Oulanka

Travel Guide
Oulanka which includes forest scenes
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 Salla, 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.

Ski-Inn RukaVillage
Ski-Inn RukaVillage
4 out of 5
Rukankyläntie 6, Kuusamo
The price is $121 per night from Dec 2 to Dec 3
$121
includes taxes & fees
$110 per night
Dec 2 - Dec 3
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! (101 reviews)
"Polkupyörien säilytyspaikka on kehno ja ebiken latauspaikkaa ei ole saatavilla. Parkkihallissa olisi kuitenkin tilaa latauspaikalle."

Reviewed on Jul 11, 2024

Ski-Inn RukaVillage
Scandic Rukahovi
Scandic Rukahovi
3.5 out of 5
Rukankylantie 15, Kuusamo
The price is $141 per night from Nov 17 to Nov 18
$141
includes taxes & fees
$128 per night
Nov 17 - Nov 18
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 ...
8/10 Very Good! (511 reviews)
"Great location."

Reviewed on Mar 10, 2024

Scandic Rukahovi
Ski-Inn RukaSuites
Ski-Inn RukaSuites
3.5 out of 5
Rukatunturintie 9, Kuusamo
Stay at this 3.5-star 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! (56 reviews)
Great accommodation
"Great stay, super central location, a minutes walk from all facilities, restaurants and bars. Will definitely stay again."

Reviewed on Dec 10, 2021

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
3.5 out of 5
Rukatunturintie 9, Kuusamo
Stay at this 3.5-star 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! (56 reviews)
Great accommodation
"Great stay, super central location, a minutes walk from all facilities, restaurants and bars. Will definitely stay again."

Reviewed on Dec 10, 2021

Ski-Inn RukaSuites
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 ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (69 reviews)
Perfect value
"Very convenient and comfortable, we will be back"

Reviewed on Sep 13, 2021

Ski-Inn AurinkoRinne
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 ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (27 reviews)
"Pienellä karhunkirroksella käydessä, hyvä oli."

Reviewed on Sep 15, 2024

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.

Popular places to visit

Cities near Oulanka