The roar of the Kitkajoki River drowns out all other sounds as it crashes through the rugged gorge of Oulanka National Park. Ancient pine forests stretch toward the Arctic Circle, their branches heavy with moss and lichen that have grown for centuries. The famous Bear Ring trail winds past waterfalls and wooden suspension bridges, crossing landscapes that shift from boreal forest to river canyon in a single walk.
Oulanka National Park is considered the most beautiful and popular park in Finland. With its area of 270 km2 it is also among the largest national parks in the country. It was founded in 1956 and still maintains a beautiful and pristine Nordic nature.
Oulanka National Park lies near the Russian border and the Arctic Circle, in the regions of Kuusamo and Salla on the boundary of North Karelia and southern Lapland. In Russian Karelia it continues as the Paanajarvi National Park. The name Oulanka comes from old Laponian language and it is also a name of a river that flows through the area. So the National Park is formed by the Oulanka River, which flows into Lake Paanajarvi and then continues into the White Sea. Its tributaries are the rivers of Kitka, Savina, Aventa and Maaninka that are cutting into the rocks, creating a canyon valley. At some places you can see massive rapids and waterfalls, such as Kiutakongas, Taivalkongas or Jyrava.
In This Article
Unique Flora, Fauna, and Nordic Wilderness
Nature in Oulanka National Park is geographically part of southern Lapland. The vegetation is remarkably diverse, comprising more than 500 plant species. The northern part features extensive marshes and peat bogs accessible only when the soil is frozen, using snowmobiles or skis. The park has been left in pristine condition for more than 100 years, resulting in forests untouched by human intervention. Richer soils support spruce or pine forests, while high pine and mixed forests grow on rocky outcrops. During a walk, visitors can forage for wild berries including blueberries and the prized cloudberry, which thrives in boggy areas. Oulanka hosts over 30 species of mammals: wolf, lynx, polecat, weasel, ermine, badgers, foxes, and even the elusive wolverine and brown bear. Traces of these predators can be encountered often, though seeing them requires luck, as they stay hidden away from marked trails. Deer, elk, and Siberian wild reindeer also roam the park. Birdwatchers will find swallows, cuckoos, larks, Whooper Swans, Siberian skylarks, golden eagles, and eagle owls among the many species.
The Bear Ring Trail and Hiking Adventures
Hiking enthusiasts should make a point of exploring the Karhunkierros trail, also known as the Bear Ring. This is one of the oldest and best hiking trails in Finland, measuring an impressive 80 kilometres. The trail leads through large remote areas, requiring proper preparation and equipment. The best time to visit Oulanka National Park is autumn, when the surrounding countryside explodes in a palette of red, orange, and gold, creating scenery that stays in the memory long after leaving. Along the way, natural huts serve as basic shelters for single overnight stays. All of them look similar and during the high season they can become overcrowded, so bringing a personal tent is a wise precaution. All routes are well marked, making it unnecessary to carry detailed maps; a simple schedule obtained at the information centre suffices. Much more important is insect repellent, as mosquitoes and other biting insects are abundant during the summer months. For those seeking a shorter option, the Little Bear Ring, a 12-kilometre loop starting from the town of Juuma, leads to the Myllykoski and Jyravanjarvi cascades. This circuit can be completed in five to six hours and offers a satisfying taste of the park’s beauty without the commitment of a multi-day trek. The main 80-kilometre Bear Ring typically takes three to five days to complete, with huts and campfire sites spaced at convenient intervals along the route. Each evening brings the chance to sit by a fire, listen to the river, and watch the Arctic sky fade through shades of violet and indigo.
Wild Rivers, Gorges, and Seasonal Activities
The rivers that carve through Oulanka National Park are among its defining features. The Oulanka River and its tributaries have cut deep canyons into the ancient bedrock, creating rapids and waterfalls that are among the most dramatic in Finland. Kiutakongas, the most famous waterfall, thunders through a narrow granite gorge, with viewing platforms positioned to give visitors the full force of the spray. Taivalkongas and Jyrava offer equally impressive cascades in quieter settings. In summer, the park’s rivers attract canoeists and kayakers who navigate the rapids between stretches of calm water. Fishing is permitted with a licence, and the rivers teem with brown trout and grayling. Winter transforms the landscape entirely. Snow covers the ground from November through April, and the shorter days bring the possibility of witnessing the aurora borealis dancing across the Arctic sky. Cross-country skiing trails criss-cross the park, and snowshoeing offers a quieter way to explore the frozen forests. The Oulanka Visitor Centre, located near the main entrance, provides exhibitions on the park’s natural history, a small cafe, and knowledgeable staff who can advise on current trail conditions. Accommodation in the surrounding area ranges from basic wilderness huts to comfortable cabins and hotels in the town of Kuusamo, 40 kilometres to the south. A visit to Oulanka National Park is an immersion in one of Europe’s last great wilderness areas, where the ancient rhythms of the Arctic still set the pace.
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Have you walked through a Finnish national park under the Arctic sky? \u{1F332}
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