What's Currently Happening in Oulanka Visitor Centre

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. 

Catching and marking of the protected brown trout ongoing at Kiutaköngäs rapids through July

(Updated 7/8/2023)
The Natural Resources Institute Finland (Luke) and Metsähallitus are co-operating in catching and marking of the protected brown trout at the Kiutaköngäs rapids in July. The caught and marked fish are also moved upstream from the waterfall to help them continue their journey towards their spawning areas. The nets, cages, ladder, and other equipment at Kiutaköngäs are used by the researchers and visitors should not touch the equipment. Visitors are allowed to follow the catching and marking in a calm manner from a safe distance.

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

Check for Warnings

When forest and grass fire warnings (en.ilmatieteenlaitos.fi) are in effect, fire is only allowed at covered campfire sites that have a flue. A fire can be also lit in fireplaces at wilderness and other huts. Always use extreme caution when handling fire. The one who lights a fire is always responsible for its safe use. Please note, that making fire at these campfire sites can be banned locally. 

Drawing of a fireplace. The drawing shows the roof, the flue and off the ground.