The Pöyliövaara–Virikkolampi trail

The Pöyliövaara–Virikkolampi trail is located in Pöyliövaara, south of Rovaniemi and the Kemijoki River, about 3.1 kilometres south of Rovaniemi city centre. In winter, the area has ski tracks that connect to the Ounasvaara trail network. In summer, Pöyliövaara is a popular berry-picking area.

The length of the Pöyliövaara–Virikkolampi trail is 6.8 kilometres. It is a circular route. The trail includes many roots, stones and wetland sections. Wet areas are crossed by boardwalks or wider trail structures.

The natural environment along the route is diverse. Most of the forest is mixed forest with spruce and pine. Forests of various ages can be found, ranging from young stands to old, untouched woodland. The route also passes through swampy forest and bogs. Several marshy areas are crossed, and there are open mires along the southern part of the path. Large glacial boulders can be found in several places. Virikkolampi offers the possibility to fish for perch. In summer, the area has plenty of berries, including bilberries and, in good years, cloudberries. In terms of difficulty, the trail is rated moderately demanding. It is recommended to reserve 3–4 hours to complete the route.

At Virikkolampi, there is a log-built lean-to shelter with a fire pit. Nearby you will find a firewood shed and a dry toilet.

Access

From Rovaniemi city centre, drive along Kajaanintie for about 3.9 km, then turn right onto Kemijoen Itäpuolentie for about 300 m, and then turn left to the Pöyliövaara parking area (approx. 150 m).

From the parking area, it is 2.4 kilometres to Virikkolampi via the southern path. This trail has a good surface and is easy to walk, with boardwalks over the wetter sections. The route is marked on trees with red paint. There are also waymark posts featuring a hiker and a pine cone on a blue background.[TR7.1] The trail is accessible during the snow-free season, from May until the arrival of winter.

By local bus:

During the school summer holidays:

Bus line 7 runs on weekdays, and bus line 5P runs on weekdays and weekends to the stop Metsämuseontie I, from which it is a little over one kilometre to the start of the trail.

Outside the school summer holiday season:

On weekdays, buses 3 and 6 run to the stop Ojanperä th, from which it is 650 metres to the start of the trail. On weekends, bus line 5P runs to the stop Metsämuseontie I, from where it is a little over one kilometre to the trailhead.
You can find detailed timetables in the route planner: rovaniemi.digitransit.fi