Wanderyn
Urho Kekkonen National Park
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
poi · FI

Urho Kekkonen National Park

Getting around: East of Saariselka and Ivalo; main trailheads reachable by car or on foot from Saariselka.
Hours: Open year-round, no fee. Main hiking season roughly June-September; deep winter travel needs skis or snowshoes.

Urho Kekkonen is Finland's second-largest national park, vast fell and forest terrain offering short day loops near Saariselka to multi-day treks connecting free and paid wilderness huts. It is less commercially developed than Lapland's resorts, appealing to genuine backcountry hikers.

The roughly 240km UKK trail runs through the park, one of Finland's classic long-distance hikes, though shorter day hikes need no overnight gear.

Urho Kekkonen National Park FAQs

Can I do a short day hike?

Yes, several marked loops start near Saariselka.

What is the UKK trail?

A roughly 240km long-distance route through the park.

Are there huts?

Yes, a network of free and reservable paid huts.

Is winter hiking possible?

Yes, but requires skis/snowshoes and serious cold-weather preparation.

Do I need a permit?

No permit for day hiking or camping; reservable huts should be booked ahead.

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