recommended route
Valtavaaran huiputus Trail 5,7 km, Valtavaara-Pyhävaara Nature Reserve
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Trailrunner taking a break on the top of ValtavaaraPhoto: Metsähallitus
A great day hiking trail in the nature reserve of Valtavaara right next to Ruka Ski Resort. This summit trail offers great views and is accessible from Ruka Village on foot.
Valtavaaran huiputus trail is about 6 km long and follows Karhunkierros Trail from Ruka to the day trip hut (old fire guard's cabin) at the top of Valtavaara hill. From the top of Valtavaara the trail descends to Lappish hut "kota" and returns to Ruka along the eastern side of Valtavaara Hill.
The uphill hike along Karhunkierros trail is rocky and demanding at times but there are also stairs and handrails to make the hike easier. The downhill hike from the top towards Valtavaaran kota Lappish hut is more gently sloping and the route has parts with duckboards.
This hiking trail has three nice spots for having a break:
- Lean-to shelter on waterfront of Valtavaaranlampi pond is nice on a warm and sunny weather (you can also find a dry toilet from this spot)
- Top of Valtavaara has a picnic table outdoors and a day trip hut that has a stove. Hut is a great shelter from the wind and for colder days
- Valtavaaran kota Lappish hut is located 300 m from the top (find dry toilet and fire woods here)
Author’s recommendation
No waste bins along the trail. Please carry all your waste with you and do not litter.
Track types
Show elevation profileSafety information
If you face an emergency on your hike, e.g. get lost, get injured or observe wildfire, call 112 and report an emergency.
Read more about securing your safety during hiking in Nationalparks.fi.
Tips and hints
Tips for litter-free hiking here.
See more instructions for hiking Valtavaara nature reserve here.
Start
Destination
Note
Public transport
Public-transport-friendly
- See info on arriving to Ruka Ski Resort here.
- Closest airport: Kuusamo (31 km). A regular bus connection between the airport and Kuusamo, Ruka and Salla is operated by Pohjolan Matka according to the flight schedules.
- Information about the public transport to and from Kuusamo airport can be found from Finavia web pages.
Getting there
The starting point for Valtavaaran huiputus Trail is at Saarua parking area in east side of Ruka (address: Ahonjussintie 7, see in Google Maps)
You can also start the hike directly from Ruka Village, from the starting point for Karhunkierros Trail (adds approximately 2 km to the round-trip hike). Karhunkierros starting point is located on the front slopes of Ruka Ski Resort, between Scandic Hotel Rukahovi and restaurant Piste.
Parking
Free parking at Saarua parking area.
For parking in Ruka Village, see options in Ruka web pages.
Coordinates
Statistics
- 4 Waypoints
- 4 Waypoints
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