Frequently asked questions

1. What is the Viena route?
   The Viena Route is a 27-kilometre-long culture-historical hiking trail located in Suomussalmi in Kainuu. It runs through the Vuokki and Yli-Vuokki areas and is part of the old route between Finland and Viena Karelia.
2. Where is the Viena route located?
   The Viena Route is located in Suomussalmi, Kainuu. The key areas of the route are Vuokki and Ylivuokki. The route was also used by Elias Lönnrot on his rune-collecting journeys.
3. How long is the Viena route?
   The Viena Route is a culturally and historically significant hiking trail of about 27 kilometres in Suomussalmi.
4. What kind of hiking trail is the Viena Route?
   The Viena Route is a nature-based cultural-historical hiking trail that combines nature, local history, Viena Karelian cultural heritage, cultural history associated with the Kalevala, and old travel routes. The route is suitable for day trips and hikers interested in culture.
5. What can be seen and experienced along the Viena route?
   Along the route, as well as experiencing the nature of Kainuu, you can familiarise yourself with the settlement, border region and cultural history of the area. Along the route there are sites related to old villages, buildings, livelihoods and transport links, among other things, as well as opportunities to stop at campfire sites and close to nature.
6. What is the connection between the Viena Route and White Karelia?
   The Viena Route tells of the historical connections between Suomussalmi and Viena Karelia. People have traveled in the area, traded, cooperated through family ties, and maintained cultural connections across the current national border.
7. Who is the Viena route suitable for?
   The route is suitable for hikers, nature lovers, enthusiasts of history and cultural heritage, and tourists who want to explore the history of Suomussalmi and the Viena border region. It also offers interesting experiences for school groups, other groups, and cultural tourists.
8. Are there any events and guided tours on the Viena Route?
   The Viena Route Association organises cultural events, cultural hikes and other programmes around the route, combining nature with local history, literature, music and stories. Current events can be found on the Viena Route website.
9. Who maintains the Viena route?
   The Viena Route is maintained and developed by Vienan reitti ry. The association collaborates with local actors to preserve and develop the route, its cultural heritage and hiking services.
10. Where can I find the Viena Route trail map and up-to-date information?
    The Viena route website features the route map, route description, hiking information, events and current news. Before your trip, it is advisable to check for any route changes and other current notices.
11. How is the Viena route signposted? The route is marked in the terrain with so-called double blazes, meaning marks chopped into trees with an axe. At the start of the path and at intersections, there are wooden guideposts.
12. Can you stay overnight on the Viena Trail? Yes. On the Viena Trail, you can stay overnight in nature in a tent or hammock, as well as in lean-tos along the route and other accommodation suitable for overnight stays. Jumalanhyväaho and Syntisenkangas have lean-tos and campfire sites. You can rest and stay overnight under the shelter of the meadow barns at Särkänpolvi. There is also cottage and B&B accommodation near the route.