Oulanka National Park: Stunning Cliffs & Roaring Rapids
Oulanka National Park is a true paradise for hikers and nature lovers, mesmerizing visitors with dramatic landforms, towering cliffs, and mighty rapids. Its vast network of trails offers something for every level of ability, and the park is dotted with an abundance of rest areas and wilderness huts. Famous for its suspension bridges, rugged canyons, and the untamed spirit of Finland’s northern wilderness, Oulanka impresses all who venture here.
Thanks to excellent facilities, every visitor—regardless of skill or mobility—can find suitable routes. For the latest trail conditions and recommendations, stop by the Oulanka Visitor Center (Address: Liikasenvaarantie 132, Kuusamo; see map).
Recommended Routes
- For first-timers in Oulanka: Pieni Karhunkierros (Small Bear Trail, 12 km)
- For a quick visit: Oulanka Visitor Center and Kiutaköngäs (1 km each way)
- For wheelchair users: Napapiirin nopia (0.5 km each way), following the riverside with convenient rest spots
- For kayakers: Kiutaköngäs Pool–Jäkälämutka section (25 km) on the Oulankajoki River is also suitable for beginners
- For cyclists: The park’s only biking trail (9 km each way) leads from the Visitor Center to Taivalköngäs. It is considered challenging.
- For long-distance hikers: Karhunkierros (The Bear Trail, 82 km one way) is one of Finland’s most legendary trekking routes. Bring your own tent and necessary gear for overnight stays, carry all the food you will need, and make sure to pack out all your trash.
An End-of-Summer Hike to the Taivalköngäs Suspension Bridges
In Kuusamo’s Taivalköngäs area, three suspension bridges sway above the roaring waters of the Oulanka River, connecting opposite banks via two small islands. This stretch is also part of the famous Karhunkierros hiking route. Late summer or autumn is a particularly lovely time to visit, once the mosquitoes have subsided and the refreshing northern chill sets a calm atmosphere.
The well-maintained trail from the Ristikallio parking area on Sallantie to Taivalköngäs (9 km each way) is easy to follow and passes one of the park’s major attractions, Ristikallio, with breathtaking vistas—one of which graces the cover of this guidebook. There’s no need to worry about getting lost: simply follow the signs and enjoy the journey. While there are a few uphill sections, they’re not overwhelming. In summer, frequent stops become irresistible as you discover the forest’s wildflowers—be sure to admire them gently without trampling them.
Soon, the sound of rushing water greets you through the trees: the beautiful rapids of the Maaninkajoki River. You’ll cross them via a small suspension bridge, a tantalizing preview of what’s to come. Deeper into the forest, you’ll encounter the Puikkokämppä day shelter, a spot for pitching a tent by a lake.
As the terrain alternates between forest and bog, a series of wooden stairs leads you down to the Taivalköngäs rapids area. There, you’ll find a wilderness hut, a campfire site, tables, and benches—perfect for a meal or a rest. A designated camping area is located nearby.
At the first suspension bridge, the calm Oulanka River suddenly transforms into a raging torrent just beneath it. Standing there, you’ll be torn between two strikingly different views, one on each side of the bridge.
Crossing onto the small islands in the river, you’ll notice the dramatic variation in elevation for such a compact space. The thick spruce forest, with its gnarled roots, adds a whimsical, almost fairytale-like atmosphere. The middle bridge is modest in size, but beneath it lies a harsh-looking realm of dark, jagged stones. Though close to the other bridges, it reveals a totally different setting—massive rock formations in shadowy hues exude a striking, somewhat ominous presence.
The final suspension bridge is the longest of the three. From its far end, the Karhunkierros route continues all the way to Ruka fell and village.
In autumn, Taivalköngäs becomes even more dramatic, as ruska (fall foliage) brings out deeper shadows in the rocks, heightens the forest’s mystery, and magnifies the river’s power. The contrast between the dark stones and the bright yellows of the birch trees is spectacular.
Whether you come from Sallantie or the Oulanka Visitor Center, the hike to Taivalköngäs is about nine kilometers one way. If you start from the Visitor Center, this same route is also open to cyclists.
Signature Flora: Fairy slipper (Neidonkenkä)
This rare, protected orchid thrives in old woodlands and coniferous forests, blooming early in the spring. Spotting it in flower requires good timing and a bit of luck. Although the Fairy Slipper produces no nectar, it cleverly lures pollinators to enter its blossom, causing pollen to stick to any visiting insect. For survival, the plant depends on the right type of fungal partner in the soil and very specific growing conditions.
Be considerate: There have been cases in Oulanka where tourists eager to take photos have trampled these beautiful and rare plants. That’s deeply embarrassing behaviour—please don’t be one of them.
Enjoy Oulanka’s Changing Seasons
- Spring (Hiiden hurmos 5 km): Look for blooming Fairy Slipper orchids along this scenic trail.
- Summer: Soak up the sun at Jäkälämutka’s beautiful sandy beach.
- Autumn: Experience the vibrant ruska foliage and star-filled skies at Ristikallio (5 km each way). Stay overnight at the open wilderness hut for an unforgettable evening.
- Winter: At the Konttainen parking area (Virkkulantie road), bird feeders attract curious Siberian jays. If you feel up to it, continue your adventure by climbing to the summit of Konttainen for spectacular snowy views.
Read next
Last days of autumn at Iivaara, Kuusamo Region, Northeast Finland
Finland’s Best National Parks: 7 Gems from Across the Country
Reach the wilderness overnight by train – paddle at sunset in Salla
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