Hiking & outdoor recreationLength3,4 km
Experience untouched, unique nature! In addition to the forests of Närängänvaara, the area's small water bodies and mires have remained untouched, providing a habitat for many demanding species. Along the Vaaranpolku Trail, you can explore the area's diverse nature and learn about the traditional wilderness lifestyle at the restored Närängänvaara wilderness farm. The Vaaranpolku Trail features campfire sites, the Närängänvaara wilderness farm, and an exhibition building that is always open.
- At the Näränkä wilderness farm, you can learn about a traditional way of life based on natural economy.
- The scenic viewpoints along the trail offer stunning views.
- In the southeastern part of the trail, you’ll find the memorial tree Niko.
- A demanding trail due to the variation in elevation.
- Part of the Natura 2000 network since 1998, included in the Old-Growth Forest Protection Programme since 1996.
Route marker in the terrain
Circle trailThe recommended direction of travel is counterclockwise.
Campfire siteAlways check for any wildfire warnings in effect before making a fire.
Camping permittedCamping is only permitted in the immediate vicinity of marked rest areas and campfire sites and huts.
HutNäränkä wilderness farm 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 point
No winter maintenance
Contact information
Starting pointSuojärvi parking area
The trail is marked with orange paint markings. The recommended direction is counterclockwise.
The trail starts at the Suojärvi parking area and climbs along a gravel-surfaced path to the Näränkä wilderness farm. The walking distance from the Suojärvi parking area to the farm is 1 km. There are campfire sites at both the Suojärvi parking area and the Näränkä wilderness farm.
The Näränkä wilderness farm features a rental hut and an exhibition building that is always open. The path continues to the scenic viewpoints of Kirkkokallio and Yhdeksänsylenkallio, located at the top of Närängänvaara, offering magnificent views to the north over the vast forest wilderness and to the south over the Hyöteikkösuo Mire Protection Area.
In the southeastern part of the trail stands the memorial tree Niko. The year 1876 has been carved into the trunk of the tree — the year when the people of Närängänvaara made a pact with the bear. From the memorial tree Niko, the trail descends back to the starting point at the Suojärvi parking area.
This day trail offers an opportunity to explore the area's diverse nature. The preservation of the forests in nearly untouched condition has created habitats for many demanding species that thrive in old-growth forests. The large amount of decaying wood provides living space for rare beetles and polypores. Bird species that prefer old-growth forests are also abundant in the area. All four large carnivores of the north have been observed in the Närängänvaara forests. In addition, the forests are home to flying squirrels.
End pointSuojärvi parking area