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.
Read more
Pieni Karhunkierros Small Bear's Trail
- Destination: Oulanka National Park, Kuusamo & Ruka Finland
- Distance: 12 km (7.5 miles)
- Difficulty level: moderate
- Duration: 3-6 h
Destinations // 17 April 2024
The trails of Salla lead to the northern old-growth forests and fell landscapes. Finland's newest national park, Salla National Park, offers easily accessible hikes and trails, along with a touch of history.
Read more
Kaunisharjun kierros Trail
- Destination: Salla, Lapland, Finland
- Distance: 11-11.6 km (6.8-7.2 miles)
- Difficulty: Easy to moderate
- When to go: From June to October (year-round)
- Duration: 2-4 hours
Destinations // 13 April 2024
In the Salla National Park, ancient wilderness forests surround majestic ridges and gorge valleys. From the fell peaks, beautiful views open up to the marshes and glistening ponds. Designated viewpoints offer opportunities to admire the Northern Lights and the stars on the night sky.
Read more
Salla Taivaan tavoittelijan taival Trail
- Destination: Salla, Lapland, Finland
- Distance: 4.6 km (2.86 miles)
- Difficulty: Moderate (classified as demanding)
- When to go: From June to October (year-round)
- Duration: 1,5-2 hours
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.
Read more
Konttainen Hike in Kuusamo
- Destination: Ruka, Kuusamo, Finland
- Distance: 2 km (1.24 miles)
- Difficulty: Easy (Classified as Demanding)
- When to go: From June to October (year-round)
- Duration: 1-2 hours
Destinations // 16 February 2024
Located in eastern Uusimaa, Sipoonkorpi National Park is a wilderness destination just a short distance from Helsinki. Sipoonkorpi offers green pine forests, mossy rocks, and rural landscapes.
Read more
Adventures // 31 January 2024
Repovesi National Park guides the visitor through mossy forests to majestic cliffs offering breathtaking views over the lakes, framed by pine trees. In mid-winter, the pines are covered in frost, and in early spring, the icefalls glisten in the sun.
Read more
Adventures // 30 October 2023
Hammastunturi wilderness in Lapland is a wonderful hiking and fishing destination in Finland. The area is known for the historical Lapland’s Gold of River Ivalojoki. The peaceful wilderness area is located between Urho Kekkonen National Park and Lemmenjoki National Park, near Saariselkä.
Read more
Hammastunturi Wilderness
- Destination: Inari / Kittilä / Sodankylä, Lapland, Finland
- Difficulty: when avoiding bogs, moderate but includes river crossings and wilderness hikes require advanced skills
- When to go: from June to October (year-round destination)
- Mobile phone network coverage: no coverage
Trail Run // 31 July 2023
Rokua National Park is part of Rokua Geopark, which was the first in Finland to be selected as one of UNESCO's unique geological sites. The geopark also includes the areas of Lake Oulujärvi and Oulujokilaakso River Valley.
Read more
Rokua Keisarinkierros Trail
- Destination: Northern Ostrobothnia, Finland
- Distance: 20 km (12.4 miles)
- Difficulty: Moderate
- When to go: From June to September (year-round)
Adventures // 1 June 2023
Lake Luirojärvi Trail in Urho Kekkonen National Park, in Lapland Finland is a year-round classic hike. The route goes through the peak of Kiilopää fell to Lake Luirojärvi and Sokosti fell in wonderful open fell and forest landscapes. The Lake Luirojärvi hike can be done as a summer and fall hike as well as a winter ski excursion.
In Urho Kekkonen National Park, I did a four-day autumn colors hike to Lake Luirojärvi. My lightweight hiking gear made backpacking light and comfortable, and without rushing despite the long days on trails. I slept in ‘laavu’ shelter for the first time of my life, I enjoyed great fall and autumn colors in the sunshine and I also experienced amazingly pouring rainy days.
Read more
Lake Luirojärvi Trail
- Destination: Saariselkä/Kiilopää, Urho Kekkonen National Park, Lapland, Finland
- Length: 70-80 km / 44-50 miles (normal route), longer routes possible
- Difficulty level: moderate/demanding (quite easy trails, but includes river crossings and unmarked wilderness routes)
- When to go: from June to October (year-round destination)
- Duration: 4-6 days
If you are heading to Oulanka National Park or to the legendary Karhunkierros Bear’s Trail, you should definitely visit also Riisitunturi National Park in Posio nearby.
Read more
Riisitunturi Riisin Rietas Trail
- Destination: Posio, Lapland, Finland
- Distance: 11 km (6.8 miles)
- Difficulty: Moderate-Demanding
- When to go: From June to September (year-round)
- Duration: 1-2 h trail run (4-5 h hiking)
