X

Skiing – happiness is first tracks in fresh snow!

The landscape of Rokua Geopark is interesting and varied. The area’s network of cross-country skiing trails provide you with the ultimate Finnish experience. Taking you through deep forests, skirting the shores of frozen lakes and giving you a glimpse into this frozen wonderland.  The trail network offers routes of varying lengths and terrain for skiers of different levels. There are allocated places along the routes where you can take a break and light a campfire and longer trails provide shelters where you can spend the night

Rokua Geopark’s trails run through Korkalavaara in Muhos, the centre of Utajärvi, Rokua, the centre of Vaala and Laajankangas as well as Säräisniemi and the island of Manamansalo. In the spring a ploughed track is opened from Utajärvi all the way to Oulu for the annual Tervahiihto cross-country ski race.

The most extensive linked network of ski trails in Rokua Geopark is in Rokua, providing approximately 25 km of maintained trails. The Rokua trails can be accessed from Rokua Outdoors House, Rokua Health & Spa Hotel or the Pookivaara parking area. 

Useful tips for skiing and hiking in Rokua National Park area:

  • There is a new 3,5 kilometers long winter trail going from Pookivaara parking area to Pitkäjärvi parking area. It is suitable for snowshoeing or skiing.
     
  • The multi-use track (9,4 km) is suitable for hiking, snowshoeing, fatbiking or walking the dog.
     
  • There is a new parking area in the crossroads of Rokuantie and Kuntoraitti.
     
  • The road to Pookivaara parking area will be ploughed throughout the winter.
     
  • The road to Pitkäjärvi parking area from Neittävä direction will be ploughed from the beginning of March 2023.
     
  • There is a new rental hut at Pookivaara hill, Pookin pirtti.

Maps of hiking and cross-country ski trails in the Rokua area

Skiing and winter trails in Rokua National Park

The skiing trails in Rokua are maintained by Aarne Vainiokangas Oy. Inquiries: +358 440 251130 / Eetu Vainiokangas.

You can give feedback about the skiing trails of Rokua straight to the maintenance or by email: rokuanladut(at)utajarvi.fi.

Up-to-date maintenance information for ski trails in the Oulu area (in the menu on the left-hand side of the Softroi website select Muhos, Utajärvi or Utajärvi, Rokua depending on where in the Geopark area you intend to go skiing)

Up-to-date maintenance information for ski trails in Vaala  (the ski trails in Vaala are in the centre and in the Laajankangas area, in Säräisniemi and Manamansalo)

Trails and services in the Rokua Geopark area from Metsähallitus, Parks & Wildlife Finland

Our services

Kakaravaara

Kakaravaara holiday cottages are on the shore of the beautiful Lake Lianjärvi in Rokua Geopark. The area is about an hour’s drive from Oulu and Oulu airport.


Go to page »

Laukanranta B&B

Laukanranta B&B offers traditional Bed & Breakfast in the beautiful village of Laitasaari in Muhos. Laukanranta B&B is on the bank of the River Oulujoki close to public transport connections and just a 20-minute drive from Oulu. Spend the night in an old log house or in an idyllic wooden guest cottage with a loft.  

The top floor of the main building offers a well-equipped room with a mini-kitchen and bathroom, air conditioning and wifi. There are also four loft rooms of differing sizes in a separate building with WC and washing facilities. Canoes, a rowing boat, bicycles, etc. are also available for guest use. Fishing in the River Oulujoki is also an option.

Go to page »

Merilän kartano

Set in a historic manor, Merilän Kartano is a unique restaurant and four-star hotel, which hosts events and meetings for about 270 participants and sleeps about 40 people. Merilän Kartano is located on the shore of River Oulujoki in Utajärvi, about half an hour from Oulu. The restaurant has a reputation for serving the best in local Finnish food, and the peaceful rural setting guarantees a good night’s sleep. Merilän Kartano has three saunas on the shore of the river, one of which is a traditional Finnish smoke sauna. There is a hot tub too, which needs to be booked in advance. Guests can book a range of recreational activities or just relax and admire the stunning scenery. Either way, a stay will provide memories to last a lifetime.

Merilän Kartano has four-star accommodation in modern, spacious rooms, two of which allow pets. Summer hiking trails and winter ski trails run past the door. A barbecue lodge seating 50 and a traditional shelter for ten people are also available for evening events. Welcome to Merilän Kartano!

Go to page »

Rokua Health & Spa Hotel

Rokua Health & Spa is the perfect spot to relax and recharge. In a unique area of Rokua Geopark, within the National Park, you get to luxuriate, relaxing soul and body surrounded by unhurried peace. Enjoy a fabulous night’s sleep in the hotel soothed by a sense of well-being.

The wide range of services at Rokua Health & Spa and the unique natural world on the doorstep offer experiences for everyone. There’s plenty to do all year round as the glorious countryside of Rokua isn’t short of options when it comes to activities to enjoy, summer and winter alike. The restaurant’s chefs conjure up marvels on the plate from local ingredients. Accommodation includes use of the spa and the well-equipped gym. Rokua Health & Spa is ideal for holidays, work awaydays and conferences, and welcomes children, adults, young people and older visitors.


Go to page »

Rokua Outdoors

Activities, experiences and accommodation in Rokua Geopark area. Online equipment rental and guided activities for groups. We offer mountain biking, fishing, canoeing, SUP boarding, snowshoeing, skiing and other activities surrounded by a stunning nature.

Go to page »

Rokuan lomahuvilat

Rokuan lomahuvilat is a tourism business in Rokua. We run Rokuan Tähti, a luxurious holiday cottage for 20 people, and the smoke sauna Rokuan Tähtisavu, which can be privately booked. We also rent kayaks and fatbikes.

Go to page »

Rokuan Unelma and Kirvesjärven Simpukka

Rokuan Unelma and Kirvesjärven Simpukka are holiday cabins for rent overlooking the beautiful, crystalline waters of Lake Kirvesjärvi in Rokua. The cabins are owned by Atteson fishing. Their surroundings are full of fantastic recreational opportunities: Rokua’s varied network of hiking routes and ski-trails begins just 300 metres away! You can opt to spend your time hiking, fishing, skiing, swimming, rowing, picking berries or even bicycling on Rokua’s mountain bike route. Rokua’s other tourist facilities, such as a spa hotel, are located within around five kilometres.


Go to page »

Rokuanhovi

The Rokuanhovi Wilderness Hotel offers accommodation and entertainment in the middle of Rokua Geopark, beside the clear waters of Lake Jaakonjärvi. Rokuanhovi’s sturdily built main building has 24 hotel rooms and the restaurant, Ravintola Krouvi, serves plenty of local produce. Krouvi is an ideal venue for weddings and Christmas parties and those looking for a more private space can also book Karukko, a versatile conference space, for their own use. In the grounds there is also the attractive little Väentupa, perfect for meetings and parties. Forget the outside world. On the lake shore the lakeside sauna and the little smoke sauna can also be booked for private use. Ten simple cottages open onto Jaakonjärvi Lake, perfect for an evening dip from your very own lakeside terrace.

Go to page »