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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Summer
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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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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The Alta Canyon (Sautso) in Finnmark, northern Norway, is the most spectacular hike in Alta region. It is one of the largest canyons in northern Europe, and it can be reached by hiking, cycling and by boat along the river. The canyon hike, south of Alta, is a day trip and not as inaccessible as you might think.
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Lille Raipas is a well-known fell in Alta, Norway. It is part of the Struve Geodetic Arc and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Lille Raipas is a fast route, and the summit offers spectacular views of the Alta fjord.
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Sipoonkorpi National Park is a place to admire the majestic mossy cliffs and walk through dense, wilderness-like coniferous forests. Fiskträsk is a beautiful wilderness lake, that you can reach with a quick hike to its shores and a new campfire site.
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