Best Hikes in Finland: 6 Scenic Routes to Experience the Nordic Outdoors

Finland may be best known for its Northern Lights and winter wonderlands, but it’s also a dream destination for hikers. From the wild, untouched landscapes of Lapland to the serene lakes and forests of southern Finland, the country offers a huge variety of trails for all levels. 

In this guide, we’ll explore what six of the very best hikes in Finland are:

Why Hike in Finland

Hiking in Finland is all about space, silence, and simplicity. The country is home to dozens of national parks, many of which feature long-distance trails, wilderness huts, and protected landscapes that stretch for miles without interruption.

One of Finland’s biggest draws is its accessibility. Trails are well signposted, camping is supported by public huts, and the concept of Everyman’s Right allows respectful access to nature across much of the country.

Add in seasonal highlights like autumn foliage, midnight sun hiking, and Northern Lights viewing, and Finland becomes a uniquely versatile hiking destination for all experience levels.

Companion Article: Ultimate Guide to Hiking in Finland

If you’re planning a hiking trip to Finland, it helps to understand the regions, seasons, and trail conditions before choosing where to go.

Our Ultimate Guide to Hiking in Finland covers practical planning tips and regional highlights — the perfect companion to the hikes below.

The Best Hikes in Finland

From iconic long-distance routes to short scenic summits, these trails showcase the very best of Finnish hiking.

1. Karhunkierros Trail (The Bear’s Trail)

The Karhunkierros Trail, or Bear’s Trail, is one of Finland’s most famous long-distance hikes, located in the beautiful Oulanka National Park in northern Finland.

Known for its rugged landscapes, picturesque river valleys, and stunning waterfalls, this hike offers an immersive experience into Finland’s wild, untouched nature.

The trail is well-maintained and offers a great mix of scenic beauty, with chances to spot wildlife along the way.

Like the rugged landscapes in Lapland? Check out our guide to hiking in Iceland for more adventure-filled hikes in similar terrains.

Difficulty/Recommended Fitness Level

This is a moderately challenging trail due to its length and varying terrain. It’s best suited for hikers with a moderate to high fitness level, as the trail includes rocky paths, some steep sections, and occasional river crossings. The trail can be broken into shorter segments for less-experienced hikers or for those who prefer day hikes.

Distance

The full trail is approximately 82 km (51 miles) long, typically completed over 3 to 5 days, depending on pace and time spent exploring the park’s scenic spots.

Elevation Gain

The elevation gain is roughly 1,500 meters (4,921 feet) over the course of the hike, with most of the ups and downs spread evenly along the trail, making it a moderately strenuous hike with varied terrain.

Start and End Point

You can start the hike from Ruka, near Kuusamo, and end at Hautajärvi. Alternatively, some hikers choose to do shorter segments within the park, allowing for a more flexible experience.

Get to the Trailhead

Accessible via Kuusamo; transport connections available from Ruka.

Highlights & Landmarks

Jyrävä Waterfall, Oulanka River, old-growth forests, and classic Finnish wilderness huts.

2. Pyhä–Luosto Trail

The Pyhä-Luosto Trail in Pyhä-Luosto National Park is a stunning hike that takes you through one of Finland’s oldest mountain ranges.

Known for its unique geological formations, scenic pine forests, and panoramic views, this trail offers a beautiful and serene journey through Finnish Lapland. The Pyhä-Luosto area is also known for its distinctive fells and rugged terrain.

Difficulty/Recommended Fitness Level

This is a moderate hike, suitable for those with a basic to moderate fitness level. There are some steeper sections as you ascend and descend the fells, but the trail is well-marked and maintained, making it accessible for most hikers.

Distance

The Pyhä-Luosto Trail covers around 30 km/18.6 miles, and it is typically completed as a 1- to 2-day hike, depending on your pace and whether you choose to camp along the trail or stay in nearby accommodations.

Elevation Gain

The total elevation gain is about 800 meters/2,625 feet, with steady ascents and descents as you pass through the fells.

Start and End Point

The trail starts in the village of Pyhä and ends in Luosto. Both points are accessible, with shuttle services often available for transport back to the starting point if needed.

Get to the Trailhead

Both ends are accessible by road; shuttle services are often available.

Highlights & Landmarks

Noitatunturi Fell, ancient geological formations, and culturally significant Sámi landscapes.

3. Hetta-Pallas Trail

The Hetta-Pallas Trail in Pallas-Yllästunturi National Park is one of Finland’s oldest and most beloved hikes, offering a journey through the picturesque fells of Finnish Lapland.

Known for its sweeping views, open tundra, and peaceful wilderness, this trail allows hikers to experience the untouched beauty of Lapland’s highlands.

The route is part of Finland’s “Fell Lapland,” providing a scenic adventure through one of the country’s most pristine landscapes.

Difficulty/Recommended Fitness Level

This is a moderate hike, best suited for hikers with some experience and a moderate level of fitness. While the trail doesn’t have extreme elevation changes, the open, exposed terrain and varying weather conditions can be challenging, especially over the multi-day trek.

Distance

The Hetta-Pallas Trail is around 55 km/34 miles long, typically completed over 3 to 4 days, with overnight stays in wilderness huts or tents along the way.

Elevation Gain

The total elevation gain is approximately 1,000 meters/3,281 feet, with gentle ascents and descents as you traverse the rolling fells.

Start and End Point

The hike starts in Hetta, which is a small village in Enontekiö, and ends at Pallas. Both trailheads are accessible by public transportation or local shuttle services.

Get to the Trailhead

Public transport and regional shuttles connect both ends.

Highlights & Landmarks

Taivaskero Fell, sweeping tundra views, and historic wilderness huts.

4. Ukko-Koli Trail

The Ukko-Koli Trail is located in Koli National Park in eastern Finland and is famous for its breathtaking views over Lake Pielinen and the surrounding forested hills.

Known as one of Finland’s most scenic hikes, the trail takes you up to Ukko-Koli, which is the highest peak in southern Finland, and offers panoramic vistas that have inspired Finnish artists and poets for generations.

Difficulty/Recommended Fitness Level

This is a moderate hike, suitable for hikers with a basic to moderate level of fitness. The trail includes some steep sections and rocky paths, especially as you approach the peak, but it is well-marked and accessible for most hikers.

Distance

The Ukko-Koli Trail is approximately 3 to 7 km/1.9 to 4.3 miles, depending on the route taken, making it a popular half-day hike that can be extended with other nearby trails.

Elevation Gain

The elevation gain is around 230 meters/755 feet, with steep but manageable ascents up to Ukko-Koli and other viewpoints.

Start and End Point

The trail starts at the Koli Nature Center, where visitors can get information on routes and conditions. The trail loops back to the same point, making logistics easy for day hikers.

Get to the Trailhead

Accessible by car or regional transport.

Highlights & Landmarks

Ukko-Koli summit, Akka-Koli viewpoints, landscapes immortalized in Finnish art.

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5. Saana Fell Trail

The Saana Fell Trail takes hikers up one of Finland’s most iconic peaks, Saana Fell, located near the village of Kilpisjärvi in Finnish Lapland.

Known for its distinct shape and cultural significance, Saana Fell offers sweeping views over the rugged Lapland wilderness and across to neighboring Norway and Sweden.

This trail is a must for those seeking a moderately challenging hike with rewarding views at the summit.

Difficulty/Recommended Fitness Level

This is a moderate to challenging hike, suited for hikers with a good level of fitness. The trail includes steady inclines and some rocky sections, particularly near the top, but is manageable for most hikers who are comfortable with uphill climbs.

Distance

The hike to the summit and back is about 8 km/5 miles, which makes it a half-day trek for most hikers.

Elevation Gain

The elevation gain is roughly 550 meters/1,804 feet, with a steady incline throughout the hike, and it becomes steeper as you near the summit.

Start and End Point

The trail begins at a marked trailhead near Kilpisjärvi village, where visitors can park and find information on the trail. The route is an out-and-back trail, so hikers will return the same way they came.

Get to the Trailhead

Clearly marked trailhead near town parking.

Highlights & Landmarks

Views into Norway and Sweden, arctic flora, Northern Lights potential.

6. Iso-Syöte Nature Trail

The Iso-Syöte Nature Trail is a scenic and accessible hike in Syöte National Park, located in central Finland. Known for its beautiful boreal forests, serene lakes, and rolling hills, this trail offers a gentle yet immersive experience in Finnish nature.

Iso-Syöte is a popular spot year-round, with the trail transforming into a snowy wonderland in winter, making it a great destination for hiking in any season.

Difficulty/Recommended Fitness Level

This is an easy to moderate hike, suitable for hikers of all ages and fitness levels. The trail has some mild inclines but is well-maintained, making it accessible for families, beginners, and those looking for a relaxed hike.

Distance

The trail is approximately 5 km/3.1 miles long, and so is perfect for a half-day outing or leisurely walk through the forest.

Elevation Gain

The elevation gain is around 150 meters/492 feet, with gentle inclines throughout the trail that provide scenic viewpoints without being too strenuous.

Start and End Point

The trail begins and ends near the Iso-Syöte Visitor Center, where hikers can get information about the route and local wildlife. The trail forms a loop, which makes it convenient for a quick day hike.

Get to the Trailhead

Accessible by car with facilities nearby.

Highlights & Landmarks

Forest viewpoints, reindeer sightings, dramatic seasonal changes.

What to Bring for Hiking in Finland

Finland’s weather and diverse terrain mean that being well-prepared with the right gear and clothing is essential for a safe and comfortable hiking experience. The conditions can change rapidly, so you’ll need to be ready. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Footwear
  
  • A solid pair of waterproof hiking boots is important, and especially if you’re hiking in Finland’s forests or boggy areas. The trails can range from rocky paths in Lapland to muddy forest floors and lakeside paths, so boots with good ankle support and grip are ideal.
    
• Clothing
  
  • Layering is the best approach to dressing for Finnish hikes. You’ll want to start with a moisture-wicking base layer to keep sweat off your skin, followed up by an insulating mid-layer like fleece to keep you warm, and then top it off with a waterproof and windproof outer layer. In cooler months, a hat, gloves, and scarf are essential, as temperatures can drop suddenly. In summer, a light, breathable outer layer is handy to protect against both rain and wind, both of which can still occur even in the warmer months.
    
• Backpack
  
  • A comfortable, durable backpack is necessary for carrying essentials like water, snacks, and extra clothing layers. Given Finland’s vast wilderness, it’s smart to pack a map, compass, or GPS device, as some trails can be remote and not well-marked. A first-aid kit, insect repellent, and sunscreen are also must-haves.
    
• Other Essentials
  
  • Don’t forget to bring sunglasses and sunscreen, even in winter, as the snow can reflect sunlight, which creates glare. Trekking poles are useful on rough terrain or uneven trails, especially in mountainous areas or when hiking across bogs and marshlands.

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Walking Holidays in Finland

Finland is an excellent destination for slow-paced walking holidays, particularly for those seeking tranquility and immersion in nature.

Long-distance fell routes in Lapland pair beautifully with hut stays, while southern Finland offers forest and lake walks ideal for relaxed itineraries.

Walking holidays here are well supported, with maintained trails, public shelters, and flexible route options.

Whether you want a multi-day wilderness trek or gentle daily walks from a base, Finland offers space, silence, and scenery in abundance.

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Conclusion

No matter the season, Finland’s trails are ready for you. In the summer, you can hike under the midnight sun, and if you’re there in autumn, you might even catch the Northern Lights.

The trails are well-marked, the views are amazing, and there are cozy wilderness huts along the way if you want to stay out there longer. 

Where to Next?

If Finland’s forests, fells, and wide-open silence have you hooked, there’s plenty more just across the border — and further afield — to keep that hiking momentum going.

Nearby Countries & City Inspiration

For easy next steps, look to Finland’s neighbours and its capital for walks that blend nature, culture, and straightforward logistics.

• Helsinki – A City Guide for Walkers: Coastal paths, forest parks, and island ferries right on the doorstep of the capital.
• Sweden – Big forests, open-access hiking, and classic long-distance routes in Lapland and beyond.
• Norway – For hikers ready to trade gentle fells for dramatic mountains and fjords.
• Estonia – Flat, forested trails and bog walks that echo Finland’s quieter landscapes.

Wider Hiking Inspiration

If you’re thinking bigger — longer routes, new regions, or a different hiking style altogether — these make natural follow-ups.

• Kungsleden – Sweden’s iconic Arctic trail and a logical next step from Finnish Lapland.
• West Highland Way – A classic long-distance hike blending wild landscapes with village-to-village walking.
• Laugavegur Trail – For hikers drawn to remote terrain and otherworldly scenery.
• Austria – Alpine hut-to-hut hiking if you’re ready to swap forests for mountains.