The St. Olav Waterway offers one of Finland’s most unique hiking experiences, combining coastal walking, island life, historic churches, and ferry crossings through the beautiful Archipelago Sea. Unlike mountain or forest routes, this trail is defined by its maritime atmosphere and cultural heritage. Why the St. Olav Waterway Is Special This route is different from most Nordic hikes because it blends pilgrimage history with island-hopping. Rather than following one continuous land path, the trail moves through the Finnish archipelago using ferries to connect islands and walking routes. That makes it feel both peaceful and dynamic at the same time. It…
Author: Viktor Olason
Korpinkierros, also known as the Raven’s Tour, is one of the best day hikes near Helsinki and one of the easiest ways to experience classic Finnish nature in a short amount of time. Located in Nuuksio National Park, this loop trail combines forest paths, rocky cliffs, and quiet lakes in a peaceful and accessible setting. Why Korpinkierros Is Popular Korpinkierros is especially popular because it offers a true wilderness feeling without requiring a long journey from the capital. It is ideal for both visitors and locals who want to escape the city and spend a few hours among forests, lakes,…
The UKK Trail, also known as the Urho Kekkonen Route, is one of Finland’s great long-distance hiking experiences. Stretching across large parts of Eastern and Northern Finland, this route takes hikers through deep taiga forests, open fell landscapes, ridges, lakes, and some of the country’s most remote wilderness areas. Why the UKK Trail Stands Out Named after President Urho Kekkonen, a well-known supporter of outdoor life in Finland, the UKK Trail offers a true wilderness trekking experience. It is not just one short path but a much larger network of routes that together create a long and varied journey through…
The Hetta-Pallas Trail is one of Finland’s most iconic multi-day hikes, crossing the open fell landscapes of Pallas-Yllästunturi National Park. Known for wide horizons, peaceful Arctic scenery, and long stretches above the tree line, this route offers a very different experience from Finland’s deep forest trails. Why Hetta-Pallas Is Special This trail is famous for its sweeping fell-top views and its location in Finland’s oldest national park. Instead of dense forest for the entire route, hikers spend much of the journey crossing treeless ridges and rolling tundra-like landscapes, with deep ravines and distant lakes creating a sense of space that…
The Pyhä-Luosto Trail is one of Finland’s most rewarding multi-day hikes, connecting two famous fell areas through the scenic landscapes of Pyhä-Luosto National Park. With ancient forests, sweeping fell tops, dramatic gorges, and strong links to Sámi heritage, this route offers a memorable Lapland adventure. What Makes Pyhä-Luosto Special The trail stands out because of its blend of geological drama and cultural depth. Hikers move through old-growth pine forests, across exposed fell terrain, and into Isokuru, the deepest gorge in Finland. Along the way, they also encounter places of historical and spiritual importance, including the Pyhäkasteenputous waterfall. The Route Overview…
Karhunkierros, also known as the Bear’s Trail, is Finland’s most famous hiking route and one of the best long-distance treks in the Nordic region. Crossing the spectacular landscapes of Oulanka National Park, this trail offers ancient forests, roaring rapids, deep river valleys, suspension bridges, and a true wilderness atmosphere that attracts hikers from around the world. Why Karhunkierros Is So Popular Karhunkierros is known for its dramatic variety. Hikers move through dense pine forests, along steep river gorges, across iconic hanging bridges, and past rapids and waterfalls that make the route feel dynamic from start to finish. It is a…