Trekking, hiking and camping

During summer, Suomu offers paved and unpaved paths, trails and roads suitable for biking, hiking, Nordic walking, berry picking and camping.

You can print yourself a trail map from here.

The Hilltop route requires stamina. Suomutunturi hilltop is 410m above sea level and the elevation gain from base to top is 240meters. Moreover, as you cover this over just 1km path, you can congratulate yourself at the top. There is a natural spring on top, an ancient holy place for the Lapps. After your climb, you can refresh yourself at the spring and enjoy the views with a feeling of conquering the hill as you rest to start the descent on the other side.

Leaving from the base of the slopes, you cross the three ponds over the bridge on the left and soon pass the campfire shelter before you start your climb. The path follows the edge of the downhill slope providing beautiful open views, plenty of suitable resting places and berries to pick on the way up.

As you reach the top you enter the pristine pine forest and start descending due south. The trail is well marked, but only a footpath amongst high undergrowth but otherwise open forest. South slope is not as steep as the northern side and is gentler to your physic. You might want to choose your direction depending on your condition. Ascent the north slope makes you breathe heavily, but the southern descent is gentler to your knees, while ascending the south slope is relatively easy descending the north slope can be a serious challenge to your legs. Your choice.

Starting the hilltop route from Itä-Suomu, you follow the gravel road and you might end up at Nurkkalampi campfire place for refreshments of your own, before starting your climb in earnest.

The lovely small lake with its tee-pee can of course be the destination of your hike, if you prefer a more level walk.

When you are on these southern slopes of the Suomutunturi hill, you must remember that while only a few kilometres from the hotels, you are in the wilderness and there are wild animals there. As I was walking here quietly on my own, I nearly stepped on a large wood grouse hiding under a bush. What a fright for both of us.

HIKING TO SUOMUTUNTURI FELL with a guide

This excursion starts directly from the hotel and requires a bit of a physical condition. The route goes up to Suomutunturi fell and the highest point will be 410 meter high. During one kilometer walk total climbing will be over 200 meters. From the highest point the scenery is magnificent and all the hard work paid off. Stop will be held by the fire and coffee/tea, sweet pastry and sausage will be enjoyed. The route is 6 kilometers long and this program will take 3‐4 hours  depending of the speed of walking.
Duration: 3-4 hours
Price: 50 €/person

There are several campfire places with shelters; the one nearest to the hotels is accessible even by pushchairs or wheelchairs giving everyone a chance to enjoy roasting sausage on campfire or brewing coffee on the open fire. Firewood is provided free of charge. Nevertheless, take along your own provisions, matches and starters if you are on an independent adventure.



New Nature trail
 
From the Tuulenpesä Café along highway E63 you can start a short 500-meter nature trail with information boards both in Finnish and in English describing the local plants and nature. This is an easy trail with stairs or boardwalk covering the more difficult parts.

You can make the Nature trail as a part of an 8 km hike from the hotels by first walking the 3,5km trail following the northern edge of Kalliovaara hill and the edges of some interesting wetlands leading to Tuulenpesä through the wilderness. Refreshment break at the café will make it light walking even with kids.

Riutukka logging museum

This is a very interesting day trip destination either by logging roads or via the 8,2km trail through the woods starting from Tuulenpesä. There is a possibility for overnight camping and having a sauna with a dip in the fast moving small logging stream. Some of the buildings are locked, but some are open for all to use. If you have not camped before in wilderness conditions, please hire a guide for a more enjoyable experience.

If you wish to explore our wilderness outside the marked paths, we have wilderness guides to take you on adventures tailored to your special interests. You can be alone and wish to go on a 2 hour guided hike, or a small family group wanting to experience few nights in the wild or a busload wishing an afternoon outing. Please ask our guiding services to arrange you a tailor made adventure.