Discover Yli-Valli: Pirunpesä, trails and local stories

Pirunpesä is a distinctive starting point for getting to know Yli-Valli through its landscape and local stories. The circular opening is in the rocky terrain of Isovuori, in the village of Ylivalli. It has a diameter of 14 metres and is 23 metres deep. From a nearby observation tower, you can view the rock depression from above. This gives you two perspectives on the same place: the precise measurements of the hollow and the view from above.

Trails and practical information

A 1 km trail runs around the Pirunpesä area. A marked nature trail connects Juustoportti and Pirunpesä; it is 7.5 km on foot and 8.5 km by bicycle. The two trail options therefore differ in both length and the stated mode of travel. The shorter trail runs around the area, while the nature trail connects the two named places. When planning your day, consider whether you want to focus on the rock depression and its surroundings or on the route between Juustoportti and Pirunpesä. You can drive to Pirunpesä all the way to the destination.

Stairs lead to the bottom of the Pirunpesä hollow, which is fenced off. Check the current conditions at the site before your visit. Hikers can use a hut in the area free of charge all year round, and there is also a free outdoor toilet available year-round. Check the hut’s current condition locally before travelling. During the summer season, a café is open next to the visitor area. It sells campfire coffee, homemade cinnamon rolls, ice cream and other items; card payments are accepted. Opening days, items on offer and payment methods may change, so it is advisable to check before your visit.

Rock formations and local stories

In June 2005, a statue commemorating Spede Pasanen was erected in the Pirunpesä area. It recognises his contribution to clearing out Pirunpesä. The Paimenpojan mänty pine is associated with the story of a shepherd boy who died at the foot of the tree in the 1850s. These two memorials reveal different aspects of the place: the work associated with Pirunpesä and a story from the area’s past.

Kollinluola is another distinctive rock formation. The naturally formed hollow is in the Pirunpesä area; a massive, flat slab of stone leans against the rock, forming a roof and wall. Navettavuori is on Kihniöntie. The place has a long history and has hosted various events. Together with the view of the rock depression and the local stories, this offers more than just a single viewpoint: you can get to know the landscape, its formations and its stories as different aspects of a stay.

Plan your stay around your excursions

When looking for a holiday rental in Yli-Valli, you can start with the activities you have planned: will your excursion stay around Pirunpesä and the 1 km trail, or would you like to include the longer nature trail between Juustoportti and Pirunpesä?

Discover more destinations: Kasnäs, Salmilamminkylä, Lankojärvi, Siikalatva, Pyhäntä, Kiviperä, Merijärvi, Pudasjärvi.

For the full travel overview: Northern Ostrobothnia.