The Wild Taiga region offers a wealth of beautiful, accessible attractions and trails. There are also several accommodation options, though accessibility levels vary. This suggested route is based on staying in Hossa National Park and in Kuhmo, but we have also listed additional partially accessible options below. Please note that this trip requires your own car, as there is no accessible public transport available in the region.
Programme description
Distances
- Suomussalmi – Hiljainen Kansa Meadow Café: 30 km
- Hiljainen Kansa Meadow Café – Hossa Visitor Centre: 70 km
- Hossa Visitor Centre – Hossan Lumo: 5 km
- Hossan Lumo – Lentuankoski: 191 km
- Lentuankoski – Hotel Kalevala: 12 km
Detailed programme
Day 1: Suomussalmi & Hossa National Park
Hossa National Park features numerous accessible trails, including the Muikkupuro Loop, which can also be explored with adaptive equipment such as an all-terrain wheelchair or an e-assisted handbike. These can be rented from the Finnish Paralympic Committee’s equipment rental service, (in Finnish) with the closest pickup point located in Vuokatti.
Your journey begins in Suomussalmi, where your first outdoor stop is the unique Musical Forest. This one-of-a-kind nature trail combines art, sound, and forest scenery on the Kaunisniemi ridge. The 1.5 km accessible route features large wooden instruments that visitors can play. The paths are wide and partially gravelled, with a few short but steep sections.
An alternative option in Suomussalmi is the 2 km Patokoski Trail, which starts behind the Kiannon Kuohut Spa Hotel. Suomussalmi is a good place to linger: you’ll find several accessible restaurants, and the spa is a wonderful place to unwind.
It is also worth stocking up on groceries here, as Hossa’s small summer shop has limited selection.
Visit Suomussalmi provides an extensive list of accessible attractions and services on its website.
On your way toward Hossa, make sure to stop at the iconic Silent People. Nearly a thousand life-sized figures with hay heads stand in the meadow, creating an ever-changing, almost magical scene as the light and weather shift. The Meadow Café is famous for its skillet pancakes and open-fire coffee – a classic Finnish treat.
After less than an hour’s drive, you will arrive at your base for the next few days: Camping Hossan Lumo, specifically cabin number 11. The cabin’s accessibility features are described in detail on the accommodation’s website and in the Palmuasema blog.
Other accessible or partially accessible accommodation options in Suomussalmi & Hossa:
- Kiannon Kuohut Spa Hotel, Suomussalmi
Days 2–4: Hossa National Park
The terrain in Hossa is naturally easy to navigate, making the national park partly accessible by default. Additional accessible trails and facilities were developed when the park was opened during Finland’s 100th independency anniversary year. Many routes can be explored in advance through various platforms – for example, Outdoor Active includes detailed accessibility information.
Throughout Hossa and its surroundings, you will also find accessible campfire sites, toilets, and piers designed to support wheelchair access, including to fishing spots and boats.
After active days outdoors, relaxing in your cosy cabin with a sauna and good food is the perfect ending.
The untouched wilderness of Wild Taiga offers excellent opportunities for wildlife observation and photography. In addition to bears, wolverines, and wolves, the area is home to elk, forest reindeer, flying squirrels, beavers, and several large birds of prey. Some tours focus on a single species, while others offer multi-species observation programs.
Accessible bear watching between Hossa and Kuhmo is offered by:
Arola Farm & Wilderness Holidays
Day 5: Hossa – Lentuankoski – Kuhmo
After breakfast, pack the car and begin your journey south. On the way to Kuhmo, stop at Lentuankoski, one of the region’s most famous natural sites. The Lentua lake area offers open waters, sheltered archipelagos, rugged cliffs, and golden beaches. Accessible walkways and bridges run along the rapids, including a wheelchair-accessible path to the shore and a footbridge reaching the upper part of Iso Lentuankoski.
Kuhmo has limited accessible accommodation, but for this itinerary we recommend Hotel Kalevala. Although the building is protected by the Finnish Heritage Agency and cannot be fully modified, it is suitable for most travellers.
Day 6: Kuhmo
Kuhmo, a UNESCO City of Literature, is a realm of forests, culture, and high-quality events. It is internationally known for the July Kuhmo Chamber Music Festival, the world’s largest and oldest chamber music event. The surrounding wilderness has long inspired local crafts and contemporary design.
After a traditional Kainuu breakfast, head to the town centre. Check out the program at Kuhmo Arts Centre in advance – if something catches your interest, plan your day around it. Both the Juminkeko Cultural Centre, dedicated to Kalevala and Karelian heritage, and the Winter War Museum are fully accessible.
For lunch, visit Kaesan Kotileipomo, known for homemade Kainuu flavours. Afterward, enjoy some fresh air on the scenic Rantaraitti, a 4.8 km lakeside trail right in the town centre. The route can easily be shortened or divided into smaller sections.
In the evening, return to your hotel for a delicious dinner at Restaurant Kanteletar.
Day 7: Departure
After a slow breakfast, it’s time to pack up again and continue your journey. This itinerary blends culture, history, and pure northern nature, offering travellers memorable experiences. Discover the accessible wonders of Wild Taiga – its natural beauty, rich culture, and captivating stories await. Your adventure starts here!
Good to know
Good to Know
Accessible Wild Taiga is a self-guided itinerary. All services are booked directly with each provider.
If you wish to add variety to your holiday, the region offers plenty of attractions and activity options.
You can explore accessible trails in Suomussalmi, Hossa, and Kuhmo through our route guide.
Here are also some useful blogger experiences in Finnish:
