Accessibility
Reach Sanginkontu Art Trails!
At the Sanginkontu art checkpoints, accessibility is an important part of the art and nature experience. On this page, you will find presentations on the accessibility and accessibility of art trails.
Accessibility video
- Kiekonlenkki’s illuminated fitness track in Sanginsuu: The accessibility video presents in practice how the route proceeds from parking areas to works of art, what kind of climbs, terrain shapes and routes there are on the way, and where moving around can be challenging. The purpose of the video is to provide visitors with a realistic and useful picture of the navigability of the route, so that everyone can plan their visit according to their own capabilities.
Short accessibility descriptions
- The shore of the Oulujoki River in Sanginsuu
- Pilpajärvi lean-to, Lapinkangas
- Loppula Trail and Sanginjoki Youth Observatory in Sanginjoki
Kiekonlenkki illuminated fitness trail
The Kiekonlenkki hiking trail is about 3.5 km long and located in the Sanginsuu area on land owned by the City of Oulu. The trail runs through pine forest with a heather-covered forest floor. The surface is gravel, mostly more than 180 cm wide, and in the snow-free season it is easy for walkers. In winter, the same route serves as a ski track.
The trail is illuminated. The artworks are placed mainly 2–5 metres from the path.
Starting points are located at the Kiekonmaja parking area and at the Pet Cemetery on Mikonmäentie, both of which also have information boards.
There is no toilet at the Kiekonlenkki fitness trail.
For visitors arriving with transport services, it is recommended to ask the driver to take you either to the Kiekonmaja parking area or to the Pet Cemetery on Mikonmäentie. From the parking areas, shorter out-and-back routes to nearby artworks are possible, following the same path back. Alternatively, visitors can follow the trail from one parking area to the other.
The Kiekonlenkki fitness trail is maintained by the City of Oulu. The trail serves as both a skiing and outdoor route and is maintained seasonally. Wood chips or other surface materials may be added to improve walkability. However, surface conditions and weather can affect accessibility, especially for those using manual mobility aids.
There are six art works along the Kiekonlenkki trail.
From the Kiekonmaja parking area:
- First section (approx. 1 km) The first kilometre is wide and flat. At the beginning there is a steep hill, which can be bypassed via an old, uneven forest road (approx. 80 m) leading directly to the trail.
- Middle section (approx. 1.2 km) Around the 1 km point there is a steeper hill, which can be bypassed via a 100 m long path. The shortcut is marked on the map with a blue dashed line. The path is about 120 cm wide and firm, but tree roots, stones and cones may make passage more difficult. The first artworks are located along this section.
- Final section (approx. 1 km) The terrain becomes hillier. The gradients of the climbs vary between 4% and 14%. The steepest climb is near the return to the parking area.
There are also information boards along the trail and a bus stop at around 1.9 km.
Accessibility: The Kiekonlenkki trail can be considered an accessible but demanding trail.
- Suitability: The trail is mostly flat and firm gravel. After rain, some parts may become softer. Because of elevation changes and occasional uneven surfaces, it is demanding for visitors using wheelchairs, mobility aids or strollers. Short sections of the bypass paths have roots and stones, and the final section includes climbs with gradients up to 12–16%.
- Alternative routes: Steep hills can be bypassed, but the alternative routes are narrower and uneven in places.
- Length: The full loop may feel long or heavy for some visitors. Out-and-back routes to one or two artworks are a good option, returning along the same path.
- Parking and public transport: The main starting points have parking areas. A nearby bus stop is not raised, and the path from the stop to the trail is narrow.
- In late summer, berries can be found in the forest.
- There are benches near some artworks, but they are located slightly deeper in the forest and are not wheelchair accessible.
Demanding accessible shortcut near the Pet Cemetery
At about one kilometer, there is a steeper hill that can be bypassed via a 100-meter-long trail.
The trail is about 120 cm wide and has a firm surface, but tree roots, stones, and cones may make walking more difficult. Midway along, the trail turns roughly 90 degrees to the right and continues to the pet cemetery parking area.
The bank of the River Oulujoki, Sanginsuu village
Demanding accessible route to the Pavilion of the Crane’s Flight
The official route to the Kurjen lento Pavilion is a forest path that is not suitable for wheelchair users or those using mobility aids. However, people with limited mobility can reach the vicinity of the pavilion by crossing the lawn area next to the Sanginsuu Parish Hall. The lawn may be soft after rain, and behind the Parish Hall the terrain slopes gently downhill toward the pavilion.
Please note that the Parish Hall may occasionally host private events, which should be taken into account when planning a visit.
Pilpajärvi lean-to shelter, Lapinkangas
Demanding accessible route to the Pilpajärvi lean-to shelter
The road leading to Pilpajärvi lean-to shelter is wide and firm, but stumps, stones, and uneven surfaces may make movement more difficult. Around the shelter and the Picture Stone, the terrain slopes downhill toward the Sanginkontu sign, and the road can be slippery in rainy weather.
Sanginjoki village: Loppula nature path and Youth House yard
Demanding accessible route from Loppula Nature Café to Istuinkivi
The route starts from the parking area of Loppula Nature Café and follows a firm gravel path towards the Huoma environmental artwork and further to the Seating Stone. The trail is wide and mostly even, but the surface includes some uneven sections, sloped areas, and gentle inclines and declines.
Maintenance work is being carried out during October and November, especially on the wetter parts of the route. Once the ground freezes, the softest section near the Seating Stone will be reinforced.
The route is suitable for visitors with limited mobility and those using assistive devices, although after rainfall some parts may become slippery or soft. Along the route, you can find the Huoma artwork — one of the Sanginkontu art stops — as well as the historical Seating Stone site.
Demanding accessible route to the history bench
The history bench is located at the edge of the Sanginjoki Youth Association Hall parking area and can be reached by car. The parking area has both gravel and uneven grassy surfaces. The lawn in front of the bench is bumpy, which may make movement more difficult for those using mobility aids or pushing strollers.
The organisers of the Sanginkontu art trails
The art trails have been designed in accordance with the principles of sustainable development
We would like to thank all our sponsors and supporters
