Syote National Park

Syote lies where the northern fells begin, a group of hills rising above the forest with the highest ground a little over four hundred metres, and its distinguishing feature is what winter does to the trees. Wet snow accumulates on the spruce crowns until the trees are encased and bent, producing the shapes Finns call tykky, and the forests on the upper slopes carry it for months. In summer the same ground is old-growth forest, bog and stream, with marked trails, wilderness huts and rental cabins, and the park adjoins a ski resort. Bear and wolverine are present in the wider area, and old hill farms survive on the slopes.

What you actually see

• Snow-laden spruce - trees encased and bent by crown snow load.
• Old-growth forest and bog - the summer landscape of the park.
• Wilderness huts on the trails - the free shelters along the routes.
• Old hill farms - the abandoned holdings on the slopes.

When to go

March and April for the snow-laden forest with light returning, and July to September for walking. A day or two. Winter walking needs snowshoes or skis.

Honest expectations

The snow-load forest is a winter phenomenon and absent for most of the year. Winter access means skis or snowshoes and proper cold-weather clothing. Getting here means a long drive; there is no useful public transport. Mosquitoes are heavy in midsummer.

Nearby

Pudasjarvi is west; Kuusamo and Ruka lie north-east.