At Oulanka National Park, northern nature shows its power. Rushing rapids, steep river valleys, forests along the riverbanks and suspension bridges make Oulanka one of the best-known nature destinations in Ruka-Kuusamo. You can experience the park on a short day trip, a paddling adventure or as part of the classic Karhunkierros Trail.
Oulanka National Park – a Ruka-Kuusamo nature classic
The official Ruka-Kuusamo travel website Ruka.fi gives you an overview of Oulanka’s atmosphere, highlights and different ways to experience Oulanka National Park as part of your holiday in Ruka-Kuusamo. For up-to-date trail descriptions, facilities, restrictions and safety information, visit Luontoon.fi.
Why visit Oulanka?
There are many ways to experience Oulanka National Park
Highlights of Oulanka National Park
Kiutaköngäs
Kiutaköngäs is one of Oulanka’s best-known sights and, thanks to its easy accessibility, a favourite among many visitors. The power of the water is particularly impressive during the spring floods.
Pieni Karhunkierros Trail
Pieni Karhunkierros is an excellent day hike, bringing together the rapids, forests and suspension bridges of Oulanka National Park in one compact route.
Oulanka Canyon
Oulanka Canyon reveals the rugged side of the national park. Its deep river valleys and high rock walls give Oulanka a distinctive landscape that sets it apart from many other Finnish national parks.
Numerous rapids
The rapids of Oulanka National Park are not limited to just one location – or even one river. In addition to Kiutaköngäs, Taivalköngäs, Jyrävä, Myllykoski and Aallokkokoski bring the sound and movement of rushing water to the hiking trails.
Oulankajoki River
The Oulankajoki meanders through the national park, with floods reshaping its surroundings from year to year. The name Oulanka originates from the word oula, used by people from the Häme region to refer to floodwater and runoff.
Hanging bridges
Suspension bridges are an iconic part of the Oulanka National Park experience. They take hikers right above the rivers and turn crossing the water into part of the adventure.
Who is Oulanka National Park suitable for?
First-time visitors
Oulanka is a great introduction to the national parks and nature of the Ruka-Kuusamo area. Shorter hiking trails and iconic sights make it easy to set out and discover the national park.
Day hikers
Oulanka National Park is easy to visit on a day trip from Ruka. You can plan your excursion around your own schedule, preferred way of getting around and choice of trail.
Experienced hikers
The Karhunkierros Trail has made Oulanka National Park one of Finland’s best-known hiking destinations. You can hike the entire trail in one trip or explore it in shorter sections.
Photographers
Rushing water, suspension bridges, canyons, river valleys and changing seasons make Oulanka a rewarding destination for photographers. There is always something to capture, from misty mornings to the colours of autumn.
Families
For families, clearly defined routes are usually the best choice, with the distance, breaks and equipment planned in advance. Always check the official trail descriptions before setting out.
Those looking for peace and quiet
Oulanka National Park is a popular destination, but quieter moments can often be found early in the morning, on weekdays and outside the busiest seasons and most popular trails.
Trail runners
In addition to the Karhunkierros trail, other paths in Oulanka National Park are also suitable for trail running, offering changing landscapes and variations in elevation.
Oulanka through the seasons
Summer
In summer, the days are long and Oulanka is at its best as a versatile destination for hiking and outdoor adventures. This is a popular time to visit, so expect to meet other hikers, particularly on the best-known trails.
Autumn colors
Autumn brings warm colors to the forests, riverbanks and fell landscapes of Oulanka National Park. It is an excellent time for photography and peaceful hiking – just remember to choose clothing and equipment suitable for the cooler weather.
Spring
In spring, water takes centre stage. The spring floods make the rapids particularly impressive, but trails and structures can also be wet and occasionally more challenging to navigate. Check the current conditions before setting out.
Winter
Oulanka is quieter in winter, and exploring the park requires more experience and good gear. Kiutaköngäs and Myllykoski – and often the entire Pieni Karhunkierros Trail – can be reached on foot throughout the year.
Plan your visit to Oulanka National Park with Ruka village as your base
Getting from Ruka to Oulanka
If you do not have your own car, you can travel to Oulanka National Park by the Karhunkierros Bus in summer or by shared taxi.
Before your trip
Check the weather and the current condition of your chosen trail. Pack clothing and equipment suitable for the weather, along with enough water and snacks. Read the trail description on Luontoon.fi before setting out.
After your hike: time for food!
You will find plenty of places to eat in Ruka village throughout the year.
In the evening: sauna & swimming
After a day outdoors, there is nothing quite like relaxing in a scenic sauna at the top of Ruka or enjoying a guided Finnish sauna experience.
A good adventure respects nature
- Stay on marked trails. Oulanka is a protected nature area, and erosion can easily be seen around the most popular trails.
- Camp only in designated areas. Everyman’s rights are restricted in national parks, and Oulanka National Park has its own rules and regulations. Camping is only permitted in designated areas.
- Only light fires at designated campfire sites. Open fires are restricted, and you should always check the current wildfire warning before lighting a fire.
- Take your rubbish with you. Bring a rubbish bag and carry your waste out of the park, as there are no recycling points along the trails.
- Keep pets on a lead. Dogs are welcome on the trails of Oulanka National Park, but they must be kept on a lead.
- Be prepared for limited mobile coverage. Due to the varied terrain and deep river valleys, mobile phone coverage can be limited. A compass is recommended for longer hikes. Paper maps are available to purchase from Ruka-Kuusamo Tourist Information, among other places.
Frequently asked questions about Oulanka National Park
Where is Oulanka National Park located?
Oulanka National Park is located in the municipalities of Kuusamo and Salla, close to the border between North Ostrobothnia and Lapland in northern Finland.
How can I get to Oulanka National Park from Ruka?
From Ruka, you can travel to Oulanka National Park by car, use transport included in a guided experience, take the Karhunkierros Bus in summer or use a shared taxi service throughout the year. Check current transport connections and the starting point of your chosen trail before setting out.
Can I take a day trip to Oulanka National Park?
Yes. Oulanka National Park has several destinations and trails suitable for day trips. These include the Kiutaköngäs Trail, Hiiden hurmos Trail, Rytikönkään reissu Trail and Könkään keino Trail in the Kiutaköngäs area of the Oulankajoki River valley, the Pieni Karhunkierros Trail in Juuma and the Kanjonin kurkkaus Trail in the northern part of the national park.
What is the best-known trail in Oulanka National Park?
The best-known long-distance hiking route in Oulanka National Park is the Karhunkierros Trail, which runs through the national park. Every May, the trail also hosts the NUTS Karhunkierros Trail Ultra, Finland’s largest trail-running event by number of participants.
Is Oulanka National Park suitable for families with children?
Yes. Oulanka National Park is an excellent hiking destination for families, as long as the route is chosen according to the children’s age and experience as well as the conditions on the day. The trails around Kiutaköngäs are particularly suitable for families, as is the Pieni Karhunkierros Trail, for example as far as Myllykoski.
Can I go paddling in Oulanka National Park?
Yes. The Oulankajoki River offers excellent conditions for canoeing and stand-up paddleboarding. Paddling is one of the most popular activities in Oulanka National Park, with both canoe rental and guided paddling trips available.
The Kitkajoki River, which also flows through Oulanka National Park, offers a faster-paced way to experience the water on a guided white-water rafting trip. The seven rapids of the upper Kitkajoki form the Family Route, suitable for families with children aged 5 and over. The rapids on this route are graded Class I–III.
On the lower Kitkajoki, the Wild Route offers a more challenging adults-only experience. Niskakoski, Myllykoski and Aallokkokoski are graded Class III–IV.
Can I light a fire in Oulanka National Park?
Making a fire is allowed only in designated areas and taking into account any current warnings. More detailed instructions on making a fire can be found in the Outdoor Etiquette. Campfire sites can be found on the hiking trail map on the Luontoon.fi website. Always check for forest fire warnings, for example, on the weather map of the Finnish Meteorological Institute before making a fire.
Can I bring my dog to Oulanka National Park?
Yes. Dogs are welcome in Oulanka National Park, but pets must be kept on a lead at all times. If you are planning to stay overnight during your hike, bring your own tent or other suitable shelter.
