Three ways to experience Urho Kekkonen National Park
Finland’s legendary national park, Urho Kekkonen National Park is in Sompio. The vast wilderness park is spectacular, but easy to access: In the park you can find hour long walks, afternoon trips as well as weeklong hikes. The park can also be reached by public transport.Urho Kekkonen National Park
For daytrippers, Tankavaara’s trails are recommended. From Tankavaara you can access a number of nature trails of different length, the shortest of which is only 1km long, the Urpiainen, and the longest is the 7 km long Geological trail. Marked trails are suitable for less experienced hikers, and some of the routes are also maintained during winter.
If you’re thinking about doing a multi-day hike in the summer or autumn and you have hiking experience, we recommend Ruijanpolku, a 35 km trail between Sompio lake and Saariselkä with views of the Nattanen fells.
When you’re ready to immerse yourself in the peacefulness of the wilderness for a longer time, you can dive even deeper into Urho Kekkonen National Park. Book a boat ride from Purnumukka Cabins to the northeastern corner of Lokka Reservoir, from where you can hike to Tankavaara, Saariselkä or Kemihaara. Please note that the area is complete wilderness without any accommodation or other services and is only suitable for experienced, well-prepared hikers with proper trekking skills and equipment.