Hiking & outdoor recreationLength12.6 km
Duration(4-5 hours)
Degree of difficultyHard
Kultala's summer trail is an excellent option for an overnight trip. The starting point is the parking area along Pahaojantie, and the trail runs through relatively flat terrain near the wetlands to Kultala by the Ivalojoki River. The trail becomes challenging due to a steep slope that descends to the Ivalojoki River. You cross the Ivalojoki via a suspension bridge. The trail goes over a few low hills.
The area/trail is not safe to use during the winter
The trail can only be used during the snow-free season
Campfire siteAlways check for any wildfire warnings in effect before making a fire.
HutIvalojoki Kultala pen wilderness hut and rental hut. Ivalojoki Kultala Väentupa (shared rental hut)
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 pointWe recommend boiling the natural water.
Contact information
The trail to Kultala Village of the River Ivalojoki starts from the parking area in the end of a forest road, near Pahaoja museum area. When going to Pahaoja, drive on the road 4 for about 15 km towards the village of Kuttura, and when you get to a kiosk, turn right to Sotajoentie road. Drive on this road for about 8 km and then turn left to Pahaoja. Coordinates: 68° 27' 03.56", 26° 52' 17.64
From the starting point the trail descends down a forest path to the Pahaoja museum area which features buildings and machinery from gold mining days.
The trail continues below Pahaoja museum area onto a hanging bridge, which crosses the River Sotaoja and continues from there along the slope of Pahaojanpalo towards the norhwest.
The trail continues through varied forest terrain near the wetlands. Occasionally, you wade across streams.
About 6 km from Pahaoja, you reach the side of a hill where you can choose to go around the top of the hill and enjoy the scenery.
From the hill, the trail descends to Björklundinoja, also known as Pataoja, and immediately after the stream, you ascend to Björklundinvaara, also known as Patavaara.
After passing Björklundinvaara Fell (327 m) the trail descends an extremely steep slope to the bank of the River Ivalojoki. On the section of the trail that goes through the slope, there is a rope railing to support the passage. (The deteriorated stairs in the slope were dismantled in 2021.)
The River Ivalojoki can be crossed via a hanging bridge and on the opposite side the trail climbs up the bank to the Kultala area.
The return journey follows the same route back.