CyclingLength18,9 km
Duration(2-4 h)
Degree of difficultyMedium
Get your pulse racing on the Syöte Circular Trail (Syötteen kierros)! One of the easiest mountain biking trails in the area, the Syöte Circular Trail offers a perfect balance of enjoyable riding and exciting challenges. Along the route, you'll find the Kellarilampi and nature center campfire sites. The circuit can be conveniently started from the Syöte Nature Center. Most of the boardwalks are three planks wide, and the trails are largely gravel-covered.
Length
18.9 km
Unpaved
-
Duration
2-4 h
Forest path
90%
Uphill section
-
Degree of difficulty (1-5)
-
Downhill section
-
Suited for biking
100%
Contact information
Starting pointLuontokeskus parking area
National Park Gateway - Annintupa Junction
The Syöte Circuit starts at the main entrance of the national park, where you turn left towards Annintupa. The recommended direction for the route is counterclockwise.
The first 1.5 kilometers follow a wide gravel path, mostly downhill. This section overlaps with the popular Naavaparta nature trail, which sees a lot of foot traffic, so it's important to adjust your speed accordingly. After descending to the edge of Päättömansuo bog, the route reaches Annintupa Junction, where you turn left.
Annintuvan risteys - Lauttalampi
The next 6.5 kilometers follow the course of the Pärjänjoki River through diverse forest terrain. The path is narrow but mostly gravel-covered, with some natural trail sections. There are occasional roots and rocks, along with a few steep ascents and descents where walking your bike might be a good option. Boardwalk sections are short and three planks wide.
After crossing Pärjänjoentie, you immediately reach a junction where you turn right towards Lauttalampi. This marks the beginning of an exciting section of just over a kilometer, mostly following an easy sand trail through a pine forest. The route features one longer descent about half a kilometer after the junction, followed by a plank bridge crossing a stream right after the downhill stretch.
The route section ends at a T-junction, where you turn left. From this junction, you also have the option to take a detour to the Lauttalampi campfire site, a great spot for a snack break and a restroom stop. To reach it, take the path on the right and ride 300 meters before arriving at the shelter. After your break, return to the junction via the same path. The stairs leading directly up to Pytkynharju are designated for pedestrians only.
Lauttalampi - Pytkynharju eastside
After the T-junction, a sandy trail leads to the shoreline ridge of Lauttalampi. From there, you descend swiftly downhill before beginning the climb up Pytkynharju. The ascent covers approximately 50 meters of elevation gain over a distance of about 700 meters.
After the climb, the route continues through the fast-paced terrain of Pytkynharju for 1.7 kilometers, occasionally passing the shore of Kellarilampi, where you have the option to take a detour to the campfire site. The trail along the ridge varies—some sections are technical due to rocky and root-covered terrain, while others are smooth and sandy, allowing for a faster, more effortless ride. The ridge features several short but steep and technical ascents and descents. The Pytkynharju section ends at the eastern junction of the ridge, where you turn left. Since the junction is located on a downhill slope, paying close attention while turning is recommended.
Pytkynharjun east - Syötetie bridge
The descent continues at a fast pace after the junction along a gravel-covered trail until reaching the boardwalks. After crossing them, the route ascends a steep hill that gets progressively steeper toward the top. It's best to dismount and walk your bike early enough to avoid difficulties. Immediately after the climb, a sharp descent follows, leading to a stream crossing via a bridge. Here, it's important to keep your speed under control or opt for walking your bike for safety.
After crossing the stream, the route enters Riihisuo, a 500-meter section traversed via three-plank boardwalks and gravel-covered trails. The boardwalks feature widened passing areas to facilitate safe and smooth crossings.
After Riihisuo, the route continues mainly along a gravel-covered trail through a 3.5-kilometer section in a dense spruce forest before crossing Syötetie via a ski bridge. This section includes some technical rocky and root-covered stretches, along with short boardwalk segments. Along the way, cyclists will cross three roads. Right at the beginning of this section, there is a junction offering the option to detour to Riihitupa. If taking the detour, riders will follow a gravel trail back and forth for a total of 1.4 kilometers.
Syötetie bridge - National Park Gateway
After crossing the ski bridge, there are 2.2 kilometers left to ride, following a wide gravel-dusted fitness trail. Right at the beginning, the route passes Luppovesi and Syöte's public swimming area. Before returning to the national park's main entrance, riders will cross Pärjänjoentie once more via a ski bridge and finish with an uphill climb.
End pointLuontokeskus parking area