Urho Kekkonen National Park

A treeless fell slope in the evening sun. Wooden stair leading up the slope. Three people resting on a platform can be seen in the foreground and two people and a dog with their back towards the camera can be seen at the bottom of the stairs.

The emblem of Urho Kekkonen national park. The oval emblem features a golden eagle flying over the fells. Around the emblem is written: Urho Kekkosen, kansallispuisto, nationalpark.

Trek through this magnificent arctic fell country on foot or on skis, finding your way to a welcoming wilderness hut for the night. This vast park extends eastwards from the resort of Saariselkä through the wilderness of Finnish Lapland all the way to the Russian border. The remote fell of Korvatunturi is famous among Finns as the home of Father Christmas. The night sky is illuminated by the Aurora Borealis in winter and the Midnight Sun in summer.

Suitability: Perfect for both experienced hikers and families with children.

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Before the Trip

Responsible hiking - get to know the National Park’s rules, safety tips and seasonal variations.
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Customer Service

Urho Kekkonen National Park Customer Service Kiehinen

Directions

Location: In Eastern and Northern Lapland in the municipalities of Inari, Sodankylä, and Savukoski.
Arrival: By car and public transportation.
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Maps of Urho Kekkonen National Park

Various maps and brochures of Urho Kekkonen National Park.
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Trails

Marked trails (200 km): extensive hiking trail and ski trail networks.
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Nature

Urho Kekkonen National Park is Finland's second largest protected area.
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What to Do

Hiking
Skiing
Trekking
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What to See

Open fell wilderness sceneries, clear-watered rivers and streams, the mysterious Korvatunturi Fell, and the thriving reindeer husbandry tradition.
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Services

A wide variety of services throughout the year: Saariselkä Customer Service, Savukoski Visitor Centre Korvatunturi, huts, saunas, earth lodges (‘kammi'), lean-tos, a trail accessible for all, and campfire and camping sites. Read more >

Accessibility

Part of the services are suitable for people with disabilities with the help of an assistant and also suitable for prams.
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Partners

Various services provided by partners are available.
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Newborn reindeer calf in the snow.

Hiking in the Reindeer Husbandry Area

Hikers give way and close the reindeer gates
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History

The shores of the River Kemijoki have been inhabited since the end of the last Ice Age. The history of man in the Koilliskaira region can be tracked back to over 3000 years ago.
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Urho Kekkonen National Park in Excursionmap.fi

Destination’s map (Excursionmap.fi).
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Weather

See the local weather (en.ilmatieteenlaitos.fi).
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This is the web page nationalparks.fi/urhokekkonen