Hyrynsalmi: Hiking, Nature and Ukkohalla

Hyrynsalmi combines hiking and mountain biking routes with natural attractions and historic buildings. Ukkohalla Ski Resort is located in Hyrynsalmi itself; several other destinations are nearby. The range of activities and location details give you concrete points of reference for planning your trip.

Hiking, Cycling and Winter Sports

Hyrynsalmi has about 52 kilometres of hiking trails and around 100 kilometres of mountain biking routes in total. These figures may change as the networks are maintained or expanded. For the colder season, about 60 kilometres of maintained cross-country ski trails and around 50 kilometres of snowmobile routes are listed. Both the route distances and maintenance conditions may change.

The different distance figures refer to different activities: hiking, mountain biking, cross-country skiing and snowmobiling. You can therefore choose trails and routes based on the kind of activity that suits your travel plans.

Vuorilampi and Nature Trails

Vuorilampi is a wilderness lake in central Hyrynsalmi, surrounded by steep rock faces. A marked, easy-to-follow trail leads from the Kuhmo road to the lake, covering just over two kilometres. A nature trail runs around the water. There is a shelter with a fire pit and tables on the shore.

Nearby, the approximately three-kilometre nature trail at the summit of Paljakka Fell passes through old-growth forest and a largely natural forest ecosystem. Trail conditions may vary seasonally. A red-marked, 700-metre trail leads to an observation tower; in winter, the tower can be reached on snowshoes, depending on conditions. The Luvankoski nature trail is an easy-to-follow loop for visitors of all ages.

The trail distances listed range from the 700-metre route to the observation tower and just over two kilometres to Vuorilampi, to around three kilometres on the nature trail at Paljakka Fell. The trails lead to different destinations and offer a range of distances to help with planning.

Church, Museum and Cultural Heritage

The Kaunislehto Museum showcases a typical Hyrynsalmi farmstead from around the turn of the 20th century. Some buildings were relocated from different parts of the municipality and rebuilt on the sites of the original buildings. This preserved the farmstead’s authentic layout. Hyrynsalmi’s wooden church was designed and built by Jaakko Rijf in 1786; it is a cross-shaped Ostrobothnian church typical of its time.

The Hallan Ukko monument stands on the former site of the Halla farmstead. The wooden Tuomijoki Bridge was blown up in a scene from the film “Rukajärven tie” and rebuilt as a suspension bridge in 2010. It is accessible by car. Jääkäripirtti, on Saarijärvi Island in Hyrynsalmi, is one of the area’s most valuable cultural heritage sites.

Ukkohalla: Sauna and Water at Syväjärvi

Ukkohalla Ski Resort is located in Hyrynsalmi, in Finland’s Kainuu region. Ukkohalla’s Sauna World has several saunas, including an infrared sauna and a smoke sauna, as well as pools with massage equipment. The number of saunas may vary by season.

Lake Syväjärvi, in the centre of the resort, offers water sports and swimming. Swimming is possible there year-round; operating access conditions may vary. Alongside the routes in Hyrynsalmi, saunas and water activities are additional options to consider for your stay.

Nearby Destinations

The Löytöjoki tar and turpentine distillery, also known as Hallan Ukko’s tar kiln, is located at Halla farmstead on the Löytöjoki River, about 16 kilometres from Hyrynsalmi village centre. Johan Alfred Heikkinen, known as “Hallan Ukko”, built it in 1924. Tours of the distillery are organised from Hyrynsalmi’s old railway station; check tour availability before you travel.

Komulanköngäs, originally called Lauttaköngäs, is located a few kilometres from Ukkohalla Resort on the Syväjoki River, which flows out of Lauttajärvi. The site features a waterfall and a mill in a carved channel separated from the river.

Discover more destinations: Ruhtinansalmi, Vaala, Vuokatti, Hossa, Puolanka, Ristijärvi, Sotkamo, Paltamo.

For the broader travel overview: Kainuu.