95 km
4-6 hours
882m
296m
93 %
0 %
3
100 %
There are multiple points to visit the canyon itself, both a little detour by foot ideally. A hiking trail from the Korouoma wilderness Café visit the canyon floor at the route starting point while the Piippukallio lean-to on the west side of the canyon offers a great spot for a break by a fire with views to the canyon valley. Additionally, a visit to the Koronlatva lean-to showcases the unique geography of the ice-age formed canyon valley.
The other highlights of this route include the protected old forests in the southern part of the route, which give a glimpse of how the area used to be before the forests were cleared around 150 years ago. The route offers great riding with varying types of gravel from faster bombing smooth straights to slow crawling 4×4 paths. Starting and ending the route to the Korouoma wilderness café makes a logical loop with coffee and a cinnemon roll as the end reward. However, if you start the route from the most southern point, the transfer to the route is a little quicker and you have a change to do the fairly pleasant extra 32km on pavement back to Himmerki Resort, if you just have legs for it.
- The Korouoma Canyon landscapes — best experienced with short hikes to the canyon rim or down to the canyon floor (not from the saddle)
- A visit to the striking scenery around the Koronlatvajärvi lean-to
- Piippukallio lean-to and a fire break with views over the Korouoma valley
- Protected old-growth forests in the southern part of the route
- Varied gravel riding, from fast gravel straights to slower forest roads
- A stop at the Koivukönkäs waterfall
- The canyon highlights are at their best if you allow time for short walking detours (to the canyon floor, and to the Piippukallio and Koronlatvajärvi lean-tos).
- There are no food services on the route, so carry enough food and water for most of the day.
- The route works for any bike that fits tyres of at least 50 mm. Experienced riders may manage with 45 mm, but an ideal tyre width is 50 mm or wider.
- The gravel riding season at Posio typically begins by early June, once the 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. First snow typically arrives in early October, although year-to-year variation is large. Day rides are usually fine even during Lapland’s räkkä, but if you want to avoid the worst insect season, plan your visit from mid-August through late September.
- The route is digitally navigated only; it is not waymarked on the ground. Navigation requires a GPS device such as a watch, smartphone, or bike computer.
- Stay on the route line at all times and use only the recommended camping and rest spots mentioned in the route description.
- Mobile coverage may be limited. In an emergency, call 112 (or use the 112 app) when you have signal.
- Carry basic first-aid supplies and bike repair tools.
- Weather in Lapland can change quickly, so layering and waterproof gear are strongly recommended.
- The route is an excellent day ride if you stay in or near Posio village.
- Himmerki Resort offers a wide range of accommodation options, from camping to small cabins and large log villas.
- The loop can also be ridden as a relaxed overnight trip, for example by staying at the Koronlatvajärvi lean-to.
- The Korouoma Wilderness Café (start/finish) serves food during opening hours and will usually refill cyclists’ water bottles.
- There are no food services out on the route, so carry enough food and drink for most of the day.
- There are no obvious natural water points such as springs, so be prepared to carry the water you need for the day.
- Most of the route is fast, smooth gravel — with the exception of the spur sections to (or near) the canyon highlights.
- Total ascent is around 970 m. While this is fairly typical per 100 km in Finland, some climbs are on rough forest roads, which increases the physical load.
- Overall, the route is intermediate: it requires self-sufficiency, planning, and decent fitness due to the distance and a few physically heavier sections.
- The easiest way to reach Posio is by taking a day or night train to Rovaniemi and continuing by coach for about two hours. Several Helsinki–Rovaniemi trains run daily, usually including one overnight train. Bicycle spaces can sell out during peak season, but with multiple daily departures you often don’t need to book far in advance unless you specifically want the night train.
- Only a few bicycles fit on the Rovaniemi–Posio coach, but on most departures you can reserve a bike space in advance via Matkahuolto.
- Because some Posio gravel routes require logistics, a new transport service is planned for summer 2026 to handle shuttles and possible evacuations from the routes.