Oulanka

Travel Guide

Oulanka showing forests
Oulanka showing rainforest and rapids
Oulanka which includes a bridge, forest scenes and rapids
Oulanka which includes forests, rafting and rapids
Oulanka showing rapids and rafting 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 P6,886 per night from Sep 10 to Sep 11
P6,886
P7,850 total
Sep 10 - Sep 11
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 ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (551 reviews)
"The hotel is amazing, the location is key, ski-in-and-out. Right next to Ruka Ski Resort Gondola. The room assigned to me was clean, very charming and cozy. The bed was super comfortable, nice winter blankets, and soft pillows. Breakfast was included and it is a massive buffet with healthy options. ..."

Reviewed on Mar 7, 2025

Scandic Rukahovi
Ski-Inn RukaVillage

Ski-Inn RukaVillage

4 out of 5
Rukankyläntie 6, Kuusamo
The price is P6,285 per night from Aug 21 to Aug 22
P6,285
P7,165 total
Aug 21 - Aug 22
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 ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (121 reviews)
"Our stay was exactly what my fiancé and I were hoping for! The room had absolutely everything needed for a ski trip. It had a spectacular view with both a hot tub and sauna. It was spacious, equipped with all the kitchen necessities, and was close to the rentals and gondola. Not too mention all the ..."

Reviewed on Jan 29, 2025

Ski-Inn RukaVillage
Ski-Inn RukaSuites

Ski-Inn RukaSuites

Rukatunturintie 9, Kuusamo
The price is P7,293 per night from Aug 21 to Aug 22
P7,293
P8,314 total
Aug 21 - Aug 22
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 ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (65 reviews)
"Lots of skii routes and easy access to the lifts. Great place to skii from January to April. You can also go and see the northern lights in the area since its right on the border or the arctic circle."

Reviewed on Feb 7, 2025

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 ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (65 reviews)
"Lots of skii routes and easy access to the lifts. Great place to skii from January to April. You can also go and see the northern lights in the area since its right on the border or the arctic circle."

Reviewed on Feb 7, 2025

Ski-Inn RukaSuites
Karhunkierros Cabins & Huts

Karhunkierros Cabins & Huts

2 out of 5
Hautajärventie 414, Salla, Lappi
Stay at this cottage in Salla. Enjoy free parking, breakfast (surcharge), and a sauna. Popular attraction Karhunkierros Trail is located nearby.
8/10 Very Good! (5 reviews)
"There was a man at reception who speaks english very well and he was friendly and very helpful."

Reviewed on Aug 8, 2023

Karhunkierros Cabins & Huts
Vuosselin Helmi

Vuosselin Helmi

2.5 out of 5
Ahon Jussintie 7, Kuusamo
Book a stay at this ski apartment in Kuusamo. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a ski shuttle (surcharge). Popular attractions Ruka Ski Area and Rukatunturi ...
7.6/10 Good! (24 reviews)
"This is a simple accomodation next to a major ski resort that is virtually empty in sdummer. It was perfectly locates to nature reserves where we watched birds."

Reviewed on Jun 18, 2024

Vuosselin Helmi
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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