Top National Parks in Finland for Hikers, Paddlers, Foragers, and Nature Enthusiasts

When Salla National Park in eastern Lapland was established in early 2022, it was the 41st national park to open in Finland. Covering more than 10,000 sq km of the country’s landmass, these parks are Finland’s national patrimony, places of extraordinary natural beauty whose pristine landscapes and diverse ecosystems are proudly protected for the benefit of all.

Located in every part of the country, with the largest and wildest reserves edging into the Arctic Circle in Lapland, the parks range from dense primeval forests to rugged fells, complex lake systems, and coastal archipelagos.

All are well set up for active exploration and are loved by visitors and locals for their hiking, skiing, cycling, kayaking, and camping opportunities. The number of local and international visitors enjoying their manifold attractions is increasing each year; fortunately, crowds are easy to avoid if you visit outside of national holiday periods.

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 Sámi people. It incorporates the scenic Lemmenjoki River Valley, which can be explored on a variety of marked hiking trails. The 4.5km (2.8-mile) Lemmenjoki Nature Trail traverses old-growth pine forest, while the 22km (13.7-mile) Lemmenjoki Riverside Trail includes cable-boat crossings over the river. There are many other hikes, cross-country ski trails, and canoe routes to enjoy in the park.

Visiting Lemmenjoki National Park: The park is located around 50km (31 miles) southwest of Inari. The best time to visit is September, when the ruska-aika (coloring of the fall leaves) can be experienced in all its splendor—when mosquitos and midges are absent. Most hiking trails start at the Njurkulahti and Repojoki parking areas; the hiking trails aren’t open in winter, but you can follow the ski trail instead.

Linnansaari National Park, Lakeland

Best Kayaking and Canoeing

The most satisfying way to explore this park in Finland’s stunningly scenic lake district is by canoe or kayak. While paddling on the 562 sq km (217 sq mile) expanse of Haukivesi Lake, you may spot an impressive range of wildlife, including ospreys and the endangered Saimaa ringed seal. The waters are dotted with hundreds of uninhabited islands where you can forage for bilberries and edible mushrooms. The largest island, Linnansaari, can be explored on a series of hiking trails, with a 2km (1.2-mile) nature trail available. In winter, a well-maintained 18km (11-mile) ice track between Oravi and Porosalmi delights touring skaters, and there’s also a track for cross-country skiing. Equipment for both activities can be hired at either end 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. A daily ferry service operates from both towns to Linnansaari Island during high summer (June to August), while taxi boats can be chartered at other times. Longer lake cruises set off from the nearby historic town of Savonlinna in summer.

Ekenäs Archipelago National Park, South Coast

Best for Diving

A watery wonderland located near where the Gulf of Finland merges with the Åland Sea, this island park is a hugely popular summer destination. Scattered over the archipelago’s calm seas are around 1300 forested islands teeming with birdlife, including white-tailed eagles and common eider. Kayaking and scuba diving are popular activities here; local operators can arrange trips for certified divers.

While some ecologically fragile islands are off-limits, others offer various hiking options for outdoor enthusiasts. The most popular of these is the 2km (1.2-mile) nature trail on the island of Älgö, which leads to an observation tower with spectacular sea views.

Visiting Ekenäs Archipelago National Park: The park is only accessible by boat. Boat and kayak tours depart regularly during the summer months from the harbor at Ekenäs, about 100km (62 miles) southwest of Helsinki. Water taxis are also available for charter. Experienced sea paddlers can access the archipelago independently by kayak, with plenty of mooring spots on the islands.

Campgrounds on the islands of Älgö, Fladalandet, Jussarö, and Modermagan offer decent facilities, alongside a summer-only hostel and café on Jussarö. The best times to visit are spring, when arctic migratory birds can be spotted, and in summer, when activities like kayaking, swimming, and diving are popular.

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 stretches along the Russian border and consists of river rapids, waterfalls, and boreal forests made up of pine, birch, and spruce. Despite its name, the Karhunkierros Trail isn’t a single circuit, but rather a point-to-point hike of anything from 52km (32 miles, from Ristikallio to Juuma) to 82km (51 miles, from Hautajärvi to Ruka).

The park is home to over 400 protected species of flora and fauna, including the calypso orchid. Birdwatchers can look out for diverse species, including white-tailed eagles and grey wagtails. The park offers other activities such as canoeing and rafting on 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 located 200km (124 miles) east of Rovaniemi and 50km (31 miles) north of Kuusamo, close to the Russian border. The trailheads for the Karhunkierros Trail are at Hautajärvi, Ristikallio, Ruka ski resort, and Juuma. The route is best walked between mid-June and October; the Oulanka Wilderness Trail is open from mid-February to April. Birdwatching is best in early June.

Nuuksio National Park, South Coast

Best for Easy Day Hikes

While it may not be as visually spectacular as other Finnish parks, Nuuksio is conveniently located near Helsinki, making it a popular day-trip destination for visitors to the capital. From its informative nature center, easy walking or cross-country ski trails wind through wooded valleys that host a diverse array of flora and fauna. Visitors can forage freely in autumn, enjoying bilberries and lingonberries abundant in the park.

Visiting Nuuksio National Park: Located 35km (22 miles) northwest of Helsinki, Nuuksio is accessible via public transport. Bus 245A connects various stops around the park from Espoo Central train station, which is served by frequent trains from Helsinki’s main train station. This destination is ideal for all seasons, although hiking trails aren’t maintained in winter.

Urho Kekkonen National Park, Northern Lapland

Best for Seeing the Northern Lights

Covering a vast area of arctic wilderness in Finnish Lapland, this remote park can be explored on skis in winter and on foot or bike during warmer months. Its northern location makes it a prime spot for witnessing the aurora borealis (Northern Lights) and spotting free-grazing reindeer on the fells. Hiking and cross-country skiing here are incredibly rewarding. Note that heading off marked trails is only for those with wilderness and orienteering experience due to heavy snow in winter. Maintained ski trails and marked hiking routes are available near Saariselkä, Kiilopää, and Kakslauttanen.

Visiting Urho Kekkonen National Park: The park is located 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 offers adventure activities such as sled safaris, white-water rafting, and aurora-spotting snowmobile tours.

The best months to view the Northern Lights are March and April, a time when the sun re-emerges after winter. It is advisable to avoid high summer when mosquitos and midges are prevalent.

Patvinsuo National Park, North Karelia

Best for Birdwatching

This park features extensive wetland areas, making Patvinsuo a popular destination for birdwatching and walking. This waterlogged landscape can be explored via a 20km (12-mile) network of boardwalks along with numerous marked trails on dry land.

Birdwatchers flock here in spring as migratory species feed and breed in the wetlands. One of the park’s most popular hiking routes, the 25km (15.5-mile) Patvinkierto Trail, passes a birdwatching tower at Teretinniemi and a platform at Lahnasuo, providing excellent spots for observing avian life; numerous mire and water birds, gamefowl, and birds of prey can be spotted.

Other hiking options include the 16km (10-mile) Suomunkierto trail around Lake Suomunjärvi and the short Kuusipolku, Lakkapolku, and Mäntypolku Trail nature trails.

Visiting Patvinsuo National Park: Close to the Russian border, Patvinsuo is accessed via the Joensuu-Lieksa highway (National Road 73). The best times to visit are in spring and autumn.

Pallas-Yllästunturi National Park, Western Lapland

Best for Summer Cycling

Imagine foraging for ripe cloudberries while hiking through magnificent fell landscapes or cycling under the midnight sun on long, gently undulating trails. These are just a couple of the activities offered in this 102,000-hectare (252,050-acre) national park. You can take advantage of well-maintained cross-country skiing tracks and marked mountain-biking routes as well.

The most popular trail in the park links Hetta and Pallas—a journey of 50 km (31 miles)—with the track suitable for hiking and snowshoeing. It’s not flat; there’s a lot of ascending and descending, but the views of the Lapland fells along the way are worth the effort. There’s also a cross-country skiing track further down the slopes, so pack for cold and windy conditions as long stretches 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. Cycling and hiking are best from late June to September; the best time for cross-country skiing is mid-March to April, when the Northern Lights often illuminate your path. It’s possible to snowshoe the Hetta and Pallas trail from January to April.

Hossa National Park, Central Finland

Best for Accessible Tourism

Founded in 2017 to commemorate Finland’s centenary of independence, Hossa boasts an 11,000-hectare (27,180-acre) wilderness landscape showcasing 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 particular highlight is viewing the prehistoric rock paintings at Julma-Ölkky and Värikallio.

Many trails in the park are accessible for wheelchair users, and facilities include campfire sites and composting toilets that have been designed with accessibility in mind. The park also has fishing and boat jetties adapted for wheelchair users, together with 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 near the Russian border. The visitor center is situated on the shore of Lake Öllöri and can be accessed via Hwy 843.

Koli National Park, Karelia

Best for Scenic Vistas

There’s only one word to describe the views on offer in this national park: magnificent. The slopes of the Mäkrävaara, Paimenenvaara, Pieni-Koli, Jauholanvaara, Hirvivaara, and Ukko-Koli hills are steep, but climbing to the hilltops is totally worth the effort. If you can only do one ascent, make it Ukko-Koli, which can be climbed via a short, steep stairway, or a 0.8km (0.5-mile) accessible track.

At the top, you’ll be rewarded with a sweeping vista over Lake Pielinen—one of the most spectacular sights in Finland. Visitors who prefer skiing can enjoy downhill skiing at Ukko-Koli, which features a 230m (755ft) vertical drop, the most demanding ski run in southern Finland.

Visiting Koli National Park: Koli is located east of Hwy 6 on the western shore of Lake Pielinen. Plan your visit for summer for hiking, and in winter for skiing.