Hiking & outdoor recreationLength1.8 km
Duration(about 1 hour)
Degree of difficultyEasy
The approximately two-kilometer-long Sulaoja Nature Trail is located along the Karigasniemi Road, outside the Kevo Strict Nature Reserve. The easy-to-follow trail runs through varied ridge terrain with elevation changes, so be prepared for ascents and descents. Along the trail, there are stairs, duckboards, and gravel sections. The trail circles around the culturally and historically significant Suttesgáldu, the sacred Sulaoja spring for the Sámi. The spring is the largest in Finland and a fixed relic protected by the Antiquities Act. Informational boards along the trail provide details about the sacred spring, its surroundings, and the cultural history of the area. Take the Sámi cultural environment into consideration: Be respectful and do not damage the sacred sites of the Sámi people. Please stay on the marked trail.
Circle trailThe recommended direction of travel is clockwise. The trail is marked with orange paint on trees. Signposts are made of brown-painted metal or weathered wood, with the North Sámi text Suttesája or Luondupálggis.
The area/trail is not safe to use during the winter
The trail can only be used during the snow-free seasonPlease stay on the trail, as it is located within an area designated as a fixed relic protected by the Antiquities Act.
Camping permittedCamping is only permitted in the immediate vicinity of marked rest areas and campfire sites and huts.
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.
Water pointWater can be collected from Sulaoja.
No winter maintenance
Contact information
Starting pointKarigasniementie 5646, 99950 Utsjoki
The starting point is located at the starting point for the Kevo Strict Nature Reserve, in Utsjoki, Karigasniemi.
When walked clockwise, the trail first crosses Sulaoja, and a short distance away, there is a lompolo (a small water basin) where the water flows.
After the lompolo, the trail ascends a birch-covered ridge, offering excellent views of the Sulaoja spring and the Karigasniemi Ailigas fell.
About halfway, after approximately one kilometer, the trail branches off from the Kevo Canyon Trail and turns back towards the Sulaoja parking area. This section involves climbing numerous stairs up and down before reaching the edge of the spring. Signposted: Luondupálggis.
After the spring, the trail briefly runs along a ridge before descending via stairs back to the parking area.
End pointKarigasniementie 5646, 99950 Utsjoki