29 km
3-4 hours
234m
293m
59 %
6 %
2
95 %
The route starts from the Livojärvi Kota Café, beautifully located on a sand bank that splits the lake. At first, the route follows a cabin access road along the top of an ice-age formed esker. After passing the barriers at the recreation area, the route turns into a smooth-ish forest road set in an old pine heath, while lake views open up on both sides from top of the esker. The first worthwhile stop is just 6 km from the start: Hirsiniemi lean-to and its sand beach are well worth a break.
After roughly 10 km of ridge riding, Kaatami lean-to offers another excellent rest spot, though without the idyll of a swimming beach. The route’s clearly most challenging section — a little over 2 km of natural singletrack — begins immediately after the Kaatami junction. The trail is partly technical and not fully rideable without solid mountain-biking skills, but the winding forest trail through old-growth pine woodland and along sand beaches is so unique that the slower pace rarely feels like a drawback.
As the route’s highlight — and a memorable, one-off challenge — you’ll complete a ~100 m rowboat crossing from the ridge to the nearest island. From there, the route continues first on some more single track and then on old forest roads towards the nearest paved road. The final paved section is about 11 km, a welcome change of tempo after the slower-going parts earlier on the loop.
Hirsiniemi Loop is among Finland’s finest cycling routes and offers a truly unique experience, whether you’re an experienced rider or a first timer.
- Scenic esker-top road through the Livojärvi recreation area with constant lake views
- A unique singletrack section through rolling old-growth forest and along sand beaches
- The Livojärvi rowboat “ferry” across a 100 m strait
- A beautiful start and finish on the sandy spit at the Livojärvi Kota Café
- The sandy beaches of the Livojärvi sand bank and Hirsiniemi swimming beach
- Option to stay overnight at the Hirsiniemi rental hut, or camp at Hirsiniemi beach or at Kaatami lean-to
- There are no food services along the route, but the start and finish are at the Livojärvi Kota Café. Even though the loop is short, progress can be slow — and sometimes you won’t even want to hurry because the scenery is so good. Carry more food and water than you normally would for a 30 km ride.
- The route suits any bike that can fit at least 50 mm tyres. Experienced riders may manage with 45 mm, but wider tyres are recommended. Wide tyres are especially helpful on the ~2 km singletrack section, which is partly rooty and includes short stretches on sandy beaches.
- The gravel riding season in Posio typically starts by early June once roads have dried after the spring thaw, and usually ends in late September as temperatures drop below freezing. First snowfall often arrives in early October, with significant year-to-year variation.
- Day rides are enjoyable even in rainy weather, but if you want to avoid peak insect season, plan your visit from mid-August to late September.
- Navigation is digital only: the route is not signposted on the ground. Use a GPS device such as a watch, smartphone, or bike computer.
- Stay on the suggested route and use only the recommended camping and rest spots.
- Mobile coverage may be limited. In an emergency, call 112 (or use the 112 Suomi app when a signal is available).
- Carry basic first aid supplies and bike repair essentials.
- Lapland weather can change quickly, so layered clothing and waterproof gear are strongly recommended.
- The nearest accommodation services are in and around Posio village, so reaching the Hirsiniemi Loop typically requires a shuttle/transport service or your own car.
- The route also works well as a relaxed overnighter: camp at Hirsiniemi beach or Kaatami lean-to, or book the Hirsiniemi rental hut for the night.
- There are no food services on the route, so carry everything you need from start to finish.
- “People have always drunk Livo’s water,” says a local phrase — but natural water should still be treated before drinking. The simplest option is to carry the water you need for the route.
- The Livojärvi Kota Café at the start and finish is a perfect place to refuel — check opening hours in advance.
- This loop is slightly more demanding than the distance suggests. The esker road is easy riding, but the following singletrack section may become hike-a-bike for some riders.
- Some roots are easy to roll over on a gravel bike, but others require good bike-handling skills. Short sections on sandy beaches can also be soft, especially with narrower tyres, and the narrow trail along the lake bank can surprise you.
- The rowboat crossing can be tricky without getting your cycling shoes wet, but it is possible to load and unload the bike alone. A light gravel bike is significantly easier to handle than a heavily loaded touring bike.
- After the recreation area, riding is smooth on forest roads and then on pavement back to the sandy-spit start point.
- Overall the route is still easy due to its short length, but the singletrack guarantees it won’t feel boring even for experienced riders.
- The route is located about 19 km from Posio village and about 25 km south of Himmerki Resort. The best way to reach it is by shuttle/transport service or your own car. It is also possible to ride there by bike, but this will significantly extend your day.
- Reaching Posio is easiest by taking a day or night train to Rovaniemi and continuing by coach for roughly two hours. Several Helsinki–Rovaniemi trains run daily, usually including one night train. Bicycle spaces can sell out during holiday season, but with multiple daily departures you don’t always need to book far ahead—unless you specifically plan to take the night train.
- Only a limited number of bicycles fit on the Rovaniemi–Posio coach, but on most departures you can reserve a bike space in advance via Matkahuolto.
- As some Posio gravel routes require logistics support, a new transport service is planned for summer 2026 to assist cyclists with transport as well as potential evacuations from the routes.