Programme description

This Finland hiking tour takes you to three national parks in eastern and northern Finland. You will visit Hossa, Oulanka and Urho Kekkonen parks, each of them different and among most popular national parks in Finland. You will enjoy the untouched wilderness and pristine nature walking through primordial forests and mires, along ridges and shores of crystal-clear lakes. You even get the chance to canoe on the same lakes and nearby rivers. Accommodation will be in a large log cabin and in hotels.

Programme information

1 June - 30 September

For groups on request.

10 days/9 nights

10-25

Suomussalmi, Kuusamo, Saariselkä

Pick up: Kuusamo airport
Drop off: Ivalo airport

Medium

Depending on the group size. Please ask for quotation.

*9 nights accommodation. Days 1-4 in wilderness cabin in rooms for 2-4 persons. No private ensuite facilities - showers and toilets are located in the corridor. On days 5-9 in hotel rooms on twin sharing basis. *Daily breakfast *Picnic lunch on days 2-6 and 8-9 *Dinner on days 1-4 and 7-9 *Airport transfers from Kuusamo airport on arrival and to Ivalo aiport on departure *English-speaking guide *Sauna daily * Canoe rental on day 4

*Dinners on days 5-6 *Single room on days 5-9

Detailed programme

Day 1: Arrival
Arrival at Kuusamo airport and transfer (approx. 1 h) to Jatkonsalmi cabin, located on the shore of Lake Jatkonjärvi inside Hossa national park. Check-in and dinner at the cabin.

Day 2: Hossa national park approx. 14 km, total ascent 100 m
The trek begins along the paths of Hossa National Park, which was established in 2017 to commemorate Finland’s 100th year of independence. Hossa is known for its crystal-clear lakes and pine heathlands. Most of the trails are easy to walk, running through scenic esker and lake landscapes. Reindeer are a common sight in Hossa, and with a bit of luck, you might even spot an elk. In the afternoon, we’ll return to Jatkonsalmi, where the lakeside sauna will be heated for the first time.

Day 3: Värikallio rock paintings approx. 16 km, total ascent 120 m
Today, we embark on a mystical journey back in time! We’ll hike to see the Värikallio Cliffs with ancient, shamanistic rock paintings dating back 4000 years. These are the largest prehistoric paintings in Finland, portraying life in a time when spirits and natural forces were present everywhere. We’ll enjoy a picnic lunch around an open fire, followed by a hike through beautiful pine and spruce forests back to our accommodation.

Day 4: Hossa – canoeing 3–4 h and hiking approx. 10 km, total ascent 100 m
This morning, we’ll switch things up with a canoeing tour. After a short introduction to basic canoeing skills, we’ll take a trip in two-man Indian canoes across the calm lakes and rivers near our accommodation. By lunchtime, we’ll arrive at the Hossa National Park Visitor Center, where we’ll enjoy lunch. There’s also a small souvenir shop to explore. After lunch, the trek continues along the national park trails.

Day 5: Oulanka national park, Small Bear’s Trail 12 km, total ascent 185 m
Today, we say goodbye to Hossa. A 120 km transfer (approx. 2 h) takes us to Oulanka national park where we’ll explore its most famous day hike, the Small Bear’s Trail (Pieni Karhunkierros). This scenic route offers stunning views of Oulanka’s wilderness, including gushing rapids, steep cliffs, and sheltered forests. The middle section of the trail is demanding, with steep ascents, descents, and rocky paths. After the hike, we’ll take a short 15-minute transfer to Ruka, one of Finland’s most famous ski resorts. Check-in at the hotel located in the heart of the resort.

Day 6: Valtavaara nature reserve, approx. 12 km, total ascent 675 m
After breakfast we take a 20 minutes’ transfer to the starting point of today’s hike along Finland’s most famous hiking route, the Bear’s Trail (Karhunkierros). This 80 km route traverses Valtavaara Nature Reserve and Oulanka National Park. We’ll walk the first 20 km, starting from Porontimajoki and finishing at Ruka. The first part of the route is relatively flat, but it becomes more challenging as we ascend Konttainen Hill (approx. 400 m). Before descending to Ruka, we’ll reach the top of Valtavaara, the highest hill in the area (492 m), offering spectacular views over the surrounding hills and lakes.

Day 7: Saariselkä area
In the morning, we’ll take a bus transfer (350 km / approx. 5 hours) further north to Ivalo, where we’ll check in at a hotel in the heart of the Saariselkä holiday village. Saariselkä is located just outside Urho Kekkonen National Park. After check-in, there will be some free time for a short walk. You might choose to hike to the top of Kaunispää Hill to admire the stunning fell scenery of Urho Kekkonen National Park (approx. 4 km round trip) or simply relax and explore the village of Saariselkä.

Day 8: Urho Kekkonen national park, approx. 14 km / 17 km, total ascent 245 / 310 m
Today’s walk begins right from the hotel along the Rumakuru Trail. Despite its name, which translates to “Ugly Gorge,” the gorge is anything but ugly. The highlight of this trail is the steep-walled gorge, created by meltwaters from the last Ice Age. On the way back to the hotel, we can opt for a longer route that passes over Iisakkipää Fell (454 m), offering fantastic views over the surrounding fells.

Day 9: Urho Kekkonen national park, 14 km, total ascent 275 m
The final hike of the week starts from the Kiilopää fell centre located a 15-minute transfer from our hotel. Ahopää Trail is a truly scenic route and a journey into the origins of this scenic wilderness where the Ice Age had an enormous effect. As the immense masses of ice moved and shaped the scenery, what remained were the fells, which are actually mountain roots. Today, this rugged but beautiful natural landscape offers an ideal hiking environment. After the hike, we’ll transfer back to the hotel to spend the last evening together over dinner.

Day 10: Return
Breakfast and transfer (30 min) to Ivalo airport for the flight to Helsinki.

Good to know

It is possible to do this tour as a 7-day itinerary, with stays exclusively in Hossa and Oulanka National Parks (hiking on days 2-6).
Pre- and post-tour nights in Helsinki are available upon request