By bus

There are seasonal variations in bus connections to Oulanka National Park’s hiking trails. For up-to-date timetables, see Matkahuolto website or collected information on Ruka website in the Karhunkierrosbussi tab. The buses to Oulanka National Park depart from Kuusamo, Ruka or Salla.

By taxi

Transport in Oulanka National Park area is provided by local taxi services Otaxi and Rukan taksi- ja huoltopalvelu. See the taxi services’ websites for price lists for the different starting points in Oulanka National Park.

The local taxi services also offer shared transport to Karhunkierros.

By air

The nearest airport is located in Kuusamo (finavia.fi). If you arrive by plane, a pre-bookable airport bus operates from scheduled flights. The pre-booked airport bus runs from Kuusamo to Salla, stopping at Karhunkierros starting points (Ruka, Ristikallio, and Hautajärvi). The airport bus must be booked in advance, no earlier than one month and no later than 24 hours before the journey. Timetables and tickets for the service are available on Matkahuolto's website (matkahuolto.fi).

If the airport bus does not serve your specific location, we recommend booking a taxi in advance.

By rail

The nearest railway stations are located in Kemijärvi (120 km), Rovaniemi (200 km), Oulu (270 km) and Kajaani (300 km). Kemijärvi and Oulu railway stations offer the best bus services to Kuusamo or Ruka. For train timetables see vr.fi website (vr.fi). From Ruka or Kuusamo, hikers must take a second bus or a taxi to reach the starting points of trails in Oulanka National Park.