Yli-Valli: Discover Pirunpesä and hiking trails

In Yli-Valli, Pirunpesä draws the eye to a round opening in the rocky terrain of Isovuori, in the village of Ylivalli. The rock formation is 14 metres wide and 23 metres deep. Hiking trails, an observation tower and local memorials offer different perspectives on the landscape and its stories.

Yli-Valli at a glance

• Pirunpesä is a round opening in the rocky terrain of Isovuori.
• A marked nature trail connects Juustoportti and Pirunpesä: 7.5 km on foot and 8.5 km by bicycle.
• A trail around the Pirunpesä area is 1 km long.
• Hikers can use a hut and an outdoor toilet free of charge year-round.
• The café next to the visitor area is open during the summer season.

The rock opening from different viewpoints

The measurements give Pirunpesä a clear sense of scale: it is 14 metres in diameter and 23 metres deep. Stairs lead to the bottom of the hollow, which is fenced off. The rock formation and the constructed access route are therefore both part of the visitor experience. Check the current conditions at the site before planning your visit.

A nearby observation tower offers another perspective. From there, you can view the rock hollow from above. Below, you can make out its depth and round opening; from above, you can see its overall shape. Those interested in different rock formations can also visit Kollinluola in the Pirunpesä area: a massive, flat slab of stone leans against the rock, forming the roof and wall of a naturally formed hollow.

Choose a trail by distance and mode of travel

The marked nature trail connects Juustoportti and Pirunpesä. The route is 7.5 kilometres on foot and 8.5 kilometres by bicycle. These figures help you match your planned mode of travel to the length of the route.

There is also a 1-kilometre trail around the Pirunpesä area. This gives you different distances to choose from: a named route between two places and a trail within the area itself. When planning your day and looking for a hotel in Yli-Valli, it helps to first consider which of these trails you want to shape your stay around. These figures refer to different routes, not to one combined route.

Memories and stories from the surrounding area

A statue commemorating Spede Pasanen was erected in the Pirunpesä area in June 2005. It recalls his contribution to clearing out Pirunpesä. Another local landmark is Paimenpojan mänty. The story told about this tree is of a shepherd boy who died at its foot in the 1850s. The statue and the story connect the visit with different forms of local remembrance.

Navettavuori is also part of the area’s history. Located on Kihniöntie, it has a long history and has hosted various events. The bodies of water in Ylivalli include Madesjärvi, Liikapuron tekoallas and Kolhonjärvi. These place names add to the picture of the area without shifting the focus from Pirunpesä and its trails.

Practical information for your visit

You can drive to Pirunpesä. Hikers can use a hut and an outdoor toilet in the area free of charge; both are available year-round. Check their condition before your trip if you plan to rely on these facilities.

During the summer season, a café next to the visitor area is open. It sells pan coffee, homemade sweet buns, ice cream and other items; card payments are accepted. The offerings and payment terms may change. When planning your visit, keep in mind that the café is a seasonal place to stop, not a year-round offering.

Discover more destinations: Nastola, Siikalatva, Paimio, Karvia, Hankamäki, Nivala, Siikajoki and Vahto.

Frequently asked questions about Yli-Valli

What is Pirunpesä?

Pirunpesä is a round opening in the rocky terrain of Isovuori in the village of Ylivalli. It is 14 metres in diameter and 23 metres deep.

What trails are there at Pirunpesä?

The marked nature trail between Juustoportti and Pirunpesä is 7.5 km long on foot and 8.5 km by bicycle. Another trail around the area is 1 km long.

Where can you view the rock hollow from above?

The Pirunpesä rock hollow can be viewed from above from a nearby observation tower.

What stories and memorials are there?

The statue commemorates Spede Pasanen’s contribution to clearing out Pirunpesä. The story told about Paimenpojan mänty is of a shepherd boy who died at the foot of the tree in the 1850s.

What facilities and places to stop are available?

Hikers can use a hut and an outdoor toilet free of charge year-round. The café next to the visitor area is open during the summer season.

For the main travel overview: North Ostrobothnia.