Bear's Trail

Karhunkierros (Bear's Trail)

Destinations   //   21 January 2026

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!

Small Bear’s Trail Is the Most Popular Day Hike in Finland

Destinations   //   20 April 2024

The “Pieni Karhunkierros” or Small Bear’s Trail in Oulanka National Park near Ruka Finland in Kuusamo is the most popular short hiking trail in Finland. It is visited by over 100,000 hikers annually. Known as a scenic route, the Small Bear’s Trail showcases most of the finest viewpoints of the legendary Karhunkierros (Bear's Trail).

The Small Bear’s Trail takes hikers on a 12-kilometer adventure to rugged cliffs, forested paths, and flowing rapids. On a calm day, suspension bridges reflect off the water's surface, which gleams with the blue of the sky. The park's steepest waterfall, Jyrävä, roars between rugged walls, and the rapids of River Kitkajoki foam tirelessly.

Konttainen - Beautiful Hike in Ruka Kuusamo, Finland

Destinations   //   8 April 2024

Konttainen Trail in Kuusamo & Ruka Finland is one of the finest destinations for day hiking in the Ruka and Kuusamo region. From the summit of Konttainen, you can also access Finland's most famous hiking trail, Karhunkierros Bear’s Trail. In the Valtavaara-Pyhävaara Nature Reserve, you'll find stunning views of hills and fells.

The peak of Konttainen rises 433 meters (1421 ft) above sea level. From its numerous viewpoints, you can admire the scenery of Ruka and Northern Kuusamo, the neighboring Valtavaara, and the shimmering Lake Konttainen. Konttainen in winter is a beautiful day hike amidst the crown-snow scenery.

The 5 Best Hikes & Trails in Finland

Destinations   //   13 June 2023

What are the best and longest hiking trails in Finland? Although southern Finland also offers beautiful landscapes, all the top five long-distance hikes are located in northern latitudes. On these multi-day hikes you will find unique nature, the most picturesque landscapes, the highest peak in our country and the cleanest air in the world.

All these hiking trails are perfect for solo hiking, and some of the trails are also suitable for your first long-distance hike. Pack your backpack and head towards the best nature experiences in Finland!

Small Bear’s Trail in Winter: The Most Scenic Sights of Kuusamo

Destinations   //   10 March 2023

Pieni Karhunkierros - The Small Bear’s Trail is probably the most popular short hiking trail in Kuusamo, Finland. Thousands of backpackers visit the 12-kilometer (7.5 miles) hiking trail all year round. Most of the famous sights of the legendary Karhunkierros Bear’s Trail in Oulanka National Park are located on the Pieni Karhunkierros Trail.

Pieni Karhunkierros Trail is the longest and most challenging of Oulanka National Park's winter trails, along with Oulanka wilderness track. Other winter routes in Oulanka are Kiutaköngäs and Hiiden Hurmos Trail next to the Oulanka Visitor Centre. On a winter trip to Kuusamo, it is also worth visiting at least Ruka's Valtavaara and Konttainen.

Pieni Karhunkierros Trail runs in the southernmost part of Oulanka National Park. During the daytrip, you can admire incredibly beautiful falls and rapids, listen to silence in dense forests, and enjoy snacks by the campfire. Pieni Karhunkierros Trail in winter is the gem of Kuusamo!

Read also: Pieni Karhunkierros Small Bear's Trail in summer and autumn

Konttainen in Winter: Fairytale Landscapes in Kuusamo Finland

Destinations   //   5 March 2023

Konttainen Kuhaus Trail in winter in Kuusamo Finland invites you to an incredible crown-snow heaven. Konttainen is almost as high as Valtavaara, the peak reaches 433 meters above sea level. At the top of Konttainen there are several viewpoints from which the scenery opens up to North Kuusamo and Ruka, Valtavaara and Lake Konttaisenjärvi.

Konttaisen Kuhaus Trail is located right in the northern part of the Valtavaara nature reserve. In the nature reserves of Valtavaara and Pyhävaara you can find breathtakingly beautiful hill and fell landscapes. There are many wonderful routes suitable for day hiking in the nature reserves, as well as the legendary Karhunkierros Bear’s Trail hiking route through the Konttainen peak. Konttainen is great for both summer and winter hiking.

Valtavaara Winter Trail – The Most Beautiful Scenery in Ruka

Destinations   //   2 March 2023

Valtavaara fell in winter is one of the most popular hiking destinations in Ruka, Finland. Valtavaara is the highest protected fell in Kuusamo, the peak reaching 491 meters. In clear weather, amazing landscapes open up from the top of Valtavaara to northern Kuusamo and Russia to the east.

The nature area of Valtavaara-Pyhävaara offers incredibly beautiful views of the hill and fell landscape. The nature area has many routes for day hikes, as well as the famous Karhunkierros Bear’s Trail hiking trail that goes through the peak of Valtavaara. Ruka's Valtavaara area is great for both summer and winter hiking.

The Ruka-Kuusamo region has endless trails to experience for winter hikers. In addition to Valtavaara in Ruka, the top destinations for winter hikers are Konttainen and Pyhävaara, as well as the beautiful routes of Oulanka National Park and the views of Karhunkierros Bear’s Trail in winter. A popular destination for photographers, Riisitunturi in Posio, is also only a short drive away.

Ruka also has wonderful slopes and a diverse network of cross-country skiing tracks. For example, you can ski around Rukankylä village along a lighted track.

Hiking the 82 km Karhunkierros Bear's Trail 2/2

Adventures   //   19 August 2021

The most popular hiking trail in Finland is Karhunkierros, also known as the Bear’s Trail. It takes you through the Oulanka National Park to beautiful forests and scenic views by the swirling River Oulankajoki. The difficulty level varies from easy to more challenging, but I don’t think there are any difficult parts really, even if you are an unexperienced hiker.

The 82 km trail starts from Hautajärvi village in Lapland’s Salla and ends in Rukatunturi fell in Kuusamo. The legendary Bear’s Trail was my first solo hike in the summer 2020.

This part covers the last 41km. Read also: Getting ready for the Bear's Trail and hiking the first 41 km.

Karhunkierros - Hiking the 82 km Bear’s Trail 1/2

Adventures   //   12 August 2021

Karhunkierros, the Bear’s Trail, is the most popular hiking trail in Finland. It takes you through the Oulanka National Park to beautiful forests and scenic views by the swirling River Oulankajoki. The difficulty level varies from easy to more challenging, but I don’t think there are any difficult parts really, even if you are an unexperienced hiker.

The 82 km trail starts from Hautajärvi village in Lapland’s Salla and ends at the Rukatunturi fell in Kuusamo (of course you can hike it the other direction too!)

The legendary Bear’s Trail is kind of a must on every hiker’s bucket list. I hiked alone the Bear’s Trail in the end of June in 2020. It was my first solo hiking adventure, amazing and intensive, a life-changing experience I will remember the rest of my life.