Finland’s Best National Parks: 7 Gems from Across the Country
Finland is a true paradise for nature lovers, with its 41 national parks offering endless opportunities to experience the beauty and diversity of Nordic nature. Whether you’re drawn to vast wilderness, serene archipelagos, ancient forests, or rolling fells, Finland’s national parks have something for everyone. All parks have marked trails, and many also feature accessible routes, ensuring that visitors of all abilities can enjoy the stunning landscapes. By sticking to marked trails, even beginners can explore the parks safely. If you’re unfamiliar with Finnish outdoor etiquette, be sure to check the quick guide at the end of this article.
Here are seven of Finland’s most remarkable national parks, scattered across the country and each with its own unique charm. These parks belong on every traveler’s and hiker’s bucket list!
A Few Tips About National Parks
National parks in Finland are also nature reserves, so it’s important to respect the environment during your visit. Leave no trace—no litter, carvings, or other marks. Fires are permitted only in designated campfire pits and never during wildfire warnings. Pets must always be kept on a leash to avoid disturbing wildlife.
Finland’s 7 Best National Parks
1. Koli (North Karelia, Eastern Finland)
Why Choose Koli?
Koli is a symbol of Finnish heritage and one of the most famous national parks in Finland, thanks to its breathtaking landscapes. The views from Ukko-Koli over Lake Pielinen have inspired artists, writers, and travelers for centuries. Koli is an excellent destination for day hikes, perfect even for first-time hikers, as well as longer treks for those with the necessary fitness and outdoor skills.
Must-Visit Spot: Ukko-Koli Hill
Ukko-Koli is an iconic viewpoint where you can feel connected to an ancient landscape and imagine what early settlers must have experienced when standing on this awe-inspiring peak. We recommend taking the Huippujen Kierros (Summit Trail), a 1.4-kilometer (0.87-mile) circular route. The trail starts right outside the Koli Nature Center Ukko. Before heading out, it’s worth stopping inside the nature center to chat with the Finland, Naturally staff! Our lovely people can provide you with excellent tips for your Koli adventures. We also offer guided tours and seasonal gear, such as snowshoes or other equipment you might need for exploring in different seasons.
Read more: Finland, Naturally Experiences Koli
2. Oulanka (Kuusamo and Salla, Northern Finland)
Why Choose Oulanka?
Oulanka National Park combines untouched wilderness, dramatic canyons with roaring rapids below, and some of Finland’s most stunning hiking trails. The park is especially popular during the autumn foliage season, when the landscapes glow in shades of red, orange, and yellow. Oulanka’s impressive elevation changes contribute to its rugged beauty. Here, you can also experience the magic of Lapland and encounter wildlife like reindeer and Siberian jays.
Must-Visit Spots in Oulanka: Pieni Karhunkierros Trail and Kiutaköngäs Rapids
The Pieni Karhunkierros (Small Bear Trail) is one of Finland’s most famous hiking routes, and for good reason. Along this trail, you can experience many of Oulanka’s most breathtaking landscapes. Highlights include the photogenic Myllykoski Rapids, the majestic Jyrävä Waterfall, suspension bridges, cliffs, and beautiful old-growth forests. The 12-kilometer (7.46-mile) trail is so impressive that it’s worth allowing plenty of time, not just for hiking but also for pausing to soak in the views.
If you’re short on time, consider skipping the longer hike and visiting the Kiutaköngäs Rapids instead. This spectacular natural formation is located near the Oulanka Visitor Center and is a must-see.
3. Pallas-Yllästunturi (Lapland, Northern Finland)
Why Choose Pallas-Yllästunturi?
The fells of Lapland are at their finest in Pallas-Yllästunturi National Park, which offers a perfect combination of open landscapes, the world’s cleanest air, and serene tranquility. This park is an ideal destination for spotting reindeer, catching the northern lights during the darker months, or enjoying the midnight sun in summer.
Stretching in a long and narrow shape from north to south, the park features a variety of visitor hotspots. In the south, Yllästunturi is a popular destination, while the Pallastunturi fells in the central part of the park are equally beloved. At the park’s northern tip lies the Ounastunturi fell range, which is a more challenging area to reach, located beyond a lake. However, for experienced and well-prepared hikers, this marks the starting point of the famous Hetta-Pallas Trail—a roughly 50-kilometer (31-mile) route crossing the fells all the way South to Pallastunturi. This is one of Finland’s oldest and most popular hiking trails.
It’s important to be aware of the conditions in the fells, as the weather can be unpredictable—snowfall is not uncommon here, even in June.
Must-Visit Trail: Palkaskero Loop
The Palkaskero Loop is a 7-kilometer (approximately 4.35-mile) circular trail in the Pallastunturi Fells. Along the route, you’ll ascend to the summit of Palkaskero, one of several peaks in the area. The highest peak in the Pallastunturi range is not Palkaskero but Taivaskero, also a very popular destination for day hikers. The Palkaskero trail, however, is slightly shorter and easier, though it still includes plenty of rocky climbs. It requires proper equipment, good physical fitness, and an adequate supply of drinking water.
The trail offers breathtaking views of the surrounding fells and Pallasjärvi Lake, providing an excellent glimpse into the beauty of this stunning Finnish national park. It’s an ideal route for a peaceful hike, perfect for admiring phenomena like the midnight sun during summer. However, the trail is not accessible during snowy conditions. If you visit in winter, Ylläs, with its wide variety of trails and services, is a more suitable destination in the area.
Read more: Pallas-Yllästunturi National Park
4. Teijo (Varsinais-Suomi, Southern Finland)
Why Choose Teijo?
Teijo National Park is a fantastic destination for anyone exploring Southwest Finland. It combines easily accessible natural sites, picturesque historic ironworks villages with visitor-friendly services, and classic Finnish landscapes of forests, lakes, bogs, and striking rocky outcrops. Teijo is famous for its lakes, wetlands, and proximity to the sea—part of the park actually extends into the coastal waters. It’s also a great choice for families, thanks to its numerous rest areas and relatively easy trails.
Must-Visit Trail: Matildanjärvi Trail
The Matildajärvi Trail is a 5.5-kilometer (3.42-mile) circular route that begins at the Teijo Nature Center, the main gateway to the park, which is directly accessible by bus from the town of Salo during the summer. The trail winds along the wooded and rocky shores of the scenic Matildanjärvi Lake. The lake features islands where seagulls and grey herons live undisturbed. This trail also offers a touch of bog scenery and passes through Mathildedal, a charming ironworks village with beautiful streets and old houses—and even a cozy café to stop at along the way! With several campfire sites in picturesque lakeside locations, the trail is perfect for a picnic. Afterward, enjoy a refreshing swim at the sandy lakeshore beach.
Read more: Teijo National Park
5. Lemmenjoki (Lapland, Northern Finland)
Why Choose Lemmenjoki?
As Finland’s largest national park, Lemmenjoki offers a truly authentic wilderness experience. It’s renowned for its untamed nature, Sámi culture, and gold-mining history. Here, you can immerse yourself in the silence of Lapland and find peace rarely matched elsewhere.
Must-Visit Spot: Ravadasköngäs Waterfall
Ravadasköngäs Waterfall is one of the most stunning spots in Lemmenjoki. Surrounded by pristine wilderness, the waterfall and its surroundings provide an idyllic setting for hiking and photography. Reaching the waterfall requires being an experienced, well-equipped hiker, as it’s far from the nearest parking area in Njurgulahti. However, river boat rides to the falls are offered from Njurgulahti, and this is the option we highly recommend. During the boat ride, you can relax and take in the breathtaking scenery of the Lemmenjoki area without having to tackle the demanding conditions of the wilderness on foot.
If you’re looking for easier day hikes, we suggest visiting the nearby Urho Kekkonen National Park. Its Saariselkä entrance features numerous well-maintained and popular fell trails suitable for all levels.
Read more: Lemmenjoki National Park
6. Nuuksio (Uusimaa, Southern Finland)
Why Choose Nuuksio?
Nuuksio is an incredible gem of rugged forests and serene lakes, especially given its proximity to Helsinki—just a 30-minute drive from the city center. Public transportation also makes the park easily accessible. With its diverse mix of forests, cliffs, and countless lakes and ponds, Nuuksio is a favorite for both locals and visitors.
Must-Visit Trails: Haukkalampi Area and Korpinkierros Trail
The Haukkalampi area is one of the most popular gateways into Nuuksio National Park. Both the Punarinnankierros Trail (2 kilometers/1.24 miles) and the Korpinkierros Trail (7 kilometers/4.35 miles) start and end here, alongside several other routes. These well-marked paths lead to various ponds and lakes, with beautifully maintained rest areas along the way. Both trails showcase Nuuksio’s quintessential landscapes of rocky cliffs, dense forests, and tranquil waters. Choose the route that best matches your stamina for the park’s hilly terrain.
At the Finnish Nature Center Haltia, located in Nuuksio, you’ll also find Finland, Naturally’s services. Stop by for up-to-date trail tips, rent the gear you need, or browse our shop for souvenirs. From Haltia, you can step right into Nuuksio’s nature, with trailheads accessible by bus number 245(A) from Espoo Center. Each season offers a unique experience—winter often brings deep snow, summer can be quite warm, spring is typically wet, and fall boasts stunning autumn colors. We highly recommend consulting our staff in Haltia before your adventure to ensure you’re fully prepared and equipped with items like rain gear or snowshoes.
Read more: Finland, Naturally Experiences Nuuksio
7. Archipelago Sea National Park (Varsinais-Suomi, Southwestern Finland)
Why Choose Archipelago Sea?
The Archipelago Sea National Park is a globally unique area and one of the world’s largest archipelago regions. Its nature is rich and diverse, shaped by the sea. Like Koli, it’s one of Finland’s official national landscapes.
Must-Visit Spots: Örö and the Archipelago Trail
Örö Fortress Island offers a fascinating combination of history and stunning sea views. It’s a popular destination for hiking and cycling, with accommodations and a restaurant available on the island. The inland forests of sturdy pines contrast beautifully with the rocky shores and sweeping Baltic Sea vistas. Remnants of military history, such as cannons, bunkers, and cobblestone roads, add to its charm. Boats to Örö depart from Kasnäs in Kimitoön, and it’s wise to book your spot in advance to ensure your spot on the boat. If you plan to stay overnight on the island—highly recommended—make sure to reserve accommodation early.
For those with a car or a love of long-distance cycling, the Archipelago Trail offers a stunning way to explore the region. This winding, narrow route alternates between coastal views, ferries, rural landscapes, forests, and small island villages. The full trail starts and finishes in Turku, covering a distance of 120–250 kilometers (75–155 miles) and includes multiple ferry crossings, many of which are free and don’t require reservations. One segment, the Mossala-Iniö ferry, is paid and operates less frequently. If you’re considering completing the entire trail, plan your accommodations carefully in advance. Alternatively, you can take a back-and-forth journey, for example, from Parainen to Mossala and then return the same way. This route includes five free ferry rides in one direction, offering stunning views of the world’s most beautiful archipelago!
Read more: The most beautiful route in Finland: the Archipelago Ring Road
Finnish Outdoor Etiquette on a nutshell
- Respect nature – leave it as it is. Keep pets on a leash.
- Stick to marked trails and check the restrictions for your destination in advance.
- Camp only in designated areas. Do not wash dishes or bathe directly in water bodies; instead, carry the water to dry land and take care of it there. Follow the rules for wilderness huts and rest areas. The guestbook is the only appropriate place to leave your mark.
- Make campfires only in designated areas. A random spot where someone else has made a campfire is not an official or permitted fire site. Prefer using a camping stove. Never light a campfire during a wildfire warning.
- Do not litter—take your trash with you to an appropriate waste disposal point. Most hiking destinations do not have trash bins, so bring something like an empty plastic bag to easily and neatly carry your waste out of nature.
Read also
Where Can You Make a Campfire in Finland? A Guide to Campfire Sites
Leave No Trace: How to Hike Trash-Free in Finland
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Antti Rastivo / Bodom Bar
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