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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Hiking
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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The Lampivaara Amethyst Mine winter trail invites you to walk and snowshoe in the snowy old forests of Luosto, Lapland. In the frosts of January and February, the landscape is particularly fairytale-like, with the crown-snow trees painting a beautiful nature scene. In March and April, the deep green of the forest and the rays of the spring sun on the slopes are the best part of the hike.
Along the Lampivaara trail, you climb to the top of Pikku-Luosto fell, with sweeping views of the snowy Ukko-Luosto peak and the surrounding fells in the distance. At Lampivaara, the hike can be completed with a guided visit to an amethyst mine or by stopping for a coffee at the café.
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Ukko-Luosto (514 m) is the highest fell peak in the Luosto area, Lapland, Finland. Located in the Pyhä-Luosto National Park, Ukko-Luosto is accessible in winter for skiing, snowshoeing and walking.
If you are tempted by the white shimmering peak of Ukko-Luosto, this article will give you the route and tips for the hike. In the article you will also find a map of Pyhä-Luosto area, where the Ukko-Luosto route in winter is marked.
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Tunturiaapa nature trail is located in Pyhä, at the southern part of Pyhä-Luosto National Park. From the vast open mire you'll get great views of the peaks of the Pyhätunturi fells.
The Tunturiaapa nature trail is accessible all year round. In winter, you may admire the beautiful landscape with the northern lights, the dazzling evening sky, frost-covered trees or the bright blue sky against a backdrop of white-peaked fells.
The trail is mostly flat terrain and is quite easy in winter, too. Here's the route description and tips for a 10 km walk or snowshoe hike.
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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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Reinebringen on Lofoten Islands, Moskenesøya has become one of Norway's most popular hikes in recent years. The summit of Reinebringen is the most famous photo shooting site in the whole of Lofoten. From the top of the mountain you can enjoy stunning views of the Reine village, the deep blue sea and fjords, and the dramatically sharp mountains of Lofoten.
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Munkebu hut hike is one of the best hikes in the most alpine parts of Lofoten Islands on Moskenesøy. The Munkebu hut hike is demanding and long, about 10 km (6.2 miles) out-and-back.
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Volandstinden (457 m) is not one of Lofoten's most famous hikes, although its shark's-fin-like summit offers a photo-shooting spot for Fredvang bridges - the view that is almost as scenic as the view from Reinebringen. The hike is around 5 km and it is mostly easy to moderate, and the views in all directions from the heights are rewarding.
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