Oulanka National Park

Oulanka National Park is a protected area in northeastern Finland near the town of Kuusamo, known for river rapids, pine forests and a network of marked trails. It is one of Finland’s most visited hiking destinations and is especially associated with long-distance trekking.

The park contains the Karhunkierros, an 82-kilometre marked trail that links wilderness huts, suspension bridges and scenic river sections, and attracts multi-day hikers. Day trails and viewpoints such as the Kiutaköngäs rapids provide accessible options for shorter visits.

Oulanka was established as a protected area in the mid-20th century and has been developed for sustainable outdoor recreation with maintained trails, visitor information and seasonal services near trailheads. Its rivers and old-growth forest habitat are important for regional biodiversity.

The park lies in northeastern Finland, largely within the Kuusamo area, and is accessible from regional transport hubs and by road from nearby towns.

• Hiking infrastructure: The park is famous for its hiking infrastructure, including marked trails, wilderness huts and suspension bridges that cross rapid sections of the Oulanka River.
• Best time to visit: The main hiking season runs from late June to early September when trails are most accessible; shoulder seasons can be wet and cold.

What to See #

• Karhunkierros (Bear's Trail): An 82-kilometre long marked route known as the Karhunkierros or Bear's Trail, which is the park's best-known multi-day hiking trail and links several visitor huts and bridges.
• Kiutaköngäs rapid: Kiutaköngäs rapid, a well-known set of rapids and viewing points on the Oulanka River popular with day visitors and hikers for its accessible footbridges and photographic opportunities.