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 P7,035 per night from Sep 2 to Sep 3
P7,035
P8,019 total
Sep 2 - Sep 3
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! (550 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 P6,367 per night from Aug 4 to Aug 5
P6,367
P7,258 total
Aug 4 - Aug 5
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
Basecamp Oulanka

Basecamp Oulanka

2.5 out of 5
Myllykoskentie 30, Kuusamo
Book a stay at this eco-certified guesthouse in Kuusamo. Enjoy free breakfast, free parking, and a private beach.
8.8/10 Excellent! (54 reviews)
"Staff at Basecamp Oulanka made a great effort to welcome us and to accommodate our plans. We were very pleased with our stay. We were also impressed by deep interest in the Oulanka park."

Reviewed on Oct 11, 2020

Basecamp Oulanka
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 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 ...
9/10 Wonderful! (70 reviews)
Perfect value
"Very convenient and comfortable, we will be back"

Reviewed on Sep 13, 2021

Ski-Inn AurinkoRinne
Rantaruka

Rantaruka

3.5 out of 5
Kaukonraitti 1, Kuusamo
Stay at this 3.5-star ski apartment in Kuusamo. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a sauna. Popular attractions Ruka Ski Area and Etutuoli are located ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (29 reviews)
"How cool of a place! Elec. Sauna and Wood Fireplace with all the wood included! Loved my stay!"

Reviewed on Aug 4, 2019

Rantaruka
Ski-Inn RukaTonttu

Ski-Inn RukaTonttu

4 out of 5
Hiihtostadionintie 1, Kuusamo
Stay at this 4-star ski aparthotel in Kuusamo. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Ruka Ski Area and Rukatunturi Ski Jumping ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (30 reviews)
"A lovely location by the lake with a lakeside view. Easy reach to the beach and walkable distance to the ski resort which is opened in the summer. The flat has a private sauna. Windows could not be opened which made the place very hot during our stay. Hotel staff was very helpful although the check ..."

Reviewed on Aug 3, 2025

Ski-Inn RukaTonttu
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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