National Parks and Wilderness Areas in Northern Lapland

Northern Lapland is home to some of Finland’s most remarkable national parks, wilderness areas and hiking landscapes. In the Lapland North region, you can explore Urho Kekkonen National Park, Lemmenjoki National Park, Kevo Strict Nature Reserve, Inari Hiking Area and several vast wilderness areas. Choose from short marked trails, river landscapes, fell routes and more demanding wilderness adventures, depending on the season and your experience level.

Lumipeitteinen maisema, jossa puiden peittämät kukkulat ovat osittain matalan sumun peitossa. Taivas on sävytetty vaaleanpunaiseksi ja oranssiksi, mikä viittaa auringonnousuun tai -laskuun, ja pehmeät pastellivärit hallitsevat seesteistä talven maisemaa.

Urho Kekkonen National Park

Urho Kekkonen National Park is one of Finland’s best-known outdoor destinations and is easy to access from Saariselkä. The northern part of the park is known for open fells, wilderness landscapes and routes that can be explored on foot, skis or snowshoes depending on the season.

In winter and autumn, the park offers dark skies and northern lights, while summer brings long bright days and the midnight sun season. The area also has a wide network of day huts and wilderness huts, making it a popular destination for both day trips and longer outdoor adventures.

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More about Saariselkä

Lumen peittämät puut seisovat hajallaan jäätyneessä maisemassa kirkkaan sinisen taivaan alla, ja taustalla näkyy kaukaisia kukkuloita. Kohtauksessa on seesteinen, talvinen tunnelma ja pehmeä valo. — Picture by Pertti Turunen

Lemmenjoki National Park

Lemmenjoki National Park is the largest national park in Finland and one of the largest roadless wilderness areas in Europe. The Lemmenjoki River flows through the park for more than 70 kilometres, surrounded by forests, fells and remote northern landscapes.

The area is also known for its gold prospecting history. Gold is still panned in Lemmenjoki today, and visitors can learn more about this tradition on guided experiences. One of the most memorable ways to see the area is by riverboat, with views of the national park and the old goldfields along the route.

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Explore Lemmenjoki village

Pieni vene aiheuttaa aaltoja liikkuessaan kapealla joella, jota ympäröi tiheä, vihreä metsä ja kukkulat pilvisen taivaan alla.

A wide river winds through a deep, rocky canyon with steep green slopes and high cliffs under a clear blue sky.

Kevo Strict Nature Reserve

The Kevo Nature Reserve is among the most rugged hiking attractions in Finland. There are two marked, rather demanding hiking trails (63km and 86km). At Sulaoja, between villages Karigasniemi and Kaamanen, there is a two-kilometre long nature trail.This unique area is a prime habitat for rare birds. Access is restricted to signposted trails. The heart of the nature reserve consists of a canyon spanning 40km in length and at some places 80 metres in depth

Explore Kevo

Talvivaatteisiin pukeutunut henkilö seisoo kallion reunalla, jolta avautuu näkymä laajaan, lumen peittämään maisemaan, jossa on hajallaan puita kirkkaansinisen taivaan alla. — Credit Tarja Länsman

Wilderness areas in Lapland North

The six wilderness areas of Lapland North are vast, near-natural regions where silence and solitude still reign. Only traditional livelihoods such as reindeer herding, hunting, and fishing are allowed. Their purpose is to protect wild nature and Sámi culture. Hiking and skiing are permitted, but terrain suits only experienced trekkers. Areas include Hammastunturi, Kaldoaivi, Paistunturi, Muotkatunturi, Tsarmitunturi, and Vätsäri.

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Ilmakuva lumisesta metsämaisemasta, jossa joki kiemurtelee puiden läpi ja pieni kävelysilta ylittää joen. Lumi peittää maanpinnan ja mäntyjä, ja kaukaiset kukkulat näkyvät pastellinvärisen auringonlaskun taivaalla. — Otsamo fell

Inari Hiking Area

Inari Hiking Area is located around the village of Inari. It starts at Lake Myössäjärvi, along Inari – Ivalo road, and continues to the northern side of Juutuanjoki River. From there it covers the area to the south until Lake Solojärvi along Inari – Kittilä road. Towards the East, the hiking area includes half of Lake Inarijärvi.
The hiking area has numerous marked trails and interesting sights. Jäniskoski rapids, Otsamo fell and Pielpajärvi Wilderness Church are just a few to mention

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Explore Inari village

Outdoor guidelines & Everyone’s Rights

Before heading out to the wild, get familiar with the principals of hiking and outdoor life in Finland. Here you will find practical information on how to enjoy the great outdoors of Finland and regulations to follow.

Hiking in Finland