Karhunkierros Trail

11.12.2024
The information on this page is no longer updated. See up-to-date information: Luontoon.fi.
28.11.2024
It's slippery out there! The trails currently have more ice than snow, and the unstable weather has made them extremely slippery and hazardous. Obtain or rent sharp ice grippers with spikes and use them while hiking. Trekking poles are also a great aid for your winter adventure.
Hiker standing on the cliff.

Finland's most popular hiking trail, the legendary Karhunkierros Trail (also know as The Bear's Trail or The Bear's Ring), takes you to Oulanka's best locations by the roaring waters. The Karhunkierros Trail offers hikers many sights and many sweat-breaking kilometres. Thanks to route alternatives, the trail is also suitable for day trips. Part of the trail is also suitable for canoeing. This trail must be done at least once in lifetime!

#karhunkierros #oulankanationalpark

What's New

What's Currently Happening in Karhunkierros Trail
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Photo: Satu Pietilä.

Before The Trip

Responsible hiking - get to know the Karhunkierros and Oulanka National Park’s rules, safety tips and seasonal variations.
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Location on the map

Directions

Location: In Lapland, Northern Ostrobothnia, in Kuusamo and in Eastern Lapland in Salla.
Arrival: By car and public transportation
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Photo: Minna Koramo.

Customer Service

Oulanka Visitor Centre

Maps of Karhunkierros and Oulanka

Various maps and brochures of Karhunkierros and Oulanka. Read more >
Photo: Minna Koramo.

Trail Route Description

Karhunkierros Trail route description and starting points.
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Photo: Jari Hindström / Vastavalo.

Services

The Oulanka Visitor Centre, a camping ground, open wilderness huts, day-use huts, rental huts, campfire sites, hanging bridges, dry toilets.
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Level of Difficulty

The difficulty of Karhunkierros and tips for hiking.
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Karhunkierros in Excursionmap.fi

Destination’s map (Excursionmap.fi).
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Photo: Tuomas Uola.

Weather

See the local weather (en.ilmatieteenlaitos.fi).
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The destination is managed by Metsähallitus, Parks & Wildlife Finland and the city of Kuusamo (in Finnish, kuusamo.fi).

This is the web page nationalparks.fi/karhunkierros