Break free into the true wilderness in Finnish Lapland. This vast countryside is home to countless hiking trails, with something for all skill levels. The Arctic terrain will come alive before you – and you might even spot a reindeer! Several national parks are found in Lapland, with ample opportunities for all kinds of outdoor recreation on sparkling lakes and in virgin forests. Breathe deep as you hike – Finland has the cleanest air in the world.
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Saana Fell, Kilpisjärvi
A perennial favorite among Finns, the Saana Fell trail in Kilpisjärvi rewards your efforts with fantastic views – plus, if you visit in the summer, you can hike into the evening, when it never gets dark. The hike is considered easy to medium difficulty and is just under 5 miles roundtrip. Once you’re at the summit, you’ll be at 3,375 feet above sea level. Before the hike, stop by the local Nature Centre for the latest hiking and weather information. Saana Fell is in far North Laplap on the border of Norway and Sweden.
A perennial favorite among Finns, the Saana Fell trail in Kilpisjärvi rewards your efforts with fantastic views – plus, if you visit in the summer, you can hike into the evening, when it never gets dark. The hike is considered easy to medium difficulty and is just under 5 miles roundtrip. Once you’re at the summit, you’ll be at 3,375 feet above sea level. Before the hike, stop by the local Nature Centre for the latest hiking and weather information. Saana Fell is in far North Laplap on the border of Norway and Sweden.
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Pyhä-Nattanen, Sompio Strict Nature Reserve, Sodankylä
Atop Pyhä, or Holy Nattanen, you’ll discover huge rock formations – granite tors. Each stack of rocks appears as if it was carefully layered. The Sami people (the indigenous people of Lapland) worshipped these tors as the dwellings of mythical creatures. When you reach the summit, take a look around and use the open day hut for a rest and snack time. The trail to the top is quite short, just 1.24 miles long. There is a longer, 4.3-mile loop, which is definitely more challenging, so be sure you’re wearing proper sturdy shoes.
Atop Pyhä, or Holy Nattanen, you’ll discover huge rock formations – granite tors. Each stack of rocks appears as if it was carefully layered. The Sami people (the indigenous people of Lapland) worshipped these tors as the dwellings of mythical creatures. When you reach the summit, take a look around and use the open day hut for a rest and snack time. The trail to the top is quite short, just 1.24 miles long. There is a longer, 4.3-mile loop, which is definitely more challenging, so be sure you’re wearing proper sturdy shoes.
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Isokuru Gorge, Pyhä-Luosto National Park, Pelkosenniemi
Isokuru Gorge, the largest in Finland, will leave you breathless both in exertion and awe. Several steep staircases lead you to the bottom of the gorge (remember, you’ll have to climb them all the way back up). As you make your way along this wooden route, you’ll pass through beautiful Lappish forests and past placid ponds. Don’t miss the Pyhäkasteenputous waterfall. Then, continue to the next staircase, which will lead you to the top of Uhriharju esker. This 2.4-mile trail is part of the national park’s restricted-access zone, so it is open in summer and fall, but not winter, due to avalanche risk.
Isokuru Gorge, the largest in Finland, will leave you breathless both in exertion and awe. Several steep staircases lead you to the bottom of the gorge (remember, you’ll have to climb them all the way back up). As you make your way along this wooden route, you’ll pass through beautiful Lappish forests and past placid ponds. Don’t miss the Pyhäkasteenputous waterfall. Then, continue to the next staircase, which will lead you to the top of Uhriharju esker. This 2.4-mile trail is part of the national park’s restricted-access zone, so it is open in summer and fall, but not winter, due to avalanche risk.
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Kivitunturi Fell, Savukoski
Go off the beaten trail a bit and hike Kivitunturi Fell near Savukoski in eastern Lapland. This 3.7-mile trail offers the fun chance to walk along a suspension bridge over Pirunkuru Gorge. Take a rest at the lean-to near the Äitipetäjänlampi Pond. From the top of the mountain, there are 360-degree views, sometimes all the way to Russia, depending on the weather conditions.
Go off the beaten trail a bit and hike Kivitunturi Fell near Savukoski in eastern Lapland. This 3.7-mile trail offers the fun chance to walk along a suspension bridge over Pirunkuru Gorge. Take a rest at the lean-to near the Äitipetäjänlampi Pond. From the top of the mountain, there are 360-degree views, sometimes all the way to Russia, depending on the weather conditions.
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Karhunkierros, Oulanka National Park, Salla and Kuusamo
Challenge yourself with the Karhunkierros or The Bear’s Trail, one of Finland’s most legendary trails. And by challenge, we mean nearly 51 miles. Thankfully, for those who aren’t ready to tackle this multi-day trek, but want to savor the beauty of Oulanka National Park, there is a shorter option. The 7.4-mile Pieni Karhunkierros loop features suspension bridges, river rapids and gorges.
Challenge yourself with the Karhunkierros or The Bear’s Trail, one of Finland’s most legendary trails. And by challenge, we mean nearly 51 miles. Thankfully, for those who aren’t ready to tackle this multi-day trek, but want to savor the beauty of Oulanka National Park, there is a shorter option. The 7.4-mile Pieni Karhunkierros loop features suspension bridges, river rapids and gorges.
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Hetta-Pallas Trail, Pallas-Yllästunturi National Park, Enontekiö and Muonio
One of Finland’s most popular hiking trails, the 34-mile Hetta-Pallas Trail leads you through gorgeous mountainscapes from the Pallastunturi nature center to the village of Hetta (or vice versa). Along the way, backpackers can use any of the open huts and campfire sites – but in case there aren’t any available, bring along a tent and pitch it where you please. There are plenty of shorter options in the area, starting at 1.24 miles long.
One of Finland’s most popular hiking trails, the 34-mile Hetta-Pallas Trail leads you through gorgeous mountainscapes from the Pallastunturi nature center to the village of Hetta (or vice versa). Along the way, backpackers can use any of the open huts and campfire sites – but in case there aren’t any available, bring along a tent and pitch it where you please. There are plenty of shorter options in the area, starting at 1.24 miles long.
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Ravadasköngäs Waterfall, Lemmenjoki National Park, Inari
Feel the spray of one of Finland’s most picturesque waterfalls – Ravadasköngäs in the Lemmenjoki River Valley in Inari. The marked trail leads from Njurkukahti to the waterfall – a total of 9.9 miles. As always, do not leave the marked path. Finland takes it nature preservation very seriously, and with good reason – this area of Lapland is one of Europe’s biggest, most beautiful wilderness areas.
While you’re in the area, spend some time at gorgeous Lake Inari, the third-largest lake in Finland. Canoe or kayak and take a short boat ride to Ukonsaari Island, a sacred place for the Sami people.
Feel the spray of one of Finland’s most picturesque waterfalls – Ravadasköngäs in the Lemmenjoki River Valley in Inari. The marked trail leads from Njurkukahti to the waterfall – a total of 9.9 miles. As always, do not leave the marked path. Finland takes it nature preservation very seriously, and with good reason – this area of Lapland is one of Europe’s biggest, most beautiful wilderness areas.
While you’re in the area, spend some time at gorgeous Lake Inari, the third-largest lake in Finland. Canoe or kayak and take a short boat ride to Ukonsaari Island, a sacred place for the Sami people.
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Urho Kekkonen National Park
The second-largest national park in Finland, Urho Kekkonen is in the eastern section of Lapland. Hikers seeking pristine, rugged terrain will find 124 miles of marked trails, plenty of miles of boardwalk, 64 types of overnight shelter and even 85 dry toilets. The trails are divided by difficulty level: Out onto the Fell, which was easy, and Out into the Wilderness, which are more challenging. The easier, themed Out onto the Fell trails start from Saariselkä and Kiilopää. The two most popular trails within the park are the Luirojärvi and Nuorttin retkeilyreitti (Youth Hiking Trail). There are no actual marked routes to Luirojärvi, but you’ll see clear trails carved into the terrain. Orienteering skills are vital for hiker safety on this trail. The Youth Hiking Trail is in the park’s southeast corner and is a popular hiking and fishing destination. The trail runs 24 miles along the banks and ridges of the river, but you can go as far as you please.
The second-largest national park in Finland, Urho Kekkonen is in the eastern section of Lapland. Hikers seeking pristine, rugged terrain will find 124 miles of marked trails, plenty of miles of boardwalk, 64 types of overnight shelter and even 85 dry toilets. The trails are divided by difficulty level: Out onto the Fell, which was easy, and Out into the Wilderness, which are more challenging. The easier, themed Out onto the Fell trails start from Saariselkä and Kiilopää. The two most popular trails within the park are the Luirojärvi and Nuorttin retkeilyreitti (Youth Hiking Trail). There are no actual marked routes to Luirojärvi, but you’ll see clear trails carved into the terrain. Orienteering skills are vital for hiker safety on this trail. The Youth Hiking Trail is in the park’s southeast corner and is a popular hiking and fishing destination. The trail runs 24 miles along the banks and ridges of the river, but you can go as far as you please.
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Kevo Canyon
Capture the beauty of the wild Arctic landscapes of Lapland with a hike through Kevo Canyon. This is Finland’s northernmost trail, close to the border with Norway. The Kevo Nature Park in Utsjoki is home to Kevo Canyon, the largest gorge in the country, and your hike here will follow the gorge itself, through mountain birches, along alpine plateaus and past waterfalls. Be prepared for a rugged river crossing at the Kevojoki. You’ll use hand loops attached to a cable. While the water is about thigh level at its deepest, the riverbed is rocky and sharp, so hold on. In total, the trail is 39 miles long – you can tack on 12.4 more miles if you want to reach Guivi Mountain.
Capture the beauty of the wild Arctic landscapes of Lapland with a hike through Kevo Canyon. This is Finland’s northernmost trail, close to the border with Norway. The Kevo Nature Park in Utsjoki is home to Kevo Canyon, the largest gorge in the country, and your hike here will follow the gorge itself, through mountain birches, along alpine plateaus and past waterfalls. Be prepared for a rugged river crossing at the Kevojoki. You’ll use hand loops attached to a cable. While the water is about thigh level at its deepest, the riverbed is rocky and sharp, so hold on. In total, the trail is 39 miles long – you can tack on 12.4 more miles if you want to reach Guivi Mountain.