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Kiirunapolku in Urho Kekkonen National Park

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  • Kiilopää bench
    Kiilopää bench
    Photo: Heini Koivuniemi, Metsähallitus

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    The Kiirunapolku leads to Arctic nature and bird watching.
    moderate
    Distance 5.8 km
    2:30 h
    195 m
    195 m
    531 m
    336 m
    What is the creaking sound in the fell? When can you see lemmings? How to recognize the Kiilopää birch found only on the fells of Urho Kekkonen National Park? The information boards along the Kiirunapolku at Kiilopää tell about the harsh fell nature, its plants, birds, and animals. An attentive traveler may even see the trail's namesake species, the Siberian jay, or hear its creaking call during the hike. The Kiilopää area is a favorable spot for spotting Arctic bird species.

    Author’s recommendation

    Take a selfie on the amazing scenic bench located at the top of Kiilopää.
    Profile picture of Heini Koivuniemi
    Author
    Heini Koivuniemi
    LogoMetsähallitus
    Responsible for this content
    Metsähallitus  Verified partner 
    Difficulty
    moderate
    Overall difficulty
    moderate

    Derived from the technical difficulty and the stamina requirements.

    Experience
    Landscape
    Highest point
    531 m
    Lowest point
    336 m
    Best time of year
    Jan
    Feb
    Mar
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    Dec

    Track types

    Asphalt 0.28%Path 99.71%
    Asphalt
    17 m
    Path
    5.8 km
    Show elevation profile

    Safety information

    The Kiirunapolku is clearly marked in the terrain, but especially in open fell areas, weather conditions can be challenging and visibility poor. Hikers must have a topographic map and compass, along with basic skills in using them.

    There are mobile phone network dead zones along the route where the phone does not work at all.

    More safety instructions for hiking can be found on the Luontoon.fi website, in the Safety section.

    Tips and suggestions

    More information about Urho Kekkonen National Park and its routes is available on the Luontoon.fi website.

    Tips for hiking in Finnish conditions can be found on the Luontoon.fi website, in the Hiking ABC section.

    Explore the story of Kiirunapolku and the harsh home of Arctic species in Urho Kekkonen National Park.

    Public transport

    There are daily bus connections to the starting point of the route at Kiilopää from the directions of Rovaniemi and Ivalo. Current bus schedules can be viewed on the Matkahuolto website.

    Directions

    The starting point of the route is located in the yard of Suomen Latu Kiilopää. From highway E75, turn at Kakslauttanen onto road No. 9695; from the junction, there are six kilometers to Kiilopää. The starting point address is Kiilopääntie 620, 99830 Saariselkä.

    Parking

    Parking at Suomen Latu Kiilopää parking area (overnight parking without accommodation at Kiilopää is chargeable). Coordinates, address, and location on Google Maps of the parking area:

    Coordinates: WGS84 lat: 68° 20.7882' lon: 27° 27.7299'

    Address: Kiilopääntie 620, 99830 Saariselkä

    Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/4EoevBGQ7PG2

    Coordinates

    DD
    68.346454, 27.461235
    DMS
    68°20'47.2"N 27°27'40.4"E
    UTM
    35W 518993 7581562
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    Get there by train, car, bike, or on foot!

    Equipment

    Equipment needed for hiking includes suitable clothing, sturdy hiking boots, a water bottle, as well as a compass and map.

    Localization

    Parts of this content were machine translated using Finnish as the source language
    The most beautiful hikes in Urho Kekkonen National Park
    Finland › Lappi › Sodankylä

    User Questions

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    Difficulty
    moderate
    Overall difficulty
    moderate

    Derived from the technical difficulty and the stamina requirements.

    Distance
    5.8 km
    Duration
    2:30 h
    Ascent
    195 m
    Descent
    195 m
    Highest point
    531 m
    Lowest point
    336 m
    Round trip Scenic Summit route 'Healthy climate'

    Weather at the starting point

    10-day forecast

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