Valtavaara is the highest hill in the Kuusamo region, located just outside Ruka in Finnish Lapland. In winter, the Valtavaara Winter Trail offers an incredible opportunity to explore a pristine snowy landscape, whether on foot or with snowshoes. Only accessible during the winter season, this scenic trail winds through a breathtaking forest of snow-covered fir trees, leading to a traditional Lappish hut at the summit. Here, visitors can admire the famous tykky, the fir trees dramatically bent under the weight of thick snow. This trail is a dream for landscape photographers seeking to capture the magic of Lapland’s winter wonderland.
For those looking to explore more stunning winter landscapes, Riisitunturi National Park, famous for its snow-covered trees and breathtaking Arctic scenery, is just a 40 km (45-minute drive) from Valtavaara. It’s another fantastic location for winter photography in Finnish Lapland.
Hiking in Valtavaara Winter Trail
Hiking is a well-loved activity in the Kuusamo region, popular among both locals and visitors who enjoy winter walks. The trail is usually well-marked, allowing hikers to walk without snowshoes, though crampons are highly recommended, especially in icy conditions.
This hike is officially rated as “difficult” due to its steep initial ascent. The trail starts directly from the car park with a steep climb for the first kilometer, but then it levels out, making the rest of the hike more manageable. Coming from Switzerland, where even easy hikes can have significant elevation gains, I found the Valtavaara Winter Trail to be moderate overall. While the beginning is steep, the remainder is relatively flat or follows a gentle incline.
The route winds through snow-laden forests, offering endless photography opportunities. The highlight is reaching the Lapland hut at the summit, where you can take in the panoramic views, weather permitting. Seeing my first tykky trees here was an unforgettable experience.
Valtavaara Winter Trail Information
✅ Distance: 4.5 km loop
✅ Difficulty: hard
✅ Recommended Gear: Snowshoes or crampons in case of fresh snow
➜ Valtavaara Winter trail information
➜ Valtavaara Nature Reserve Information
How to get to the Valtavaara Winter Trail
The trailhead is located directly at the Saarua parking area. The start of the trail is easy to spot at the far end of the car park, where an information board provides details about the hike and its markers.
The recommended route follows an anti-clockwise loop. This way, on the descent from the summit, you pass a rest and barbecue area, a popular spot where many locals stop to grill sausages. However, both directions offer equally spectacular scenery.
➜ Parking location
What gear should you bring for winter photography?
Capturing the magic of the Valtavaara Winter Trail requires the right photography gear. I recommend bringing:
✅ Camera + 20mm lens : ideal for showcasing the scale of the towering snow-covered trees.
✅ Camera + 24 – 70 lens : perfect for capturing both wide scenes and isolated details of the winter landscape.
✅ Tripod : a sturdy tripod is essential for sharp images, particularly if using focus stacking or shooting in low light.
Best time to visit for photography
For the most stunning winter photography, sunrise and sunset provide the best light, with beautiful orange and pink hues illuminating the snowy landscape. However, even on overcast days, the scenery remains dramatic. I visited on a white-out day, and the contrast between the dark sky and snow-covered trees created an epic, moody atmosphere.
What to wear for a winter hike and photography session Valtavaara Winter Trail
Temperatures in Lapland can be extremely cold. While hiking, I often found myself too warm in my jacket, but at the summit, strong icy winds made layering essential. Dressing appropriately ensures you stay comfortable throughout your photography session.
✅ Thermal base layers: a moisture-wicking base layer (top and bottom) to retain warmth.
✅ Insulated ski pants: provides warmth and protection from wind and snow.
✅ Merino wool socks: keeps feet warm and dry even in freezing temperatures.
✅ Snow boots: essential for standing still during long photo shoots in cold conditions.
✅ Parka: a windproof and insulated jacket to shield against extreme cold.
✅ Gloves: I used two pairs of thin gloves, allowing me to swap between them when shooting.
✅ Hat: a warm beanie or hat to protect your ears from wind chill.
Layering is key! It’s better to have too many layers and remove them as needed rather than risk getting cold.
Published by Jennifer Esseiva on the 30th of March 2025.
