UKK Trail (Karhunkierros extension network)
One of Finland's longest official hiking trails, crossing Lapland's fell and wilderness terrain between national parks, maintained by Finland's national…
Route overview
The UKK Trail (Isä-Karhun polku / named for former president Urho Kekkonen) is one of Finland's principal long-distance hiking routes through Lapland, linking protected wilderness areas across the fells north of the Arctic Circle. It is maintained by Metsähallitus, Finland's national parks and forestry authority. The route crosses open fell terrain, boreal forest and wilderness huts (autiotupa) available to all hikers on a first-come basis, reflecting Finland's "everyman's right" tradition of open access to wild land. Sections pass near reindeer herding areas still used by local Sámi communities. Given its length, most hikers walk clearly defined sections rather than the full route, using the well-documented Metsähallitus trail network and hut system to plan multi-day trips.
One of Finland's longest official hiking trails, crossing Lapland's fell and wilderness terrain between national parks, maintained by Finland's national parks authority.
Trail facts
- Country
- Finland
- Region
- Lapland (Pyhä-Luosto to Kevo)
- Distance
- c. 240 km
- Typical duration
- 2–3 weeks (also walked in sections)
- Difficulty
- Hard
- Elevation gain
- c. 3,000 m cumulative
- Best season
- June–September
- Trail type
- Long-distance wilderness trail
Access and logistics
- Permits and access
- No general permit required for hiking, though some protected areas have specific camping rules published by Metsähallitus.
Safety context
Remote sections have no mobile coverage and limited resupply; hikers should carry a map, compass and adequate supplies for several days.
Underestimating the remoteness and lack of resupply points on the longer wilderness stretches is a common planning mistake.
Highlights
Arctic Lapland fell and wilderness scenery Free wilderness huts (autiotupa) Reindeer herding areas Metsähallitus-maintained trail network
Why find a buddy
Remote Arctic wilderness sections with no mobile signal are safer walked with a companion.
Primary source
Explore and prepare
Discover hikes by intent, read the hiking guides, review hiking safety, prepare a BuddyPack, or browse hiking plans.
Route conditions, access, services and transport can change. Verify time-sensitive information before departure.