Timeline
12:21
Walk the 6.8-km nature trail around Kalliovaara hill. The trail features steep, rough, and potentially slippery sections, so wellies or hiking shoes are heavily recommended. You are looking for Juomapata, the largest pothole in Finland, which sits within this loop. The low winter sun will illuminate the rock walls from a sharp angle, highlighting the texture of the glacial potholes just before the sun dips below the horizon.
14:21
Stay at the trailhead or the bridge area to watch the final minutes of daylight. The sun sets toward the SSW, so position yourself where you can see the sky dim over the southern landscape. As the light fades, the giant’s kettles become silhouettes against the deepening blue.
15:06
Head back to the village of Aholanvaara. The area is remote, so there are no food or drink shops listed in the immediate vicinity. You will need to check the route for transport back toward Kuusamo or Oulankajoki to find dinner and a drink after dark. The shelters by the trail and across the bridge are for rest only and do not offer services.
Local tip
The trail is not suitable for the mobility impaired. If you are driving, note that the nature trail starts just before a bridge that might not suit heavy cars; you may need to drive 1 km further, turn left, and drive 2 km more to access the trailhead safely.
Check before you go
- The trail is rough and slippery; wear sturdy footwear.
- There are no food or drink options at the site. Plan your dinner and drinks in Kuusamo or along the Oulangantie road.
- In January, it gets dark quickly. Bring a headtorch for the return walk from the trailhead to your vehicle.
Built from places in the Wikivoyage guide to Salla (CC BY-SA 4.0), with open map data from OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).