosing your route.
Follow the markings and signposts. Always keep a map and a phone with you.
The weather can change rapidly. Always prepare for cold and rain; you should be prepared for wintery conditions in spring and autumn even if the weather is warm when you set off.
Download the 112 Finland application free of charge and activate it before starting your hike. Remember that mobile phone batteries run down quickly in cold conditions.
Tips and hints
Read the instructions and rules for the national park at Nationalparks.fi/sallanp
Free trail map are available at Retkikartta.fi
For hiking instructions, rules and tips, go to Nationalparks.fi/hikinginfinland
Start
Destination
Turn-by-turn directions
The first section of the trail from the Resort Centre runs along a wider ski track base. At the beginning, there are a few junctions where you should check that you pick the right path. The first rest stop is Tunturilampi lean-to shelter.
After Tunturilampi lean-to shelter, the trail crosses into Salla National Park. The next rest stop is Kylmähete campfire hut on top of a small esker. The trail continues northwards, and after crossing a small mire, it takes a right turn to a path of around 600 metres to Pahakuru campfire site, which is the half-way point. The trail runs along the rocky banks of Pahaojankuru ravine among thick-barked pines. There is no toilet at Pahakuru. If you would like a longer walk, you can keep going after Pahakuru and admire scenic mire ponds, hill landscapes of Aatsinginhauta valley and slopes of Julmoiva from the vantage point of Pitkälampi campfire hut. From Pitkälampi hikers return the same way, and walking this section both ways adds 3.8 km to the total distance. From Pahakuru, the trail backtracks for 600 metres and returns to the main trail, continuing along the edge of the mire to the right.
The final rest stop on this trail is Kaippahanoja lean-to shelter, from where the trail continues around Iso Pyhätunturi fell. From Pohjoisrinteet (Northern slopes) the trail continues for another 2.5 km along the road back to the Resort Centre. You turn right to Tunturikummuntie road at the first junction and then carry on downhill along the road past Keselmäjärvi lake. At the camping area, turn left to Sallatunturintie road, and after about 600 metres, take another left to Revontulentie road, which leads you back to the starting point at the Resort Centre.
You can start your hike on the Pahakuru trail either from the Resort Centre or the Pohjoisrinteet (Northern slopes), in which case the total length is 18 km, or from the Salla Visitor Centre, which gives a total trail length of 24.5 km. This trail was previously called Hetehaltijan lumous.
Note
Public transport
Public-transport-friendly
The nearest airports are at Kuusamo (1.5 h) and Rovaniemi (2 h). There are shuttle buses connecting Kuusamo Airport and Salla, which link with almost every flight.
The nearest railway station is in Kemijärvi (1 h). There is a bus to Salla, which is timed to connect with the night train, Mon-Sat.
Getting there
Salla National Park is located in Eastern Lapland, about 150 km from Rovaniemi and 65 km from Kemijärvi. The closest airport is in Rovaniemi and the closest railway station in Kemijärvi.Parking
Free parking near starting point.Coordinates
Author’s map recommendations
Book recommendations for this region:
Equipment
Visitors should bring hiking gear suitable for the weather conditions, consisting of proper hiking shoes, weatherproof clothing, spare clothes, a map, a charged phone, and enough to drink and eat. There are natural water sources along the trail, but as the water quality in them is not tested, the water should always be boiled before use. In rainy weather, we recommend rubber boots or waterproof hiking shoes, as the trail may be very wet in places. You should bring matches if you intend to light a fire, and your own toilet paper.
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- 9 Waypoints
- 9 Waypoints
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