Pyhä-Luosto hiking route
On the route, you can climb to the top of Ukko-Luosto, pass through Finland's deepest gorge Isokuru, visit the amethyst mine, and enjoy magnificent fell landscapes.
The hiking route connects fells and is passable year-round; hiking in summer and part of the route serves as a ski trail in winter. Along the way, you will see impressive keros and gorges as well as many geological and historical sites. You can influence the length and difficulty of your journey with route choices, as there are connections to most Pyhä-Luosto day routes along the path.
Although the Pyhä-Luosto hiking route is rated as moderately demanding, it is also suitable for beginner hikers, as the distances between rest areas are short and the route is well marked.
Author’s recommendation
Stop by before or after your hike to explore the exhibition at Naava Nature Centre. The nature centre is open every day of the year.
Derived from the technical difficulty and the stamina requirements.
Track types
Safety information
The route is rocky in places, and following the trail markings in bad weather can be challenging.
Keep in mind that there are no direct drinking water points on the route. Natural water is available at Pyhälampi, Huttuloma, and Karhunjuomalampi, but the water is recommended to be boiled or otherwise purified before use. There is a domestic water well less than a kilometer from the Huttuloma rest area, at the yard of the Huttujärvi rental cabin, which is available to all hikers. A domestic water well is also found at Rykimäkero.
Isokuru is a restricted area, and leaving the marked trail is prohibited both to preserve nature and for hiker safety. There is a significant avalanche risk in Isokuru in winter, so the gorge is not used as a winter route. Wooden boardwalks can be very slippery, especially in wet weather and autumn frosts.
Always check current warnings before heading out on a hike here. Open fires are prohibited during grass and forest fire warnings.
Tips and suggestions
Learn about the national park's instructions and rules at www.luontoon.fi/pyha-luosto/ohjeetjasaannot
Free hiking map www.retkikartta.fi/
Hiking instructions, rules, and tips Luontoon.fi/retkeilynabc
Roadbook
The route can be traveled in both directions; the route description is from Luosto to Pyhä.
Luoston Gate - Pyhälampi 9 km
From Luoston Gate, you start on an easy, gravel path heading south. As a warm-up for the trip, the route meanders through a sparsely wooded pine forest for one and a half kilometers to the base of the Ukko-Luosto stairs. From here begins a steep climb, as 575 steps take the traveler toward the fell summit. Above the stairs, the route continues on a gravel path to the top of Ukko-Luosto, where a weather observation station serves as a landmark. Just before the highest point, there is a sign to the viewpoint, a few dozen meters off the path. From here, there is a magnificent view toward the Pyhänlatva fell heath. The viewpoint also has benches and a table for taking a snack break. From the top of Ukko-Luosto, behind the weather observation station, trail markings continue down the scree-covered southeast slope toward Lampivaara. The route passes via the ridge of Pikku-Luosto.
Upon reaching Lampivaara, you can take a snack break at a lean-to in the yard. At Lampivaara, it is also possible to visit the Amethyst Mine (ametistikaivos.fi) or enjoy a coffee and doughnut at Lampivaara café.
From Lampivaara, the path continues through beautiful pine-dominated forest terrain and gently descends toward the Pyhälampi rest area, which includes the Pyhälampi day hut and a lean-to with fireplaces. You can refill your water supplies from the Pyhäjoki river, but remember to boil or otherwise purify any natural water you use. The rest area is also well suited for overnight camping; there are places for tents.
Pyhälampi - Huttuloma 12.5 km
From Pyhälampi, the route continues over the rocky ridge of Latvavaara to the Porontahtoma lean-to, which is located in a sheltered hollow. From the lean-to, it is only 1.5 km to the Kapusta day hut. The yard of the hut has a fireplace from where you can admire the surrounding old spruce forest or the impressive scree of the Kapusta slope.
From Kapusta, you descend slightly into a hollow between fells and start ascending through Huttutunturi for a five-kilometer trek to Huttuloma, a gorge between Huttutunturi and Peurakero. At the Huttuloma wilderness hut yard, hikers are greeted by a campfire spot and a grill cabin. You can also spend the night at this wilderness hut, but since the rest area is popular, you should bring your own tent or other accommodation. Remember that the first person to arrive at the hut should always give way to the last arriving guest. Behind the wilderness hut is a water point, but during dry periods there may be no water at all. Water must be boiled before drinking.
An alternative overnight shelter and a reliable water point are found about one kilometer away at Huttujärvi, which can also be reached directly (approx. 4.6 km) from the Kapusta day hut by a ski trail running along the eastern side of Huttutunturi. On the shore of Huttujärvi is a rental hut with a sauna. The yard of this hut has a campfire spot and a domestic water well, which is available for all hikers. We kindly ask campers to give space to those who have rented the hut and preferably spend the night near the Huttuloma wilderness hut yard. The hut can be booked from the Pyhä-Luosto Nature Centre Naava or the Eräluvat online store.
Huttuloma - Pyhä 12 km
After a well-rested night, you start ascending a gentle slope toward the five keros of the Pyhä fell chain. The keros, from west to east, are Peurakero, Laakakero, Noitatunturi, Ukonhattu, and Kultakero. The terrain is truly magnificent high fell and scree; there are also small spring routes on the slopes, and occasionally you might hear the plaintive whistle of the capercaillie. Wonderful scenery in the distance, such as Mairivaara, the Soutaja fell behind Pyhäjärvi, as well as the tapestry of surrounding forests and fell heaths, touches the traveler's soul.
At Annikinlampi (just over 4 km from Huttuloma), the Noitatunturi route joins. Along this green-square-marked route, there is an option to make about a one-kilometer detour to the top of Noitatunturi, the highest peak at 541 meters, and back. From Annikinlampi toward Karhunjuomalampi, the route gently descends, occasionally passing through grove-like areas. After one and a half kilometers, the hiker arrives at the Karhunjuomalampi day hut. Here you can also find a lean-to and a half-cabin, where you can make a fire. Water can be taken from Karhunjuomalampi (again, remember to boil before drinking), but bathing or washing is not allowed in the pond for either people or dogs.
From Karhunjuomalampi, you proceed to Uhriharju, whose viewpoint offers a nearly vertical view down into Karhukuru right at your feet. Note that Uhriharju is an ancient monument area, protected from wear by directing walkers to the marked route – which still leads to the most spectacular viewpoints.
From Uhriharju, you descend over 400-step stairs into the majestic Isokuru – Finland's deepest fell gorge. At the bottom of the stairs, you can quietly admire Pyhänkaste pond and Pyhänkaste waterfall. The journey at the bottom of Isokuru continues on a boardwalked path. Isokuru is a restricted area where movement is allowed only on marked trails. At the southern end of Isokuru, you climb stairs up to the Isokuru rest area, where it is possible to rest by a shelter or a lean-to and make fires. You are almost certainly accompanied by the Pyhä-Luosto National Park's emblematic bird, the curious Siberian jay. From the shelter, it is about two kilometers of easy gravel path through the Isokurunkangas forests to Pyhä-Luosto Nature Centre Naava and the Pyhä tourism center.
The "lower gate" the Pyhä-Luosto National Park
Isokuru Rest Area
Isokuru Gorge
Pyhäkasteenlampi - Lake of the wholy baptism
Pyhänkasteenputous Waterfall
The Uhriharju Lookout Point
Karhunjuomalampi Day Trip Hut
Karhunjuomalampi Day Trip Hut
Huttuloma Open Wilderness Hut
Huttujärvi Rental Hut in Pyhä-Luosto National Park
Kapusta Day Trip Hut
Porontahtoma Lean-to-shelter
Pyhälampi Day Trip Hut
Lampivaara Amethyst Mine
Ukko-Luosto viewpoint
Luostonportti
Public transport
Public-transport-friendly
There is a bus connection (matkahuolto.fi) to Pyhä-Luosto from trains and the airport. The nearest bus stop is in the center of Luosto, right near the starting point. In Pyhä, the closest stop is by the Pyhä commercial center right next to the Naava Nature Centre.
Search for public transportation routes and timetables at matka.fi.
Get Timetable to destination
Directions
Pyhä-Luosto National Park is located in Eastern Lapland, approximately 115 km from Rovaniemi to Luosto and about 50 km from Kemijärvi (road no. 962). From the north, Sodankylä's Torvinen (road no. 962) is about 40 km away. The nearest airport is in Rovaniemi, and the railway station is in Kemijärvi. The distance between the park's villages, Pyhä and Luosto, is 25 km.
Read more about arriving at Pyhä-Luosto National Park here.
Parking
The parking area at Luoston Gate is located together with the Luosto ski resort. There is room for approximately 200 cars, and the parking lot is maintained in winter as well. Trail signs start from Luoston Gate at the southeast corner of the parking lot, right next to the ski bridge.
In the center of Pyhä, it is best to leave your car at the Naava Nature Centre parking lot. This parking area is also maintained in winter.
Parking is free in both areas.
Coordinates
Book recommendation by the author
Author’s map recommendations
Book recommendations for this region:
Equipment
Due to the rocky nature of the route, we recommend sturdy hiking boots. The weather can change rapidly in the fell, so take this into account in your clothing, especially in cool weather. In summer, covering clothing, a mosquito hat, and insect repellent protect against mosquitoes.
Bring snacks, drinkable water, a charged phone, matches, toilet paper, a map, first aid supplies, and a garbage bag.
There can always be other hikers at wilderness huts and lean-tos, so we recommend always bringing your own accommodation for longer hikes. Also, when choosing a sleeping bag and mat, consider that nights can be cool even in summer.
Localization
Derived from the technical difficulty and the stamina requirements.
User Questions
Unanswered