107 km
5-6 hours
608m
373m
66 %
1 %
3
100 %
The road connection on the north side of the park is among Posio’s most remote and least trafficked. At times, the views open towards the forest-covered slopes and fells of the national park. The route culminates with an approximately 5 km section inside the national park boundaries and a steep climb of roughly 150 m of vertical gain to the saddle between Noukavaara and Alimmainen Noukavaara. The high point is around 370 m above sea level, followed by a descent of up to 7 km towards Lake Kitkajärvi.
The longest gravel sectors end at the treats of Korpihilla (shop and café). From there, a mostly paved 35 km return leg brings you back towards Posio. Before reaching the village, the route also detours via Himmerki Resort, where the restaurant serves cyclists late as well. From Himmerki, you’ll enjoy a short final section of local gravel and forest roads before returning to the services in Posio.
Riisitunturi National Park Loop works perfectly as a stand-alone day ride, but it is also one stage of the three-day Lake Kitka loop when the Kitka Loop is ridden in three stages. Riding the route as an overnighter by sleeping at Kitkan Riisi, is a possible option as well.
Read below what this unique and tranquil route has to offer…
- Fell and ridge landscapes of Riisitunturi National Park
- Long, quiet, low-traffic gravel roads
- Wide open lake views on the western side of the route
- Treats at Korpihilla shop
- There are no services for the first 70 km, so carry enough food and water for most of the day. Korpihilla is a well-earned reward after the long gravel stretch—check opening hours in advance.
- 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.
- Most of the route is fast, smooth gravel, but the initial singletrack and some forest roads on the north and east side of the national park are slower, rougher riding.
- 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 dip below freezing. First snowfall often arrives in early October, with significant year-to-year variation. Day rides can still be enjoyable even in wet weather, but for fewer insects, 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 is ideal 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.
- The route can also be ridden as a relaxed overnighter by using accommodation at Kitkan Riisi, about 72 km from the start. This leaves roughly 35 km for day two—mostly a quiet, paved return back to Posio.
- There are no services for the first 70 km, so carry enough food and water for most of the route. Korpihilla is a well-earned reward—check opening hours in advance.
- There are no reliable natural water points such as springs, so be prepared to carry your day’s water. Korpihilla and Kitkan Riisi are usually happy to refill bottles.
- Much of the route is fast and smooth gravel, but the initial singletrack and some forest roads north and east of the national park are slower and rougher, with a few steep and longer climbs. Plan for a long day even though about one third of the route is quick rolling.
- The initial singletrack section is about 1.3 km and fully rideable.
- Total climbing is around 900 m, which is typical for 100 km in Finland, but some climbs are steep and on rough forest roads, increasing physical demand.
- Overall, the route is moderate: it requires self-sufficiency, planning, and a reasonable fitness level due to distance and a few physically demanding segments.
- The final 35 km is almost entirely paved, making the return to Posio efficient.
- 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. With this service, you can also choose to finish the Riisitunturi National Park Loop at Korpihilla.