The Six Best and Most Scenic Hiking Trails in Finland

Hiking in Finland offers fantastic views, incredible landscapes, and beautiful nature. Luckily, there are hikes of all kinds, including short hikes that can be done in a few hours, to multi-day hikes.

Hanna Rusanen, a Finnish outdoor enthusiast, co-founder of Taivasalla and head of community for Merrell Hiking Club Finland, a female-led digital platform and community which aims to bring representation, inclusivity, and accessibility to the hiking world, has shared her top six hiking spots in Finland, so you can find the one that’s right for you. Hikers of all levels: there’s something on the list you’ll enjoy.

Here are the best hiking trails in Finland, from short and sweet to more difficult:

Pallas-Yllästunturi National Park

Hetta-Pallas is one of the most popular long distance hikes in Finland, where hikers can enjoy some of the most breathtaking scenery in the country. The route is well-marked, and it usually takes around 3-4 days to complete. The best time to hike the Hetta-Pallas trail is from the end of June until mid-October. There are several wilderness huts and campfire sites along the trail, and you can enjoy the full Finnish experience by relaxing in the Hannukuru Wilderness Sauna located on the route. Camping is permitted only in the proximity of the wilderness huts and campfire sites. The trail can be hiked from Hetta to Pallas or the other way around; the hike ends or begins with a boat ride, which can be booked in advance with one of the national park’s partner companies.

Koli National Park: Mäkrän Kierto Trail

Starting from Koli Nature Centre, Mäkrän Kierto Trail is a day hike with stunning landscapes and a well-maintained trail. Climb up to the top of Ukko-Koli Hill to experience iconic views over Lake Pielinen, which have inspired many Finnish artists over centuries. The route includes some steep inclines and rocky terrain, so previous hiking experience and good hiking shoes are recommended. The views at the top are worth the effort! The best time to hike this route is between summer and fall. For hikers looking for more challenging trips, there are also multi-day hikes in Koli National Park, providing unforgettable hiking experiences.

Nuuksio National Park, Haukankierros Trail

Nuuksio National Park is a popular hiking destination within easy reach of Helsinki. It is a great destination to enjoy the unspoilt green forests and beautiful lakes around the national park area. Haukankierros Trail is an easy 4 kilometres circle trail with varying terrain and beautiful scenery, taking from 1.5 to 2 hours to complete.

Haukankierros Trail, along with three other circle trails, start from Haukkalampi Nature Cabin. Here you can find a small cafe, rental services and more information on the national park. In this area, there are camping sites, toilets, and cooking shelters. All circle trails are suitable for beginners and families, and there are also accessible trails. On summer weekends, the trails get busy, so head out early if you wish to avoid the crowds.

Oulanka National Park, Karhunkierros Trail (Bear’s trail)

One of the most famous hikes in Finland is the legendary Karhunkierros trail, which runs around Oulanka National park, offering hikers spectacular views. The hike starts from Hautajärvi (Salla) and ends at the centre of Ruka, a famous ski centre in Kuusamo. Along the way, there are several camping sites and open wilderness huts, as well as lean-to shelters.

It is recommended that you put aside around 3-7 days for the whole trail, depending on the hiker’s ability and experience. The trail can be divided into four sections, making it suitable for day trips as well. Some previous hiking experience is recommended if you want to hike the entire trail. Karhunkierros trail is a summer route, and the hiking season is between May and October. Every spring, one of the most popular trail running races in Finland, NUTS Karhunkierros, takes place along this route.

Repovesi National Park, Ketunlenkki “Fox Trail”

Repovesi National Park in Southeastern Finland offers adventures for hikers of all levels. Despite being a short hike, the Ketunlenkki Trail will reward visitors with steep cliffs and beautiful views over the clear blue lakes of the national park. This is an easy route, making it perfect for beginners and families with children. There is a manually operated ferry, Ketunlossi, along the route, making it a fun experience for the
whole family. The hike begins and ends at Lapinsalmi parking lot.

In addition to the 45 kilometres of marked hiking routes, Repovesi National Park offers great opportunities for kayaking and rock climbing, making it a wonderful destination for all outdoor enthusiasts.

Kilpisjärvi, Saana Hiking Trail

Saana Hiking Trail is an easy but rewarding hike. Located in the Kilpisjärvi area, Saana’s summit lies at 1029 metres above sea level. From the top of the fell, hikers get to enjoy majestic views over Swedish and Norwegian mountains. In addition to sweeping views, Saana fell has an interesting history as the fell is traditionally considered sacred to the indigenous Sámi people, who have lived in the region for thousands of years.

The hike starts from Kilpijärvi’s Hiking Centre, which features a restaurant, holiday cottages, and free parking. The route is well-marked, easy to follow, and suitable for hikers at all levels. This is a 2-3 hour hike, but make sure you put aside enough time to enjoy the views and take some pictures at the top. The most popular time to visit Kilpisjärvi region is early autumn as gorgeous fall foliage, Ruska in Finnish, attracts visitors from near and far.

Want more Scandinavia hikes? See the best hiking trails in Sweden.