Konttainen

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!

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.

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.

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. This is my hiking story from Salla' Hautajärvi to the mid-point of Karhunkierros Trail (41 km).

You might be interested: Karhunkierros - complete guide (2026)

Read also: Hiking in Finland - What to pack for a week's summer hike?