Karhunpolku, Hiking Trail in Lieksa

Be

to set aside enough time to take in the beautiful scenery and explore the sights. Along the hiking trail and in its vicinity, you’ll find well-maintained rest areas, restored battlefields, and several fishing spots. Tourism companies can help you stock up on supplies and offer hikers the chance to rest, enjoy a sauna, eat well, or even try out various activities.

We recommend allowing 6–8 days to hike the entire trail. The terrain varies in both scenery and elevation. The wettest areas have been equipped with boardwalks. The trail is marked with orange paint markers.

You can learn more about Lieksa’s tourism services and attractions at www.lieksatravel.fi

• Open fires are prohibited during forest or grassland fire warnings and in strong winds.
• Be careful—never leave a fire unattended. The last person to leave should make sure the fire is completely out.
• There are some very challenging sections along the trail, such as steep ascents and descents.
• In rainy or wet conditions, the boardwalks, rocks, and roots can be very slippery.
• Carry a first-aid kit with you.
• General emergency number: 112 (Also download the free “112 Suomi” app to your phone).
• Please note that there may be dead zones in cell phone coverage.
• Check the Finnish Meteorological Institute’s warnings!

See parking and directions via Ruunaa: luontoon.fi/ruunaa

There is no public transportation to this destination.

Lieksa Taxis
+358 800 02120 or 060610100

Local companies offer transportation services as well as car transfer services to hiking destinations:

Ruunaan Matkailu

Transportation for people and gear.

Tel. +358 13 533 130, +358 400 695 955

info@ruunaanmatkailu.fi

Ruunaan Hiking Center

Transportation for people and equipment.

Tel. +358 13 533 170​

info@ruunaa.fi

You can break up the Karhunpolku trail into several day trips according to your own preferences. In the northern section of the Karhunpolku Trail—between Teljo and Ruunaa—the high ridges and coniferous trails offer stunning views of lakes and ridges, along with significant elevation changes. In the southern section—between Patvinsuo and Ruunaa—there is plenty of beautiful old-growth forest, open marshland, and less steep hills compared to the Ruunaa–Teljo section.

The entire route is long, and you should set aside about a week to hike it. If you prefer, you can also hike the route in the opposite direction.

Route description from Patvinsuo to Teljo:

It’s a good idea to set aside an extra day for Patvinsuo (0 km). Walk around Lake Suomujärvi, visit the birdwatching tower, and enjoy a sauna at the lakeside sauna of the Suomu Nature Lodge. At the nature lodge, you can stay in the shared dormitory (9 beds, cooking facilities) or at Suomu House. Check out the national park exhibition. The nature lodge rents out saunas, canoes, and boats.

3 km Kurkilahti, campfire site, swimming beach. The trail winds through magnificent old-growth forest and continues as a boardwalk.

16.8 km Ahokoski lean-to.

21.3 km Hukkalammi campfire site. The trail passes through esker scenery.

25.8 km Pitkäjärvi wilderness cabin + a small wilderness cabin in the yard. Accommodation for approx. 13–14 people. Sauna. A marked trail around Pitkäjärvi through truly beautiful esker scenery. After Kirkisensalmi, a lean-to in a beautiful spot.

28.5 km Valkealammi restored battle site. Campfire site, restored dugouts, and anti-tank barriers. The trail follows a small road in parts (bunkers closed due to risk of collapse).

29.5 km Connecting trail to Loma-Kitsi (7.8 km).

30.5 km Kaatiinlampi campfire site. The route follows a beautiful ridge with lovely oak trees; forest management work has been carried out in the area.

36.1 km Särkkäjoki campfire site. Shelter. The route continues first along a road and then along the magnificent Särkkäjoki ridge.

41.6 km The trail descends from the ridge, crosses a road and a gravel pit, and continues toward Ruunaa. The route follows a village road before descending into the Ruunaa Nature Reserve along the shores of Itkiinpohja and Lake Ruunaanjärvi. There are boardwalks along the shore.

49.3 km Rantakangas campfire site.

51.8 km Marinkangas campfire site.

55.3 km Haapavitja suspension bridge, with lean-tos on both sides of the river. You can hop aboard a whitewater raft here if you’ve arranged it in advance with the operator.

56.0 km Haapavitja II, shelter.

61.0 km Ruunaa Hiking Center. Stop to admire the Neitikoski rapids. The trail continues along boardwalks and a path, passing through wetlands at times.

64.6 km Connecting trail to Ruunaa Tourism (4.5 km).

68.8 km Naarajoki. Ruunaan Tupa summer café. The trail continues as a new route to the next campfire site. For mountain bikers, follow the old route along the road.

73.8 km Niskanlahti lean-to. The route begins with a strenuous uphill climb, followed by a magnificent stretch of ridges.

83.3 km Piilonen shelter. From the Piilonen shelter, follow the road for about 5 km to the Olkikoski reservation cabin in Villi Pohjola.

88.3 km The connecting trail to the village of Nurmijärvi HAS NOT BEEN MAINTAINED FOR YEARS; SIGNPOSTING IS INCOMPLETE. RISK OF GETTING LOST without a proper map. Along the connecting trail is the Villin Pohjola Puuruu reservation hut.

92.3 km Jynkänlampi campfire site on the shore of the pond. The route continues through esker terrain. From the southern end of Jynkkälammi, follow the gravel road for about 3 km to the Villin Pohjola Häähnijoki reservation cabin.

95.5 km Trail to the village of Nurmijärvi

97.5 km Änäkäinen, a battle site from the Winter War, featuring trenches, anti-tank barriers, and a large three-story cave—the cave is closed due to the risk of collapse. There is a lean-to at the end of Saarijärvi, and a hut on the isthmus between Änäkäinen and Saarijärvi. The route continues through esker scenery.

104.0 km Campfire site and lean-to on the banks of the Jongunjoki River. The route continues along a village road and a trail through a primeval forest area. From the primeval forest area, a marked trail leads to the banks of the Jongunjoki River at Pälvekoski. At Pälvekoski, there is a cozy hut in a beautiful location next to a suspension bridge. A marked spring at the northern end of Hämönlampi; signs from the trail.

115.5 km Valamajoki wilderness cabin. The cabin has 6 beds, and outside there is a campfire site, a wood shed, and an outhouse.

120.7 km Jongubnjoen shelter. The trail continues along the shore, which is damp in places.

125.3 km Viharinkoski. Shelter and marked spring.

127.3 km Otroskoski wilderness cabin: two-story bunk beds for 10–15 people, a lakeside sauna, a fire pit, a wood shed, and an outhouse. The route continues as a trail and forest road. The cabin was renovated in 2010.

133.0 km Teljo. 500 m toward Lieksa: Teljo Bridge and a fire pit. The route continues to Kuhmo along the Petranpolku trail, following the Jongunjoki River upstream.

The Karhunpolku trail is maintained by the Lieksa Sports Department. If you notice any wind-felled trees along the trail or have any comments regarding the condition of the campfire sites and shelters, please contact the sports facility managers: jaa.halli@lieksa.fi or call 040 104 4775.

Welcome to Karhunpolku and enjoy your hike!

Trail guide updated in 2026.