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Pielpajärvi Wilderness Church day hike in Inari Hiking Area.

Hiking trail · Inari
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  • Inarin retkeilyalue Pielpajärven erämaakirkko
    Inarin retkeilyalue Pielpajärven erämaakirkko
    Photo: Pasi Nivasalo, Metsähallitus
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    Discover a quiet wooden church in the middle of the woods, the surrounding meadow which is in bloom in summer and shines bright white with snow in winter. 
    moderate
    Distance 8.7 km
    2:10 h
    36 m
    36 m
    161 m
    125 m

    There is a skiing trail in winter and a hiking trail in summer to the remote Pielpajärvi wilderness church from 1760. In summer, you can make a nice day trip by combining the Ukonkivi cruise and a visit to the wilderness church. A nearly silent catamaran, operated by a local company, crisscrosses Lake Inarijärvi every day. Ukonkivi is a sacred sacrificial place for the Sámi people.

    The church was built between 1752 and 1760, and it was used until the end of the 19th century. At the time, the church was the centre of Inari. There are still some stone piles from adjacent buildings left at the church plot. A few church services are still held at the old wilderness church, at Easter and at Midsummer. In late summer, the display of blooms on the church plot is mowed.

    The church plot has an old day trip hut where you can rest if you feel tired, and enjoy your packed lunch. On beautiful days, the cooking shelter and its campfire site can accommodate larger groups as well.

     

    Author’s recommendation

    There is transport by boat to Pielpavuono Fjord in summer.

    A few services and weddings are still held at the church every year.

    Profile picture of Tuija Kangasniemi
    Author
    Tuija Kangasniemi
    Update: November 24, 2022
    Difficulty
    moderate
    Overall difficulty
    moderate

    Derived from the technical difficulty and the stamina requirements.

    Experience
    Landscape
    Highest point
    161 m
    Lowest point
    125 m
    Best time of year
    Jan
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    Track types

    Path 99.99%
    Path
    8.7 km
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    Safety information

    The trail is rocky, and the roots at the bottom of trees are exposed in places due to erosion.

    Tips and suggestions

    For those who are interested in history and for brisky and brave daytirp seekers.

    Turn-by-turn directions

    The trail from the Sarviniementie parking lot to Pielpajärvi is a criss-cross hiking trail in the woods. The trail is marked by wooden poles.

    Alternatively, you can take a boat to Pielpavuono. The boat, which sets out from Inari, will first visit Ukonkivi, and on the return journey, it will stop at Pielpavuono upon request. The church is at a walking distance of 2.5 km. From Pielpajärvi, there is a walking distance of approx. 4.5 km to the beginning of the trail, and from there, a distance of 2.5 kilometres to Inari along a road accessible by car.

    Both trails cross a magnificent old-growth forest by forest ponds and lakes. At the destination, you will see a church plot and the well-preserved Pielpajärvi wilderness church on the edge of the plot.   

     

     

     

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    Public transport

    Public-transport-friendly

    To the village Inari there is a daily bussconection from Rovaniemi and from northdirection Utsjoki. To the excursion point  is about 2,5 km from road E4, which one can hike or travel in a taxi.

    By car form Inari village about 3 km from the Northern Lapland Nature Centre Siida. There is a parking area on the left  in Sarviniementie road. The wilderness church can be reach only by foot (5 km).

    Directions

    By car to the excursion point: Sarviniementie road 247, 99870 Inari. Excursionmap.fi

     

    Parking

    The coordinates of parkingarea, excursion point and information: WGS84 lat: 68° 55.2817' lon: 27° 03.4876' ETRS-TM35FIN N: 7645594m E: 502333m. 

    Excursionmap.fi

     

     

    Coordinates

    DD
    68.921285, 27.057741
    DMS
    68°55'16.6"N 27°03'27.9"E
    UTM
    35W 502317 7645586
    w3w 
    ///walked.instigator.standard
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    Get there by train, car, bike, or on foot!

    Book recommendation by the author

    Inari Hiking Trails, 1:50 000, Metsähallitus 2015, the map is sold by Siida- Northern Lapland Nature Centre and Ivalo Customer Service.

    Hammastunturi - Etelä-Inari ulkoilukartta: Hammastunturi - South-Inari outdoor map, 1:100 000, Karttakeskus 2016. The map is sold by Siida - Northern Lapland Nature Centre and Ivalo Customer Service.

    Author’s map recommendations

    Excursionmap.fi of Metsähallitus (https://www.excursionmap.fi/?id=1982)

    Equipment

    A sturdy shoes and  dry exhangeshirt and warm clothing while taking a break. Waterbottle.
    The most beautiful hikes in Inari
    Finland › Lappi › Inari

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    Difficulty
    moderate
    Overall difficulty
    moderate

    Derived from the technical difficulty and the stamina requirements.

    Distance
    8.7 km
    Duration
    2:10 h
    Ascent
    36 m
    Descent
    36 m
    Highest point
    161 m
    Lowest point
    125 m
    Public-transport-friendly Scenic Family-friendly Cultural/historical interest 'Healthy climate'

    Weather at the route's trailhead

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