The renovated hiking trails in the Pöyliövaara and Virikkolampi area have been available for outdoor enthusiasts for several months now. The recreational area is located between Ranuantie and the eastern bank road of the Kemijoki River, near Pöykkölä.

The City of Rovaniemi renovated the marked trail network and its recreational structures in the area during last summer and autumn. Some of the hiking structures, such as the boardwalks crossing wetland areas, were in places in dangerously poor condition.

As part of the renovation work, approximately 900 metres of boardwalks built across wetland areas were completely renewed. In addition, 23 new bridges were constructed at stream and ditch crossings to replace structures that were in poor condition.

The guidance markings of the original nature trail were replaced with more frequent trail marker posts. The tops of the posts feature a symbol on a blue background indicating the intended use of the trail. Directional signs and maps were also added along the route.

The City of Rovaniemi received funding for the refurbishment of the hiking structures through the Finnish Government’s Suomi liikkeelle (Get Finland Moving) programme, which aims to increase physical activity across all age groups.

The marked trails start from the parking area

At the heart of the area is the 6.7-kilometre-long Experience Trail (Elämyspolku), which winds through varied terrain. The trail is of moderate difficulty: during snow-free seasons, roots, stones and wetland sections keep hikers alert and make the journey enjoyably challenging.

Along the trail, there are 20 interpretive information boards that encourage visitors to pause, observe and experience nature from new perspectives. The Experience Trail is clearly marked in the terrain with trail signs.

The 4.5-kilometre winter walking trail, maintained by snowmobile, offers an easy and pleasant way for people of all ages to enjoy the atmosphere of the winter forest. Parts of the route follow the same alignment as the Experience Trail and are marked with winter walking symbols and signposts, making it easy to distinguish between the different routes.

The starting points for both trails are located at the Pöyliövaara cross-country skiing track parking area.

The routes can be explored in more detail in the City of Rovaniemi’s map service, Etiäinen:

Pöyliövaara Nature Experience Trail

Pöyliövaara Winter Walking Trail

Accessible Rest Areas Added – New Toilet Facilities Introduced

The area features several well-equipped and accessible rest areas, including Lähdelampi shelter, Lähdelaavu shelter, Virikkolampi shelter, and the newly built Poroaidankangas shelter.

The former Lähdelaavu shelter and the old Virikkolampi shelter were dismantled and replaced with new, fully accessible shelters. The new Poroaidankangas shelter was constructed as part of the renovation project.

Easy-to-navigate paths surfaced with stone dust were built leading to the shelters. These paths are suitable for wheelchairs, strollers and walkers.

All shelters are equipped with a fireplace, as well as organized firewood supply and waste management. Some shelters also have composting toilets (Lähdelaavu and Virikkolampi). The toilets are also suitable for people with reduced mobility. Previously, there were no toilet facilities in the area.

From the Virikkolampi shelter, an accessible route extends all the way to the shoreline, offering views of a pond bordered by wetlands. At the shore, there is a wooden deck with benches for seating.

Two small parking areas have been built along Kotikairantie Road, which runs through the area. From these parking areas, accessible trail connections lead to the Poroaidankangas and Virikkolampi shelters.

Campfires Permitted at Shelters Only

Campfires are permitted only at the designated fireplaces at the shelters.

During a forest fire warning, making fires is prohibited everywhere, and the firewood supply at the shelters is suspended.

Maintenance

The trails are managed by the Technical Services of the City of Rovaniemi.

1 October – 30 April: Maintenance of the trails and shelters is handled by Rovaniemen Latu ja Reitti Oy.
Contact: Phone / SMS / WhatsApp +358 40 1455 546
Or via asiointi.rovaniemi.fi/eFeedback

1 May – 30 September: Maintenance of the trails and shelters is handled by Alltime Suomi Oy.
Contact: Phone +358 10 583 3099
Or via asiointi.rovaniemi.fi/eFeedback