Oulanka

Travel Guide
Oulanka which includes forest scenes
Oulanka featuring rapids and rainforest
Oulanka showing rapids, forest scenes and a bridge
Oulanka featuring rapids, forest scenes and rafting
Oulanka featuring rapids and rafting as well as a small group of people
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 SallaOpens in a new window, 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.

Scandic Rukahovi
Scandic Rukahovi
3.5 out of 5
Rukankylantie 15, Kuusamo
The price is RM681 per night from 2 Dec to 3 Dec
RM681
RM749 total
includes taxes & fees
2 Dec - 3 Dec
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 10 Mar 2024

Scandic Rukahovi
Ski-Inn RukaVillage
Ski-Inn RukaVillage
4 out of 5
Rukankyläntie 6, Kuusamo
The price is RM511 per night from 2 Dec to 3 Dec
RM511
RM563 total
includes taxes & fees
2 Dec - 3 Dec
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! (102 reviews)
"Polkupyörien säilytyspaikka on kehno ja ebiken latauspaikkaa ei ole saatavilla. Parkkihallissa olisi kuitenkin tilaa latauspaikalle."

Reviewed on 11 Jul 2024

Ski-Inn RukaVillage
Ski-Inn RukaValley
Ski-Inn RukaValley
4 out of 5
Bistrotie 2, Kuusamo
The price is RM604 per night from 12 Dec to 13 Dec
RM604
RM665 total
includes taxes & fees
12 Dec - 13 Dec
Stay at this 4-star ski hotel in Kuusamo. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 restaurants. Popular attractions Ruka Ski Area and Rukatunturi Ski Jumping Hill ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (117 reviews)
Love a personal sauna
"A personal sauna…OMG! Apartment was lovely and had everything we needed. Bathroom was phenomenal. Check-in was self service, but that was well managed. If you came here in winter you literally walk out the front door to the ski lift."

Reviewed on 17 Jun 2024

Ski-Inn RukaValley
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 10 Dec 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 13 Sep 2021

Ski-Inn AurinkoRinne
Vuosselin Helmi
Vuosselin Helmi
2.5 out of 5
Ahon Jussintie 7, Kuusamo
Book a stay at this ski apartment in Kuusamo. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a ski shuttle (surcharge). Popular attractions Ruka Ski Area and Rukatunturi ...
7.6/10 Good! (20 reviews)
"This is a simple accomodation next to a major ski resort that is virtually empty in sdummer. It was perfectly locates to nature reserves where we watched birds."

Reviewed on 18 Jun 2024

Vuosselin Helmi
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.

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