Urho Kekkonen National Park

Urho Kekkonen National Park is a large protected area in Finnish Lapland named for former president Urho Kekkonen that preserves extensive fell and wilderness terrain. It ranks among Finland’s largest national parks and is a major wilderness destination.

The park was established to conserve Lapland’s characteristic fell ecosystems and traditional reindeer-grazing landscapes while providing managed access for outdoor recreation. Over time trail systems and huts have been developed to support visitor use while maintaining wilderness values.

Located in Finnish Lapland, the park stretches across municipal boundaries in the interior of northern Finland and is accessed from gateways such as the Kiilopää area and nearby towns in Lapland.

• Size and name: Named after President Urho Kekkonen, the park protects extensive fell and wilderness landscapes and is one of Finland’s largest national parks.
• Trail network and conditions: Marked trail networks and wilderness huts make it a year-round destination for hiking in summer and cross-country skiing in winter; weather and remoteness require preparation.

What to See#

• Kiilopää gateway: Kiilopää visitor centre and fell services act as a main gateway with marked trails and accommodation options at the park edge.

• Plan summer hikes between June and August for the longest daylight and most snow‑free trails; winter access is possible but requires winter skills and longer travel.
• Use Saariselkä or Ivalo as the usual gateways for services, transport links and trailhead access - both towns provide the most reliable connections into the park.
• Refer to the official Metsähallitus park information before setting out: marked trails, wilderness hut locations and current trail conditions are listed there and are essential for safe planning in this remote reserve.
• If you want a clear summit view, target one of the park's marked fells (for example Sokosti) rather than sticking to valley trails - the high tundra offers the park's broadest panoramas that many day‑visitors miss.