Urho Kekkonen National Park (Urho Kekkonen kansallispuisto) is a wilderness area famous for the unblemished beauty of its barren Lappish landscapes. Discover swathes of arctic tundra, boreal forests, imposing fells and marshland. Spot free-roaming reindeer and varied birdlife. Watch as the northern lights paint the sky in a rainbow of colors and hike in 24-hour daylight.
The national park sits in northeastern Finland and has four different zones. The Basic Zone is geared toward daytrip activities while the Kemi-Sompio, Nuortti and Saariselkä areas are for longer excursions. Trails weave throughout each of the park’s areas and can be discovered by foot and on skis, in the winter months. You’ll also find designated cycling and horseback riding routes.
The park’s trails cover a network of around 124 miles (200 kilometers) and range from short walks to multiday hikes. Walk in the shadow of the Suomujokilaakso river valley, on the Finland-Russia border. Admire the views from the top of 2,355-feet (718-meter) tall Sokosti Fell.
Dedicate some time to spotting the park’s fascinating wildlife. Enjoy the chance to see bears, wolverines and large herds of grazing reindeer. Observe as golden eagles and Siberian jays fly overhead. Swim in the lakes in the summer months and go canoeing on the tranquil rivers. Visit the farmsteads of indigenous Skolt Sámi people.
Stay overnight at wilderness huts and lodges, most stocked with firewood so you can light a fire on cool nights. Bring a tent and camp at the designated camping grounds. Sleeping in the park is a great way to experience the midnight sun, which takes place from late May to late July. Spend winter evenings being dazzled by the northern lights.
Getting to Urho Kekkonen National Park is easiest via rented car, with parking areas located in the villages of Kiilopää, Saariselkä and Tankavaara. These villages have nature centers, where you can pick up maps of the park in addition to direct access to the trails. Daily coach services operate between Rovaniemi and select villages around the park. More information is available on the official website of Finland’s national parks.
