Sights in Oulanka National Park

Eightpetal mountain-avens on a rock. A river is flowing between steep cliffs in the background.

The natural features and cultural sights of the River Oulankajoki form one of Finland's National Landscapes.

To get to the sights of Oulanka visitors must often walk a few kilometres. The most famous sight, the Kiutaköngäs Falls, is easy to reach by foot: it is only about 1 km from the next parking area.

You can find driving directions to different sights from Directions pages.

Rupakivi Rock 

Rupakivi Rock is a 5 metre high rock rising from the middle of the River Savinajoki. It is located 4 km from the Savilampi Parking Area. The destination is at the end of a long walk and difficult to access.

A tall natural stone pillar in the middle of a river. There is forest in the background.

Oulanka Canyon (Oulangan kanjoni)

Oulanka Canyon is a steep-faced gorge located about 2 km from the Savilampi Parking Area. The destination is quite easily accessible.

The Oulanka canyon photographed slightly from above. A river is flowing through the canyon floor and forest is growing on the slopes.

The Ristikallio Cliffs

Ristikallio Cliffs is a rugged rock formation in the River Aventojoki. From the Ristikallio Parking Area, follow the Karhunkierros Hiking Trail for 5 km to the destination, which is quite easily accessible.

An autumn landscape photographed from a flat rock on the river shore. The river shore is rocky and covered in trees.

Taivalköngäs Rapids

Taivalköngäs Rapids is a rocky set of rapids in the River Oulankajoki. It can be reached by two different trails. One starting point is at Oulanka Camping Ground, from where visitors follow the Karhunkierros Hiking Trail north for 8 km. The other starting point is Sallantie Road Parking Area from where it is a 9 km hike to the rapids. The destination is difficult to access.

A wintry photograph of a rapid. A river is flowing further down the picture and steep cliffs are rising from the river shore.

Kiutaköngäs Rapids

Kiutaköngäs Rapids is 325 metres long. They are located 1 km from Oulanka Visitor Centre. The destination is quite easily accessible.

Tree covered cliffs rising from the river shore.

Niskakoski Rapids

Niskakoski Rapids is swift rapids located in the River Kitkajoki. There is a hanging bridge crossing the rapids. The destination is easily accessible.

A gushing rapid surrounded by cliffs and forest.

Jyrävä Rapids

Jyrävä Rapids in the River Kitkajoki are unharnessed and have a drop of 9 metres. They are located on the Pieni Karhunkierros Trail at the southern point of the park 3,5 km from Juuma Parking Area. The destination is difficult to access, due to changes in altitude.

A gushing rapid winds between forest-covered cliffs, the rapid widens and calms down after a waterfall.

Kallioportti Cliffs

Kallioportti is a look-out point on the Pieni Karhunkierros Trail. A view of the River Kitkajoki opens on the ledge. Kallioportti is located 4 km from Juuma Parking Area. The destination is difficult to access, due to changes in altitude.

A hiker with his dog sitting on the ground between tree roots. In front of the hiker a treeless fell landscape opens up.

Hanging Bridges

The nine hanging bridges which cross the Rivers Oulankajoki and Kitkajoki are also sights worth seeing. They are located at Oulankajoki river near the Savilampi wilderness hut, Taivalköngäs Rapids (3), Niskakoski Rapids, Myllykoski Rapids and at the quiet waters of Harrisuvanto.

Hikers walking across a suspension bridge.