Linnansaari Winter Trail

The most beautiful ice trail in Finland, from Oravi through Linnansaari National Park to Rantasalmi, or vice versa. The total length of the prepared winter hiking ice trail is up to 20 km/ one way depending on the weather conditions. Weather permitting, ca 5 km skating route from Oravi to Linnansaari island and ca 3 km skating route from Porosalmi to Kaarnetsaari will be opened and maintained for kick sparks and skaters. The skating route between Linnansaari-Kaarnetsaari will also be opened if weather permits.

On the marked snowmobile trail on ice you can walk, ski, ride mountain bikes, drive a snowmobile or from Oravi have a sleigh ride to the national park. It is also allowed to ride a bicycle on the edge of the skating route. Dogs are allowed on the trails, but they must be always on a leash and the owner is responsible for ensuring that the dog does not pose a danger to other people.

There are fire places and a Savonselkä lake hut along the route. There is also a cafeteria on Linnansaari main island (mainly open on Saturdays, always check the cafeteria opening hours from the Journal).

Have a look at our video from Linnansaari in winter.

On Linnansaari island there is marked hiking tracks in the forest great for snow shoeing.
Map of Linnansaari snow shoeing trail

NOTE: In some winters the Linnansaari Winter Trail has great conditions for tour skating and in some snowy winters great conditions for different snow activities. The skating trail will be opened when weather conditions allow it.

 Distances

Oravi - Linnansaari 5km
Oravi - Savonselkä 2,5km
Linnansaari - Järvisydän 13km
Oravi - Järvisydän 18km
Oravi - Pieni-Lappi 15km

Services

Linnansaari island: cafeteria (opening hours are announced in the Journal), fire place, cooking shelter, outdoor toilet, marked snowshoe tracks
Lake hut in Savonselkä (halfway between Oravi and Linnansaari island): to use the private hut please pay the firewood fee 3 €/person. You can make the payment in the reception in Oravi or in the webshop.

Pieni-Lappi island: fire place, outdoor toilet
Kaarnetsaari island: fire place

There are resting places and maps along the route. The routes are prepared and our route masters measure the thickness of the ice. We update the ice conditions daily in our Journal.

Prices for the ice trail (skating or kick spark)

Adult: 8 €/ day, 40 €/ season
Children 12-16years: 4 €/day, 20€/ season
Children younger than 12 years: free of charge

You can buy the ice trail tickets in the reception in Oravi.

Walking and skiing on the winter hiking ice trail is free for everyone.

A cross-country ski track is drawn to the ice route whenever the weather permits. If there is a strong wind, the ski track on the ice closes quickly. On windy days, we recommend Oravi's forest ski track. The starting point of the forest ski track is located less than a kilometer from the Oravi village shop, you can see the forest cross-country skiing track on the bottom of the page.

Learn to skate safely on natural ice

In November - January, depending on the ice conditions, we arrange skating excursions on the lake. Courses available for both beginners and for more advanced skaters.

Price: 58 €/person (with your own gear), 68 €/ person (with rental gear), min. 280 €
Group size: minimum 2 persons
Starting point: Oravi
Availability: November-January, depending on the ice conditions
Duration: 2 - 3 hours
Service languages: Finnish, Swedish and English

Price includes: skates, shoes, sticks, awl, life vests. The guide will carry first aid supplies, spare skates and ropes.

All participants must have outdoor gear suitable for the weather, own backpack, snacks and change of clothes.