Go birdwatching by the flowing waters or on the wooded hills. Observe birds on your hikes or when canoeing along the rivers. At Oulanka, spring is the best birdwatching time: numerous species, such as the white-tailed eagle, the black kite and the grey wagtail, head to Oulanka on their migration trip.

The marked hiking trails in Oulanka are also well-suited for trail running. The paths are mostly rooty and rocky, but there are sections that have been reinforced. You'll also encounter some steep inclines. Trail runners are challenged each spring by Finland's largest trail running event, NUTS Karhunkierros, which offers a true test of endurance.

The demanding Oulanka Wilderness Trail from Juuma to Kiutaköngäs (26 km) attracts skiers, snowshoers and fatbikers. The trail base is maintained once a week, from mid-February to April. You can continue skiing from Juuma all the way to Ruka along the Karhunkierros wilderness trail. There are campfire sites and two open wilderness huts along the trail.

The sights, the unique natural features, the changing seasons and the animals provide an excellent setting for photography. The northern lights occurring in the polar night rapidly change into the bright spring sunshine and into the crusty snowdrifts, the midnight sun and the autumn colours.

Fishing in lakes and ponds: The lakes and ponds are located in the middle of the handsome wilderness. You may go ice fishing and hook and line fishing at these lakes and ponds throughout the year. The fisheries management fee is required if you are 18–69 years of age and will be fishing with lures or traps or crayfishing.

River fishing: Fishing in open waters requires not only a fishing management fee but also a separate fishing permit. The rivers in Oulanka National Park and the surrounding areas are divided into five different permit zones.

• Oulankajoki fishing season: June 1st–August 31st.
• Boundaries of the permit areas and links to online stores selling permits can be found on this map.
• Fishers must check fishing restrictions.

For more detailed guidance and to review the full fishing etiquette.

In the snow-free season, you can cycle on a 9-kilometre section of Karhunkierros trail between Oulanka Visitor Centre and Taivalköngäs in Oulanka National Park. Follow the orange trail markings of Karhunkierros. The trail is not maintained as a biking trail, and tree roots and rocky areas make it challenging. Mountain biking is prohibited elsewhere in Oulanka National Park.

In wintry Oulanka National Park, you can take your fatbike to Oulanka wilderness trail. Outside the National Park the trail continues as Karhunkierros wilderness ski track, along which you can keep cycling all the way to the village of Virkkula. Look Karhunkierros wilderness trail pdf-map.

Hike the Karhunkierros with a combination of walking and paddling.

Upstream sections of the Oulankajoki River, the Savinajoki River or the Kitkajoki River offer speed and excitement for whitewater paddlers.

You can pick mushrooms, lingonberries, blueberries, crowberries, wild strawberries, and cloudberries throughout the national park, except in restricted areas.

There are numerous geocaches in the Oulanka National Park area. Geocaching is an interesting outdoor hobby that takes you to new places. Read more about geocaching.