Vorlokin kierros 14 km, Ukkohalla Finland
Finland is one of the most sparsely populated countries in Europe and therefore famous for its wild and beautiful nature. The Kainuu region is especially known for its forests, swamps and lakes.
On the 14 km long Vorlokin kierros trail one can experience Finlands nature to its fullest. Not only can one enjoy the peace and quit of Finlands beautiful pine forrests, but also its wide and moist swamp areas. One will not only pass the mystical Vorlokki gorge, but also streams, ponds and blueberries fields. This hike definitly gives an insight into Finland's nature and shows what this country has to offer.
Author’s recommendation
If you have time, enjoy this hike on the extend of two days and spend the night at the Vorlokki rental hut.
Safety information
There is no place selling snacks and drinks on the way. That's why you should pack enough water and snacks for the hike.Tips and hints
If you plan your hike between July and October you can enjoy the blueberries along the way.
If you plan your hike in late September or October you can enjoy the beautiful autumn colours and pick mushrooms.
Start
Destination
Turn-by-turn directions
The Vorlokin kierros trail is marked with yellow markings and also wooden signs.
In the beginning, one has to climb up the skiing slope right across from the Ukkohalla Ski&Sports Resort. This hike is quite monotonous and exhausting, but at the top, it is worth it. There you can enjoy the view over the lake Syväjärvi and the Resort. From there the official Vorlokin kierros trail starts.
Now one can enjoy the calm Finnish forest, as you will walk on nice hiking trails through it. After around 45 minutes you will arrive at the mysterious and breathtaking Vorlokki gorge. This is a great place to take your first break and enjoy the rocks, trees and the gorge.
Then you will continue along the valley and a stream through the pine forrest for another 45 minutes until you arrive at the Paskokoski lean-to-shelter and fireplace. This is another great place to take a break, grill a sausage and write your name in the guestbook.
After having regained some strenght, one can continue the hike on the Vorlokin kierros trail. You might notice, that the landscape changes from a dark forrest towards an open and light swamp area. On duckboards one can easily walk through those swamp areas. You follow the trail for about 30 minutes until you arrive at the Vorlokki rental hut, sauna and fireplace. This is a perfect place to spend the night in in the midst of a Finnish forest, with a wooden sauna and a pond to get refreshed after the sauna visit. If you don't want to spend the night here, you can take time to grill a sausage at the fireplace or make use of the dry-toilet.
The last part of the trail takes you again through swamp areas on duckboards and through Finnish forrests and along a cliff. After another 1,5 hours you will arrive back at the lake Syväjärvi and the Ukkohalla Ski&Sport Resort.
Note
Public transport
The Ukkohalla Ski&Sport Resort can be reached with the bus from Kajaani. Within 2 hours and 40 minutes one can reach the bus stop Ukkohalla Lauttakylä, from where the Resort is just 2 km away.
But be aware that the public transportation is not optimal for hiking this route. It is the easiest if you travel with your own car.
Getting there
The Vorlokin kierros circle trail can be started on top of the skiing slope next to the Ukkohalla Ski&Sport resort.
Coming from Kajaani, you can reach the Ukkohalla Ski&Sport Resort in a little over an hour by taking the route E63.
If you come from Kuusamo you can take the E63 and drive for about 2 hours south until you arrive at your destination.
Coming from Oulu you take the route 837 and arrive at your destination in a little over 2 hours.
Parking
You can park your car at the Ukkohalla Ski&Sport Resort. There you have the option of parking your car at the bottom of the Resort and walk up the skiing slope to start the hike, or to park your car at the parking spot at the top of the skiing slope.
A suitable starting point for the Ukkohalla-Vorlok routes is also the Komulankönkä car park along Hallanmaantie about 3 km from the Ukkohallantie junction towards Puolanka.
Coordinates
Equipment
You need a daypack with enough water and food, good hiking shoes and clothing suitable for the weather condition.
If you want to stay overnight, be aware that you need to bring everything needed!
Statistics
- 8 Waypoints
- 8 Waypoints
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