Könkään kuohu Trail, accessible to all, 100 m each way
Available as an accessible route when the ground is unfrozen (from June to September).
Travel time 15 minutes.
Category: 
easy 
easy wheelchair nature trail
Can you hear the difference between the roar of rapids in the spring and summer? By taking the accessible Könkään kuohu Trail, you will arrive at an atmospheric rest stop where you will be able to admire a set of wild roaring rapids of River Oulankajoki.
Starting Point
Mataraniemi, the location of the parking area for Könkään kuohu Trail. The parking area is situated in the centre part of the national park, on the northern side of River Oulankajoki, at a distance of about 1.5 kilometres from Oulanka Visitor Centre. A one-kilometre forest road that starts from Liikasenvaarantie Road runs to the parking area. The forest road is not maintained in the winter.
Map
Brochure of the Könkään kuohu Trail (pdf, 805 KB, julkaisut.metsa.fi).
Hiking Structures
- The parking area has space for several cars, and it has one marked accessible parking space approximately five metres away from the starting point of the trail. The parking area has a gravel surface.
- An accessible dry toilet at the start of the trail, less than ten metres away from the parking area. From the trail, the distance to the dry toilet door is approximately three metres, and some part of this section takes place along a ramp. In the toilet, there is a window for daylight. The toilet seat has arm supports on both sides, and the supports can be turned upwards. Bring toilet paper with you.
- The accessible rest sport is open and spacious. Wheelchair users are able to access a space next to the campfire site. There is space for several wheelchairs. There is also space for more than one wheelchair user by an accessible table. There is a long bench and a picnic table (not accessible to all) next to the campfire site.
- The firewood shelter is not completely accessible to all.
- Oulanka Visitor Centre is located at a distance of 1.5 kilometres from the trail. Further information on the accessible services provided by the visitor centre.
Sights
A pool of quiet waters in River Oulankajoki, sandbanks and rushing rapids. See the natural features of interest in Oulanka National Park.
Trail Description
- There are no trail markings along the trail, but it is easy to follow the trail, covered with crushed rock, which starts from the parking area. The surface of the trail, which is 1.7–2 metres wide, is hard and smooth. It is easy to see the trail in the terrain. The trail is lined with a traditionally built wooden fence that is 0.8–1 metre high. Almost the entire length of the trail is lined with the fence.
- There is a dry toilet at the start of the trail. The trail descends to the only rest spot along the trail at a distance of 100 metres from the parking area. At its steepest, the longitudinal slope of the trail is 7.3% and the cross slope 7.5%.
- There are no actual passing places along the trail. However, there is enough space to pass and travel with an assistant or a guide dog. There is a great deal of space to turn around at the rest spot that is located in the mid-part of the trail.
- There is a campfire site, a firewood shelter and picnic tables at the pleasant rest spot. From the rest spot, the trail continues, for another 50 metres, to a viewpoint that is located next to the roaring rapids, at the end of a downhill section (the longitudinal gradient being 11.3%).
Please note
- The rushing rapids by the Könkään kuohu Trail are regarded as part of the Kiutaköngäs Rapids, more than 300 metres in length, but you will not see the red cliffs of Kiutaköngäs Rapids along this trail, but along the Kiutakönkään polku Trail (not accessible to all).
- There are a couple of descents/ascents along the trail, which is why wheelchair users may require an assistant. It may be difficult to hold on to a wooden fence that lines the trail for support, as the handrails of the fence are round and thick. The fence has become loose in places, so you may need some help from your assistant.
- There are stairs that run from the parking area for the Könkään kuohu Trail to the starting point (i.e. a canoe launch site) for the River Oulankajoki canoeing route. Drive cautiously along the forest road, as there may be oncoming drivers who are transporting canoes.
Napapiirin nopia, Accessible Trail, 500 m each way
Available when the ground is unfrozen (June-September). No winter maintenance.
Travel time 30 minutes‒1 hour.
Category: easy easy wheelchair nature trail
The beautifully babbling Rytiniva invites hikers to take a break at the new lean-to-shelter, accessible to all, in the first section of the Karhunkierros Trail at Hautajärvi.
Starting Point
The starting point for the Karhunkierros Trail (Hautajärventie 414, 98995 Hautajärvi).
Hiking Structures
A lean-to-shelter and an accessible dry toilet by Rytiniva. Take toilet paper with you.
Sights
Rytiniva in the River Koutajoki, the first section of the Karhunkierros Trail.
Trail Description
Trail markings: orange paint signs.
Brochure of the Napapiirin nopia Trail (Pdf File, 556 KB, julkaisut.metsa.fi)
Rytiniva is a pleasant rest spot, accessible to all, by the River Koutajoki. The trail to the rest spot runs through a pine forest. The wide, gravelled trail is suitable for wheelchairs and prams. The boldest hikers may take a dip in the River Koutajoki. This accessible trail runs along the same trail as Karhunkierros.
Kiutaköngäs Trail, 1 km each way
Available all year round. No winter maintenance.
Travel time 1 hour.
Category: easy
This scenic trail is an excellent day-trip destination, all year round.
Starting Point
Oulanka Visitor Centre (Liikasenvaarantie 132, 93900 Kuusamo).
Hiking Structures
There are wooden steps and a few wide wooden bridges along this gravelled trail. There are a woodshed and a dry toilet by the roofed rest spot. Take toilet paper with you.
Sights
River Oulankajoki, the Kiutaköngäs Rapids, the memorial for Reino Rinne, the plant information boards, the dolomite cliff walls
Trail Description
Trail markings: orange, green and yellow paint signs.
A scenic trail, all year round, that starts from the Oulanka Visitor Centre and takes you to the Kiutaköngäs Rapids. The trail is part of many other trails, such as the Karhunkierros Trail and the Hiiden hurmos Trail. Hikers tread along this trail all year round, so it can also be done in winter. There is no winter maintenance for the trail. The rest spot is located at a distance of 100 metres from the Kiutaköngäs Rapids, further on along the riverbank.
Hiiden hurmos Trail, 5 km, Circle Trail
Available all year round. In winter snowshoes might be needed. No winter maintenance.
Travel time 2‒3 hours.
Category: 
intermediate
When hiking along the Hiiden hurmos Trail, you will travel in the footsteps of the ancient spirit called Hiisi, along the banks of the Kiutaköngäs Rapids and in spacious pine forests. Depending on the season, you may see reindeer, gorgeous calypsos or stubborn mountain avens when hiking on the trail. The information boards along the trail will provide you with fascinating stories, and perhaps they will also reveal what type of rock the handsome Kiutaköngäs cliffs consists of.
Starting Point
Oulanka Visitor Centre (Liikasenvaarantie 132, 93900 Kuusamo).
Hiking Structures
An observation tower by a former reindeer roundup enclosure, wooden duckboards on the shores of Hiidenlampi Ponds, a former meadow barn and a roofed rest spot of Kiutaköngäs (including a woodshed and a dry toilet). There are an axe and a saw in the woodshed for chopping wood. Take toilet paper with you.
Sights
The gushing Kiutaköngäs Rapids are handsome in all seasons. By the former reindeer roundup enclosure, you can almost hear the stamping of hooves that used to take place there in the old days.
Trail Description
Trail markings: yellow paint signs.
Recommended direction: anti-clockwise.
This gravelled trail runs in varied, gently undulating forests and by one of the most famous sights in Oulanka, the Kiutaköngäs Rapids, which are almost 200 metres long. The trail starts and ends at the Oulanka Visitor Centre.
Please Note
The trail is a hiking trail in summer and a snowshoe trail in winter. The Oulanka Wilderness Trail passes by the Hiiden hurmos Trail in late winter.
Rytikönkään reissu Trail, 5 - 7 km, Circle Trail
In summer. No winter maintenance.
Travel time 2‒3 hours.
Category: easy
When hiking along the Rytikönkään reissu Trail in mid-summer, you will see splendid calypsos, lady's slippers and other beauties. Along the trail, you can explore some living habits of our forefathers, and there is a world-record pond along the trail: immense numbers of nine-spined sticklebacks thrive in the pond.
Starting Point
The parking area of the Oulanka Camping Ground. The road leading to the camping ground has no winter maintenance.
In early spring and in late autumn, when the camping ground is closed, the starting point is located at Oulanka Visitor Centre, making the excursion seven kilometres long.
Hiking Structures
The services of the Oulanka National Park Camping Ground are available 1 June ‒ 31 August. A waste recycling point is located by the camping ground's parking area. There are duckboards on the trail. There are no campfire sites, nor dry toilets along the trail.
Sights
Mire landscape and plants, Rytilampi Pond, the Rytiköngäs Waterfall, the Runsuniitty meadow, the River Oulankajoki.
Trail Description
Trail markings: green paint signs.
Recommended direction: anti-clockwise.
Here you can explore Oulanka's versatile species and meadow culture. The trail runs, via Rytilampi Pond, to the banks of the Rytiköngäs Waterfall and to the Runsuniitty meadow decorated by globeflowers. Part of the trail goes along the Karhunkierros Trail. Download the material presenting the history of the natural features of Oulanka to your mobile, using the QR code on the information board that is located by the trail's starting point.
Please Note
No dry toilet.
Kanjonin kurkkaus Trail, 6 km, Circle Trail
Available when the ground is unfrozen (June-October). No winter maintenance.
Travel time 2‒3 hours.
Category: intermediate
The river Oulankajoki, which runs along a narrow, stony canyon, is the gem of the Kanjonin kurkkaus day-trip trail. The trail in the northern part of the park is very peaceful, even during peak seasons. It runs along the Karhunkierros Trail for a while. On this trail, the small wonders of nature come close to you ‒ will you find a block of flats occupied by hole-nesting birds?
Starting Point
The parking area of Savilampi / Oulanka Canyon in Salla. The road leading to the parking area has no winter maintenance.
Hiking Structures
A campfire site along Kirkasvetinenlampi Pond, the lookout point to Oulanka Canyon, the Savilampi open wilderness hut. Take toilet paper with you.
Sights
Oulanka Canyon and the magnificent view from the top of the canyon to Savilampi Pond reward hikers who can take a break at the Kirkasvetinenlampi rest spot or at the Savilampi open wilderness hut.
Trail Description
Trail markings: green paint signs.
Recommended direction: anticlockwise.
Brochure of the Kanjonin kurkkaus Trail (Pdf File, 1.2 MB, julkaisut.metsa.fi)
The Kanjonin kurkkaus Trail runs in varied forests in northern Oulanka and climbs, almost unnoticed, along the shore of Kirkasvetinenlampi Pond, onto the top of the canyon. You can also enjoy an impressive view to the canyon from the southern side of River Oulankajoki. In order to do so, you must first cross the hanging bridge by the Savilampi open wilderness hut.
Please Note
On the trail there is one suspension bridge over the Oulankajoki River.
Könkään keino Trail, 8 km, Circle Trail
Available when the ground is unfrozen. No winter maintenance.
Travel time 3‒4 hours.
Category: easy intermediate
The River Oulankajoki has been carving its way through the sandy riverbanks for thousands of years. The Könkään keino Trail takes you to the ancient riverside route with a beautiful view towards the wide river valley. The Kiutaköngäs Rapids will crown your hike.
Starting Point
Oulanka Visitor Centre (Liikasenvaarantie 132, 93900 Kuusamo).
Hiking Structures
An observation tower by a former reindeer roundup enclosure, wooden duckboards on the shore of Hiidenlampi Ponds, the Merenoja campfire site, the roofed rest spot of Kiutaköngäs. Take toilet paper with you.
Sights
The most important sight along this trail is the Kiutaköngäs Rapids and its rusty red cliffs. The herb-rich forest covered by ostrich ferns by the Merenoja stream and the view opening out from Loseikko are charming.
Trail Description
Trail markings: green paint signs.
Recommended direction: anticlockwise.
When hiking along the Könkään keino Trail, whose first section runs along the same trail as the Hiiden hurmos Trail, you will be able to enjoy a large variety of sceneries. The dry, light-filled pine heaths change into mires, and from mires into lush herb-rich forests. There are some altitude differences and duckboards along the trail. However, the trail is wide and easy to walk on. In winter, some sections of the Oulanka Wilderness Trail run along the same trail as the Könkään keino Trail.
Keroharjun kuiskaus Trail, 17 km each way
Available when the ground is unfrozen (June-September). No winter maintenance.
Travel time one day.
Category: intermediate
The ruggedly beautiful, narrow Keroharju Esker splits a wide aapa mire area in the easternmost part of the park. Along this wilderness trail, hikers can explore traces of the Ice Age and the human history. How did the Crown mark their most handsome pines in the early 20th century? Why were an open wilderness hut and a sauna built in the Keroharju Esker area?
Starting and Ending Points
Harjulammentie Road at Liikasenvaara and Niitselyksentie Road at Hautajärvi. You can cross the River Niitselysjoki by using a cable boat. The cable boat is removed for the winter. The Harjulammentie Road has no winter maintenance.
Hiking Structures
A cable boat across the River Niitselysjoki, the Elijoki and Kirkonnurkanlampi lean-to shelters, the Keroharju Open Wilderness Hut and sauna. A woodshed close to the open wilderness hut, and a composting toilet. There are an axe and a saw in the woodshed for chopping wood. Take toilet paper with you.
Sights
Esker formed by the Ice Age, the wide aapa mire areas, the trees marked by the Crown in the early 20th century.
Trail Description
Trail markings: blue paint signs.
Recommended direction: has not been defined.
The Keroharju Trail is a beautiful esker trail surrounded by mires in the northern part of the Oulanka National Park. When setting off from Hautajärvi, cross the River Niitselysjoki by using a cable boat. On this wilderness trail, you may see animals and bear tracks. The Keroharju Open Wilderness Hut is located midway along the trail. It boasts the only sauna in the national park. Lake Kerojärvi, abundant in fish, attracts recreational fishermen.
Please Note
The cable boat across the River Niitselysjoki (at the northern end of the trail) is taken out of use for winter in October. Check the What's New -page for updates on the cable boat. There are some altitude differences along the trail. Some sections of the trail are narrow and some trees have fallen on the trail.
Pieni Karhunkierros Trail, 12 km, Circle Trail
Available year around. No winter maintenance.
Travel time estimated in summer 4-6 hours.
Category: intermediate 
demanding trail
Pieni Karhunkierros Trail is for those in good shape and have basic hiking skills.
The Pieni Karhunkierros Trail takes backpackers to the southernmost part of Oulanka National Park. On this scenic day trail, you can admire the beautiful wilderness of Oulanka: the gushing rapids, the steep cliffs and the sheltered forests. In addition to the spectacular sights, you can also explore a variety of species, including the mountain aven and the wild strawberry, on this trail. Pack snacks in your rucksack, take your camera with you and set off for Pieni Karhunkierros!
Starting points
Juuma village parking area (Juumantie 133, Kuusamo) and Basecamp Oulanka.
Hiking Structures
- Myllykoski day-use hut is located on the shore of the River Kitkajoki on Pieni Karhunkierros Trail.
- Siilastupa open wilderness hut is located on the shore of the River Kitkajoki on Pieni Karhunkierros Trail.
- Harrisuvanto lean-to shelter on the north end of the hanging bridge
- The toilets in Pyöreälampi are closed. The fire place will be dismantled at a later date, and the rest area will be will be removed from use in 2024.
- Dry closets:
- There are two wilderness huts on Pieni Karhunkierros Trail (Myllykoski, Siilastupa) both of which have a dry toilet in their vicinity. Biodegradable waste can also be put in dry toilets.
- Indoor water closets are in Basecamp Oulanka tel. int. +358 0400 509 741 and Retkietappi tel. int. +358 (08) 863 21. Please, check opening hours.
Sights
Jyrävä Falls, Aallokkokoski Falls, Kitkajoki River, Kallioportti rocks, Myllykoski Falls, Harrisuvanto, hanging bridges.
Maps
- Pieni Karhunkierros Trail in Excursionmap.fi.
- Pieni Karhunkierros Trail Brochure PDF File (4.2 MB, julkaisut.metsa.fi).
Hiking direction
Because of a steep ascent, there are steps to Kallioportti, and therefore the direction of the trail varies according to the season.
- Clockwise when the ground is unfrozen (descending the steps is easier than ascending): Juuma - Myllykoski - Kallioportti - Harrisuvanto - Jyrävä - Myllykoski - Juuma.
- Anti-clockwise in snowy conditions (ascending the steps is easier than descending): Juuma - Myllykoski - Jyrävä - Harrisuvanto - Kallioportti - Myllykoski - Juuma.
Trail Description
Pieni Karhunkierros has been marked with green paint signs on trees along the trail. The trail can also be completed in winter when the wooden poles with reflectors serve as trail markings.
Pieni Karhunkierros is not maintained in winter.
1) The Pieni Karhunkierros Trail Description When the Ground Is Unfrozen:
Juuma - Myllykoski - Kallioportti, 3.2 km
There are duckboards on the wet sections and some parts of the trail are rocky.
- 1.5 km from Juuma to Myllykoski. A day-use hut, a campfire site and a dry toilet. Hanging bridge across the River Kitkajoki.
- The toilets in Pyöreälampi are closed. The fire place will be dismantled at a later date, and the rest area will be will be removed from use in 2024.
- Kallioportti boasts a lookout point from where splendid views open out towards the River Kitkajoki valley.
The section from Pyöreälampi Pond to Harrisuvanto runs in the Oulanka National Park's restricted area (the Juuma aapa bogs), where you are only allowed to move along the marked trails.
Kallioportti - Harrisuvanto - Jyrävä, 4.6 km
The trail runs on an easy heath terrain, but there are demanding descents and steps. This section is not recommended to those with a poor condition.
- A demanding descent from Kallioportti: 100 metres along the steps down to the valley.
- After passing the Harrisuvanto lean-to shelter, you will arrive at the Harrisuvanto hanging bridge.
- The Siilastupa open wilderness hut, the campfire sites and a dry toilet are located by the tranquil waters of Jyrävä.
Jyrävä - Myllykoski - Juuma, 3.5 km
This trail is suitable for everyone, as it is easy to walk on and shows impressive sights. No difficult sections, but some parts of the trail are rocky. The trail includes a 1.5 km-long section from the starting point to Myllykoski. This section will be done when going there and back.
- The Siilastupa open wilderness hut is located by the banks of the gushing Jyrävä Falls. Within a distance of a few metres, the waters drop nine metres. There are two campfire sites by the Siilastupa open wilderness hut.
- At Myllykoski, there is a mill that was built by the Juuma Mill Collective in 1926. It has been restored by the town of Kuusamo. The mill was still working in 1947‒1948. Currently, it serves as a day-hut hut. There is a campfire site and a dry toilet at Myllykoski.
- The Niskakoski hanging bridge across the River Kitkajoki. The bridge is located at a distance of 200 metres from the trail's end point.
2) The Pieni Karhunkierros Trail Description in Snowy Conditions:
Juuma - Myllykoski - Jyrävä, 3.5 km
This trail is suitable for everyone, as it is easy to walk on and shows impressive sights. No difficult sections, but some parts of the trail are rocky. The trail includes a 1.5 km-long section from the starting point to Myllykoski. This section will be done when going there and back.
- The Niskakoski hanging bridge across the River Kitkajoki. The bridge is located at a distance of 200 metres from the trail's starting and end point.
- At Myllykoski, there is a mill that was built by the Juuma Mill Collective in 1926. It has been restored by the town of Kuusamo. The mill was still working in 1947‒1948. Currently, it serves as a day-use hut. There is a campfire site at Myllykoski.
- After Myllykoski, do not cross the hanging bridge but head to the Aallokkokoski Rapids, which are 200 metres long.
- The Siilastupa open wilderness hut is located by the banks of the gushing Jyrävä Falls. Within a distance of a few metres, the waters drop nine metres. There is a campfire site by the Siilastupa open wilderness hut.
Jyrävä - Harrisuvanto - Kallioportti, 4.6 km
The first part of the trail runs on an easy heath terrain, but the final section consists of demanding ascents and steps. This section is not recommended to those with a poor condition.
The section from Harrisuvanto to Pyöreälampi Pond runs in the Oulanka National Park's restricted area (the Juuma aapa bogs), where you are only allowed to move along the marked trails.
- The Siilastupa open wilderness hut and the campfire site are located by the tranquil waters of Jyrävä.
- After the Harrisuvanto hanging bridge, you will arrive at the Harrisuvanto lean-to shelter.
- There is a steep ascent to Kallioportti: 100 metres along the steps from the valley.
Kallioportti - Myllykoski - Juuma, 3.2 km
The trail runs on a fairly easy heath terrain. There are duckboards along the wet sections and some parts of the trail are rocky.
- Kallioportti boasts a lookout point from where splendid views open out towards the River Kitkajoki valley.
- The toilets in Pyöreälampi are closed. The fire place will be dismantled at a later date, and the rest area will be will be removed from use in 2024.
- The Myllykoski hanging bridge is located along the trail.
- After Myllykoski, the trail runs to the starting point in Juuma.
Read more on Pieni Karhunkierros Trail on Outdoor Active.
Please Note
Restricted area: Between Harrisuvanto and Pyöreälampi Pond the trail leads through a restricted area within Oulanka National Park. In this area visitors are not allowed to wander off the marked trails.
Safety: Karhunkierros Trail crosses Pieni Karhunkierros Trail at several points be sure to follow the correct trail.
It is really dangerous to go on the ice of the river during winter time.
There are two suspension bridges over the Kitkajoki River on Myllykoski and Harrisuvanto.
Pieni Karhunkierros is a hiking trail. Cyckling is not allowed in any season of the year.
There are 3 hanging bridges along the trail - Niskakoski, Myllykoski and Harrisuvanto - which make crossing the river safer.
Making a campfire: Lighting campfires is only permitted in spots designated for this purpose. When there is a wildfire warning in effect lighting fires is only permitted in wilderness huts which have a fire place/oven with a flue. Lighting fires is strictly forbidden at campfire sites when there is a wildfire warning.
As Oulanka National Park is a popular hiking destination, a large amount of firewood is burned each year. Siilastupa open wilderness hut on Pieni Karhunkierros Trail for instance is one of the most used in Oulanka. We ask that you use firewood sparingly.
Hiking without littering: There is a no-littering policy in Oulanka National Park and along its trails. There are no waste bins along the trails.
The toilets in Pyöreälampi are closed. The fire place will be dismantled at a later date, and the rest area will be will be removed from use in 2024.
