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Naapurinvaara nature trail, Circle Route, 4 km Vuokatti Finland
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Naapurinvaaran luontopolkua, Vuokatti FinlandPhoto: Helka Leimu-Pelkonen, CC BY-ND, Outdoors Kainuu
Naapurinvaara Nature trail offers the hiker a refreshingly different landscape and lush greenery compared to the other Vuokatti hiking trails. This is a good family destination.
Naapurinvaara nature trail, which traverses the heritage landscape of the Naapurinvaara hill, travels through steep firs and lush slopes. The route offers spectacular scenery and a glimpse into the life of the local population. The information boards along the route tell the hiker about the flora, cultural environments and heritage landscapes of the Naapurinvaara hill. Remember to also visit the Naapurinlouhi hut, admiring the magnificent views of Vuokatti and Nuasjärvi and having a resting break. With a few exceptions, this circle route´s terrain is easy to walk on.
- The length of the route is 3.5 km, and if you have a break at the Naapurinlouhi Hut the length is 4 km.
- Campfire site at halfway in Naapurinlouhi Hut.
- Trail markings: white pine cone on green background
- No winter maintenance on the trail, it´s possible to take the route in winter with snowshoes.
- The trail marks are visible also in winter.
Author’s recommendation
There is also a short children's route in the area. The length of the trail is 0.8 km and it is marked with the adult and child signs.
Track types
Show elevation profileSafety information
- Some part of the route is grazed by cows from June to early August. Behave calmly near animals and remember to close the gates.
- When the cows are in the pasture, the gates on the route are closed and there are warning signs at the gates.
- When the cows are on pasture, dogs should not be taken to the route.
Tips and hints
- Naapurinvaara is the oldest residential area in Kainuu and has been defined as a nationally valuable landscape and a significant cultural and historical environment.
- Naapurinvaara Huvikeskus is one of Finland's most famous dancing venues.
Start
Destination
Turn-by-turn directions
- The length of the circle route is 3,5 km and if you visit the lean-to of Naapurinlouhi then the length is 4 km.
- The resting place is halfway of the route, in Naapurinlouhi.
- The trail is marked with a pine cone on a green base.
- No winter maintenance, in winter it is possible to walk this route with snowshoes.
The hiking trail starts from the parking area of Naapurinvaarantie road and proceeds within a spruce forest on Perttula road about 300 meters until you reach the leafy landscape of Naapurinvaara. Please notice, that if the gates are closed after the spruce forest, the cows will be grazing on that area from June to early August. After the gate the path bends to the right, passing through the grove less than half a kilometer, until you are taken to a rugged spruce at the second gate. After a short section of spruce forest, the trail comes into a wider terrain with views of Vuokatti. The trail runs on the side of open about 400 meters until to the junction where the route turns to the left.
If you want to take a break at the lean-to of Naapurinlouhi, the trail to the lean-to branches right. The hut is located about 300 meters from the crossing and is a great place for a break due to its landscapes. From lean-to, the trail returns same way back to the intersection and the route turns to the right to recently planted forest. At the same time, the trail descends through the alder forest towards the fields of Määttälä. After 300 meters, there will be a gate on the route that starts the second cow grazing area. After the gate, the trail passes through the Naapurinvaara about 300 meters, after which the trail will branch to the left. The route to the right is a connecting route to Naapurinvaaran lomakeskus -cottages.
Soon after the intersection, the cow grazing area ends. After the gate, the trail descends to the Määttälä open field, following a gravel road 200 meters, then turning left to follow the side of the field towards the birch forest. From the edge of the forest, the trail goes to an old tractor track and rises back to Naapurinvaara and the gate at the edge of the forest is also a sign of the beginning of the grazing area. After about 500 meters, the route departs from the tractor track to the right and goes towards the starting point. After 300 meters there is the last gate of the route and at the same time the last short but relatively steep rise to the starting point begins.
Note
Public transport
- The route is poorly accessible by public transport.
- The nearest bus stop is at Pohjavaarantie, 1.5 km away from the starting point. Busses that drive route Kajaani-Kuluntalahti-Pohjavaara-Vuokatti and vice versa stop at the bus stop.
Getting there
The starting point of the the nature trail is located next to Naapurinvaara Elementary School. From Vuokatti you can reach the starting point by driving the Pohjavaarantie road (No. 899) to the west 4 km. Then turn to the right on the road Naapurinvaarantie (No. 9010), which is driven 1 km. The parking lot is on the left side of the road.Parking
- Parking area, Naapurinvaarantie 16, 88610 Vuokatti
- An alternative parking area at Perttulantie 7, 88610 Vuokatti.
- Free parking in the area
Coordinates
Equipment
- In dry weather, the route can be walked in normal footwear.
- In rainy weather use of waterproof footwear is recommended.
Statistics
- 5 Waypoints
- 5 Waypoints
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