Best hiking trails in Finnish Lapland

Finnish Lapland is beautiful – and huge. There’s an endless number of great hiking trails to choose from, but which ones should you pick? Here are our 7 favorites for the summer! On all these trails, you have a good chance of seeing not only beautiful landscapes but also reindeer and Siberian jays.

Saana Fell

Kilpisjärvi

Saana is probably the best-known fell among all Finns. This magnificent fell has a beautiful, unique silhouette, and once you reach the top, the view is unforgettable. It’s a 4-kilometer hike to the summit of Saana. Be sure not to rush: this hike requires time and energy, as it’s a rocky – and quite steep – path. Before setting out on the trail, we recommend you visit the local Nature Centre. There, you can get the latest information and useful tips concerning the trail and the weather conditions.

Read more about Saana and other trails in the area

Pyhä-Nattanen

Sompio Strict Nature Reserve, Sodankylä

Pyhä, or Holy Nattanen, is a unique fell in Sodankylä. At the top, there are massive rock formations called ‘tors.’ There’s also an open day hut where you can rest and perhaps have a snack. The trail to the summit is 2 kilometers long and is located in Sompio Strict Nature Reserve, meaning you must stay on the marked trail. If you’re up for more than the 4-kilometer round trip to the summit, you can choose a 7-kilometer loop instead. This loop includes some challenging sections, so be sure to wear proper hiking shoes!

Read more about Pyhä-Nattanen

Isokuru Gorge

Pyhä-Luosto National Park, Pelkosenniemi

Isokuru is a stunning summer and autumn destination. It is the largest gorge in Finland, and we promise it will take your breath away. Steep stairs lead you down into the gorge, and from there, a wooden path takes you through astonishingly beautiful landscapes with ponds and picturesque Lappish forests. One of the most beautiful sights is the Pyhäkasteenputous waterfall. After the waterfall, a new staircase leads you up to the top of Uhriharju esker, where the view is unforgettable!

The Isokuru trail is not particularly long – about 4 kilometers to Uhriharju and back – but it’s challenging due to the steep stairs. Also, note that Isokuru is part of a restricted access zone within the national park, meaning you must stay on the marked path. In winter, this trail is closed due to avalanche risk.

Read more about Isokuru

Kivitunturi Fell

Savukoski

Kivitunturi is an isolated fell near the village of Savukoski in eastern Lapland. The trail is about 6 kilometers long and offers several points of interest, including an exciting suspension bridge over Pirunkuru gorge. There’s a lean-to shelter and a campfire site by a beautiful pond called Äitipetäjänlampi. From the top of Kivitunturi, you can enjoy breathtaking views in all directions, even as far as Russia.

To learn more about Kivitunturi, please contact Korvatunturi Visitor Center.

Karhunkierros

Oulanka National Park, Salla and Kuusamo

Do you want a challenge? Karhunkierros, or The Bear’s Trail, is Finland’s most legendary hiking trail, but be prepared: it’s 82 kilometers long. Karhunkierros takes you through breathtaking sights in Oulanka National Park in northeastern Finland, with open huts, lush forests, stunning views, and true wilderness along the way. The trail leads from Ruka to Hautajärvi, or vice versa, so it is not a loop.

If 82 kilometers sounds too daunting, there’s an excellent alternative: the Pieni Karhunkierros loop is only 12 kilometers long, featuring several suspension bridges, rapids, and gorges. It’s no wonder this is the most popular trail in Finland.

Read more about Karhunkierros (82 km)

Read more about Pieni Karhunkierros (12 km)

Hetta-Pallas trail

Pallas-Yllästunturi national park, Enontekiö and Muonio

Hetta-Pallas trail is 55 kilometers long and one of Finland’s most popular hiking trails. It is especially beautiful because it leads you over huge fells with arctic views to remember. This trail leads you from Pallastunturi nature center to the village of Hetta or vice versa. There are several open huts and campfire sites by this legendary trail, but one should always have a tent or a hammock as well, just in case.

Read more about Hetta-Pallas trail

Ravadasköngäs waterfall

Lemmenjoki national park, Inari

Ravadasköngäs is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Finland, and it’s located in Lemmenjoki River Valley in Inari. A marked trail follows the river from the small village of Njurkulahti to Ravadasköngas waterfall (16 km). When hiking on this trail you can experience the true magic of Lapland: this is one of Europe’s biggest and most beautiful wilderness areas.

You can also get to Ravadasköngäs by boat from Njurkulahti, if hiking is not your cup of tea. Please remember that Ravadasköngäs is included in the national park’s restricted access zone, so do not leave the marked path.

Read more about Lemmenjoki national park and Ravadasköngäs

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