Oulanka

Travel Guide

Oulanka which includes forest scenes
Oulanka which includes rainforest and rapids
Oulanka showing forests, rapids and a bridge
Oulanka showing rapids, forests and rafting
Oulanka which includes rafting and rapids as well as a small group of people
Hike through the spectacular wilderness of this national park, where famous Finnish trails lead past raging waterfalls and tranquil lakes. 

Oulanka National Park is a dream destination for walkers, nature lovers and watersports enthusiasts. Follow one of the numerous hiking trails that cross the vast park to see water meadows, dramatic rapids and forest-covered hills. 

Start your expedition in the Oulanka National Park Visitor Center, which contains vital information on the park, as well as displays about its history. The area was established as a national park in 1956 in a region that was once used by reindeer herders. Pick up maps of the trails at the visitor center, then head out into the wilderness.

Join the famous Karhunkierros Trail, or “Bear’s Trail,” a long-distance walking route that runs through the heart of the park. It stretches for about 50 miles (80 kilometers) and passes some of Oulanka’s best scenery. Cross hanging bridges over rivers and walk to sights such as Oulanka Canyon, the Jyrävä Waterfall and the Kiutaköngäs Rapids.

Paddle out in a canoe onto the River Oulankajoki on a mapped route. One section involves a stretch of thrilling rapids, but a gentler route offers fishing and the chance to quietly drift through the landscape. 

The village of Juuma sits on the edge of the national park and is a starting point for several trails. Find accommodations in traditional wooden huts surrounded by forests or bordering lakes.

In winter, Oulanka gets covered in a thick blanket of snow. Explore the landscape on a snowshoeing or cross-country skiing expedition. The Hiiden Hurmos Trail is a popular, waymarked route for snowshoeing, following a circular trail along the edges of rapids and beneath the Kiutaköngäs cliffs.

Drive to Oulanka from Kuusamo, which is about 30 miles (50 kilometers) to the south, or SallaOpens in a new window, which is about 25 miles (40 kilometers) to the north. Buses run to and from those towns into the national park.

Some of the hiking trails in Oulanka National Park are maintained with levelers during winter, making the area a stunning and accessible destination throughout the year. Visit between June and October, however, to trek along the Karhunkierros.

Scandic Rukahovi

Scandic Rukahovi

3.5 out of 5
Rukankylantie 15, Kuusamo
The price is NT$3,698 per night from Sep 22 to Sep 23
NT$3,698
NT$4,215 total
Sep 22 - Sep 23
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star ski hotel in Kuusamo. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and 2 restaurants. Popular attractions Ruka Ski Area and Etutuoli are located ...
Scandic Rukahovi
Ski-Inn RukaVillage

Ski-Inn RukaVillage

4 out of 5
Rukankyläntie 6, Kuusamo
The price is NT$3,322 per night from Sep 12 to Sep 13
NT$3,322
NT$3,787 total
Sep 12 - Sep 13
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star ski hotel in Kuusamo. Enjoy free WiFi, 3 restaurants, and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Ruka Ski Area and Etutuoli are located ...
Ski-Inn RukaVillage
Ski-Inn RukaSuites

Ski-Inn RukaSuites

Rukatunturintie 9, Kuusamo
The price is NT$4,078 per night from Sep 1 to Sep 2
NT$4,078
NT$4,649 total
Sep 1 - Sep 2
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this ski aparthotel in Kuusamo. Enjoy free WiFi, a fitness center, and parking (surcharge). Popular attractions Ruka Ski Area and Etutuoli are ...
Ski-Inn RukaSuites
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Ski-Inn RukaSuites

Ski-Inn RukaSuites

Rukatunturintie 9, Kuusamo
Book a stay at this ski aparthotel in Kuusamo. Enjoy free WiFi, a fitness center, and parking (surcharge). Popular attractions Ruka Ski Area and Etutuoli are ...
Ski-Inn RukaSuites
Karhunkierros Cabins & Huts

Karhunkierros Cabins & Huts

3 out of 5
Hautajärventie 414, Salla, Lappi
Stay at this 3-star cottage in Salla. Enjoy free parking, breakfast (surcharge), and a sauna. Popular attraction Karhunkierros Trail is located nearby.
Karhunkierros Cabins & Huts
Ski-Inn AurinkoRinne

Ski-Inn AurinkoRinne

4 out of 5
Hiihtokouluntie 16-18, Kuusamo
Stay at this 4-star ski aparthotel in Kuusamo. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a conference center. Popular attractions Ruka Ski Area and Rukatunturi Ski ...
Ski-Inn AurinkoRinne
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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