Pirhun kierto

The wilderness character of the route, dark spruce forests, river scenery, and colorful history add interest to the journey. The circuit is named after Pirhunvaara, on whose summit there is an old forest ranger's farm.

The route partly passes through Koivusuo natural park, which is one of Finland's 19 natural parks. Only in eight of our natural parks is movement allowed, and even then only on marked routes. Koivusuo natural park is one of these and offers a unique opportunity to admire one of the largest kettle bog areas in our country.

The route's wild river scenery and colorful history bring additional interest to the journey. The route is named after Pirhunvaara, on whose summit there is an old forest ranger's farm, now used by researchers.

Hikers are served by two lean-tos, Koidanvaara and Asumajoki, as well as Verkkopudas wilderness hut. The terrain is mostly easy to walk, but narrow paths and partly poor condition boardwalks can slow progress. During spring floods, water may rise onto the path especially between Asumakangas and Polvikoski sections.

The two ferries on the route are in use in the summer season from 1.6 to 30.9, weather permitting longer. The status of the ferries can be checked at luontoon.fi/koitajoki/ajankohtaista.

If you start from the Pirtupolku parking area, the Koidanvaara lean-to, or the Verkkopudas wilderness hut, the distance is 17 km. From Polvikoski or Hoikantie parking lots, the route is extended by the length of the out-and-back section. The entire Koitajoki natural protection area has no mobile network coverage, so you should bring a printed map and turn off mobile devices. 

Main departure address: Polvikoskentie 92, Ilomantsi.

Other possible departure points:

1) Verkkopudas wilderness hut. Closest navigation address: Koidanvaarantie 60, Ilomantsi.

The route starts at Polvikoskentie 92 heading north. The first 900 m is road and old roadbed, from which the route diverges to Koivusuo.