Hiking Trails and Nature Paths in Sotkamo and Vuokatti
Published: 04.04.2025
The view from the top of Tolhovuori is truly majestic. (Photo: Kainuu Orienteering Week)
Kainuu offers a diverse range of options for hiking and outdoor activities. This article provides an overview of the hiking trails in Sotkamo and Vuokatti, along with their descriptions.
Planning to go hiking on a rest day during Kainuu Orienteering Week? The Sotkamo and Vuokatti area offers stunning hiking trails with diverse terrain and breathtaking landscapes. Some of the trails are also accessible for people with reduced mobility, and assistive equipment rentals are available in Vuokatti. This bulletin provides descriptions of the area's hiking trails. More information and trail maps can be found via the links at the end of this bulletin.
Eino Leino Hiking Trail
- Trail length: 7 km
- Distance from Sotkamo center: 6 km
- Description: A challenging yet rewarding trail that takes hikers to the summit of Vuokatinvaara, offering stunning views. The trail runs through a nature reserve and includes rest stops at Pöllylampi and Lehmilampi huts.
- Note: Located in the Jukola Relay 2027 competition area, making it part of the training and competition restriction zone.
Hiidenportti National Park
- Trail length: 5 km and 10.5 km
- Distance from Sotkamo center: 46 km
- Description: Featuring dramatic gorge landscapes, old-growth forests, and a remote wilderness hut, this park offers a truly unforgettable experience. Steep cliffs contrast beautifully with lush woodlands, and there are multiple lean-tos and rest spots throughout the area. The park has nearly 30 km of marked trails, allowing for both short day hikes and extended wilderness treks.
In Hiidenportti National Park, hikers can experience the tranquility of the wilderness. (Photo: Kainuu Orienteering Week)
Hiukka Nature and Culture Trail
- Trail length: 2.5 km and 4 km
- Distance from Sotkamo center: 600 m
- Description: An easily accessible trail that showcases the history and nature of Sotkamo. Information boards along the route provide insights, while the trail offers picturesque views of Sapsojärvi and the Vuokatti hills. This loop trail, starting and ending at Hiukka Beach, is mostly easy to navigate with a smooth and level surface.
Huovinen’s Konsta Trail Digital Tour
- Trail length: 2.3 km
- Distance from Sotkamo center: 750 m
- Description: A mobile tour combining walking with cultural insights. The route introduces visitors to the philosophy of Konsta Pylkkänen, a character created by Sotkamo-born author Veikko Huovinen.
Jäätiö Fitness Trail
- Trail length: 2 km
- Distance from Sotkamo center: approx. 8 km
- Description: An easy, accessible trail passing through lakeside scenery. Along the route, you'll find a swimming beach, exercise stations, and a frisbee golf course.
Lampipolku Nearby Hiking Trail
- Trail length: 6 km
- Distance from Sotkamo center: 6 km
- Description: A scenic, easy-to-walk trail that passes three lakes and provides fantastic views of Nuasjärvi and Vuokatinvaara. The Jäätiönlampi lean-to makes for a great spot to take a break and enjoy a snack.
Naapurivaara Lepikko Trail
- Trail length: 0.8 km and 4 km
- Distance from Sotkamo center: 11 km
- Description: A lush trail winding through traditional landscapes with spectacular views of Vuokatti and Nuasjärvi. Along the way, hikers can admire old farmland scenery and historic meadows. The Naapurinlouhi Hut along the route provides a comfortable rest stop. Also known as the Lepikko Loop (Lepikon lenkki), this nature trail is especially suitable for family day trips.
From Naapurivaara, stunning views open up towards Vuokatinvaara and Lake Nuasjärvi. (Photo: Arctic Lakeland Kainuu)
Sapporo Hiking Trail
- Trail length: 10 km
- Distance from Sotkamo center: 6 km
- Description: A demanding trail that leads hikers through some of Vuokatinvaara's most scenic spots, including Pöllyvaara and Keima. The trail was originally built in 1972, following the ski trail profile used in the Sapporo Winter Olympics.
- Note: Located in the Jukola Relay 2027 competition area, making it part of the training and competition restriction zone.
Tiilikkajärvi National Park
- Trail length: 2.5 km, 3.4 km, 4.5 km, 7 km, and 18 km
- Distance from Sotkamo center: 68 km
- Description: A vast and diverse national park featuring ridges, wetlands, and scenic lake landscapes. The area has various hiking routes, catering to both short day hikes and longer treks. The park's rich natural diversity and well-maintained trails make it an excellent destination for nature enthusiasts.
Tipasoja Nature Trail
- Trail length: 4 km
- Distance from Sotkamo center: 25 km
- Description: A scenic trail maintained by a local village association, located on Sotkamo's major ridge. The route offers beautiful natural sights and tranquil forest surroundings.
UKK-trail from Rönkkö to Vuokatti Sports Institute
- Trail length: 12 km
- Distance from Sotkamo center: 19 km
- Description: A challenging hiking route crossing eight of the Vuokatti hilltops. Part of the national UKK Trail network.
- Note: Partially located (Möykky-Rönkkö) within the Kainuu Orienteering Week 2025 competition area, meaning this section falls under training and competition restrictions.
Vuokatin vaellus hiking
- Trail length: 21 km
- Distance from Sotkamo center: 22 km
- Description: A demanding hiking route crossing 13 hilltops, forming part of Finland's oldest trekking event. Also part of the national UKK Trail network.
- Note: Partially located (Möykky-Rönkkö) within the Kainuu Orienteering Week 2025 competition area, meaning this section falls under training and competition restrictions.
Additional Information and Trail Maps
Explore detailed trail maps and information about assistive equipment through the following websites:
- https://vuokatti.fi/en/hiking-in-vuokatti/
- https://www.outdooractive.com/en/hikes/vuokatti-sotkamo/hikes-in-vuokatti-sotkamo/119335115/
Get outdoors and enjoy the spectacular hiking trails of Sotkamo and Vuokatti!
