Urho Kekkonen National Park – a wild adventure in the North

If you dream of a trip to the north, where you can experience both polar day and night, Urho Kekkonen National Park will be the perfect place. This is one of Finland’s largest national parks, covering an impressive 2,550 square kilometers. Here you will find picturesque landscapes, mountains, rivers, moors, canyons, peat bogs and vast areas of tundra.

More than 100 kilometers of marked hiking trails have been laid out in the park. Wild, unmarked trails are also available for more experienced hikers – it is worth remembering that the ability to use a map and compass is essential here, as GPS may not work.

Camping in the park is allowed in designated campgrounds, and in remote areas you can pitch a tent in any safe place. The park has 130 campfire sites, 5 official campgrounds and 42 huts – including 5 day-use and 37 overnight huts, both paid and free. However, expect that it can be crowded during the peak season.

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The legend of the Mountain-Ear (Korvantunturi) Park also hides an unusual story. It is here that Mountain-Ear (Korvantunturi) is located, according to legend serving as a “magical transmitter of children’s wishes” to Santa Claus. When a radio program told about this mountain, hundreds of letters with children’s dreams began arriving at the local post office. Although Santa’s official headquarters is now in Rovaniemi, letters to Korvantunturi still come in.

Most interesting routes For beginner hikers, a great choice would be to climb Mount Kiilopää. The route follows a fairly steep path, and from the middle of the climb, hikers use wooden stairs – this is said to be the longest stairway in Finland! More information about the park can be found on the official website: Urho Kekkonen National Park.

Hossa National Park – a paradise for active tourists

If you prefer active recreation, Hossa National Park will be an ideal destination. Located in the picturesque Northern Ostrobothnia, it offers 90 kilometers of hiking trails of varying difficulty – from short, 200-meter trails to longer, 14-kilometer hikes. In addition, the park has numerous biking and water routes, ensuring that there is something for everyone. It’s a great option for families with children, and some of the infrastructure has been adapted for people with disabilities.

Prehistoric paintings in Värikallio One of the most interesting trails is the route leading from the Lihapyörre parking lot to Värikallio. It’s a 5-kilometer path through the forest, at the end of which an unusual attraction awaits – Lake Somerjärvi and rocks decorated with prehistoric paintings from 3500-4500 years ago. In 1977, 61 drawings made with ochre and blood were discovered there, depicting scenes of hunting and shamanic rituals. The distinctive figures with triangular heads and elk silhouettes give these paintings a unique style. A special bridge was built to make it easier for tourists to view these remarkable works of art thousands of years old.

Hossa National Park is a place where history meets nature, offering an unforgettable experience for any lover of nature and active recreation.

Both Urho Kekkonen National Park and Hossa National Park are ideal destinations for those seeking adventure in nature. Whether you dream of hiking on the tundra, nights under the stars, or discovering traces of prehistoric cultures, Finland has something special for you.

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