Hiking and outdoor activities in summer

The difficulty of the paths varies. There are suitable paths for all regardless of their age and physical condition. The total length of marked hiking trails around Saariselkä, Kiilopää and Kakslauttanen is approximately 200 kilometres, of which approximately 80 kilometres are located in the Urho Kekkonen National Park. The Tankavaara area has four ring trails of different lengths and a one-way War History Trail.

There are three longer marked trails for hikes that take several days: Ruijanpolku Trail (35 km), Kemihaara-Korvatunturinmurusta Trail (40 km) and Nuortti Hiking Trail (40 km) in Savukoski. The trails run through wilderness and are mainly in a natural state. There are duckboards in the watery mires and bridges for crossing rivers/brooks. Rocks and roots of trees as well as the slopes of the hills and the rocky surroundings of the Nattastunturi fells on the Ruijanpolku Trail make the trails difficult. There are official campsites along the trails for camping.

Most of the Urho Kekkonen National Park is wilderness, a remote part of the national park, where there are no marked trails. Maps and compasses are used to hike in the remote zone, and previous hiking experience and orienteering skills are necessary when travelling there.

Hiking and outdoor activities in winter

Snowshoeing

Snowshoes can be used to walk freely on the snow or along marked nature trails. Snowshoeing is usually done at a leisurely pace, slower than skiing. It is also a good way to quietly sharpen your senses to observe the winter environment. Tracks and droppings on the snow tell the story of the events of a winter’s day. By studying them, hikers can draw their own conclusions on what or who has been moving, eating or sleeping there at any given time.

On Tankavaara nature trails, Saariselkä’s Iisakkipää Trail and Kiilopää’s Poropolku, Kiirunapolku and Vasapolku Trails, information boards explain local nature and culture following specific themes.

Hiking on the maintained winter trails

In the Saariselkä and Kiilopää areas, there are maintained winter trails where you can walk, snowshoe, ski, bike, and bring your dog. Cycling and walking on the ski tracks are prohibited.

The winter trail network is maintained by the Saariselän alueen Hoito-osuuskunta cooperative. You can check the current maintenance status and trail conditions on the maintainer's website. Read more about the winter trails (saariselkatrails.fi).

Trail maps can be purchased from tourism companies in the region. The trail map is also available in an electronic format (kartta.saariselkatrails.fi). The paid version of the electronic map shows real-time trail maintenance.

The trail descriptions for summer hiking and snowshoeing can be found in the route list on this page.