Length7.8 km
Duration(7,4 km trail 2-3 hours (start from Laanila), 8,2 km Trail 3-4 hours, start from UK National Park gate in Saariselkä)
Degree of difficultyEasy
The trail runs through youngish pinewood, but here and there you can see approximately 300-year-old pines with shield-shaped bark, large branches and flat tops. The Prospektor circle trail is easy to traverse, suitable for all ages, and is marked with yellow Prospektor symbols on posts. It is level throughout and covered with crushed stone. Its wetland section is equipped with duckboards . In terms of its landscape, the trail is not as varied as the other trails in the area; its variations in altitude are minor and gentle. The Prospektor Trail tells you about the history of gold-mining and the importance of gold in Saariselkä and Luttojoki. The highlight of the trail is an old gold mine established by the mining company Prospektor in 1902. To the west of the mine, the trail crosses a small branch stream of the river Latvajoki. Finland’s largest gold nugget ever was found around here – the precise location is unknown – by Eevert Kiviniemi in 1935. The nugget weighed 392.9 grams; a replica of it is displayed in Tankavaara Gold Museum.
- Circle trail
- Multi-purpose trailYou can hike, bike or run along the trail. Please note other trail users (moving at different speeds)
- The trail can only be used during the snow-free seasonThe trail serves as a ski track in the winter.
- Campfire siteAlways check for any wildfire warnings in effect before making a fire.
- Camping permittedCamping is allowed under everyman’s right.
- 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
Contact information
Starting pointLutontie 12, 99830 Saariselkä
You can start the trail from Saariselkä at the Urho Kekkonen National Park entry gate (Lutontie 12, 99830 Saariselkä) or from Laanila at 68° 23.458', 27° 23.973'.
Starting from Saariselkä, the western part of the trail runs 3 km near settlements towards Laanila.
From Laanila, turn east and continue for about 750 m. If you want to make a detour to the Prospektor mine, turn off the trail and climb a steep hill on a narrow path for about 80 m.
From the mine, continue along the trail for about 1.3 km, then turn left heading north.
The largest elevation changes occur when ascending to and descending from Välimaa over the next 2.6 km.
West of the Prospektor mine, the trail crosses a headwater stream of the Latvajoki River, after which you turn right and head back toward the entry gate in Saariselkä.
You can also take a quick walk to the Prospektor mine and back from Laanila, which is only 2.3 kilometres in length.
End pointLutontie 12, 99830 Saariselkä