Hiking & outdoor recreationLength3,7 km
Duration(1-2 h)
Degree of difficultyMedium
From the splendid scenic lookout points on this diverse nature trail, you can admire the Auttijoki River, which winds its way through the canyon, and the Auttiköngäs Falls plunging into it. There are enchanting old-growth forests, handsome rock formations and fell landscapes as well as traces of past events and cultures. Beautifully illustrated information boards set along the trail provide additional information. The trail is clearly marked and suitable for hiking, for example, with the whole family. However, there are changes in elevation and the trail is occasionally rocky. In the winter, you can snowshoe on the nature trail, but due to its popularity the trail is often also tamped down and possible to hike also with winter boots.
Route marker in the terrain
Circle trailThe recommended direction of travel is counterclockwise.
Campfire siteAlways check for any wildfire warnings in effect before making a fire.
Camping permittedCamp in the immediate vicinity of marked rest areas.
Dry toiletRemember to bring toilet paper.
Remember to bring a trash bagThere are no waste bins on the trail. Bring along your own trash bag. The parking area has mixed waste containers.
No water point
No winter maintenanceThe trail is usually also tamped down for hiking in the winter. However, paths and stairs can be very slippery.
Contact information
Starting pointAuttiköngäs parking area
The trail is marked with orange paint marks on trees.
The trail can be hiked in both directions. The recommended direction of travel and the trail description are counterclockwise.
In the beginning, there is a short, but rather steep 50-metre descent to Auttiköngäs Falls. The steepest section is hiked on metal stairs. If desired, you may bypass the stairs and take the wide gravel trail next to the stairs, instead.
The trail continues to a fenced dam bridge across the falls, from which there is a spectacular view of the rocky gorge of Auttijoki River and the waterfall cascading into it from a height of approx. 16 metres. The dam and restored log chute are a reminder of the past log floating culture.
There is a steep climb up metal grate stairs from the falls to the edge of the gorge, after which the trail continues along the river. There are narrow wooden steps for dogs at the side of the metal grate steps. There is a safety fence at the edge of the gorge.
After approximately 50 metres, the trail reaches the first viewing platform, which is framed by the safety fence.
Approximately 50 metres from the viewing platform there is a trail junction. Continuing forward from it there is trail section approximately 200 m in length running along the edges of the gorge, offering wonderful views. There is a 0.9 m wide metal grate walkway on this section, with no wooden steps for dogs. An alternative 500 m long detour turns right at the junction. This is a narrow forest trail farther from the river and is suitable for hikers with dogs, among others.
The trail continues at the edge of the gorge and turns almost 90 degrees to follow the Auttijoki River. From the wooden viewing platform on the slope, there is a stunning view back towards the Auttiköngäs Falls.
Soon after this, you can jump off the trail to the next viewing platform, from which you can admire the river below. The viewing platform is constructed of wood and is in poor condition in some places.
The next, almost 1 km long section of the route leads to the Auttijoki lean-to shelter, passing through pleasantly hilly and varied forest terrain. The section also has traditional wooden duckboards and metal grate walkways. Dogs can either walk alongside the metal grate walkways or use the narrow wooden steps on the side. At the foot of the steep Ispinävaara hill the trail follows alongside its impressive rock walls for a while and then passes through a lush forest to the lean-to shelter on the bank of the Auttijoki River.
From the lean-to shelter, the trail continues across the Auttijoki River across a narrow suspension bridge. Hikers must keep a 10-meter safety distance to one another on the bridge and only two people are allowed on it at the same time. From the other side of the river, the trail continues straight up to stairs.
There is a winding climb of nearly one kilometre through forests to the top of Könkäänvaara Hill - this is the most demanding section of the trail. The hike is mostly a forest path that is rocky in places. On the slope of Könkäänvaara Hill, you will pass the ancient shore of the Yoldia Sea and see some impressive erratic boulders carried here by glacial ice.
The summit area of the Könkäänvaara Hill is rocky, and a rope railing is guiding the way. The wooden observation tower gives you an expansive view far into the green depths of the surrounding old-growth forests. You can also enjoy lunch at the picnic table next to the tower. Making campfires at the summit is prohibited, as is piling stones.
The trail descends approximately 650 m from the top of the hill back to the starting point. At first, the rope railing leads the hiker to metal grate stairs with wooden steps for dogs. After the stairs, the rest of the trail descends on a gravel path approximately one metre wide.
End pointAuttiköngäs parking area