Urho Kekkonen National Park

One of the largest national parks in Finland, Urho Kekkonen is a true roadless wilderness of open fells, pine forest and river valleys stretching toward the Russian border. On its eastern edge rises Korvatunturi, the fell that Finnish tradition names as the secret home of Father Christmas.

Background

The park was set up in 1983 and spreads over 2,550 square kilometres in the municipalities of Savukoski, Sodankylä and Inari. It carries the name of Urho Kekkonen, and in Northern Sami it is Urho Kekkonen álbmotmeahcci, often shortened to UK. The Suomujoki river crosses its northern part. Marked paths in the west suit hikers with little experience, while the wilderness beyond is for long, demanding trips. Most routes begin at the Kiilopää fell center, at the lake Aittajärvi on the Suomujoki, or at Raja-Jooseppi, and many end near the Saariselkä fells, for instance on Sokosti, the highest of them. Reindeer herding remains a common livelihood here. Visits numbered 435,900 in 2024.

Source: Wikipedia, "Urho Kekkonen National Park"

Highlights

• The open fells - rolling treeless tops and vast Arctic emptiness.
• Wilderness huts - the network of free and reservable huts that make long hikes possible.
• Korvatunturi - the remote fell said to be Santa's true home, deep in the park.
• River valleys and pine forest - the sheltered lower ground rich in reindeer and birds.

When to go

September for autumn colour and firm ground, March for ski touring, summer for the long midnight-sun hikes. The interior is for the experienced and self-sufficient in any season.

Practical notes

The core is genuine roadless wilderness where you must be self-reliant, navigate and carry what you need - not a stroll from a car park. Weather is harsh and changeable, and help is far away. Day visitors sample the accessible edge near Saariselka; the interior is a serious undertaking.

Nearby

Saariselka resort is the gateway; Lake Inari and the Sami centre at Inari lie to the north.

Key facts