Herajarvi Hiking Trail, North Karelia, Finland
4.0 (9 reviews) Spent More than 3 hours Ranking #12 in Koli National Park Hiking Trails
Great multi-day hike with great views albeit on a tough terrain!
The Herajarvi Trail is a journey into the Koli national landscape. The trail runs over wooded hills via the best lookout points. The diverse natural world of Koli and Northern Karelia are present at every step. The Herajarvi Trail goes round Lake Herajarvi and through Koli National Park. The trail consists of two circular trails, giving you a choice between a 61-km, 35-km or 30-km trail. Recommended starting point: Koli Vicitor Centre Ukko
Address
Yla-kolintie 39, Koli National Park 83960 Finland
Mobile
Website
http://www.nationalparks.fi/en/herajarvitrail;jsessionid=1506F3EC623039248CA54527E09AD774
Current local date and time now
Sunday, May 12, 2024, 18:59
User Ratings
4.0 based on (9 reviews)
Excellent
56%
Good
22%
Satisfactory
11%
Poor
11%
Terrible
0%
Reviews
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5JariJK 5:00 PM Oct 31, 2015
The longest circle trail in Koli National Park
Herajärvi Circle Trail goes around Lake Herajärvi and through all the main attractions in Koli National Park. You can choose the shorter route (40 kilometers, 2 days) or the longer route (60 kilometers, 3 days). The shorter route goes over Lake Herajärvi at Kiviniemi (Ahosaari). There are a bridge and a self-operated cable raft there. The longer route goes around Eteläpäänselkä (the southernmost bay of Lake Herajärvi), too. This longer route follows the trail Ukko-Koli - Ryläys view tower (8.7 kilometers from Ukko-Koli) - Kiviniemi (18.9 kilometers from Ukko-Koli) - Eteläpää (27.7 kilometers) - Suopelto (34.8 kilometers) - Rykiniemi (40.5 kilometers) - Lakkala (45.3 kilometers) - Pirunkirkko Cave (50.3 kilometers) - Havukanaho (54.1 kilometers) - Ukko-Koli (60.3 kilometers). There are also some services on the route. You find the visitor information center Ukko (buy a hiking map there), Break Sokos Hotel Koli and Koli Relax Spa near Ukko-Koli. The Farm Kiviniemi from the 19th century offers a camping site, a cafeteria, a sauna and storehouse accommodation (advance booking needed). Camping is also allowed in Myllypuro, Ryläys (a log shelter), the heritage farm Nevala, Herajärvi open shelter, Lakkala and Ylä-Murhi. There are also some rental cabins on the route. I loved every moment on this route. You see many interesting natural and cultural heritage sites there. Especially many viewpoints are extremely beautiful.
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4Pauliina K 5:00 PM Aug 2, 2018
Nice hike with good scenery
Me and my husband did the north part round (40km) in 2 days, about same distance both days and stayed the night in the Kiviniemi Farm. Good sleep in a private cabin, good food for dinner, breakfast and even take-away sandwiches for 2nd day hike. Also nice private sauna and swimming in the lake. The staff is super friendly and helpful. And on very reasonable price. Also possible to camp in a tent but route much heavier with all related gear. Very nice experience, path is up and down but with day backbags not heavy for somewhat sporty +40-year-olds. Be aware no drinking water available elsewhere than at Kiviniemi so need to carry it (or clean otherwise) on a hot summer day we had 2 litres for each and that was just enough. There are several places to camp and have a break and a campfire.
