When Salla National Park in eastern Lapland was established in early 2022, it became the 41st national park to open in Finland – remarkable for a country of just 5.5 million people! Covering more than 10,000 sq km of the country’s landmass, these parks are Finland’s national patrimony, offering extraordinary natural beauty with pristine landscapes and diverse ecosystems that are proudly protected for the benefit of all.
Located throughout the country, from dense primeval forests to rugged fells, complex lake systems, and coastal archipelagos, these parks invite active exploration. Finnish parks are cherished by both visitors and locals for their hiking, skiing, cycling, kayaking, and camping opportunities. The number of local and international visitors enjoying these parks is consistently increasing each year; fortunately, crowds can be easily avoided by visiting outside national holidays.
To help you choose from these stunning reserves, here’s a guide to the best national parks in Finland.
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Lemmenjoki National Park, Northern Lapland
Best for fall colors
Finland’s largest national park is a true wilderness located in the homeland of the indigenous Sám people. It features the scenic Lemmenjoki River Valley, accessible through a variety of marked hiking trails. The 4.5km (2.8-mile) Lemmenjoki Nature Trail winds through old-growth pine forest, while the 22km (13.7-mile) Lemmenjoki Riverside Trail includes cable-boat crossings. Numerous other hikes, cross-country ski trails, and canoe routes enhance outdoor experiences in the park.
Visiting Lemmenjoki National Park: The park is positioned around 50km (31 miles) southwest of Inari. September emerges as the best time to visit when the ruska-aika (coloring of the fall leaves) showcases its splendor, and mosquitos are notably absent. Most hiking trails start at the Njurkulahti and Repojoki parking areas; although the hiking trails are not open in winter, skiing trails remain available.
Linnansaari National Park, Lakeland
Best kayaking and canoeing
The most rewarding way to explore this park in Finland’s scenic lake district is by canoe or kayak. While paddling on the 562 sq km (217 sq mile) expanse of Haukivesi Lake, you may encounter an impressive range of wildlife, including ospreys and the endangered Saimaa ringed seal. The waters are dotted with uninhabited islands, perfect for foraging for bilberries and edible mushrooms. The largest island, Linnansaari, features maintainable hiking trails and a 2km (1.2-mile) nature trail. In winter, an 18km (11-mile) ice track between Oravi and Porosalmi delights touring skaters, with a separate track for cross-country skiing. Equipment for both activities can be hired at both ends of the tracks.
Visiting Linnansaari National Park: The park is located east of Highway 5 and south of Kuopio, with main access points being Oravi and Porosalmi. During high summer (June to August), a daily ferry service takes day-trippers from both towns to Linnansaari Island. Other times of the year, taxi boats are available for charter. Longer lake cruises set off from the nearby historic town of Savonlinna during summer months.
Ekenäs Archipelago National Park, South Coast
Best for diving
A watery wonderland located close to the merge of the Gulf of Finland and the Åland Sea, this island park is a popular summer destination. Scattered throughout the archipelago’s calm seas are around 1300 forested islands filled with birdlife including white-tailed eagles and common eiders. Kayaking and scuba diving are popular activities, with local operators arranging trips for certified divers.
Some of the ecologically sensitive islands are off-limits to visitors, yet others provide multiple hiking options. The most popular is a 2km (1.2-mile) nature trail on Älgö Island that leads up hilly terrain to an observation tower offering spectacular sea views.
Visiting Ekenäs Archipelago National Park: The park is accessible only by boat. Regular boat and kayak tours depart during summer months from the harbor at Ekenäs, about 100km (62 miles) southwest of Helsinki. Water taxis are also available for charter. If you possess experience in sea paddling, access to the archipelago independently by kayak is possible, with plenty of mooring spots available on the islands.
Campgrounds on Älgö, Fladalandet, Jussarö, and Modermagan Islands offer decent facilities, along with a summer-only hostel and café on Jussarö. The best visiting times are spring for spotting migratory birds, and summer for kayaking, swimming, and diving.
Oulanka National Park, Koillismaa
Best for viewing flora and fauna
Home to the renowned Karhunkierros Hiking Trail (aka The Bear’s Ring), this 27,000-hectare park runs along the Russian border, incorporating river rapids, waterfalls, and boreal forests made up of pine, birch, and spruce. Contrary to its name, the Karhunkierros Trail is not a single circuit but a point-to-point hike ranging from 52km (32 miles, from Ristikallio to Juuma) to 82km (51 miles, from Hautajärvi to Ruka).
More than 400 protected flora and fauna species inhabit the park, including the calypso orchid. Watch for abundant bird species, including white-tailed eagles, white-throated dippers, black kites, and grey wagtails. Additional activities include canoeing and rafting the rapids of the Oulankajoki River, mountain biking, forest foraging, and cross-country skiing and snowshoeing on the 26km (16-mile) Oulanka Wilderness Trail.
Visiting Oulanka National Park: The park is situated 200km (124 miles) east of Rovaniemi and 50 km (31 miles) north of Kuusamo, close to the Russian border. Trailheads for the Karhunkierros Trail can be found at Hautajärvi, Ristikallio, Ruka ski resort, and Juuma, with the route best walked between mid-June and October; the Oulanka Wilderness Trail is open from mid-February to April. Early June is optimal for birdwatching.
Nuuksio National Park, South Coast
Best for easy day hikes
Although it may not be as visually spectacular as other Finnish parks, Nuuksio is conveniently located near Helsinki, making it a popular day-trip destination. From its nature center, easy walking and cross-country ski trails traverse wooded valleys that provide habitats for diverse flora and fauna. Foraging is unrestricted, allowing for enjoyment of the bilberries and lingonberries that proliferate in the park during autumn hikes.
Visiting Nuuksio National Park: Located 35km (22 miles) northwest of Helsinki, Nuuksio can easily be explored via public transportation. Bus 245A runs to various stops around the park from Espoo Central train station, which is frequently serviced by trains from Helsinki’s main station. This year-round destination, however, does not maintain hiking trails in winter.
Urho Kekkonen National Park, Northern Lapland
Best for seeing the Northern Lights
Stretching over a vast area of arctic wilderness in Finnish Lapland, this remote park can be explored on skis in winter or on foot or by bike during other seasons. Its northern location renders it an ideal viewing spot for the aurora borealis (Northern Lights), and sightings of free-grazing reindeer are common on the fells. Hiking and cross-country skiing in this area is immensely rewarding; however, venturing off marked trails should only be attempted by those with adequate wilderness and orienteering experience. Heavy snowfall in winter poses additional challenges, yet maintained ski trails and marked hiking routes offer safer alternatives in the vicinity of Saariselkä, Kiilopää, and Kakslauttanen.
Visiting Urho Kekkonen National Park: The park can be found east of the Sodankylä-Ivalo road, 240km (150 miles) north of Rovaniemi and 50km (31 miles) southeast of Ivalo. Consider basing yourself in Saariselkä, a ski resort just north of the park, that also offers adventure activities such as sled safaris, white-water rafting, and aurora-spotting snowmobile tours.
The best months to observe the Northern Lights are March and April, coinciding with the sun’s re-emergence after winter hibernation. Avoid high summer when mosquitos and midges are prevalent.
Patvinsuo National Park, North Karelia
Best for birdwatching
Extensive wetland areas make Patvinsuo a favored destination for birdwatching and hiking; this waterlogged landscape is accessible via a 20km (12-mile) network of boardwalks in addition to endless miles of marked trails. Springtime draws birders as migratory species feed and breed in the wetlands. A popular hiking route, the 25km (15.5-mile) Patvinkierto Trail, includes a birdwatching tower at Teretinniemi and a birdwatching platform at Lahnasuo—both excellent spots for observing various species of mire and water birds, gamefowl, and birds of prey.
Other hiking options include the 16km (10-mile) Suomunkierto trail that circles Lake Suomunjärvi and the short Kuusipolku, Lakkapolku, and Mäntypolku Trail nature trails.
Visiting Patvinsuo National Park: Close to the Russian border, Patvinsuo is accessible via the Joensuu-Lieksa highway (National Road 73). The best times to visit are spring and autumn.
Pallas-Yllästunturi National Park, Western Lapland
Best for summer cycling
Experience the thrill of foraging for ripe cloudberries while hiking through the magnificent fell landscapes or cycling under the midnight sun on long, gently undulating trails. This 102,000 hectare (252,050 acre) national park offers various activities, including well-maintained cross-country skiing tracks and marked mountain-biking routes.
The most popular trail in the park connects Hetta and Pallas—a journey of 50 km (31 miles). This track accommodates hiking and snowshoeing, though it is not flat; it includes numerous ascents and descents. However, the stunning vistas of the Lapland fells along the way more than compensate for the subsequent muscle aches. Additional cross-country skiing tracks are available further down the slopes. Pack adequately for cold and windy conditions, as long stretches of the trail are exposed to the elements.
Visiting Pallas-Yllästunturi National Park: The park is situated in the fell area between Kolari, Kittilä, Muonio, and Enontekiö, south of the Sámi settlement of Hetta. The best time for cycling and hiking occurs from late June to September, while mid-March to April represents the optimum period for cross-country skiing, when the Northern Lights often illuminate your route. Snowshoeing along the Hetta and Pallas trail is feasible from January to April.
Hossa National Park, Central Finland
Best for accessible tourism
Established in 2017 to mark Finland’s centenary of independence, Hossa encompasses an 11,000 hectare (27,180 acre) wilderness landscape filled with deep lakes, rivers, dense forests, and ancient rock paintings. This year-round destination offers numerous activities, including canoeing, mountain biking, fishing, cross-country skiing, and hiking. A highlight is viewing the prehistoric rock paintings at Julma-Ölkky and Värikallio.
Several trails are accessible to visitors in wheelchairs, with facilities including campfire sites and composting toilets designed for wheelchair users. The park provides fishing and boat jetties for wheelchair access, alongside a visitor center where wheelchair batteries can be recharged and electric scooters can be hired.
Visiting Hossa National Park: Hossa is located 80km south of Kuusamo, a frontier town on the Russian border. The visitor center resides on the shore of Lake Öllöri, accessible via Hwy 843.
Koli National Park, Karelia
Best for scenic vistas
One word encapsulates the views on offer in this national park: magnificent. The steep slopes of the Mäkrävaara, Paimenenvaara, Pieni-Koli, Jauholanvaara, Hirvivaara, and Ukko-Koli hills challenge climbers; however, reaching the hilltops is absolutely rewarding. If you only have time for one ascent, make it Ukko-Koli, accessible via a short, steep stairway or a 0.8km (0.5-mile) accessible track.
At the summit, you’ll be rewarded with a sweeping vista over Lake Pielinen—one of Finland’s most spectacular sights. For those preferring to explore on skis rather than on foot, downhill skiing at Ukko-Koli offers the most demanding ski run in southern Finland, featuring a 230m (755ft) vertical drop.
Visiting Koli National Park: Koli is located east of Hwy 6 along the western shore of Lake Pielinen. Summer is ideal for hiking, while winter caters to skiing.
