Finland is known for its landscapes: deep lakes, fast rivers, quiet forests, sunlit islands and snow-covered hills. It is the most forested country in Europe, and a fine place for nature lovers, with rugged wilderness to explore. Though it is often linked with saunas, reindeer and the Santa Claus village, its wildlife is remarkable, and, sitting close to the Arctic Circle, its national parks offer a great range of terrain and animals.
The Beautiful Finland
Each park has its own character. Here are six of Finland’s best.
Urho Kekkonen National Park
Covering about 2,550 square kilometres, Urho Kekkonen is one of the most popular outdoor spots for locals and visitors alike, with everything from clear streams to alpine valleys, forest and wetland. Trails criss-cross the park, and you can ski across the Arctic country and rest in its many wilderness huts.
Urho Kekkonen National Park
Moose, hares, reindeer and foxes are often seen, while wolverines, lynx, wolves and brown bears keep to the remoter parts. Otters are common along the waterways, often leaving tracks after a fishing trip, and golden eagles glide overhead. You can also cross-country ski, trek, birdwatch, fish and canoe here.
Koli National Park
Koli is a national park with a rich cultural heritage, known for its views over Lake Pielinen from its high points. It has drawn Finnish artists and photographers for generations, who have captured the views in their work, and it offers a quiet experience in nature.
Koli National Park
The Ukko-Koli hill has well-marked trails with views of the lake and the surrounding country, and information about local culture at the top. For a longer trip, there is a 60-kilometre trail around Lake Herajärvi, and you can also find ancient Finno-Pagan sites along the way. Koli is rich in flowers, forest and clear lakes, with around 4,000 recorded species, including rare butterflies and birds. In summer it is popular for cabin rentals and fishing; in winter it becomes a ski resort.
Hossa National Park
Near the Russian border, Hossa is one of Europe’s more unspoiled wildernesses, and Finland’s newest national park, gaining that status in 2017. It has clear lakes, dry pine forest and plenty of wildlife. Shaped by the last ice age, it holds more than 100 ponds and many waterways, and its ancient rock paintings, thousands of years old, depict bears.
Hossa National Park
The area is good for rock climbing and canoeing, and its network of trails links wilderness huts and lean-to shelters. Along with fishing, you can hike, mountain bike and kayak.
Pallas-Yllästunturi National Park
Pallas-Yllästunturi is in Lapland, where the Arctic hills make a fine place to watch the Northern Lights. It is known for its clean air, snow-covered ground and wide views over tree-covered hills.
Pallas-Yllastunturi National Park
A 55-kilometre trail runs between Hetta and Pallas, through open fells and forest, with wilderness huts along the way for multi-day walks. The park has varied flora and fauna, with the birds and mammals typical of Lapland, and you can hike, mountain bike, canoe and fish.
Oulanka National Park
With its viewpoints, rushing rapids, pine forest and wide mires, Oulanka is one of Finland’s best-known parks. Its Arctic ecosystem feels largely untouched, and its rivers, with sandy banks and waterfalls, are worth exploring. The unlogged boreal forest here, close to the Arctic Circle, is rich in plants and animals.
Oulanka National Park
You can walk part of the Karhunkierros, a popular Finnish trekking route of nearly 80 kilometres. There are camping areas, cabins and fireplaces to rest at, and in winter, trails for skiing and snowmobiling. Kayakers can paddle the rivers, taking in the views from the walkways and suspension bridges.
Riisitunturi National Park
In Lapland, Riisitunturi is known for its miles of spruce forest. In winter, thick snow settles on the trees, and in summer it melts to reveal a colourful landscape of plants and wildlife.
Riisitunturi National Park
You can explore on foot, by snowmobile or on cross-country skis. Many fine trails run through the park, some leading up hills that look towards the Iso-Karitunturi reserve, with views over Lake Kitkajärvi. Bears and lynx live here, along with birds such as Siberian jays, pine grosbeaks and three-toed woodpeckers. Riisitunturi is good for snowshoeing, especially at night, when you may see its nocturnal wildlife.
Finland’s national parks are among the best ways to enjoy the country’s landscape. If you are heading there, these are well worth adding to your list.
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