Tolosenmäki: Nature Trail, Cycling Route and Motorsport

Tolosenmäki offers three very different reasons to visit: the Kitee Wilderness and Wildlife Trail in an esker landscape by Lake Orivesi, the motorsport facilities at Kitee Race & Event, and a cycling route starting at Kitee railway station. Nature exploration, motor racing and cycling appeal to different interests.

Tolosenmäki at a glance

• The Kitee Wilderness and Wildlife Trail is a circular route comprising the western Parppeinlammi Nature Trail (2.4 kilometres) and the eastern Hietaniemi Wilderness Trail (2.3 kilometres).
• The loop can be walked in either direction and is clearly marked along the route.
• The trail runs through an esker landscape on the shores of Lake Orivesi.
• Kitee Race & Event offers opportunities to train and take part in competitions; its tracks include karting, Jokamiesluokka, RC cars and rally sprint.
• The “Saimaa by Cycle: Pohjoisen Saimaan soratiekierros, Osa 1” cycling route starts at Kitee railway station. There is a ticket machine at Asematie 3 (as of September 2026).

Between the esker landscape and wilderness knowledge

The circular route connects the Parppeinlammi Nature Trail in the west with the Hietaniemi Wilderness Trail in the east. The trails include some ascents and descents; the overall trail is also described as somewhat challenging and requires a basic level of fitness. Conditions can vary by season. Planning therefore depends not only on the stated distances, but also on the terrain and time of year.

Carved wooden animal figures stand along the Kitee Wilderness and Wildlife Trail. There are also traps, wildlife feeding fields, feeding stations and moose-watching towers. These features draw attention both to the landscape and to wildlife management and wilderness traditions. The trail offers more than a walk by the water: the area’s use and care are also visible along the way.

Motorsport with different track profiles

The Kitee Race & Event motorsport area in Tolosenmäki offers opportunities to train and take part in competitions. The different tracks range from karting and Jokamiesluokka to RC cars and rally sprint. So the focus is not just on one form of motor racing, but on a selection of several clearly specified disciplines.

The Kitee motocross track is approximately 1,600 metres long and at least 6 metres wide. Riders race counterclockwise; the surface is soft sand and the jumps are made of clay. Measurements, surface details and track layout may change if the facility is modified. The rally sprint track is fast and technical, and challenges experienced drivers too.

Cycling route from Kitee railway station

The “Saimaa by Cycle: Pohjoisen Saimaan soratiekierros, Osa 1” route starts at Kitee railway station in Tolosenmäki. It follows varied, remote country roads to Rääkkylä and then across Arvinsalmi to the island of Oravinsalmi. As of September 2026, this described section was open to cyclists; the full route was still in development. This distinguishes the specific stage from a fully developed complete tour.

If nature, motorsport and cycling are different priorities for your travel group, decide which experience should define your stay. Before choosing accommodation around it, confirm current dates and participation requirements for motorsport training or competitions with the operator.

Discover more destinations: Polvijärvi, Rokua, Kontiolahti, Vuonislahti, Tuupovaara, Säyneinen, Kesälahti, Ilomantsi.

Frequently asked questions about Tolosenmäki

What topics do the information boards on the Kitee Wilderness and Wildlife Trail cover?

The boards explain how the area was formed over time. They also cover forestry, wildlife management and the wilderness traditions maintained there.

What facilities are available in the motocross track’s paddock?

There is a changing shelter, an outdoor toilet and a fire pit for grilling sausages. You must bring your own firewood. Facilities may change.

How long is the first section of “Saimaa by Cycle” in the wider region?

In the wider region, the first section of “Saimaa by Cycle” runs from Heinävesi via Liperi and Rääkkylä to Kitee and is 270 kilometres long. As of September 2026, this section was open to cyclists; three to five days of cycling are planned for it.

Is there a ticket machine at Kitee railway station?

Yes. There is a ticket machine at Kitee railway station at Asematie 3 (as of September 2026).

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