105 km
4-6 hours
578m
293m
75 %
0 %
3
100 %
After Kellinniemi, the route passes old farmsteads and the gravel road gradually becomes narrower and narrower. Eventually it feels like a true wilderness route, alternating between old logging roads and forest roads as it pushes deeper into the backcountry of southern Posio.
The first proper stop of the day is at Kirsikoski lean-to on the Livojoki River, about 53 km from the start. If you ride the route as an overnighter, the area offers several good tent spots, and nearby you’ll also find the Haarainniemi wilderness hut and sauna—though it requires a minimum three-night reservation.
After this, the route joins a larger, actively used forestry road for a while, a reminder of the vitality of Arctic forestry. Around eight kilometres later you leave it behind and enter the narrowest section of the day: an old snowmobile trail base that eventually leads to Ranua Road. On the way back towards the Livojärvi sand banks, you can stop at Lastenlampi lean-to and cooking shelter. Before the finish, there is one last spice: an approximately one-kilometre singletrack section that is fully rideable—if you still have the energy for a slightly more technical finish after a long day in the saddle.
Overall, the South Posio Loop is a long, remote and adventure-driven route where progress is still smooth and the rest spots are of high quality. It works well as a long day ride, but also suits an overnight trip.
- Forgotten, remote logging roads and forest roads in southern Posio
- Kellinniemi lean-to area and long, shallow sandy beaches early in the route
- Kirsikoski lean-to on the Livojoki River
- Haarainniemi wilderness hut and sauna (note: sauna requires a minimum three-night booking)
- Lastenlampi lean-to and cooking shelter
- The sand bank at the Livojärvi Kota Café is a superb place to start and finish the ride
- There are virtually no services along the route, aside from occasional wilderness shelters, so carry sufficient food and water for the day.
- 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 it includes a few slower sections on smaller, rougher old forest roads. The most technical part is the ~1 km singletrack section right at the end.
- 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.
- This route works well as a day ride if you stay in or near Posio village (the distance from the village to the start is about 18 km).
- Himmerki Resort offers a wide range of accommodation options in Posio, from camping to small cabins and larger log villas.
- The route can also be ridden as an overnight trip by camping, for example at Kirsikoski lean-to. Kellinniemi is also an excellent place to camp, as it is one of the finest tent spots in the area—staying there before or after the ride is a solid option.
- Valkoisen Peuran Valtakunta is located on the route by Lake Livojärvi and offers high-quality accommodation and meals by advance booking.
- There are no food services along the route, so carry all the food you need for a long day and most of the water you will need.
- About 68 km from the start there is a small spring brook that can serve as a water source. Natural water should always be treated before use.
- Valkoisen Peuran Valtakunta, located on the route by Lake Livojärvi, offers meals (and accommodation) by advance booking.
- The route features a wide range of gravel surfaces, from main forestry roads used by logging trucks to almost overgrown old snowmobile trail bases. The most technical section is the ~1 km singletrack at the end, which is nevertheless rideable for most gravel riders.
- The main challenge is the distance: this is one of the longest routes in the network, and it offers no easy shortcuts back to the start. Carrying enough food is critical.
- Total climbing is 790 vertical meters, which is reasonable for the distance, but combined with some slower surfaces it adds up. Physical load is the key difficulty factor on this route.
- Overall, the route is moderate and among the most demanding routes in the network, as riding it requires self-sufficiency, planning, and a reasonable fitness level.
- The ride is made faster and slightly easier by short paved sections, totalling 21 km.
- The start point at the Livojärvi Kota Café is about 18 km from Posio village. You can reach it by shuttle/transport service or by your own car.
- The easiest way to reach Posio is to take a day or night train to Rovaniemi and continue 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.