Adventures // 8 February 2026
Saariselkä in Lapland, Finland is an amazing winter destination for outdoor lovers. From the top of the highest fell Sokosti, you can enjoy incredible views of Lake Luirojärvi and the white fells of Urho Kekkonen National Park. The varied wilderness and one of Finland's densest networks of open wilderness huts make the area very popular for year-round hiking adventures.
I did a six-day backcountry skiing tour to Sokosti fell and Lake Luirojärvi in Urho Kekkonen National Park in March. I skied about 100 km / 62 miles, with an elevation gain of 2022 m / 6634 ft. The frosts were severe, often exceeding -30°C (-22°F) degrees at night.
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Saariselkä / Lake Luirojärvi & Sokosti Ski Tour
- Destination: Saariselkä/Kiilopää, Urho Kekkonen National Park, Lapland, Finland
- Length: 80 km / 50 miles (normal route, longer routes possible) + 12 km (7.5 miles) Sokosti tour
- Difficulty level: demanding (long-distance winter hiking, unmarked wilderness routes)
- When to go: from December to April (cross-country trails from February; year-round destination)
- Duration: 5-9 days
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.
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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
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.
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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
Destinations // 29 January 2023
Kiilopää fell center is located near Kakslauttanen and Saariselkä, Lapland. Kiilopää is managed by Suomen Latu - The Finnish Outdoor Association.
From the Kiilopää fell center starts one of the most beautiful cross-country skiing track routes in the area, the "Luulammen lenkki". Luulampi cross-country skiing track is a loop route, that runs mostly through Urho Kekkonen National Park. The approximately 19-kilometer journey includes challenging ascents, long and fast downhills, wonderfull winter fell scenery and several nice rest places.
On the cross-country skiing routes of Kiilopää and Saariselkä you can find Finland's biggest ascents and descents in open fell scenery. It's easy to go to the skiing tracks starting from Kiilopää for both shorter and longer day trips. Fell skiing on a sunny, frosty day is a great experience in pure nature.
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Luulampi cross-country skiing route Kiilopää
- Destination: Saariselkä/Kiilopää, Urho Kekkonen National Park, Lapland, Finland
- Length: 18.5 km
- Difficulty level: moderate/demanding (ascent and descent of Kiilopää fell)
- When to go: from February to April (check the skiing track situation in advance)
- Duration: 3-4 h (cross-country skiing at a leisurely pace)
