Planning your first multi-day solo summer backpacking trip in Finland? Not sure if you should be prepared for snow, mosquitos or polar bears? No worries, getting your ducks in a row is easier than you would guess!
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Backpacking
Karhunkierros (The Bear's Trail) is the most famous long hiking trail in Finland. The 82-kilometre "legendary trail" runs through the Oulanka National Park in the Salla and Kuusamo areas, combining the most spectacular natural sites in the Northeastern part of Finland in one single experience. I have hiked Karhunkierros and visited its trails and attractions 16 times in different seasons - and this guidebook contains detailed instructions and tips based on my own experiences.
For many Finns, Karhunkierros is their first long hike. For the first-timer (either first hike ever or first hike in Finland), there are many qualities that make it a great trek: the route is well marked, there are no water crossings, and there are numerous huts and shelters along the way. There are also some restaurants along the way and several places to get off the hike if necessary.
Every guide praises Karhunkierros hike and says it should be on every hiker's bucket list. In reality, some people don't like it, some don't care, and for some the Karhunkierros hike is a wonderful, even life-changing experience.
In this guide you will find "everything about Karhunkierros" to help you plan and do your own hike - whether you are on your first long hike or are setting off for the first time on Finland's most legendary hiking trail!
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Parastinden in Norway is a favourite mountain especially among Finnish hikers. The mountain, which resembles a shark's fin, can be climbed on a short day trip from Rognli in Norway, or on a longer hike from Kilpisjärvi in Finland.
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The Arctic Trail is a demanding 800-kilometre hiking trail along the borders of northern Finland, Norway and Sweden. You don't have to hike the entire Arctic Trail in one go, but can do it in many different sections.
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Abisko National Park is the most famous hiking and outdoors destination in Swedish Lapland. Abisko trails are accessible for both short day hikes and multi-day long-distance hikes of hundreds of kilometres. The most popular of Abisko's trails is Kungsleden, which runs along the River Abiskojåkka and the banks of the Lake Ábeskojávri in the national park.
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Abisko in Swedish Lapland is a popular year-round outdoor destination. Abisko offers various trails for day hikes and long hiking trails of hundreds of kilometres. The most famous hiking trail is Kungsleden, but the most spectacular scenery awaits around it in the mountains.
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Abisko National Park in Sweden is a well-known year-round hiking destination. Abisko's trails are suitable for short day trips as well as hikes of hundreds of kilometres. The most famous hiking route is the Abisko-Nikkaluokta hike along Kungsleden, or The King's Trail.
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The ski hike to Halti from Kilpisjärvi in Käsivarsi wilderness in Lapland is a winter hiking classic. In winter, you can reach the top of Halti by skiing the Arctic Trail (Nordkalott Trail), or your own trails in Käsivarsi wilderness.
Halti is Finland's highest fell, or Finland's highest point at least. Háldičohkka peak rises to 1324 metres above sea level on the Finnish side, with a few metres higher point on the Norwegian side. The summit of Halti is a popular destination for both summer hiking and winter skiing.
I did a solo ski hike in the Käsivarsi wilderness at the end of March. I had planned a ski tour to Saariselkä and Urho Kekkonen National Park in Lapland, but changed the destination about a week before departure due to the stomach flu epidemic in the UKK Park. So the Sokosti summit was replaced by the conquest of Halti.
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Husedalen is a valley of stunning waterfalls in Hardangervidda National Park and one of the most beautiful valleys in Norway. The four waterfalls hike leads to breathtaking viewpoints and close to the roaring water.
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Rain skirt is one of the easiest pieces of hiking and backpacking gear to make yourself. An ultra-light rain skirt is handy to pack in your pocket and pull over your hiking pants when it starts raining.
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