Vuokatin Vaellus - Event info
Efficient arrangements ensure an enjoyable hiking day
Vuokatin Vaellus offers nature experiences for every taste, along with versatile supplementary services before and after the event.
Hiking routes
Vuokatin Vaellus brings together hiking enthusiasts
The renewed Vuokatin Vaellus route is 13 km long and offers something for everyone — whether you prefer traditional hiking, Nordic walking with poles, or a more leisurely pace in the spirit of poet Eino Leino.
The Vuokatinvaara fell, a tourist destination since the 1800s, has long attracted both top athletes and cultural figures in search of fitness or inspiration.
Event centre
The event centre in the middle of Vuokatti
The Vuokatin Vaellus event center is located at the top of Vuokatinvaara, at Café Vaaran Tupa (address: Vuokatinvaarantie 17, Vuokatti). The event center will be open on Saturday, September 20, 2025, from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
You can park your car at the summit parking areas or along the roadside. Please check in at the event center before starting your hike.
At Café Vaaran Tupa, hot coffee and tea will warm both body and soul, and a handmade doughnut will sweeten your day. The café is also licensed to serve alcohol. From the scenic terrace, you’ll enjoy a breathtaking view over Vuokatinvaara.
Café Vaaran Tupa — a log cabin built in 1937 — once served as the summer workplace of writer Veikko Huovinen, who worked as a firewatcher here in his youth. Step into the space where inspiring stories were born, and where the spirit of history still lives on.
Routes and service points
Varied routes, functional service, and proper hiking provisions form are the foundation of a successful hiking day
Even though the route will be clearly marked for the event, it’s still a good idea to take a close look at the trail map beforehand.
The Vuokatin Vaellus route starts at the top of Vuokatinvaara, at Café Vaaran Tupa. The route begins along the Eino Leino Trail, passing the small ponds of Vuokatinvaara and winding through an old spruce forest. From the fell, the route descends onto easy-to-follow ski tracks, which gradually climb towards Heikkilän Pirtti.
At Heikkilän Pirtti, you can enjoy refreshments at the aid station and soak up the cosy atmosphere. The hut offers warmth and, if needed, shelter from the rain while you take a break. By this point, you will have covered around 7 kilometres – just under half of the route.
From Heikkilän Pirtti, the route continues along trails and ski tracks towards Möykynlampi. After Möykynlampi, the route joins the UKK Trail and heads towards Kettumäki and onwards to the top of Keima. This year, this section of the UKK Trail is travelled in the opposite direction to the one traditionally used in Vuokatin Vaellus. The route takes you through beautiful spruce forests on the fells and along varied but mostly easy-to-follow trails.
From the top of Keima, one of the most beautiful views of the entire route opens up before you, so this is a perfect spot to stop for a moment and take in the scenery. From Keima, the route continues mostly downhill towards Vuokatinvaara, with one final short climb near the end. The hike finishes at Café Vaaran Tupa, where the final aid station will be waiting for you.
Vuokatin Vaellus hiking event service points
The Vuokatin Vaellus refreshment point is located at Heikkilän Pirtti, where participants are served a filled sandwich and a hot drink. At the finish line, Café Vaaran Tupa offers all participants a doughnut and coffee or tea.
Family hike
Accessible Family Hike on Sunday, September 21, 2025
As part of the Vuokatin Vaellus hiking event, the Family Hike, will take place on Sunday, September 21st, 2025, from 10:00-14:00 in Vuokatti. The Family Hike is open to everyone, free of charge, and no separate registration is required. Families are welcome to embark on the hike at their own pace during the event.
The central location for the Family Hike is the Vuokatinhovi area (address: Vuokatinhovintie 15, Vuokatti). The starting point is near the parking area of Vuokatin Hovi. Participants can access the starting point via the accessible lakeside route from Vuokatti Sports Institute or by car, walking, cycling, or using a wheelchair along the roads. Vehicles can be parked at the Vuokatin Hovi parking area. At the conclusion of the Family Hike, participants can enjoy a picnic or grill sausages at Kammila, which is wheelchair accessible.
Schedule
Hiking weekend full of activities
Saturday 20.9.2025
8.00: Event centre opens
9.00-11.00: Start your hike anytime within this window
11.00-17.00: Finish line refreshments available at Café Vaaran Tupa
17.00: Event centre closes
In the evening dances at Naapurivaaran Huvikeskus
Sunday 21.9.2025
10.00-14.00: Family Hike
Participant instructions
A smooth event brings a smile to your face
Things to pay attention when participating for the hike
– Dress appropriately for the hike with breathable and windproof clothing, and wear sturdy and supportive footwear (hiking boots or good trail shoes).
– There are guides on the hiking trail equipped with first aid supplies. You can recognize the guides by their yellow vests.
– Register at the event centre before starting the trail and when you finish!
– Dog friends are also welcome to join the hike. Please note that there is no designated dog parking area provided by the event organizer at the event center or at the Heikkilä Pirtti service point
Things to pay attention when participating Family Hike
– The Family Hike, part of Vuokatin Vaellus, will be held on Sunday, September 21, 2025, from 10.00 AM to 2.00 PM in Vuokatti.
– The Family Hike is open to everyone and free of charge; there is no need to register separately for the event.
– Families can start hiking freely according to their own schedule during the event.
– The centre for the Family Hike is Vuokatinhovi area (address: Vuokatinhovintie 15, Vuokatti).
– After the Family Hike, participants can have a picnic or grill sausages at Kammila. Kammila is accessible, and there is also an accessible restroom.
– The Family Hike route is assisted-accessible. Accessibility challenges arise from differences in elevation, uneven terrain, and the surface material of the trail.
Best services
Enhance your Vuokatin Vaellus experience with the best supplementary services
Intersport Piipponen hiking store
At Intersport Piipponen Hiking Store, you’ll find high-quality hiking gear and accessories, along with the hottest early-season offers. The store is located at Vuokatti Ski Tunnel (address: Vuokatinhovintie 2, Vuokatti):
- Fri 11.9 10-18
- Sat 12.9 10-17
Hike Dance at Naapurinvaara
The official Hike dance at Naapurinvaara Huvikeskus crowns the hiking day! Napis offers bus transportation from Sotkamo, Vuokatti, and Katinkulta. Prices and schedules can be found at www.napis.fi
Sustainability
More sustainable Endurance Kainuu event experiences
Our effort is to produce more responsible event experiences for our participants year after year. As proof of this, we have the Ekokompass environmental certificate. In addition, the income from the events is used through our other activities to promote physical activity in Kainuu.
Behind the event
Kainuun Liikunta – the organizer of Endurance Kainuu events
Kainuun Liikunta ry is an active event organizer in Kainuu. Our passion and main mission is to make people do sports in many different ways.