Vistas valley (Vistasdalen in Swedish, Vistasvagge in Sami) is a green oasis in high-alpine environment in Swedish Lappland near Kebnekaise. The trail runs between Nikkaluokta and Alesjaure along river Vistasjohka in the wide valley surrounded by mountains. The trail is well-marked all the way. You can also hike the 84 km trail from Nikkaluokta to Abisko through Vistas valley. There’s a mountain cabin, Vistastugan, in the middle of the valley providing facilities, such as accommodation for hikers. The river is popular for paddling trips as well. Sometimes you may spot Scandinavian elks wandering in the valley – I did!
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Multi-day adventure
Halti is the highest fell in Finland with the peak, Háldičohkka, at 1324 m above the sea level. The trail to Halti from Kilpisjärvi, the Nordkalott Trail, is the most popular route to Halti from Finland, but several unmarked routes through wilderness lead to Halti as well. I chose the Nordkalott route on my way to Halti but hiked back to Kilpisjärvi via Termisjärvi, following the Nordkalott Trail to the Kuonjarjoki hut before taking my own path.
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Halti is the highest fell in Finland with the peak, Háldičohkka, at 1324 m above the sea level. It can be summitted from Finland or from Norway as the fell is located at the border between two countries. The trail to Halti from Kilpisjärvi, the Nordkalott Trail, is the most popular route to Halti from Finland.
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Nuuksio National Park in southern Finland is less than an hour's drive from Helsinki. Its easy accessibility makes it ideal for beginner hikers. Although Nuuksio is a relatively urban nature area, the park is full of beautiful untouched forests and swamps, rugged cliffs, and sparkling lakes and ponds. The lucky and discerning outdoor enthusiast might also spot a tiny flying squirrel at dusk!
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I walked on the spectacular Kvalvika Beach in Lofoten Islands already fifteen years ago on my diving and hiking trip to Norway. Back then the day-hike was quiet, and the beach was empty (in the middle of July!), with just the ice-cold emerald green water roaring on the white sand between massive vertical cliffs rising straight from the ocean.
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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.
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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.
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