In the Valtavaara-Pyhävaara Nature Reserve in Kuusamo Finland, you'll find stunning views of hills and fells. Konttainen Trail is one of the finest destinations for day hiking in the Ruka and Kuusamo region. From the summit of Konttainen, you can also access Finland's most famous hiking trail, Karhunkierros Bear’s Trail.
The peak of Konttainen rises 433 meters (1421 ft) above sea level. From its numerous viewpoints, you can admire the scenery of Ruka and Northern Kuusamo, the neighboring Valtavaara, and the shimmering Lake Konttainen. Konttainen offers enjoyable hiking experiences both in summer and amidst the winter crown-snow scenery.
Konttainen Parking Area and Siberian Jays
The Konttaisen Kuhaus Trail starts from the Konttainen parking area on Virkkulantie road (address: Virkkulantie 43). It's about a ten-kilometer drive from Ruka to the parking lot, taking approximately ten minutes.
At the edge of the parking area, there's an information board, a Konttainen Trail map, and details about Oulanka National Park. From Virkkulantie road, you can also access Valtavaara, also part of the Karhunkierros trail.
Near the Konttainen parking area, you'll find Kuusamo Bird Club's bird feeding spot and an information board highlighting Kuusamo's best birdwatching locations and birdwatching towers. The small feeding birdhouses are hanging under the thick spruce branches, where little willow tits flutter around. The area is a popular spot for photographing Siberian Jays.
Konttaisen Kuhaus Trail
The Konttaisen Kuhaus Trail is located in the northern part of the Valtavaara-Pyhävaara Nature Reserve. In the nature reserve, everyman's rights do not apply. Konttainen does not have fireplaces or dry toilets, making it suitable only for day hiking.
Camping and making fires in the terrain are not allowed at Konttainen. Cycling is also prohibited in the Konttainen area. Konttainen is a litter-free hiking area.
The Konttainen Trail is approximately two kilometers long and is classified as demanding. Among the trails in the Ruka area, Konttainen is perhaps the easiest and quickest. The estimated hiking time is only an hour, but you can easily spend much longer there when photographing birds and admiring the scenery.
The Konttainen Trail is a loop trail that can be hiked in either direction – the recommended direction is counterclockwise. Trail markers in orange and green can be seen on tree trunks. Orange is the signature color of the Karhunkierros Bear’s Trail, while green is the color of the Konttainen Trail.
Konttainen Trail Description
At the edge of the parking area, there is a sign for "Karhunkierros" and "Konttaisen Kuhaus 2 km". A new large sign indicates that the starting point of the Karhunkierros bear’s Trail at Hautajärvi in Salla Lapland is 75.5 kilometers away. Signs and trail markers are so frequent that it's impossible to get lost on the way to Konttainen.
The trail begins with a gentle ascent through dense coniferous forest. Nowadays, the path is gravelled in the early stages, which makes hiking quick and easy. Orange spots shine in the dim forest.
After four hundred meters, you reach a junction where you can choose the direction of the circular route. The Karhunkierros Trail follows the left side to the top of Konttainen – or descends from there. The circular route continues for a while to the right towards the landscapes of Kumpuvaara.
Only one viewpoint near the summit is marked on the map of Konttainen. However, the first beautiful resting spot can be found almost right away from the junction. The view of the lake and towards Virkkula over the treetops invites you to take a short break.
The gravel ends (fortunately) at the junction of the circular route. On the natural trail, rocks and roots are visible. Large ant hills sit along the path.
If you haven't had enough of the chirping birds at the parking lot bird spot, they may delight you all the way to the top, sometimes perching on branches, sometimes on the tip of a trail marker. The trail is very rooty on the northern side, so shift your gaze from the birds to your own steps every now and then.
You don't have to climb for long before you can enjoy expansive views. Konttainen is surrounded by lakes and ponds, interspersed with dense coniferous forests and birch groves. During the autumn foliage season, bright yellow and orange trees dot the dark green landscape.
The summit of Konttainen is even rocky terrain. You don’t have to search viewpoints for long: just look in any direction. Amazing lake and hill landscapes stretch far into the horizon.
The highest point is marked by a new sign "Konttainen 433 m above sea level". The old rusty signs of the Karhunkierros Bear’s Trail remain in place.
Both the marked viewpoint on the summit and the western edge show extensive wear and tear on the terrain, similar to Pähkänäkallio on the Karhunkierros Trail, where on a beautiful morning, dozens of enthusiastic nature photographers may wait for their turn to shoot. Equally beautiful rest spots, however, can be found on solid rock, which doesn't get upset about being trodden on in the same way.
In the afternoon and evening, the golden rays of the setting sun hit the western and southern sides of the Konttainen trail the best. In the evening sun, it's pleasant to descend the gentle slope back into the shady forest and return to the starting point at the parking area.
Ruka-Kuusamo Area
The Ruka-Kuusamo area is a fantastic destination for outdoor enthusiasts all year round. In the summer, you can enjoy wonderful day hikes to places like Valtavaara and Pyhävaara in Ruka.
In Oulanka National Park, short hiking trails and excellent photography spots include the Small Bear's Trail and Kiutaköngäs. Nearby, you can also find Riisitunturi fell and its trails, famous for crown-snow trees, which are beautiful even in the summer. It takes about half an hour to drive from Konttainen to Riisitunturi National Park.
Tips for Konttaisen Kuhaus Trail
- Konttainen is a wonderful and easy destination for hiking throughout the year. Konttaisen Kuhaus in winter offers a winter wonderland experience, while in summer it provides refreshing hiking, and in autumn, it offers a charming fall excursion.
- The parking area at Konttainen is quite large, and there is usually plenty of space even during the busiest summer months and autumn foliage season.
- Konttainen offers viewpoints in almost every direction. Enchanting views are guaranteed whether it's during sunrise, sunset, or in the middle of a clear or cloudy day.
- There are no steep or dangerous sections on the marked trail, but it's easy to stray off the path onto steep edges. To protect the delicate terrain, it's recommended to stay on the trail and avoid wandering on the slopes.
- Nearby Valtavaara and Kumpuvaara have lean-to shelters and Lappish huts if you wish to make fires or stay overnight in nature.
- If you want to see and photograph Siberian jays, Konttainen is the perfect place. Siberian jays, especially the willow tits, will land on your hand when you offer them seeds or nuts. You can have birds as companions even near the summit!
