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!
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Karhunkierros - Bears Trail
- Destination: Oulanka National Park, Lapland and Northern Ostrobothnia, Finland
- Distance: 82 km (several shorter distances available)
- Difficulty: physically demanding but quite easy
- When to go: from June to October for a summer and autumn hike
- Duration: 3-5 days
- Where to stay: camping in tent or wilderness huts for free, various camping sites and rental cottages and hotels in Ruka and Juuma
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.
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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 // 10 March 2023
Pieni Karhunkierros - The Small Bear’s Trail is probably the most popular short hiking trail in Kuusamo, Finland. Thousands of backpackers visit the 12-kilometer (7.5 miles) hiking trail all year round. Most of the famous sights of the legendary Karhunkierros Bear’s Trail in Oulanka National Park are located on the Pieni Karhunkierros Trail.
Pieni Karhunkierros Trail is the longest and most challenging of Oulanka National Park's winter trails, along with Oulanka wilderness track. Other winter routes in Oulanka are Kiutaköngäs and Hiiden Hurmos Trail next to the Oulanka Visitor Centre. On a winter trip to Kuusamo, it is also worth visiting at least Ruka's Valtavaara and Konttainen.
Pieni Karhunkierros Trail runs in the southernmost part of Oulanka National Park. During the daytrip, you can admire incredibly beautiful falls and rapids, listen to silence in dense forests, and enjoy snacks by the campfire. Pieni Karhunkierros Trail in winter is the gem of Kuusamo!
Read also: Pieni Karhunkierros Small Bear's Trail in summer and autumn
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Pieni Karhunkierros hiking trail in winter
- Destination: Oulanka National Park, Kuusamo, Finland
- Distance: 12 km (7.5 miles)
- Difficulty level: moderate-demanding
- Travel time: 3-6 h (summer), 4-8 h (in winter with breaks)
