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Posio Gravel: Kemijoki Loop

Eastern Lapland
Distance
79 km
Duration
5-6 hours
Total ascent
796m
Highest point
333m
% Unpaved
87 %
% Singletrack
0 %
Difficulty (1-10)
4
% Rideable
100 %
The Kemijoki Loop is another remote, partly slow and occasionally rough loop starting from the Auttiköngäs waterfall area an hour drive from Himmerki. The never ending short, but often steep climbs and occasional rough section add to the physical challenge of the route and it’s the physically most demanding on the menú. The route showcases the four major industries of the area: wind energy, hydro energy, forestry and reindeer herding.
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Trail grades

The first section of the route climbs past a large windmill park before getting on a network of never ending old small forest roads, which lead to the damn lakes of the River Kemi, Kemijoki in Finnish. Between the reservoirs the river is occasionally just a small creek until it joins the next reservoir again or until the flow through the turbines is increased. Along the way there are a couple of reindeer herding stations, though reindeer are plentiful in the whole area. The last section of the route follows the Kemijoki Dam service roads to the Autti Village Manor in the Autti village, which now operates as a café, bar and a meeting place for local people. The start and endpoint of the route is the fantastic Auttiköngäs waterfall, which has an interesting history and high importance in regional logistics.

gravel road by a lake
stairs down to a river canyon
fire hut in the forest
wind turbine
  • The Auttiköngäs waterfall area as both the start and finish
  • Reindeer herding landscapes and a true wilderness feel
  • Wind farm landscapes right at the beginning of the route
  • Remote, old and varied forest roads
  • Kemijoki reservoirs and the scale of hydro power infrastructure
  • Autti village and Autti Manor (if open) towards the end of the day
  • The route is very remote, and there are practically no shortcuts for an “easy exit” — be fully self-supported. The only food option is near the end of the day, around 72 km from the start.
  • Expect many short but steep climbs; the physical load builds up especially due to rough surfaces and the constant up-and-down terrain.
  • In places, the route includes slower-rolling, rougher forest road sections and occasionally soft or loose gravel.
  • The route is suitable for any bike that can fit tyres of at least 50 mm. Experienced riders may manage with 45 mm tyres, but an ideal tyre width is preferably 50 mm or wider.
  • The gravel riding season at Posio typically begins by early June, once the gravel roads have dried and hardened after the spring thaw. The season usually ends in late September, as autumn rains increase and temperatures drop below freezing. The first snowfall typically arrives in early October, although year-to-year variation has increased in recent years. Gravel day rides are generally enjoyable even during Lapland’s famous räkkä (biting insect season), but if you want to avoid the worst of it, plan your visit from mid-August through late September.
  • The route has digital navigation only; it is not signposted on the ground. Navigation is done with a GPS device such as a watch, smartphone, or bike computer.
  • Always stay on the mapped route and aim to use only the recommended camp and rest spots mentioned in the route description.
  • Mobile coverage may not extend across the entire route area. In an emergency, you can call 112 or use the 112 app when signal is available.
  • For emergencies, carrying a basic first-aid kit and bike repair tools is strongly recommended.
  • Lapland weather can change quickly, so layering and waterproof gear are highly recommended.
  • The route works well as a day trip based from Posio. Access to the start is best by car or with a local transport service.
  • Himmerki Resort offers a wide range of accommodation options from camping to small cabins and larger log villas.
  • Carry all the food and drink you need for the day, as Autti Manor is only reached near the end of the route at around the 72 km mark.
  • There are no obvious natural water sources such as springs, so be prepared to carry your full day’s water with you.
  • The Kemijoki Loop is physically demanding: constant short climbs, rougher road surfaces, and the remoteness of the route increase the overall load.
  • Technically the route is mostly non-technical, but occasional rough forest roads and slower-rolling sections make progress more demanding.
  • Overall: a tough day ride that rewards an experienced gravel rider.
  • The start/finish point at the Auttiköngäs Pirtti Café is about a 45-minute drive from the village of Posio. The transfer from Posio to the start is best done by car or with a transport service.
  • The easiest way to reach Posio is by taking a day or night train to Rovaniemi and continuing by coach for approximately two hours. Several Helsinki–Rovaniemi train services operate daily, including typically one overnight service. Bicycle spaces on trains can be limited during the holiday season, but due to the number of daily departures, tickets do not always need to be booked far in advance unless planning to travel on the night train.
  • Only a limited number of bicycles can be carried on the Rovaniemi–Posio coach services, but on most departures it is possible to reserve a bicycle space in advance via Matkahuolto.
  • As some of the Posio gravel routes require logistical support, a new transport service is planned for summer 2026 to assist cyclists with route logistics and potential evacuations. With transport support, the Riisitunturi National Park Loop can also be finished at Korpihilla.
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