Mäntyjärvi loop, Peurajärvi Nurmes

The Mäntyjärvi loop is an easy route through pine forest terrain. Part of the route is on boardwalks through swampy landscapes, but along the way you also see lake views, wooden bridges, and beaches.

The shortest way to do the Mäntyjärvi loop is to start from the Mäntyjärvi lean-to shelter, which is located on the bank of a long sandy beach. You can also enjoy a picnic at the lean-to shelter. Other starting points are the Iso-Valkeinen information point and Käärmesärkkä, from where a connecting path leads to Hiidenportti National Park.

The fish-rich, clear waters and bright ridge forests are the elements that make up Peurajärvi. You can choose from two different circular hiking routes, one circling Mäntyjärvi and the other Iso-Valkeinen lake, or continue hiking to Hiidenportti National Park.

Route highlights:

• Clear lakes
• Ridge landscapes
• Hiidenportti National Park connecting trail

• On rainy days, piers and boardwalks can be slippery.
• Emergency number: 112 (Also download the free 112 Finland app on your phone).
• There might be areas with no mobile network coverage.
• Carry first aid supplies with you.
• Be careful - do not leave fires unattended. The last to leave, ensure the fire is completely out. Open fires are prohibited during forest or grass fire warnings and in strong winds.

The Peurajärvi area is located on the border of Nurmes and Sotkamo. Drive on road 75 from Nurmes towards Kuhmo and turn left from the road. Drive about 14 km and turn right to the Iso-Valkeinen parking area. The address is Porttijoentie 136, Nurmes.

When driving to the Mäntyjärvi lean-to shelter, turn right from the Porttijoentie 125 intersection, drive about 1.3 km, then turn left and drive 1.5 km until you reach the Mäntyjärvi lean-to shelter.

• Iso-Valkeinen parking area
• Mäntyjärvi lean-to shelter
• Käärmesärkkä parking spot

The Mäntyjärvi loop initially coincides with the Iso-Valkeinen loop for about a kilometer up to the Mäntyjärvi lean-to shelter. The direction is counterclockwise, with the route following the eastern shore of Mäntyjärvi after the lean-to shelter. At the northern tip of Mäntyjärvi, a connecting path diverges to Hiidenportti National Park. The Mäntyjärvi loop proceeds along the western shore of Mäntyjärvi. The route passes over a narrow isthmus between Peura and Mäntyjärvi lakes. The route mark is an orange circle on the signs.

Appropriate clothing

Good shoes

Enough food and drink

Fire-making equipment

Insect repellent