Exploring Lapland Outdoors: Best Hikes in Finland
Lapland, Finland, is a dream destination for hiking in Finland, offering a blend of breathtaking landscapes, vast wilderness, and a sense of serenity. Whether you're an avid hiker or a casual explorer, Lapland provides some of the best hikes in Finland, perfect for those who want to connect with nature and experience the Arctic beauty. Here’s a guide to the best hiking spots in Lapland, where you can enjoy some of the most stunning trails in Finland hiking.
Last updated: 03.04.2025
Last updated: 03.04.2025
Urho Kekkonen National Park – A Hiker’s Paradise
Urho Kekkonen National Park is one of the most expansive and renowned parks in Finland, spanning over 2,500 square kilometers. This park is ideal for both summer and winter hikes, offering a variety of trails suited for all levels of experience. Whether you’re hiking along the Ounasjoki River, climbing the Kiilopää mountain, or exploring the park’s deep spruce forests, you’ll encounter some of the most breathtaking landscapes in Finnish Lapland. One of the most popular trails is the Karhunkierros In the winter, the trails are often covered in snow, offering an entirely different way to experience the park’s magic. For a guided exploration of the park and its wonders, the Finnish Arctic Adventure tour is a great option to discover this national treasure.
Pallas-Yllästunturi National Park – Northern Finland’s Hidden Gem
Pallas-Yllästunturi National Park is often considered one of the most scenic national parks in Finland, featuring both beautiful fells and vast forests. The park is home to the famous Pallas trail, a 55-kilometer hike that takes you through breathtaking landscapes of lowland forests and high mountain ridges. The Pallas area is well-known for its clear lakes, where hikers can stop to rest and enjoy the tranquility of the surroundings.
The park is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts, with frequent sightings of moose, reindeer, and various bird species. For those looking to explore Pallas-Yllästunturi, the Great Winter Lapland tour provides the perfect mix of hiking and outdoor adventure, even in the snow-covered winter months.
The park is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts, with frequent sightings of moose, reindeer, and various bird species. For those looking to explore Pallas-Yllästunturi, the Great Winter Lapland tour provides the perfect mix of hiking and outdoor adventure, even in the snow-covered winter months.
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Tip for visiting:
A great tip for visiting Pallas-Yllästunturi National Park is to plan your hike during the shoulder seasons (early spring or late autumn) to avoid the summer crowds while still enjoying mild weather and stunning landscapes. Make sure to pack layers, as temperatures can fluctuate, especially if you’re hiking in the higher elevations of the fells. If you're visiting in winter, ensure you're equipped for snowshoeing or cross-country skiing, as the park offers excellent routes for both activities. For the best experience, consider staying in one of the park’s wilderness huts or cabins for a more immersive nature experience. Lastly, don’t forget to bring a camera—Pallas-Yllästunturi offers some of the most breathtaking panoramic views in Finland, especially from the summit of Palojärvi.
A great tip for visiting Pallas-Yllästunturi National Park is to plan your hike during the shoulder seasons (early spring or late autumn) to avoid the summer crowds while still enjoying mild weather and stunning landscapes. Make sure to pack layers, as temperatures can fluctuate, especially if you’re hiking in the higher elevations of the fells. If you're visiting in winter, ensure you're equipped for snowshoeing or cross-country skiing, as the park offers excellent routes for both activities. For the best experience, consider staying in one of the park’s wilderness huts or cabins for a more immersive nature experience. Lastly, don’t forget to bring a camera—Pallas-Yllästunturi offers some of the most breathtaking panoramic views in Finland, especially from the summit of Palojärvi.
Riisitunturi National Park – A Winter Wonderland
Riisitunturi National Park is an ideal destination for those seeking winter hiking in Finland. Located in the far north of Lapland, this park is renowned for its snow-laden trees that create a surreal winter landscape, especially after a fresh snowfall. The Riisitunturi Fell trail is particularly stunning in the winter months, offering views of snow-covered forests, frozen lakes, and the Oulanka River below. This 6.5-kilometer circular trail takes hikers through forests, past frozen waterfalls, and up to panoramic viewpoints, making it an unforgettable hike. In addition to its scenic winter beauty, Riisitunturi is a great place to experience the Northern Lights, as its remote location offers minimal light pollution.
The area is also less crowded compared to other national parks, providing a peaceful, immersive experience in nature. The Finnish Lapland & Northern Lights for Families tour is a wonderful way to experience the park with family-friendly hikes and a chance to spot the magical auroras.
An interesting fact about Riisitunturi National Park is that it is home to some of the most spectacular snow-laden trees in Finland, often referred to as “snow ghosts”. The park's unique microclimate causes heavy snow and frost to accumulate on the trees, creating an otherworldly scene, especially in the winter months. These frost-covered trees are one of the most photographed features of the park, drawing photographers and nature enthusiasts from around the world. Riisitunturi is also known for having some of the best views of the Northern Lights in Lapland, as its remote location provides minimal light pollution. The park offers several scenic trails, including the popular Riisitunturi Fell trail, which provides hikers with stunning vistas of the surrounding snow-covered landscape and frozen lakes. It’s a true winter wonderland that showcases the best of Lapland’s natural beauty.
Koli National Park – Iconic Finnish Landscapes
Koli National Park is known for its rugged cliffs and breathtaking vistas, offering some of the most iconic landscapes in Finland. The park’s most famous hike is the Ukko-Koli Trail, which leads hikers up to the Ukko-Koli Hill, offering one of Finland’s most famous views over Lake Pielinen. From the top, visitors are treated to sweeping panoramas of the surrounding forests, islands, and the lake below, which is particularly stunning during sunrise or sunset. Koli is also home to several ancient forests, as well as traditional Finnish countryside landscapes. The park offers multiple trails, ranging from easy walks to challenging treks, with many of them featuring information signs about the area’s geology and history. To explore Koli and other picturesque destinations, the Helsinki and Finnish Lapland tour offers the perfect itinerary for combining hiking with Finland's rich cultural and natural attractions.
Oulanka National Park – A Nature Lover’s Dream
Oulanka National Park is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. This stunning park, located in northern Lapland, is home to the famous Karhunkierros Trail, which spans 80 kilometers and takes hikers through a variety of landscapes, including rivers, waterfalls, and rugged gorges. The trail is one of the most popular long-distance routes in Finland, offering both day-hike opportunities and multi-day treks. The park is known for its stunning river valleys and has been designated as part of the European Green Belt, making it a priority for conservation. Wildlife in the park includes brown bears, wolves, and moose, which can often be spotted by patient hikers. Hiking through this majestic landscape is a memorable experience, and the Finland Northern Lights Adventure tour is a great way to explore the beauty of Oulanka with an added opportunity to see the Northern Lights.
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Tip for visiting:
A great tip for visiting Oulanka National Park is to take the time to hike the Karhunkierros Trail, one of Finland's most famous long-distance trails, but be prepared for its rugged terrain and varying weather conditions. The trail can be challenging in places, so make sure to wear sturdy footwear and pack enough water and snacks for the journey. If you're hiking in winter, consider snowshoeing, as this will give you access to some of the park's most beautiful, snow-covered landscapes. Be sure to bring a camera—Oulanka's river canyons, waterfalls, and ancient forests offer breathtaking views, especially in the autumn when the foliage turns vibrant. To truly experience the park's wilderness, consider staying in one of its wilderness huts, which allow you to immerse yourself fully in the nature of Lapland. Lastly, be mindful of the weather conditions, as they can change rapidly in the region—always check the forecast before heading out for a hike.
A great tip for visiting Oulanka National Park is to take the time to hike the Karhunkierros Trail, one of Finland's most famous long-distance trails, but be prepared for its rugged terrain and varying weather conditions. The trail can be challenging in places, so make sure to wear sturdy footwear and pack enough water and snacks for the journey. If you're hiking in winter, consider snowshoeing, as this will give you access to some of the park's most beautiful, snow-covered landscapes. Be sure to bring a camera—Oulanka's river canyons, waterfalls, and ancient forests offer breathtaking views, especially in the autumn when the foliage turns vibrant. To truly experience the park's wilderness, consider staying in one of its wilderness huts, which allow you to immerse yourself fully in the nature of Lapland. Lastly, be mindful of the weather conditions, as they can change rapidly in the region—always check the forecast before heading out for a hike.
Käsivarsi Wilderness Area – A Remote Adventure
Käsivarsi Wilderness Area, located in the far northern reaches of Finland near the Norwegian border, offers a truly remote and rugged hiking experience. This vast wilderness is home to Finland’s highest mountains, including the iconic Saana Fell, which is the highest point in the region at 1,029 meters above sea level. The Käsivarsi Trail takes hikers through remote forests, across vast fells, and into unspoiled nature, offering a true sense of adventure. The area’s pristine wilderness and solitude make it ideal for experienced hikers who are looking for a challenge. Visitors can also see Arctic wildlife, including reindeer, arctic foxes, and birds of prey.
The Käsivarsi Wilderness Area is also known for its beauty in both summer and winter, with snow-covered trails offering a completely different experience during the colder months. If you’re seeking an unforgettable adventure in a remote part of Lapland, the Norway Northern Lights Tour offers the opportunity to explore this unique wilderness while also chasing the aurora borealis..
Käsivarsi Wilderness Area is that it encompasses Finland's highest peak, Halti, which stands at 1,324 meters (4,344 feet) above sea level. This wilderness region is also notable for its rugged terrain, featuring 152 mountains, making it the most mountainous area in Finland. Additionally, the Käsivarsi Wilderness Area is home to unique flora and fauna, including rare plants like the glacier buttercup and Arctic bellflower, and animals such as the ptarmigan, which is also the area's emblem. The region's remote location at the northwestern tip of Finland, bordering Norway, ensures its preservation and offers visitors a chance to experience Finland's natural beauty in a relatively untouched setting.
Lapland’s national parks and wilderness areas are some of the best places for hiking in Finland, offering everything from peaceful forest walks to challenging mountain treks. Whether you're exploring the rugged Urho Kekkonen National Park, experiencing the winter beauty of Riisitunturi, or embarking on a multi-day adventure through Oulanka National Park, there’s a trail for every type of hiker. For those looking to experience these incredible landscapes, be sure to book one of our tours like Lapland tour, and discover the stunning beauty of Lapland in all its seasons.