recommended route
Aikkipetsin Kierros Trail, Salla
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Old forest along Aikkipetsi trailPhoto: Visit Salla, Visit Salla
An excursion to a wilderness of ancient pines with peace and quiet of nature.
The Aikkipetsi trail takes you to the wilderness far away from the busy Sallatunturi Resort Centre and through a variety of terrains and natural environments, where you can admire the beautfiul ancient pines and the varying views. The most pristine wilderness on this trail section is found in Aikkipetsi and Paltsarikumpu area, while there also are commercial forests elsewhere along the trail. A number of rest stops are available on this trail. If you wish, you can also divert to the nature tower of Ruuhitunturi fell to admire the view.
Trail markings: Blue and red squares on trees
Recommended direction of travel: The trail can be hiked in either direction
Author’s recommendation
Beatiful route with the old trees and swamp areas. Lovely destination especially for all nature photographers!
Track types
Rest stops
Salla Reindeer ParkSafety 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 starting point of the Aikkipetsi trail is in the corner of Salla Visitor Centre’s parking area closest to the Salla-Kuusamo road. The trail crosses into Salla National Park around 150 metres after the parking area. The first section of the trail has ups and downs, and the path is slightly rocky in places. The first rest stop of the trail is Kolmiloukkonen lean-to shelter 1, which is located on a small headland. A toilet can be found on top of a mound a short distance away. After the lean-to shelter, the trail continues to the right along a smooth, needle-covered path on the lakeshore. After walking less than three kilometres you take a right turn at a junction. The trail returns to this point at the end of the loop. After around half a kilometre, the trail leaves Salla National Park and winds its way around small eskers, lakes and mires.
The next rest stop is Siskelilampi campfire hut on a beautiful lake, from where the trail continues to the flanks of Ruuhitunturi fell. If you wish, at this point you can divert to the nature tower of Ruuhitunturi fell to admire the view. The distance to the tower and back is less than 5 km. After climbing over Kuusikko-Ruuhivaara hill, the trail descends through scenic esker landscapes and thick-barked pines to some small lakes. Aikkipetsi day hut is located on a small lake with steep banks.
At the day hut the trail divides into two. The left-hand branch returns to Salla Visitor Centre, whereas the right-hand one is part of Topsakantaival, a section of the UKK trail leading to Hautajärvi and Oulanka. The trail runs along lower-lying heath forests and mires to Paltsarikumpu lean-to shelter and on to Hevosoja lean-to shelter. When approaching Hanhivaara, the trail crosses a forest road and continues along the flanks of Hanhivaara hill to Hanhivaaranlampi lean-to shelter. Slightly more than 600 metres from the lean-to shelter, the trail crosses into Salla National Park again, returning to the first junction of the initial trail section. The trail returns to Salla Visitor Centre along the shores of Kolmiloukkonen lake.
The section from the Salla Visitor Centre over Kuusikko-Ruuhivaara hill to Aikkipetsi day hut is part of the UKK trail and marked with red squares on trees. The return trail from Aikkipetsi via Paltsarikumpu and Hanhivaara is marked with blue squares.
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
The trail mainly follows narrow and uneven paths that are rocky in places. Some sections may be wet. There are some path junctions on the trail, which means that hikers need a map.
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 wet in places. You should bring matches if you intend to light a fire, and your own toilet paper.
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