Suomunkierto—A Loop Around a Wilderness Lake in the Heart of Patvinsuo National Park

In the wetlands, you may encounter beaver dams, birds, and other interesting animals. Along the trail, you can also find dead trees, a log dam, and even a geocache. Boardwalks and footbridges make it easier to navigate the wettest areas. Along the way, there are several well-maintained rest areas and shallow, sandy beaches perfect for swimming.

You can start the Suomu Loop either from the Suomu Nature Center, the Kurkilahti parking area, or the Surkanpuro parking area. The trail has no significant elevation changes and the terrain is easy to navigate, making it suitable even for the youngest members of the family.
The trail on the luontoon.fi website.

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

• Open fires are prohibited during forest or grass 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.
• In rainy and wet weather, 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!

Starting point of the route on Google Maps

Directions from Lieksa

The distance from Lieksa to the Suomun Nature Center is approximately 55 km. Drive from Lieksa along Hattuvaarantie (Road 522) and turn onto Kontiovaarantie. Continue on Kontiovaarantie to Uimaharjuntie (Road 5202), turn left, and follow the signs for Patvinsuo to Suomuntie. Suomuntie leads to the nature center’s parking area.

Directions from Joensuu

The distance from Joensuu to the Suomun Nature Center is approximately 90 km. Take Highway 73 toward Uimaharju and continue from Uimaharju toward Kivilahde and Kitsi. Follow the signs for Patvinsuo to Uimaharjuntie (Road 5202) and turn onto Suomuntie, which leads to the nature center’s parking area.

A carpool service organized by the City of Lieksa runs to Suomun tuva once a week. See the lieksa.fi website for more details.

Local companies offer transportation services to tourist destinations:

Lieksa Taxi Center +358 800 02120

Ruunaan Matkailu

Transportation for people and equipment.

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

info@ruunaanmatkailu.fi

Ruunaa Hiking Center

Transportation for people and equipment.

Tel. +358 13 533 170​

info@ruunaa.fi

• You'll need rubber boots or sturdy hiking shoes. Be sure to bring enough warm clothes.
• Please keep your pet on a leash.
• It’s a good idea to bring mosquito repellent during the summer. You won’t need a compass. There are some dead zones for cell phone service, but the trail is well marked.