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Kiilopää bench
Photo: Heini Koivuniemi, Metsähallitus
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The Kiirunapolku leads to Arctic nature and bird watching.
moderate
Distance 5.8 km
Duration2:30 h
Ascent195 m
Descent195 m
Highest point531 m
Lowest point336 m
What is the creaking sound in the fell? When can you see lemmings? How to recognize the Kiilopää birch found only on the fells of Urho Kekkonen National Park? The information boards along the Kiirunapolku at Kiilopää tell about the harsh fell nature, its plants, birds, and animals. An attentive traveler may even see the trail's namesake species, the Siberian jay, or hear its creaking call during the hike. The Kiilopää area is a favorable spot for spotting Arctic bird species.
Author’s recommendation
Take a selfie on the amazing scenic bench located at the top of Kiilopää.
Derived from the technical difficulty and the stamina requirements.
Experience
Landscape
Highest point
531 m
Lowest point
336 m
Best time of year
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Track types
Asphalt 0.28%Path 99.71%
Asphalt
17 m
Path
5.8 km
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Safety information
The Kiirunapolku is clearly marked in the terrain, but especially in open fell areas, weather conditions can be challenging and visibility poor. Hikers must have a topographic map and compass, along with basic skills in using them.
There are mobile phone network dead zones along the route where the phone does not work at all.
More safety instructions for hiking can be found on the Luontoon.fi website, in the Safety section.
Tips and suggestions
More information about Urho Kekkonen National Park and its routes is available on the Luontoon.fi website.
Tips for hiking in Finnish conditions can be found on the Luontoon.fi website, in the Hiking ABC section.
Explore the story of Kiirunapolku and the harsh home of Arctic species in Urho Kekkonen National Park.
Roadbook
You can access Kiirunapolku from the starting gate at Kiilopää. The trail initially ascends gently on Kiilopää's lower slope. Above the tree line, the slope becomes a bit steeper, and the view opens up. There are stairs at the rockiest parts to make walking easier. In clear weather, from Kiilopää’s summit, you can admire the fells of Urho Kekkonen National Park to the east and north. To the south are the sharp-peaked Nattastunturi fells of Sompio Wilderness Park. The distance to the Kiilopää summit is 2 km, which is the most challenging part of the trail. From the summit, the trail descends the northern slope of Kiilopää and crosses the municipal border about 0.5 km later. The border between Sodankylä and Inari municipalities is visible on maps, but in the open fell landscape, it is not visible at all. About 200 meters from the municipal border, you cross the Luulampi trail. The route continues north for about 0.5 km, where the Luulampi trail is crossed again. After this, the last 2 km continue towards Kiilopää. At the end, the trail crosses one of the headwaters of Kiilo Creek. In winter, the trail serves as a snowshoe route. The trail is suitable for beginner hikers. The circular route can be walked in both directions. If you want to extend the hike, you can combine it with other trails as well as other snowshoe routes in winter.
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There are daily bus connections to the starting point of the route at Kiilopää from the directions of Rovaniemi and Ivalo. Current bus schedules can be viewed on the Matkahuolto website.
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Kiirunapolku in Urho Kekkonen National Park
Directions
The starting point of the route is located in the yard of Suomen Latu Kiilopää. From highway E75, turn at Kakslauttanen onto road No. 9695; from the junction, there are six kilometers to Kiilopää. The starting point address is Kiilopääntie 620, 99830 Saariselkä.
Parking
Parking at Suomen Latu Kiilopää parking area (overnight parking without accommodation at Kiilopää is chargeable). Coordinates, address, and location on Google Maps of the parking area:
Hike behind the fell to marvel at the traces of the Ice Age. Take a break during your hike at the Luulampi day hut and explore exhibitions presenting nature and the area's ancient relics.
The Iisakkipää is the local mountain of Saariselkä in the Inari Saariselkä region in northern Lapland. Beautiful views over Finnish Lapland and typical landscapes are presented to us on the nature trail, which takes only 2 hours.
On this five-day hike, you get to explore the vast landscapes of the open fell, the majestic old forests, and the impressive Tuiskukuru and Kotaköngäs of the Suomu River. Especially along Tuiskukuru and Hikioja, there is amazing art formed by dead pines, root structures, and burn marks.
The largest lake in Urho Kekkonen National Park is Luirojärvi, and the highest fell in all of Eastern Lapland, Sokosti, rises right from its shore. It is no wonder that this treasure attracts countless groups of hikers. When you dare to venture on a week-long hike outside the marked hiking trails, the Luirojärvi route is a natural first step.
Tighten your hiking boots, sling your backpack over your shoulder, and climb the trail up to the windswept fell tops. Explore the rugged traces of the last Ice Age and the vast, ice-shaped landscape stretching as far as the eye can see.
The Rautulampi route in Urho Kekkonen National Park offers hikers stunning fell scenery and significant elevation changes. The route through the wilderness is not suitable for inexperienced people and requires good preparation. The route can be covered as a long day trip either on foot or by bike, or you can spend the night at the Rautulampi wilderness hut or reservation hut.
The Aurora walking trail near the center of Saariselkä takes the traveler directly into the embrace of nature in Urho Kekkonen National Park all year round.
Difficulty
moderate
Overall difficulty
moderate
Derived from the technical difficulty and the stamina requirements.
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