What's Currently Happening in Oulanka Visitor Centre

29.2.2024
Oulanka Visitor Centre is closed from 29 February 2024. Hiking information Mon-Fri 12 am - 3 pm by phone +358 206 39 6850 and email oulanka(at)metsa.fi

Oulanka Visitor Centre is closed for the spring 2024

(Updated 29.2.2024)
Oulanka Visitor Centre in Kuusamo Visitor is closed for the Spring from 29 February 2024. Hikers can still get advice on matters related to Oulanka National Park on the Nationalparks.fi website and Mon-Fri 12pm - 3pm by phone and email.

Our aim is to have the nature centre open for the busy summer season.

However, the visitor centre car park and dry toilets will be maintained throughout the spring, even though the visitor centre itself will be closed. A popular trail to Kiutaköngäs Rapids starts from the visitor centre and will be used as usual, as well as winter trails on Valtavaara-Konttainen Nature Protection Area and Riisitunturi National Park.

New map: Fishing permit areas of Oulanka National Park and the surrounding area

(Updated 2/3/2024)
To fish in the rivers of Oulanka National Park, you need a fishing permit. If you are 18-69 years of age the fisheries management fee (eraluvat.fi) is required also. The lines of different river fishing areas in Oulanka National Park and links to the online stores are marked on the new map.

The new map: Fishing permit areas of Oulanka National Park and the surrounding area (julkaisu.metsa.fi)

Please note:

  • In the fishing permit areas there are also places where fishing is forbidden. Some of these fishing prohibition zones are marked with signposts on the terrain.
  • When you buy a fishing permit, you will also get information about the prohibition zones and other restrictions.
  • You can also check the fishing restrictions online on kalastusrajoitus.fi (in Finnish).
  • All fishing is forbidden in these fishing permit areas outside the fishing period.

Ice fishing and angling are allowed at the lakes and ponds of the Oulanka National Park throughout the year. Read more about the Everyman's Rights. If you are 18–69 years of age and will be fishing with lures or traps or crayfishing, the fisheries management fee (eraluvat.fi) is required.

The opening hours of the Oulanka Visitor Centre

(Updated 1/19/2024)

Check the opening hours of Oulanka Visitor Centre from here.

The restaurant Ravintola Talonpöytä Oulanka (talonpoyta.fi) is closed in the winter. Please be prepared when visiting the National Park and bring your own packed lunch. If needed there is a microwave oven provided in the Visitor Centre during the opening hours. There is a limited selection of small snacks, cold drinks, instant coffee, tea, and hot chocolate for sale at the Visitor Centre. The closest grocery stores are situated in the Käylä village and in the Ruka village.

The cable boat will be removed for the winter on 13th of October

(Updated 10/11/2023)
The cable boat across the River Niitselysjoki at the northern end of the Keroharjun kuiskaus -trail will be removed for the winter time on Friday 13th of October. Before snow the trail can still be reached from the southern end of the trail from the parking at Harjulammentie Road. The Harjulammentie Road has no winter maintenance. More information about Keroharjun kuiskaus trail can be found from the hiking trail description.
The removal of the boat happens earlier (before removal was scheduled for 16th of October) due to changed weather conditions.

Trail markings renovated on the Kanjonin kurkkaus Trail

(Updated 8/25/2023)
The worn, green paint marks of the day trail Kanjonin kurkkaus have now been repainted. Fresh paint signs make it easier to stay on the trail. The Kanjonin kurkkaus Trail is located in the northern part of Oulanka National Park, by the Oulanka Canyon. The trail is walkable approximately to the end of October, because the road leading to the starting point (the Savilampi parking area) has no winter maintenance.

Repair work has been completed at the Pieni Karhunkierros Trail

(Updated 6/21/2023)
The stairs and bridge repair work at the Kallioportti area along the Pieni Karhunkierros trail has been completed. Note that the trail at Kallioportti is situated in a restricted area where going off the trail is prohibited.

Siilastupa Wilderness Hut is in use again

(Updated 5/30/2023)
Siilastupa wilderness hut was out of use due to roof renovation (from 8th of May 2023). The renovation is now finished and the hut is again open for hikers.

Maintenance of the Oulanka Wilderness Trail (26 km) has ended for spring 2023

(Updated 04/11/2023)
The maintenance of the Oulanka Wilderness Trail has ended for this spring season because of the warm days. Any people using the trail after this day must pay attention to the weather forecast. The trail can still be done with suitable equipment (skis, fur-based skis, snowshoes) but note that the snow conditions change during the day. After cold night the snow is in better condition and during the day snow will start to soften. The Wilderness Trail is not meant for hiking or walking without equipment. The trail cannot be traversed anymore when snow stays soft overnight.

More information about the Oulanka Wilderness Trail.

The Taivalköngäs wilderness hut is in use again

(Updated 09/13/2022)
The Taivalköngäs wilderness hut suffered from fire damage this summer. The damage has been repaired and the historical hut is now back in use. Remember to use extreme caution when handling a fire. Check the fire warnings before making a fire (en.ilmatieteenlaitos.fi). Only make a fire at the official campfire sites or in the hut stoves. Never leave a fire unattended. Make sure fire has been properly extinguished before leaving the hut or the campfire site.

Entering the Pähkänänkallio Cliff is prohibited 1.4.-15.8.

(Updated 04/19/2022)
Entering in the Pähkänänkallio Restricted Area is prohibited from 1st of April to 15th of August. You can see the map of the restricted area below.

Map of restricted area in Pähkänä Rocks.

News in Oulanka Visitor Center