Harjujen kierros

Starting pointSyötteen luontokeskus, Erätie 1, 93280 Syöte

Starting point

Kansallispuiston lähtöportti - Syötekyläntien risteys

Harjujen kierros trail begins at the main entrance gate of the national park, from where you turn right toward Luppovesi. The first 2.4 kilometers of the route follow a wide gravel-covered fitness trail. Along this stretch, you cross Pärjänjoentie and Syötteentie via wooden ski bridges. The route also passes by Luppovesi, where Syöte’s public beach is located.

After crossing Syötteentie, the trail narrows into a gravel path, which occasionally crosses Iso-Syötteentie. The path continues for about 1.4 kilometers until reaching a junction, where you turn left and cross Syötekyläntie.

Syötekyläntie - Ahvenvaara

After crossing Syötekyläntie, the trail continues partly as a gravel path and partly as a natural trail toward Kettutupa. The elevation changes along this section are minor, but there may be some wet and soft spots on the trail. Roots can be slippery when it rains. The trail crosses small streams via bridges, and after 2.3 kilometers, you arrive at Kettutupa. At the hut, you can make a fire, eat your packed lunch, and take a toilet break.

From the hut, the trail continues east toward Näköalatie. This section of the route is about 2.5 kilometers long. The terrain initially remains similar to that before the hut, but after the bridge crossing Kettuoja, it turns into a needle-covered path through pine forest. Right after the bridge, there is a steep but short uphill climb. Likewise, just before reaching Näköalatie, there is another short uphill section.

Ahvenvaara - Pytkynharju

Just 150 meters after crossing Näköalatie, you reach a junction where the trail joins the Pitämivaara Loop. At the junction, turn right. The trail continues as a sandy, needle-covered path toward the bridge crossing the lake Huuhkanen. The terrain in this section is undulating, with elevation differences reaching up to about 35 meters. The descents offer thrilling speed as the trail winds down the ridges, while the climbs get your heart pumping and challenge your legs.

After crossing the Huuhkasten bridge, there is a short boardwalk section followed by a steep climb up a sandy hill. The trail passes the Huuhkanen lean-to shelter, where you can take a break and make a fire. Note that there is no toilet at the shelter. After the shelter, the trail continues as a sandy, needle-covered path through undulating terrain. The ascents and descents are not long but can be steep in places. After the second crossing of Näköalatie, the terrain becomes flatter and the trail wetter. This section includes small bogs and ditches, which are crossed via boardwalks. Upon reaching Valkamantie, turn right and follow the road to the bridge crossing the Naamankajoki River, after which Syötekyläntie is crossed. This section of the trail is approximately 9.7 kilometers long.

Pytkynharju - luontokeskus

After crossing Syötekyläntie, one of the most demanding sections of the route begins as the trail ascends Pytkynharju. There is a 25-meter elevation gain over a 200-meter stretch. The trail is also rocky and technical in places. At the top of the ridge, the terrain levels out, with alternating rocky climbs and descents. After riding 1.5 kilometers along the ridge, the trail joins the Syöte Loop at a junction where you turn right. This junction is followed by a fast downhill on a gravel-covered path that leads to a boardwalk section. After crossing the boardwalks, there is a steep hill climb that becomes steeper toward the top. It’s advisable to dismount and push your bike early enough. Immediately after the climb, there is a steep descent and a stream crossing via a bridge, so it’s best to control your speed or walk your bike.

After crossing the stream, the 500-meter Riihisuo section begins, which is traversed via triple-plank boardwalks and gravel-covered trail. The boardwalks include widened passing spots.

After Riihisuo, the trail continues mostly along a gravel-covered path for a 2.4-kilometer section through spruce forest before reaching the same junction where the trail previously split before crossing Syötekyläntie. The final part of the route follows the same path as the beginning.

End pointSyötteen luontokeskus, Erätie 1, 93280 Syöte

End point