The Demon's Churn

nature destinations

The Demon's Churn

Pirunkirnu

Level of difficulty: Hard

The magnificent Demon’s Churn is a gulley located in the area of the old deadwood forests of Polvela, 10 kms away from the Juuka center. Ideally named “Demons churn”, this gulley was formed during the ice age by the movements and melting of the continental glacier. The gulley has a rough and steep precipice, but it is covered by a variety of plants. The bottom of the gulley is a different environment in itself. With no winds, sounds do not echo and normal voices sound like hushed whispers. The air in the gulley is thick, humid and frosty, even on the hottest days of summer. Legend states this place was built by mystical forces that were misunderstood. .The cliff of the Demons churn presents a view of the forest landscape of Tahkovaara (The hill of Tahkovaara) and is especially beautiful during the winter when the view is encumbered by thousands of snow covered trees.

Route: A 10,6 km drive past the Juuka roundabout towards Kaavi will lead to a right turn on Tahkovaarantie. Drive 4,4 km after this turn and leave your car towards the widest parts of the forest road. The path to the Demon’s Churn begins on the left off the road, marked with a sign saying “Pirunkirnu”. May the spirits be with you!