Urho Kekkonen National Park Travel Guide

Discover the best cultural and natural attractions, food scenes, hikes, and biking routes, safety tips, transportation options, and nearby destinations in Urho Kekkonen National Park, the largest national park in Finland.


Urho Kekkonen National Park is the largest national park in Finland, located in the Lapland region of Northern Finland. It is named after the former president of Finland, Urho Kekkonen. With its wide range of natural wonders, cultural attractions, outdoor activities, and breathtaking scenery, Urho Kekkonen National Park attracts visitors from all over the world. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore everything you need to know about visiting Urho Kekkonen National Park.

Introduction to Urho Kekkonen National Park

Urho Kekkonen National Park is a vast wilderness area that covers over 2,500 square kilometers. It is a paradise for nature lovers, providing a variety of landscapes that range from dense forests, crystal-clear rivers, and pristine lakes to high fells, majestic mountains, and tundra plains. The rich and diverse flora and fauna of the park are a sight to behold, and visitors can spot various wildlife, including reindeer, moose, wolves, foxes, and wolverines.

The park is also home to the indigenous Sami people, who have lived in the region for centuries. They continue to maintain their unique traditions and way of life, and visitors can learn about their customs, culture, and history.

List of Places to Visit in Urho Kekkonen National Park

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

The park has several culturally significant museums that are worth visiting, such as the Siida Sami Museum in Inari that showcases the Sami culture, history, and crafts. The Siida Museum also has a fascinating display of the flora and fauna of Lapland.

Another popular attraction is the Skolt Sami Heritage House in Sevettijärvi. It provides an insight into the traditional life of the Skolt Sami from olden times. The museum also showcases their unique handicrafts, religious beliefs, and traditions.

Natural Attractions of Urho Kekkonen National Park: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

With its diverse landscape, Urho Kekkonen National Park offers something exciting for every outdoor enthusiast. Hiking, trekking, and mountaineering are the most popular activities for visitors.

The park has over 200 kilometers of marked hiking trails with varying lengths and difficulties, ensuring that everyone, from beginners to experts, can enjoy a hike. The most popular hiking trail is the 14-kilometer-long Kiilopää Fell Trail, which takes visitors to the top of Kiilopää Fell and offers an unparalleled view of the surrounding landscape.

Biking is another popular activity, and visitors can rent bikes from the park at reasonable rates. Mountain biking is also available for extreme sports lovers.

In winter, visitors can engage in activities such as skiing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, and ice fishing. The park has several skiing areas with well-maintained trails and facilities.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Urho Kekkonen National Park

  1. Kiilopää Fell Trail: a 14-kilometer-long trail suitable for beginners
  2. Saariselkä–Hetta Trail: a 58-kilometer-long trail that requires moderate endurance
  3. Karhunkierros Nature Trail: a 82-kilometer-long trail that requires high endurance and expertise
  4. Ivalo River Trail: a 30-kilometer-long trail for beginners

Best Things to Do in Urho Kekkonen National Park: Activities and Tours

  1. Husky and Reindeer Safaris: Visitors can take guided tours that allow them to learn about the life of sled dogs and reindeer and ride them.
  2. Northern Lights Hunting: Northern Finland is famous for its spectacular Northern Lights. The park offers various tours that provide an opportunity to see this natural wonder.
  3. Fishing: Visitors can go fishing in the various rivers and lakes of the park.
  4. Wildlife Safaris: Visitors can take guided tours to spot wildlife in their natural habitat.

Week-Long Itinerary for Urho Kekkonen National Park

Day 1 – Arrival and settling down in Saariselkä Day 2 – Visit Kiilopää Fell, go hiking and take in the magnificent views Day 3 – Day trip to Inari and the Sami Siida Museum Day 4 – Discover the park’s forests by bike or on foot Day 5 – Day trip to Tankavaara Gold Prospector Museum Day 6 – Reindeer Sleigh rides or husky safaris Day 7 – Departure

Food and Drink Scene of Urho Kekkonen National Park

Must-Try Dishes

  1. Reindeer Stew: It is one of the most popular dishes in Lapland. The meat is cooked slowly in a rich gravy with spices.
  2. Sautéed Reindeer: Another popular reindeer dish which gives a different flavor from the stew version.
  3. Arctic Char: This fish is found in most of the Lapland’s lakes and rivers. It is served in various dishes such as roasted, poached, or grilled.
  4. Cloudberry: A local delicacy, which is sweet and tart- a perfect palate cleanser.

Local Beverages

  1. Salmiakki Koskenkorva: A locally brewed drink that is a sweet and salty blend.
  2. Lapin Kulta Beer: A popular local beer brewed in Lapland.

Where to Stay in Urho Kekkonen National Park: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Accommodation in Urho Kekkonen National Park varies in quality and price range. Visitors can choose from hotels, hostels, and guesthouses in the park and nearby Saariselkä town.

What to Buy in Urho Kekkonen National Park: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Visitors can bring home a piece of Lapland with them by purchasing locally handcrafted items such as Sami handicrafts and reindeer leather products. Local food items such as cloudberry jam, lingonberry jam, and Lapin Puikula (Lapland potato) are also popular.

Local Culture and Customs of Urho Kekkonen National Park

The Sami people have a rich culture and traditions that visitors can learn about by visiting the local museums, cultural centers, and participating in events such as festivals and Sami reindeer races.

Best Time to Visit Urho Kekkonen National Park

The best time to visit the park depends on the activities you want to experience. Summers are ideal for hiking and outdoor activities, while winters offer a chance to see the Northern Lights and participate in other winter sports activities.

Do’s and Don’ts of Urho Kekkonen National Park

Do:

  1. Respect the local environment and wildlife.
  2. Dress appropriately for the weather and activities.
  3. Adhere to park rules and regulations.

Don’t:

  1. Disturb the local wildlife or environment.
  2. Leave waste or litter in the park.
  3. Vandalize or desecrate cultural or historical sites.

Safety and Health

Safety in Urho Kekkonen National Park

Visitors should carry a map and a compass and be knowledgeable about wilderness survival. Visitors should also be careful while traversing icy terrain or hiking during peak winters. It is advisable to check local weather reports and avoid hiking or skiing in case of extreme weather warnings.

Health in Urho Kekkonen National Park

Visitors should also be aware of the local wildlife and their possible dangers, such as bears and wolves. It is important to bring first aid kits and other essential medications while traveling.

Getting to Urho Kekkonen National Park: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Urho Kekkonen National Park

The Ivalo Airport is the closest airport to the park, which is located only 20km to the south of the park.

Bus Stations Near Urho Kekkonen National Park

Visitors can take a bus from Helsinki to Ivalo, and from there, take another bus or taxi to Saariselkä, which serves as the gateway to the park.

Other Options

Visitors can also drive to the park, and there is a car rental available at Ivalo airport. Similarly, visitors can opt for train travel via Rovaniemi’s railway station.

How to Get Around in Urho Kekkonen National Park

Visitors can hire bikes in Saariselkä and park, or even take a car to the park, which have designated parking areas. Visitors can also opt for guided tours that would take them in vehicles around the park.

Where to Go Next from Urho Kekkonen National Park: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Visitors can also visit other places near Urho Kekkonen National Park, such as nearby nature reserves, the fishing villages of Inari, Levi ski resort, and the Ranua Wildlife Park.

Conclusion

Urho Kekkonen National Park is one of the most stunning and unique national parks in the world, offering a range of cultural experiences and outdoor activities for visitors of all ages and interests. It is the ultimate destination for nature lovers who appreciate untouched wilderness and rich cultural heritage. Use this guide to plan your trip to the park and make it a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Location of Urho Kekkonen National Park Location of Urho Kekkonen National Park The waterfall in Paratiisikuru. The waterfall in Paratiisikuru. The park is in the reindeer husbandry area. The park is in the reindeer husbandry area. Some years the lemmings are everywhere. Some years the lemmings are everywhere. A freezing September morning at Harrijärvi. A freezing September morning at Harrijärvi. Luttojoki near Raja-Jooseppi in July Luttojoki near Raja-Jooseppi in July Nattaset in Sompio seen from Raututunturit in the national park Nattaset in Sompio seen from Raututunturit in the national park Marked nature trail at Kiilopää Marked nature trail at Kiilopää Swamp around a creek, at a nature trail by the Kiilopää fell Swamp around a creek, at a nature trail by the Kiilopää fell Campfire site by Tuiskukuru wilderness hut, minor fells in the background Campfire site by Tuiskukuru wilderness hut, minor fells in the background On the route between Suomunruoktu and Tuiskukuru, towards Sokosti, after crossing the limit for spruce forest. Here the route follows the service road. Most birches are bent by last winter's snow load, and their leaves are still small in middle June. On the route between Suomunruoktu and Tuiskukuru, towards Sokosti, after crossing the limit for spruce forest. Here the route follows the service road. Most birches are bent by last winter's snow load, and their leaves are still small in middle June. Skiing tracks and freestyle lane, midday in late January Skiing tracks and freestyle lane, midday in late January Kitchen facilities in a wilderness hut: wood carrying racks, tinder on a stool, wood stove, cooking equipment including a bucket for fetching water from the stream, gas stove (with closed lid) for cooking, instructions. Drying hooks above the stove. Guest book on the table in front. Kitchen facilities in a wilderness hut: wood carrying racks, tinder on a stool, wood stove, cooking equipment including a bucket for fetching water from the stream, gas stove (with closed lid) for cooking, instructions. Drying hooks above the stove. Guest book on the table in front. Rumakuru old wilderness hut, from the 1930s, protected, used as day hut Rumakuru old wilderness hut, from the 1930s, protected, used as day hut View from the upper bed of Jyrkkävaara open wilderness hut. View from the upper bed of Jyrkkävaara open wilderness hut. Yard of Suomunruoktu wilderness hut, with view to Suomujoki to the right. Somebody is sleeping in tents a bit farther, to the left Yard of Suomunruoktu wilderness hut, with view to Suomujoki to the right. Somebody is sleeping in tents a bit farther, to the left