The Wilderness Church is a striking sight on a wooded islet along the Kuohunkierto route. The boardwalks guide the traveler to the wooden bench-seated, unadorned, rugged church. The journey from the parking lot to the Wilderness Church is about 0.6 kilometers, and the area includes a lean-to shelter, campfire site, and toilet. The Juuka Evangelical Lutheran congregation holds events at the church a few times a year.
Kuohusoita marshes and the Wilderness Church
Scenic hiking trail
Description
The scenic 5-kilometer-long Kuohunkierto hiking trail can be found in the Kuohusoita swamp area, about ten kilometers from Juuka village center. The undrained, tranquil swamp environment attracts birds especially closely – the luckiest may even become familiar with the black grouse or crane. In late summer, the red-hued swamps are covered with lodges and blooming cotton-like swamp wool. There are no boardwalks on the Kuohunkierto route, so rubber boots are the best friend for hikers on this trip.
Safety
Note! The Kuohunkierto route has no markings or boardwalks, so it is challenging in difficulty.
Location & Parking
Drive 9.7 km from the Juuka roundabout towards Juankoski, then turn right onto the gravel road marked by signs for Kuohunkierto and the Wilderness Church. Drive 2.2 km on the gravel road until you notice a turnout on the right side of the road and the Kuohunkierto trailhead signs to the left of it.
Note! The gravel road leading to the Kuohusoita marsh is sometimes in poorer driving condition depending on weather conditions.
Tools and equipment
There are no boardwalks on the Kuohunkierto route, so rubber boots are the best friend for hikers on this trip.