Nuolivaara nature trail 5 km | Kelujärvi, Sodankylä

The route starts by gently ascending from the parking area towards a lean-to shelter, where the path splits. Head left from the lean-to and continue ascending along the path. After the uphill section, you will reach a crossing where you can make a detour to the boundary marker connecting the municipalities of Sodankylä, Pelkosenniemi, and Savukoski. The trail to the boundary marker is quite rocky and steep, so exercise special caution here. Return down the same route from the boundary marker and continue along the path turning left at the crossing towards the north.

Now the path takes you to another resting spot and continues forward through a still forested environment towards the next crossing. From the crossing, you can head towards Metsänhaltija Tapio’s chair and magnificent Lapland scenery. The area around Tapio’s chair is a great place to have a snack and admire the views. From Tapio’s chair, return the same way to the crossing, then continue left into easy forest scenery gradually descending towards the greener part of the route. Then you will reach the lean-to that you passed earlier, from where the route continues towards the parking area.

The recommended direction to follow the route is clockwise, with the initial section along a linear trail up to the lean-to, from where the route splits into a loop.

Dress appropriately for the weather and bring snacks and drinks. Hiking boots are the best choice for the partly rocky path, although walking the path is possible in lighter footwear at least in dry weather.

Network and phone connections can be poor in the area. Rocky sections can be slippery in wet weather – wear sturdy shoes. Especially, the section leading to the three municipalities boundary marker is rocky and steep. Lighting fires is only allowed at designated fire pits. Check that there is no active forest fire warning in the area. There is no winter maintenance on the trail. Have you downloaded the 112 emergency app to your phone? If not, here is the link to the 112 app download instructions.

Turn from the Arctic Ocean road E4 from Sodankylä center onto Kemijärventie 967 and drive about 600 meters until you reach the Savukoskentie intersection. From there, turn left onto road 967 and continue towards Tanhua. Drive road number 967 for about 23 kilometers past Kelujärvi and turn right onto Kousivaara road. Continue on Kousivaara road for about 1.4 kilometers and turn left onto Nuolikuru road. Drive Nuolikuru road 7.7 kilometers and turn towards the Nuolivaara nature trail parking area. After 100 meters you reach the starting point. Signposts will guide you from the Kousivaara road intersection to the Nuolivaara nature trail parking lot. The driving distance from Sodankylä center is about 32 km.

The site is not accessible by public transport.

The starting point has a free parking area with room for several cars.

The route is well marked, but you can take a photo of the starting point sign in case you do not have internet access.

Near the Nuolivaara nature trail is also an old worship site Nuolikirkko, which has no marked trails.