Hiking Areas
The further north and east you go, the bigger the forests and higher the hills become. Lakes are plentiful but the landscape becomes bleaker than in the south, whilst vast areas of bogland abound.
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Spring and early summer bring out the bird watchers, and for the first-timer the incredible concert of the birds can be an overwhelming experience. In northern Finland you can hit the hiking trails, apart from the very northernmost ones, at the beginning of June. The season climaxes in September in a riot of magnificent autumnal colour. The forests thin out and become easier to traverse as you push further north and the vistas become more open. The treeless uplands are a veritable dream come true for those with the outdoors in their heart. The fabulous panoramas from the fells tell the whole glorious story: here is a land of untouched hiking heaven, stretching as far as the eye can see.
Artic Circle Hiking Area
The Arctic Circle hiking area is characterised by rugged southern Lappish tree-covered hills, shoreless string fens and the majestic rapids and coastal forests of the Raudanjoki river. It is a wilderness nature area close to the city of Rovaniemi, which is suitable for all-year-round trekking. The area comprises causeway trekking routes of high standards. Nature trails: Vaattunkivaara nature trail 3 km, Könkäänvaara ancient forest trail 5 km, Bird path 1 km, Flora and fungi path 300 km. Other routes: Könkäät path 10 km.
Evo
Evo is one of the largest forest areas in southern Finland and a watershed region with intricate, shifting terrain. Visitors are met with an area of 8,500 hectares, providing an opportunity for hiking along marked routes and camping in a lean-to or in an area reserved for tents. Evo is particularly suitable for one- or two-day excursions. Nature trails: Niemesjärvi nature trail 3 km, Majava trail 3 km, Syrjänalunen ridge trail 3 km, Forest nature trail 2 km, Savotta trail 4 km. Other routes: Ilves hiking network about 70 km. Connecting routes: Päijänne-Ilves connecting route 13 km and Aurinko-Ilves route 30 km.
Hossa Hiking Area
Hossa hiking area is characterised by clear-watered lakes and streams, ridge and tree-covered hill views and versatile hiking opportunities. Some of the woodlands are natural forests. The landscape is stamped by the effects of the Ice Age and human endeavour into a fusion of high-standard amenities and serene nature. The total length of the marked trail network is about 90 km, including a nature trail of 3 km. Circular routes: Housiusjärvi trail 7.5 km, Laukkujärvi trail 13.5 km, Lake trail 20 km, Värikallio trail 8 km, Jatkonvaara trail 3.5 km and Ölkyn Ähkäsy 10 km. Connecting trails: Peranka-Kukkuri trail 9.5 km, Peranka trail 21 km, Pitkä-Hoilua trail 4.5 km, Valkeinen trail 8 km, Julma Ölkky trail 2 km, Kylmäluoma trail 30 km, Hossa trail 4.7 km, connecting route of Laukkujärvi trail 0.2 km and Itäraja hiking route 160 km.
Iso-Syöte Hiking Area
Iso-Syöte hiking area together with the surroundings of Iso-Syöte offers fantastic hiking opportunities all year round. The hiking area is situated within the borders of the Iso-Syöte Visitor Centre, Syöte National Park and Syöte Recreational Forest. Versatile hiking routes encircle the area and its outer regions with marked routes spanning a total length of 25 km. Circular route: Syöte circuit 17 km. Other routes: Romekangas trail 3.8 km and Romevaara trail 2.9 km, as well as the UKK route, which dissects the area.
Kylmäluoma Hiking Area
The landscape of Kylmäluoma is dominated by rugged pine forests. The area is typified by tall esker formations that keep in line with the waterways, and hiking trails on the heights reveal views over magnificent expanses of open lakes. The region is an excellent a holiday centre for families with children, offering a chance to take part in various nature activities: hiking, cycling, fishing, canoeing and berry-picking. The wilderness section within the hiking area is suitable for independent trekkers. There is a total of 54 km of marked routes, including the Kylmäluoma nature trail 4 km. Circular routes: Hukanharju trail 5 km, Kivikkovaara trail 8.5 km, Kattainen trail 16 km. Other routes: Aarnialue trail 9 km, Päätalo trail 21 km, Petäjävaara trail 7.5 km, Haukantupa trail 1 km. The area also comprises a 43 km mountain bike route.
Oulunjärvi Hiking Area
Oulujärvi hiking area is made up of views of open sea and rugged coastal sand dunes on the one hand, and the intricate and delicate beauty of lakesides on the other. It is the only national hiking area set amongst inland waters in Finland. Manamansalo camping site and surrounding areas include hiking trails of a total length of 17 km. Kuostonsaari island has a 4 km hiking trail.
Ruunaa Hiking Area
The Lieaksanjoki river scenery at Ruunaa offers experiences for every season. Freely flowing rapids and the nearby Russian border instil their own unique atmosphere. The area is excellent for walking, cycling and canoeing. There are plenty of routes for hikers, offering suitable options for one-day excursions or longer hikes. Marked, signposted hiking trails span a total length of 50 km, including the Närelenkki nature trail of 2 km. Circular routes: Siikakoski short circuits 3 and 5 km, Vastuuniemi circuit 9 km, Neitijärvi circuit 22 km, Koski circuit 31 km. Other routes: the Karhu route dissects the area (133 km), which is part of the Karjalan Kierros hiking network.
Teijo Hiking Area
The changing terrain of Teijo, with its lakes, rocks and woodlands, beckons visitors for hiking. Sea views add their charm to the landscape. Forests were once part of the Teijo Manor estate, and traces of the iron works period still remain to be seen. There are marked routes of a total of 45 km in the area, most of which are shorter trails (2-10 km) suitable for one-day excursions, although combining these offers an opportunity for hiking for the whole weekend. Nature trail: Haltia trail 2 km. Circular routes: Jeturkasti ancient path 5 km, trail encircling Matildanjärvi –lake 7 km, trail around Puolukkajärvi –lake 9 km, Erämiehen vaellus route 16 km.
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