Oulanka National Park Travel Guide

Discover the best places to visit, hike, and explore in Oulanka National Park, along with practical information for your trip.


Introduction to Oulanka National Park

Located in Northern Finland, Oulanka National Park is a pristine wilderness area covering over 270 square kilometers. The park is home to untouched forests, glistening lakes, and stunning waterfalls, making it a hidden gem among nature lovers.

List of Places to Visit in Oulanka National Park

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

If you’re interested in learning about Finnish history and culture, Oulanka National Park has a few interesting places, including:

  • Petajavesi Old Church: A UNESCO World Heritage Site built in the 18th century, this wooden church is an excellent example of Finnish rural architecture.
  • Raatteen Portti: A museum dedicated to the Winter War of 1939-1940, this museum gives visitors insight into the events of the Soviet invasion.
  • Samiland Exhibition: A small museum that showcases the culture of the Sami people, an indigenous population in the northern area of Scandinavia, including Finland.

Natural Attractions of Oulanka National Park: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Nature enthusiasts are assured to find an abundance of incredible things to do in Oulanka National Park, including:

  • Oulanka Canyon: A narrow gorge with forest trails that lead to waterfalls and scenic viewpoints.
  • Kiutakongas Rapids: Hiking or rafting through the rapids of the River Kitka, which flows amid the landscape, including the nearby Valtavaara Nature Reserve.
  • Kerojoki Suspension Bridge: A 13-meter-long rope bridge that is part of the Karhunkierros Trail system, which spans 80 kilometers through the park.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Oulanka National Park

There are plenty of hiking and biking trails that wind through the national park. The most famous hiking route of the park is the 80-kilometer-long Karhunkierros Trail, divided into seven parts, that takes hikers through a varied landscape of forests, raised bogs, and canyons.

Best Things to Do in Oulanka National Park: Activities and Tours

Visitors to Oulanka National Park can indulge in a variety of outdoor adventures, including:

  • Canoeing or kayaking through the whitewater rapids of the Oulanka and Kitka rivers.
  • Fishing on Lake Livojärvi, a serene, crystal-clear lake where you can fish for perch, pike, and grayling.
  • Wildlife watching: Oulanka National Park is also home to Finland’s largest predator, the brown bear, where lucky visitors can view them in their natural habitat.

Week-Long Itinerary for Oulanka National Park

Here’s a suggested itinerary for a week-long visit to Oulanka National Park:

Day 1: Explore the national park’s visitor center Day 2: Hike along the Oulanka River and explore its gorges Day 3: Raft or canoe to the rapids of River Kitka Day 4: Visit the Samiland Exhibition, located near the park Day 5: Spot brown bears in their natural habitat on a wildlife tour Day 6: Bike through the park’s many forest trails Day 7: Relax in a Finnish sauna and enjoy some local delicacies before heading back home.

Food and Drink Scene of Oulanka National Park

Must-Try Dishes

For foodies, the region has a few signature dishes to try:

  • Korvapuusti: These cinnamon rolls are a must-try in Finland and are soft, buttery swirls of cinnamon and sugar.
  • Karjalanpiirakka: This traditional Finnish pastry consists of a crispy rye crust with a rice or potato filling, commonly served with egg butter.

Local Beverages

Finnish food culture is not complete without its refreshing drinks, including:

  • Lingonberry juice: Made from the local berry, this fruity drink has a tart yet sweet flavor that pairs well with Finnish cuisine.
  • Koskenkorva: This Finnish brand of vodka is a staple in most Finnish bars and a must-try for those interested in exploring local drinks.

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

There are plenty of places to stay in Oulanka National Park, ranging from cozy guesthouses to luxury hotels. The most popular choices are:

  • Hostel in Ruka: A budget-friendly option located close to the national park visitor center.
  • Ruka Ski Resort: Ski-in/ski-out lodgings that are great for winter visitors offering modern accommodations near to many outdoor activities.
  • Basecamp Oulanka: Log cabins located in the heart of the park, which offers year-round accommodation options.

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

If you’re looking for an authentic Finnish souvenir to take back home, consider these items:

  • Handwoven textiles: These woolen blankets, mittens, and scarves are handmade by local Finnish artisans.
  • Lapland hunting knife: Known for its unique handle and sharp blade, this handmade knife is a practical yet stylish gift.

Local Culture and Customs of Oulanka National Park

Finnish culture is generally known for its love of nature, sauna, and ice-cold dips. In Oulanka National Park, you’ll find:

  • A strong appreciation for Finnish wilderness and conservation efforts.
  • A deep respect for saunas and ice swimming during winters.

Best Time to Visit Oulanka National Park

The best time to visit Oulanka National Park is during the summer months, from June to August, when the weather is mild and the landscape is green. In winter, the park is a playground for winter sports enthusiasts, with cross-country skiing and snowmobiling on offer.

Do’s and Don’ts of Oulanka National Park

Do:

  • Respect the national park’s rules and regulations.
  • Take home only memories, photographs, and litter items.

Don’t:

  • Disturb the wildlife species.
  • Stray off the marked trails.

Safety and Health

Safety in Oulanka National Park

  • Visitors should wear sturdy shoes and appropriate clothing to prepare themselves for any weather.
  • Travelers need to keep in mind that cellular coverage in the national park area is patchy or non-existent.

Health in Oulanka National Park

  • Visitors should have the necessary vaccinations before traveling to Finland and the national park.

Getting to Oulanka National Park: Transportation Options and Logistics

There are several ways to reach Oulanka National Park, including:

Airports Near Oulanka National Park

The nearest regional airports to Oulanka National Park is Rovaniemi and Kuusamo.

Bus Stations Near Oulanka National Park

You can take a direct bus from Rovaniemi and Helsinki, which takes around 6 to 10 hours to reach Oulanka National Park.

Other Options

  • You can also hire a rental car: the distance between Rovaniemi and Oulanka National Park is around 200 kilometers.

How to Get Around in Oulanka National Park

The best way to explore the national park is on foot or by bike, especially during the warmer months. If you do not have a bike, there are cycle rental services available nearby as well. Most of the natural attractions are easily accessible by car, but with no public transportation to rely on.

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

Rovaniemi

Located about 200-km from the national park, Rovaniemi is the capital of the Lapland region. It’s a perfect starting point for exploring other areas of this beautiful north region.

Helsinki

A trip to Helsinki is highly recommended for any traveler looking to explore Finland’s rich history and culture. It offers excellent museums, galleries, restaurants, and many more world-class attractions. Helsinki is more than 800 km away from the city, so taking a direct bus or a flight would be the best option.

Conclusion

A visit to Oulanka National Park is a chance to experience unspoiled nature at its finest. Besides, Finnish nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts have so much to look forward to in Oulanka National Park, from adrenaline-pumping activities such as rafting and kayaking in rapids to leisurely hikes amidst breathtaking landscapes. Make sure to take a sauna and dip, Finnish style, as well.

Red rocks near Oulanka visitor centre Red rocks near Oulanka visitor centre Cable stayed bridge at Pieni Karhunkierros Cable stayed bridge at Pieni Karhunkierros Myllytupa hut Myllytupa hut Kiutaköngäs in winter Kiutaköngäs in winter