Hiking & outdoor recreationLength12 km
Duration(5-7 hours)
Degree of difficultyMedium
The Ilveskierros trail, which runs alongside the Paljakka Strict Nature Reserve, is a hiking trail approximately 12 kilometres in length. The trail will take you through lovely old-growth forests, along the banks of the Louhenjoki River, to the protected forest of Pirunkirkko and the rocky gorge of the Louhenjoki River.
Route marker in the terrain
Circle trailThe recommended direction of travel is clockwise.
Campfire siteAlways check for any wildfire warnings in effect before making a fire.
Camping permitted
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 and take your waste out with you when leaving.
No water point
No winter maintenance
Contact information
Starting point: Pirunkirkko parking area, Holstintie 34, 89140 Kotila
Alternatively, you can also start the hike at the Paljakka parking area. There are plenty of climbs and descents along the trail, and in many places the trail is rocky and rooted.
If you want to stop in the protected forest of Pirunkirkko, you can do so from the parking area either before or after the Ilveskierros trail. The distance from the parking area to Pirunkirkko is approximately 0.5 km.
From the Pirunkirkko parking area, follow the road approximately 0.3 km south the road until the trail diverges from the left side of the road. There is a sign to the hiking trail on the side of the road.
After leaving the road, hike the first section of the Ilveskierros trail through the pass between Holstinvaara and Latvavaara fells towards the Ilveskota hut for approximately 1.6 km. You can also start out on the Paljakka Strict Nature Reserve trail from the Ilveskota hut. The trail winds through the pristine forest of the reserve for approximately 6 km.
The Ilveskierros trail continues from Ilveskota hut to Lake Löytöjärvi, where there is a day trip hut. The distance from Ilveskota hut to the day trip hut is about 1.5 km.
From Lake Löytöjärvi, the trail turns away from the shore of the lake and begins climbing toward the top of Latvavaara fell. The distance from the lake to the top of Latvavaara fell is approximately 2 kilometres. From Latvavaara fell, the trail descends approximately 1.8 km from the eastern slope to the trail junction.
Turn left at the trail junction and follow the trail for approximately 1 km to the Paljakka ski resort. This part of the trail is easy, with a road section and an accessible section. Turn right at the trail junction to start the last quarter of the Ilveskierros trail towards Pirunkirkko.
The final stage of the Ilveskierros trail follows the Louhenjoki riverbed through a spruce-dominated forest for approximately 2.5 km to the Pirunkirkko day trip hut. From here, follow the trail a short distance to the north until you reach the same road where you started the Ilveskierros trail. Walk along the road approximately 0.1 km to the north to reach the Pirunkirkko parking area.
End point: Pirunkirkko parking area, Holstintie 34, 89140 Kotila