Karhunkierros
Finland's most famous hiking route through the Oulanka National Park, following river gorges, rapids, and boreal forest in Finnish Lapland near the…
Route overview
The Karhunkierros, or Bear's Trail, is Finland's most famous hiking route, running approximately 82 kilometres through the Oulanka National Park in northern Finland near the Russian border. The trail follows the Oulankajoki river through a landscape of boreal forest, sandstone gorges, rapids, and hanging bogs. The route starts at Hautajärvi and finishes at Ruka, passing through the most scenic sections of the national park including the Kiutaköngäs rapids, the Myllykoski waterfall, and the Ristikallio cliff campsite. The trail is well maintained with wooden boardwalks over wet sections, marked with paint blazes, and supported by wilderness huts and campsites. The Karhunkierros is accessible to walkers of moderate fitness, with no technical climbing but some long days. The landscape is characteristically Finnish: endless birch and pine forest, clear rivers, and the sense of wilderness despite the well-developed trail infrastructure. The route is also popular in winter as a snowshoeing trail.
Finland's most famous hiking route through the Oulanka National Park, following river gorges, rapids, and boreal forest in Finnish Lapland near the Russian border.
Trail facts
- Country
- Finland
- Region
- Oulanka National Park
- Distance
- c. 82 km
- Typical duration
- 3–5 days
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Elevation gain
- c. 1,000 m cumulative
- Best season
- June–September
- Trail type
- National park trail
Safety context
River crossings can be dangerous after rain. Boardwalks can be slippery when wet. The trail is remote with limited phone signal. Mosquitoes are abundant in summer.
The trail is popular in July and August. Some sections can be muddy even with boardwalks. Winter walking requires snowshoes or skis and winter survival skills.
Highlights
Hautajärvi starting point Kiutaköngäs rapids Myllykoski waterfall Ristikallio cliff campsite Oulankajoki river gorge Ruka ski resort finish Boreal forest and bogs Wilderness huts
Why find a buddy
Finland's most famous trail through river gorges and boreal forest — a companion shares the wilderness huts, the rapids, and the Finnish outdoor experience.
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Route conditions, access, services and transport can change. Verify time-sensitive information before departure.