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 // 2 March 2023
Valtavaara fell in winter is one of the most popular hiking destinations in Ruka, Finland. Valtavaara is the highest protected fell in Kuusamo, the peak reaching 491 meters. In clear weather, amazing landscapes open up from the top of Valtavaara to northern Kuusamo and Russia to the east.
The nature area of Valtavaara-Pyhävaara offers incredibly beautiful views of the hill and fell landscape. The nature area has many routes for day hikes, as well as the famous Karhunkierros Bear’s Trail hiking trail that goes through the peak of Valtavaara. Ruka's Valtavaara area is great for both summer and winter hiking.
The Ruka-Kuusamo region has endless trails to experience for winter hikers. In addition to Valtavaara in Ruka, the top destinations for winter hikers are Konttainen and Pyhävaara, as well as the beautiful routes of Oulanka National Park and the views of Karhunkierros Bear’s Trail in winter. A popular destination for photographers, Riisitunturi in Posio, is also only a short drive away.
Ruka also has wonderful slopes and a diverse network of cross-country skiing tracks. For example, you can ski around Rukankylä village along a lighted track.
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Valtavaara winter trail
Destination: Ruka, Kuusamo, Finland
Difficulty: demanding
When to go: From December to April (year-round)
Duration: 3 hours, a half-day trip snowshoeing or by foot
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.
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Karhunkierros Bear’s Trail hike info
- 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
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?
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Bear’s Trail hike info
- 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
