Discover the rock paintings of Hossa (Hossan Värikalliot)

This circular forest trail leads to one of Finland’s most remarkable prehistoric sites: the Hossa rock paintings. The route winds through the peaceful landscapes of Hossa National Park, between lakes and the taiga. The highlight is at the shore of Lake Somerjärvi, where a cliff face adorned with figures dating back several millennia serves as a reminder of the ancient importance of these waterways.

Details

n°98875385

Creation:
04 Jun 2026

Last update:
05 Jun 2026

Last review:
–

Activity: Walking
Distance: 4.66 mi
Average duration: 2h 25
Difficulty: Easy
Back to start: Yes
Ascent: + 312 ft
Descent: - 322 ft
Highest point: 938 ft
Lowest point: 735 ft

Country: Finland
Start/End: N 65.507283° / E 29.354475°
Hour-by-hour weather

Avalanche risk assessment bulletin

Discover Visorando Premium

Downloads

Open in the mobile app

Download GPX GPX

Download PDF PDF

Photos

Metal footbridge providing access to the paintings

Description of the walk

Park in the car park at Lake Lihapyörre.

(S/E) Head north along a path and walk alongside the lake on your right. Pass the shelter then walk alongside the Somerjoki river before moving away from it, continuing straight ahead (north-west). This will take you to the Ala-Ölkky shelter.

(1) Then turn left (south) and follow a river on your right. After a sharp right-hand bend, you’ll reach the Värikallio shelter, on the shore of Lake Somerjärv.

(2) Turn right and cross the river via a bridge. On the other side, turn left and follow the lake on your left. After about 200 m, take a metal footbridge over the lake, which allows you to approach the rock face where the cave paintings are located.

(3) Return to the Värikallio shelter.

(2) Continue straight on (south-east) along the lake. At a three-way junction, turn right and head away from the lake.

(4) At the T-junction, turn left. Continue for about 2 km, heading generally east-southeast.

(5) At the junction, turn left and head back to the car park (S/E).

Waypoints

S/E : mi 0 - alt. 781 ft - Car park at - Lac Lihapyörre
1 : mi 1.57 - alt. 774 ft - Ala-Ölkky shelter
2 : mi 2.32 - alt. 801 ft - Shelter - Somerjärvi
3 : mi 2.55 - alt. 778 ft - Värikallio
4 : mi 2.98 - alt. 892 ft - T-junction
5 : mi 4.19 - alt. 794 ft - Crossroads
S/E : mi 4.66 - alt. 764 ft - Car park at - Lac Lihapyörre

Notes

(S/E) (1) (2) Shelters, picnic tables and accessible toilets.

Worth a visit

(3) The rock paintings are located on a rock face rising directly above Lake Somerjärvi. These red ochre figures, dating from the Stone Age, depict human figures, animals and scenes related to hunting or shamanic rituals.