More than 6 hours

The hike of Vajosuo Mire

The hike on Vajosuo Mire is almost 30 km in length and is a two-day trip for many visitors, including more experienced hikers. As such, it is worth planning the route to ensure that you arrive at a lean-to shelter with sleeping space by the evening. In practice, the best starting points are Rantapiha or Kurjenpesä in the north and the Vajosuo car park in the south.

Lake Vaskijärvi trail

This route is named after Lake Vaskijärvi, which the route encircles, and also the Vaskijärvi Strict Nature Reserve, with open expanses of marshland and patches of old-growth spruce forests pushing up through mineral soil. The route also takes in flat, rugged rocks covered in lichens with clumps of pine trees and stunning swampy ponds. The landscapes in the nature reserve are uniquely beautiful – in some places, it is hard to believe you are in Southern Finland at all. Due to the strict conservation order in the nature reserve, it is forbidden to deviate from the path. In the parts outside the nature reserve, the route traverses dry rocks and moorland, largely along forest roads. Outside the nature reserve, there are two resting places along the route. One is called Valastenmaa, and it has a fireplace, a picnic table shelter, a dry toilet and a firewood shelter. The other resting place is Vesiraumanmäki, which offers a lean-to shelter that is suitable for overnight stays. In addition to the basic route, it is also possible to follow an additional 2.5 km route around Lake Kajavanjärvi, which is characterised by flat rocky areas covered in grey lichens. The natural starting place for the 19 km route is the car park at Elijärvenkulma. The route has only minor elevation differences and is not particularly demanding in terms of physical fitness or hiking experience. Due to the length of the walk, it takes at least five hours to get around the route – more with long breaks. The safest way is to set out early in the morning to be sure of getting back by the evening. Jogging shoes are usually adequate on this route, but waterproof shoes are recommended in rainy periods. The route is not maintained during winter, and the car park at the starting point is not cleared of snow.

Trek of the Devil’s Church

Long ago, the devil found himself a handsome rock suitable for his church along this route. This is a good description of the nature on this route. Steep rocks follow one after another, and the walker must be experienced and in good physical condition. Shoes with good grip are required. The Trek of the Devil’s Church is not recommended as the first hike for people who are unsteady on their feet. Another resting place on the route is Luolakallio. As its Finnish name (“Cave Rock”) implies, it contains a cave-like pocket under a rock overhang, making it possible for people to stay there overnight if they are comfortable in tight spaces. There is also a grill shelter and a dry toilet at Luolakallio. Another resting place along the route is the Soikeroinen lean-to shelter, which also has a grill, dry toilet and firewood shelter. For people arriving by car, the natural starting point is the Soikeroinen car park. The route is marked with orange bands, and it is not maintained in the winter. Upon departing from Soikeroinen, the walker can choose to follow a separate climbers’ tour that is 400 metres long. This short route takes the hiker high up onto the rocks and requires strong leg muscles. The Trek of the Devil’s Church is a round-trip route stretching 8 km in each direction. Due to the elevation differences, the route could take four hours to walk, or three if the walker chooses to turn back at the Luolakallio resting place.

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