Trail of Viena (Vuokki)

The unique Suomussalmi Viena Karelian villages of Hietajärvi and Kuivajärvi and the Murhisalo and Malahvia nature reserves are located close to the route. The Yli-Vuokki wilderness forest is home to the region’s fishable and clean lakes and fishing spots in white waters. The area forms part of the Kalevala Park, which was established in 2014.

The trail is marked by route markers carved into the trees with an axe. The magnificent landscapes of ridge, meadow, lake and river provide nature experiences for hikers, mountain bikers, canoeists and fishermen. The trail is 27 km long and is well-maintained and guided, ending at the border zone on the Finnish side. Access to the border zone is mainly for authorisation and always requires a separate permit.

There is no winter maintenance on the trail.

There are signposts along the route, a sauna in the mill, a summerhouse, three fireplaces and four outdoor toilets.

Attractions along the route include the Rautiainen Mill and the Special Satalatva tree. In the nearby villages you can visit war memorials and Kainuu dune landscapes.

From Suomussalmi centre, drive south on the Viitostie (E63) for about 2 km. Then turn left onto Juntusrannantie (912) and drive about 2 km. Then turn left into Suomussalmentie (912) and drive about 1.5 km, turn right into Kuhmontie (912) and drive about 40 km. Then turn left onto the Hepola-Pehkolantie, where the starting point and signpost are on the right at the beginning of the route.

There are several private cottages and routes in the area.