Hiukka nature trail with snowshoes 2.4 / 4 km, Sotkamo - Vuokatti

Map of the Hiukka nature and culture route (the nature trail is on the map as a green dashed line).

The starting point of the trail is at Hiukka sandy beach, which is in itself worth seeing: a 200 m long, shallow sandy beach. At the start, there is an information board with a route map of the nature trail and checkpoints. You can choose either a 2.5 km or 4 km loop, and the walking direction is clockwise. The route mainly follows a rather narrow path through varied forest terrain, but sometimes there is a wider outdoor trail surface. At the beginning of the route, there is the steepest climb to the base of the water tower. On top of the ridge, there are also the foundations of the old ski jumping hill. At this point, the shorter 2.5 km route turns sharply right downhill towards a small peat pond and back to Hiukka. The longer 4 km loop continues straight ahead along the edge of Sotkamo cemeteries. The path crosses a wider outdoor trail, which you follow less than 200 meters to the left (east) before the nature trail continues as a path to the right southwards, heading towards Sapsojärvi. The return path goes back to Hiukka along a stunning view on the Hiukkanharju beach cliff. After about 800 meters of walking, the path turns right and circles a small peat pond. The pond is crossed via boardwalks, and then you return to the beach path. The path climbs up a small pine hill where you can rest and enjoy your snacks at a table-bench combination. After this, the return path to Hiukka is downhill, with a distance of a few hundred meters.

Snowshoes.

The route is marked with the nature trail symbol: a white pine cone on a green background. However, be careful at path intersections to stay on the route.

The sandy beach cliff is steep, caution is advised near the edge.

By car / bicycle from Vuokatti: about 10 kilometers to the centre of Sotkamo. Follow signs for "Hiukka beach". At the Neste service station intersection, turn right and follow the signs.

From Kuhmo direction: drive through the centre of Sotkamo. At the Neste service station intersection, turn left and follow the signs.

By bus: From Kajaani and Joensuu directions to the Sotkamo centre travel hub, from where it is about 500 meters on foot to Hiukka beach, where the starting point of the route is located. Walking route: Torikatu-Hermanninpolku-Urheilukatu-Tervatie.

Free parking at the Hiukka beach parking lot.

Hiukka is a unique recreational area with a pesäpallo stadium and wonderful sandy beaches. Besides the nature trail, Hiukka has a well-maintained outdoor trail network where you can ski in winter on 2.5, 3, and 5 km loops as well as on ice tracks. There is a children’s playground and outdoor gym by the shore.

Put trash in bins or take with you what you brought.