Kasken Kierros Circle Trail: A Journey Through Finnish Heritage

Embark on the Kasken Kierros Circle Trail, a memorable journey through the heart of Finnish heritage within Koli National Park. This trail, varying between 2.5 to 5 kilometers depending on your starting point, immerses you in the traditional landscapes shaped by slash-and-burn agriculture and grazing hardy cattle. As you traverse the trail, you'll encounter idyllic traditional Finnish environments, where native breeds of animals often graze during the summer months. If you're fortunate, you might even witness slash-and-burn farmers at work, continuing ancient agricultural practices. The easiest access point is the Ollila parking area, from where the path ascends towards Mattila. The route is marked with a green circle on the intersection signs, numbered to match the Koli service and hiking map. The recommended direction is clockwise, first climbing past Ollila towards Mattila, then descending through a spruce forest towards the harbor. From the harbor, the trail ascends back to intersection 44, leading towards Vaaralanaho campfire site, passing the Vaarala farmyard. Continuing towards Ukko-Koli, the path veers right at intersection 7 towards Turula, where another campfire site and dry toilet are located. The trail then meanders between pastures back to Ollila. This route offers not only a physical journey but also a step back in time, revealing the rich cultural tapestry of the Koli region.