English
  • Svenska
  • Suomi

Lake Posio Loop

Eastern Lapland
Distance
46 km
Duration
2-3 hours
Total ascent
390m
Highest point
311m
% Unpaved
75 %
% Singletrack
3 %
Difficulty (1-10)
2
% Rideable
100 %
Lake Posio Loop is a 46 km local loop around Lake Posio itself. It’s an excellent taster ride for the Posio network, combining the best local gravel and easy single track sections in the forests near Himmerki Resort and Posio village, and then completing a full loop around the lake on old forestry roads.
Open full size map
Download GPX
Trail grades

The ride is mostly smooth and has a nice rhythm, with a nice variation in surface types to keep riding engaging. The rollercoaster-like ski-track base from Himmerki towards the village continues into a short Kotivaaran singletrack section, followed by a 9 km fast transfer section along the roadside towards the northern shore of Lake Posio. The western side of the lake feels surprisingly remote on old forest roadbeds before a paved return brings you back to the services in Posio village.
Lake Posio Loop is one of the shortest rides in the network and therefore a suitable challenge also for riders with less gravel riding experience.

gravel road with water on both sides
lush river view
quadtrack
country road with lake views
  • Remote-feeling old forestry roads on the western side of Lake Posio
  • Frequent riding close to the shoreline with wide lake views
  • Ski-track bases and small forest roads around Himmerki and Posio village add variety and a touch of challenge
  • The only services along the route are in Posio village and at Himmerki Resort. From Himmerki to Posio village via the lake loop is 37 km.
  • 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.
  • The slowest and most demanding parts are right at the start on the outdoor trails around Himmerki and the village. Otherwise the route is mostly smooth gravel, with a few main-road sections and some riding on cycle paths.
  • 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. The first snowfall often arrives in early October, though year-to-year variation is significant. 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.
  • This route works perfectly as a day ride if you stay in or near Posio village.
  • Himmerki Resort offers a wide range of accommodation from camping to small cabins and larger log villas.
  • There are no services or natural water points on the 37 km lake-loop section, so carry enough food and water for most of the ride.
  • Posio village has a few cafés and restaurants. Himmerki’s café and restaurant serve riders from morning to evening at both the start and finish.
  • The most challenging section is the first 10 km between Himmerki and Posio village. The ski-track base has steep ups and downs, and the Kotivaara trail-like section requires attention, even though it is fully rideable.
  • The initial singletrack section is about 1.3 km and completely rideable.
  • Total climbing is around 420 m, which is typical for this distance in Finland, but the steepest climbs come early (within the first 7 km) and can still be felt in the legs afterwards.
  • Overall, the route is easy compared to most other Posio gravel routes, which are often longer, more remote, and further from services.
  • The easiest way to reach Posio is to take a day or night train to Rovaniemi and continue 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.
Back to front page