Hiking & outdoor recreationLength25.4 km
Kaakkurinkierros introduces hikers to the rugged rocky scenery and sights of Repovesi and offers a number of campfire sites and possibilities for overnight stays. The mosaic of beautiful small water bodies and forests opens out from the rocky slopes of the hills on the northern side of Salpausselkä ridge. Enjoy the excitement of Lapinsalmi bridge and Ketunlossi ferry. Have a break under a rocky roof formed by the boulders of Kirnuhuoko, watch the efforts of brave rock climbers on Olhava and go back to the times of timber floating at Kuutinkanava campfire site. The steep hills make the trail relatively slow-going, so it's advisable to allocate enough time for it. It is a good idea to divide Kaakkurinkierros into several legs and take 2 to 4 days to cover the entire trail. However, the Kaakkurinkierros is well-suited for beginner hikers before longer trips. Along the trail, there are plenty of campfire sites and other hiking facilities such as drinking water wells and rental huts or cabins.
Route marker in the terrain
Dry toilet
Campfire site
Camping permitted
The trail can only be used during the snow-free season
Water point
Hut
Circle trail
Remember to bring a trash bag
Contact information
This trail can be walked in either direction. All three parking areas in Repovesi are suitable start points for Kaakkurinkierros trail. This trail description is based on starting from Lapinsalmi parking area (Riippusillantie 55) and walking clockwise. Orange dots on trees and Kaakkurinkierros symbols on signposts mark the trail.
Lapinsalmi-Kuutinkanava, 5 km. The first adventure on the trail is crossing the bridge of Lapinsalmi. The trail then continues north towards the spectacular scenery of Katajavuori and turns back southwards along the shores of Katajajärvi Lake. and continuing to the north towards Kuutinkanava campfire site. In Kuutinkanava you can go back to the old times at the campfire sites located beside troughs used for timber floating.
Kuutinkanava-Sukeltajaniemi 8,5 km. From Kuutinkanava the trail heads northwest towards Olhava and Korpinkierros. The trail follows Korpinkierros clockwise. It first passes Olhava well and takes in Karhulahti campfire site in the west, then meanders along the northern side of Olhavanlampi Lake to reach the top of Olhava hill with its rugged rocky landscapes. The trail then turns east towards Valkjärvi, following the shores of this beautiful lake northeast towards Saarijärvi parking area. You can stop at the beautiful campfire site of Sukeltajaniemi on Valkjärvi Lake.
Sukeltajaniemi-Lojukoski 5,5 km. Before reaching Saarijärvi parking area, you will come to Tolonen house, the service headquarters of the park, and the well in its yard. From the well the trail turns south along the shooting range boundary. Kaakkurinkierros trail then heads west and takes in Kirnukangas lean-to shelter and campfire site. The rocky bay of Kirnuhuoko is nearby, and the trail continues up some steps towards the lookout point of Hauklammenvuori, before heading east/southeast towards Lojukoski campfire site.
Lojukoski-Lapinsalmi 7 km. From Lojukoski the trail continues south along the shooting range boundary, crosses Sulkusalmi pedestrian bridge and, following the shores of Tervajärvi Lake, ends up in Tervajärvi parking area in the southwest. The next section heads for Talas campfire site to the northwest and further west towards Kapiavesi and Määkijänniemi.
Finally, the trail crosses Kapiavesi Lake using Ketunlossi ferry and returns to Lapinsalmi parking area.