Discover this hidden gem just an hour from Helsinki: The Kukul Lake Hiking Trail unveils Nordic nature’s beauty

Article by Jarno Hämäläinen

In Commercial Collaboration with the ‘Elinvoimaa Kaakkois-Suomeen matkailuyhteistyöllä‘ Initiative*

Just over an hour’s drive from Helsinki, near the city of Loviisa, the Kukul Lake hiking trail takes you through undulating rocky ridges, bogs adorned with tufted cottongrass, and the protected shores of Kukul Lake. Along the route, you’ll also visit the idyllic Strömfors Ironworks, whose history dates back to the late 1600s. The circular trail is about 11 km long and features some steep elevation changes, offering a physical challenge for hikers.

Starting Point on the Map (Puistokuja 1, Loviisa)
Loop Trail 11 km
Two Lean-tos

It sounds like a promising day trip for early autumn! I set off just as the sun is rising, well-rested from a night spent in my camper van. The trail features two lean-tos, so I pack some campfire snacks along with my camera.

The official starting point is near the Ironworks’ sports center, and there’s plenty of free parking for hikers. The trail is well-marked, so there’s no need to worry about getting lost as long as I stick to the path.

The trail initially dives into a lush deciduous forest, alive with the songs of small birds even in early September. The forest soon gives way to a wider path, which, according to a sign, was once a narrow-gauge railway used for transporting lumber from the Ironworks to market. From this junction, you can turn towards the nearby Strömfors Ironworks, but I continue along the trail.

After a short forest stretch, I arrive at a steaming river, one of the southern branches of the famous Finnish Kymijoki River. We’re just a few kilometers from the sea! The river flows calmly and looks perfect for canoeing—a trip for another day.

The first lean-to is conveniently located on a sunny peninsula, a cozy spot to watch fish jumping. I decide to save my snacks for the second lean-to, located roughly halfway along the trail.

The landscape changes as the trail ascends a rocky ridge.

The deciduous trees are replaced by heather and gnarled pines. The trail is fun to navigate, winding between rocks and trees.

Soon, I descend into a valley filled with the scent of Labrador tea. The sign informs me that this is a bog, or fen, which has resisted transformation into commercial forest despite drainage attempts decades ago. The fen is home to familiar bog plants like sphagnum moss, cranberry, cloudberry, and Labrador tea.

As expected, the trail ascends another ridge. This climb is steeper, and a rope has been installed next to the steps to assist hikers. After the climb, I take a moment to catch my breath and enjoy the northern views.

After a bit of a leg workout and a rope-assisted climb, I finally descend to the shores of Kukul Lake (Kukuljärvi in Finnish). The area is protected, evident from the thick tree trunks, fallen snags, and rich undergrowth.

The trail follows the shoreline, with boardwalks facilitating passage over rocky areas. The high cliffs offer excellent lake views.

The next lean-to is built a bit higher up the slope, a perfect spot to heat up some snacks now that I’ve worked up an appetite.

The trail has been well-marked throughout with bright red signs. Next, I’ll head towards Huuhkajavuori, or “Eagle Owl Hill”, which suggests another climb is in store. Eagle owl is the largest owl species in Europe, and it’s easy to imagine such a majestic creature residing in this rugged area.

The trail is occasionally obstructed by fallen trees, although steps have been built in the steepest areas. Huuhkajavuori features more deciduous trees and many boulders scattered along the path.

I descend from Huuhkajavuori along an easier trail that leads back to the starting point. I haven’t had my morning coffee yet, so I decide to visit Strömfors Ironworks Village, which, among other services, has a café. The café is located in a truly idyllic setting, with red ironwork buildings reflected in a pond.

You can explore the history of Strömfors Ironworks Village on your own or take a guided tour. The village also has a hotel, restaurant, café, and souvenir shop.

How to Get Here?

The easiest way to reach Strömfors Ironworks is by car, making it a great stop for caravan travelers. It’s also accessible by bus. Take a bus to Loviisa first, and from there, direct bus services to Strömfors are available on school days. You can check the schedules on the Matkahuolto online service by selecting Loviisa as your departure point and Strömforsin ruukki (Strömfors Ironworks) as your destination.

See also

Visit Kotka-Hamina: Activities

Visit Kotka-Hamina: Kukul lake hiking

The video below takes a tour around the Kukul Lake hiking trail. The video is in Finnish only, but you can still enjoy its stunning scenery and the enchanting sound of the Finnish language. Many people describe Finnish as sounding like an elfish language! What do you think?

*The initiative is funded as part of the actions implemented by the European Union due to the COVID-19 pandemic.