Martinselkonen Nature Trail

Martinselkonen Nature Trail (Martinselkosen luontopolku) is a long-distance hiking loop of about 12 km in the taiga forests around Suomussalmi, Finland. The route is built around a quiet, low-traffic wilderness feel, walking through older boreal forest, open peatland, and alongside quiet lakes.

Expect mostly easy walking, but not “smooth.” The trail can be rugged where it crosses wetlands, including sections using wooden duckboards to get over boggy ground and stretches that follow older forest tracks.

Navigation is straightforward on-trail: the route uses blue markings along the loop. It’s designed to be practical as a loop rather than a point-to-point trek, so you can plan a single multi-hour outing based on the same circular track.

The trail starts at Martinselkonen Wilds Centre (Martinselkosen Eräkeskus) off road 843 near the Russian border, making it a simple base for getting onto and finishing the loop.

Facilities along the route are limited but purpose-built for backcountry hikers: there are lean-to shelters (laavu) plus fire pits/camp spots spaced for overnight-style use along the loop.

Seasonal use centers on the snow-free hiking period (June to October). Outside that window, the marked routes are used for snowshoe travel rather than summer walking.

More information: What are the best snowshoeing trails in the Kainuu region?, Best Hiking Trails for Those Seeking Peace and Quiet, Martinselkonen Wilds Centre Ruhtinansalmi - Discovering Finland