National park · Finland
Urho Kekkonen National ParkUrho Kekkosen kansallispuisto
Enter free, any time, anywhere: from Saariselkä or Kiilopää walk the marked day trails (Iisakkipää 6 km (3.7 mi), Rumakuru 6 km (3.7 mi)) or ski the maintained tracks Nov–Apr; for the 70–80 km (43–50 mi) Luirojärvi–Sokosti route go late Jun–Sep with your own tent and stove, and check the visitor centre for fords and snow.Enter free, any time, anywhere: from Saariselkä or Kiilopää walk the marked day trails (Iisakkipää 3.7 mi (6 km), Rumakuru 3.7 mi (6 km)) or ski the maintained tracks Nov–Apr; for the 43–50 mi (70–80 km) Luirojärvi–Sokosti route go late Jun–Sep with your own tent and stove, and check the visitor centre for fords and snow.
- Source checked
- A source and a date are on record: we read it from an official or published page. Not yet confirmed on the ground.
- Field checked
- Someone checked it on the ground, with the date shown.
- Plan calculated
- Worked out by Voykit from its own data (times, distances, budgets). A calculation, not a measurement.
Unknown times stay unknown. How we verify
Map to the park
Add your hotel to get directions from it. · stays in this browser; shared with the pocket card.
Area
2,550 km² (985 sq mi)985 sq mi (2,550 km²)
approximate
Established
1983
Best months
Feb–Mar, Sep
UNESCO
None
Rules in force · 7Non-EU visitors get 90 days in any rolling 180-day window…
- Europe ↗Non-EU visitors get 90 days in any rolling 180-day window, counted across all 29 Schengen states together — not per country; the Entry/Exit System now logs each crossing, so an overstay is detected automatically.
- Europe ↗On the first Schengen entry since EES began, non-EU travellers give four fingerprints and a face photo at the border instead of a passport stamp; there is nothing to apply for or pay in advance.
- Nordic countries ↗Decide light or dark before anything else: summer trips (June–August) and aurora trips (September–March in the Arctic) need different countries, clothes and bases.
- Nordic countries ↗Sweden, Norway, Finland, Iceland and the Faroes sell stronger alcohol only in state shops with short hours; buy before evening and before Sundays and holidays.
- Finland ↗Finland is in the EU and the Schengen area. Check the entry rules for your passport on official sources; the EU's Entry/Exit System registers non-EU visitors at the first Schengen border.
- Finland ↗The land border with Russia is closed to travellers; do not plan a route across it.
- Finland ↗Everyman's rights let you walk, camp for a night and pick berries on most land, but not near homes, and not to make fires without permission.
At a glance
- Country
- Finland
- Area
- 2,550 km² (985 sq mi)985 sq mi (2,550 km²)
- Second-largest national park in Finland; the figure covers the park only, not the adjoining Sompio Strict Nature Reserve or Kemihaara Wilderness Area (check).
- Established
- 1983
- Best months
- Feb–Mar, Sep
- Permits
- For some areas
Urho Kekkonen National Park is Finland's second-largest national park, 2,550 km² of fells, mires and wild forest along the Russian border in Inari, Sodankylä and Savukoski. The Raututunturi–Saariselkä fell core in the west is easy walking and has the services; the rest is genuine backcountry where you meet people mainly at wilderness huts. There is no entrance fee and no gate — you may enter anywhere at any time — but the border zone, Sompio Strict Nature Reserve and a few mires in the nesting season are off-limits. Named after President Urho Kekkonen, an eager hiker here, it was established in 1983.
Decide
Why go, which months, and what lives here when
At a glance
Status
- No UNESCO listing; national park since 1983.
Size and age
2,550 km² (985 sq mi)985 sq mi (2,550 km²) · national park since 1983
Second-largest national park in Finland; the figure covers the park only, not the adjoining Sompio Strict Nature Reserve or Kemihaara Wilderness Area (check).
Why go
- Free entry and no gate: you can start walking from a bus stop on the E75 at Saariselkä, Kiilopää or Tankavaara.
- Marked day trails and 100 km (62 mi) of marked routes in the park's western fell core, plus maintained cross-country ski tracks in winter.Marked day trails and 62 mi (100 km) of marked routes in the park's western fell core, plus maintained cross-country ski tracks in winter.
- A real wilderness route — Kiilopää to Luirojärvi and Sokosti (718 m) — with wilderness huts 15–20 km (9.3–12 mi) apart.A real wilderness route — Kiilopää to Luirojärvi and Sokosti (718 m) — with wilderness huts 9.3–12 mi (15–20 km) apart.
- Autumn colours (ruska) in early September and auroras over the fells in the polar night.
- Sompio Strict Nature Reserve next door, with the Pyhä-Nattanen fell and the old Ruijanpolku trail.
When to go
- JanGo
- FebBest
- MarBest
- AprGo
- MayCaution
- JunGo
- JulGo
- AugGo
- SepBest
- OctCaution
- NovCaution
- DecGo
- JanPolar night; -20 to -30°C (−4 to −22°F) typical, ski tracks maintainedPolar night; −4 to −22°F (-20 to -30°C) typical, ski tracks maintained
- FebBright skiing; auroras; start early before snow softens
- MarBest ski month: sun, cold nights, long days
- AprSki season ends; snow soft by afternoon
- MayThaw and high water; mire restrictions 15 May–15 Jul
- JunTrails open; mosquitoes from late June
- JulWarmest, ~20°C (68°F); busiest near SaariselkäWarmest, ~68°F (20°C); busiest near Saariselkä
- AugMild; mosquitoes until the first frosts
- SepRuska colours in early September; be ready for early winter
- OctBetween seasons; snow may arrive
- NovSki season starts; little daylight
- DecKaamos; auroras; hard cold possible
Wildlife and nature calendar
| What | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reindeer, hare, moose and fox (often seen)All year | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes |
| Golden eagle (park emblem) and gyr falconMar–Sep · 130 bird species recorded; most are migratory and return from February–March. | no | no | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | no | no | no |
| Siberian jay, Siberian tit and three-toed woodpecker in the forestsAll year | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes |
| Bear, wolverine, wolf and lynxMay–Sep · Present but seldom seen by hikers. | no | no | no | no | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | no | no | no |
| MosquitoesJun–Aug · From late June until the first freezing nights in August–September. | no | no | no | no | no | yes | yes | yes | no | no | no | no |
| Aurora borealisSep–Mar · Dark nights from late August; the polar night gives the longest viewing hours. | yes | yes | yes | no | no | no | no | no | yes | yes | yes | yes |
Arrive & move
Getting in, how the park is divided, and where things are
Show 3 sectionsHideHow to get there, Zones and sectors, Sketch map
How to get there
From Saariselkä
Walk in from the village or from Kiehinen Customer Service; day trails start at the road.
0–15 min
From Ivalo
Coach along the E75 to Saariselkä or Kiilopää (some coaches detour to Kiilopää).
25–45 min
From Rovaniemi
Coach along the E75, or fly or train to Rovaniemi and continue by coach; several coaches daily.
3–4 h
From Tankavaara
Coach stop on the E75, then a marked trail into the park.
on foot from the stop
From Vuotso (for Sompio)
Turn onto Sompiojärventie forest road, 8.5 km (5.3 mi) south of Tankavaara; drive 9 km (5.6 mi) to the circle-trail car park or 14 km (8.7 mi) to Sompiojärvi.Turn onto Sompiojärventie forest road, 5.3 mi (8.5 km) south of Tankavaara; drive 5.6 mi (9 km) to the circle-trail car park or 8.7 mi (14 km) to Sompiojärvi.
20–30 min by car
From Savukoski / Kemihaara
Coach or minibus to Pelkosenniemi and a call taxi to Savukoski, continuing to Tulppio and Kemihaara on Fridays; check winter road ploughing.
varies
Zones and sectors
| Zone | What is there | Access |
|---|---|---|
| Raututunturi–Saariselkä fell core | The western heart: fell heaths, gorges and boulder fields, with most of the marked trails and day huts. | Open; marked trails from Saariselkä, Kiilopää and Tankavaara. |
| Northern river valleys (Luttojoki, Suomujoki, Muorravaarakkajoki) | Valleys and Skolt Sámi grounds toward Raja-Jooseppi, with lean-tos and no marked trails. | Open on foot; border zone rules apply. |
| Southern forest wilderness | Pine and spruce forest with isolated fells, and the Nuorttijoki 40 km (25 mi) circle trail in the south-east.Pine and spruce forest with isolated fells, and the Nuorttijoki 25 mi (40 km) circle trail in the south-east. | Open; the far end is close to the border zone. |
| South-west aapa mires | Large open bogs, difficult to cross. | Partly off-limits 15 May–15 Jul (Pajuaapa, Repoaapa, Lamminaapa). |
| Sompio Strict Nature Reserve | A smaller-scale version of the park's habitats, with the Nattaset fells and Pyhä-Nattanen. | Marked trails only; trail through to Kiilopää and Laanila. |
Sketch map
- 1Kiehinen Customer Service, Saariselkä · Headquarters≈68.422, 27.411Official visitor centre in the Siula centre.Map ↗
- 2Tunturikeskus Kiilopää · Gate≈68.347, 27.462Lodging, shop and information point at the road's end.Map ↗
- 3Iisakkipää · Viewpoint≈68.412, 27.472Fell by Saariselkä, 6 km (3.7 mi) circle trail.Fell by Saariselkä, 3.7 mi (6 km) circle trail.Map ↗
- 4Rumakuru · Trail≈68.383, 27.502Gorge with two day huts, about 6 km (3.7 mi) from Saariselkä and Laanila.Gorge with two day huts, about 3.7 mi (6 km) from Saariselkä and Laanila.Map ↗
- 5Luirojärvi · Sleep≈68.217, 28.027Lake with wilderness hut, rental hut and sauna.Map ↗
- 6Sokosti · Summit≈68.219, 28.138718 m, the highest fell in the area.Map ↗
- 7Aittajärvi · Gate≈68.470, 27.748North-border lake reached by forest road in summer; no marked trail.Map ↗
- 8Savukoski Visitor Centre Korvatunturi · Headquarters≈67.298, 28.140Open 20 Jun–30 Sep, closed in winter (check).Map ↗
- 9Sompiojärvi trailhead · Gate≈68.164, 27.373Camping area and start of the Ruijanpolku trail.Map ↗
- 10Korvatunturi · Summit≈68.075, 29.327On the Russian border; excursions run to Korvatunturinmurusta nearby.Map ↗
Take the points offline
10 points as a GPX waypoint file, plus a plain-text list of coordinates. Save it while you have signal: maps apps show the points without a connection.
Approximate positions from the Saariselkä and Kiilopää trailheads to the eastern and southern entry points, for orientation only.
See & do
Caves, trails and wildlife, with how hard each is and whether it needs booking
Show Top experiencesHide
Top experiences
Practical
Fees, permits, rules, where to sleep and what can go wrong
Show 8 sectionsHideEntry fees and permits, Park rules, Where to stay, Safety, Accessibility, Visiting lightly, Questions people ask, Related
Entry fees and permits
| Item | Range | Per | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Park entry | Free | person | No entrance fee; the park is free to enter at any time. |
| Kiehinen Customer Service, Saariselkä | Free | person | Free advice, maps and current conditions. |
| Savukoski Visitor Centre Korvatunturi | Free | person | Free; open 20 Jun–30 Sep, closed in winter (check). |
| Trail map (1:50,000 or 1:100,000) | EUR 20–30 (≈ US$25–35) | map | 2026 estimate; sold at visitor centres and outdoor shops. |
| Lunch at Tunturikeskus Kiilopää | EUR 10–15 (≈ US$12–18) | person | 2026 estimate; shop sells stove fuel and freeze-dried meals. |
| Wilderness huts | Free | night | Free, shared, first come; some rental huts and a sauna at Luirojärvi cost extra (check). |
Ranges, not quotes: fees change without notice. Check with the park or your operator · checked Sep 2026.
Park entry no permit
Border zone (Raja-Jooseppi, Nuorttijoki far end) permit or guide
Sompio Strict Nature Reserve no permit
Mire areas in bird nesting season no permit
What would our group pay?
People
Nights or days
- €20–30≈ US$25–35
- €10–15≈ US$12–18
Tick the fees that apply to your trip to see a total.
A guide, not a quote: the ranges are estimates (checked 2026-09) and each fee may have rules on who pays it. Confirm on Metsähallitus — Urho Kekkonen National Park (official park manager) before you go.
Park rules
- Border zone
- The strip along the Russian border is restricted; keep to the marked boundary and check current rules at a visitor centre.
- Sompio Strict Nature Reserve
- Enter only along the marked trails.
- Mire restrictions
- Pajuaapa, Repoaapa and Lamminaapa are off-limits 15 May–15 Jul in the bird nesting season.
- Camping and huts
- Camping is allowed under the everyman's right away from trails and huts; wilderness huts are free, shared and first come, and you may be asked to move on after a night or two (check individual huts).
- Fires
- Light fires only at official campfire sites; use the gas stoves in the wilderness huts and check for wildfire warnings.
- Biking, dogsleds and horses
- Biking only on a few permitted routes (Anteri, 25 km (16 mi)); dogsleds only on the route around Pieranvaara; horses only on the Kemihaara–Mantoselkä and Kemihaara–Vieriharju trails.Biking only on a few permitted routes (Anteri, 16 mi (25 km)); dogsleds only on the route around Pieranvaara; horses only on the Kemihaara–Mantoselkä and Kemihaara–Vieriharju trails.
- Sámi rights
- The park is partly in the Sámi native region; regulations have exceptions for Sámi and other locals.
- Litter
- Carry out everything you bring in; there are no bins in the backcountry.
Where to stay
Near the park
Tunturikeskus Kiilopää
Lodging, restaurant, shop and information point at the Kiilopää trailhead.
Near the park
Saariselkä
Hotels, cabins and hostels beside the park's western edge, with the Kiehinen visitor centre.
In the park
Wilderness huts (Luirojärvi, Suomunruoktu, Tuiskukuru, Lankojärvi)
Free shared huts with gas stoves on the main loop; Luirojärvi also has a rental hut and sauna.
In the park
Tents
Camp anywhere away from trails, huts and private land under everyman's right.
Near the park
Savukoski and Kemihaara
Base for the southern and eastern entry points; the Savukoski visitor centre is open 20 Jun–30 Sep.
Safety
Cold and wind chill high
River fords in spring flood high
Getting lost off marked trails medium
Fog and snow storms medium
Mosquitoes low
No phone signal in the backcountry medium
How much daylight do you have?
Time out
Finding the local time zone…
Times are local to the spot (zone loading). The half-hour margin is our rule of thumb, not an official figure; light fades earlier in forest or under cloud. Carry a headlamp on any route that could run late.
Accessibility
- The Kiehinen Customer Service in Saariselkä and the Kiilopää information point are step-free and reachable by car or coach.
- The Iisakkipää and Rumakuru trails are rough fell paths with roots and stones; not suitable for wheelchairs or limited mobility.
- The Sompio circle trail from the Sompiojärventie car park is the shortest and flattest option, but still an unpaved forest path.
Visiting lightly
- Use the marked trails and established routes; the fell heaths and mires erode easily and recover slowly.
- Stay in wilderness huts rather than building new fire rings, and keep to official campfire sites.
- Respect the Sámi native region and local reindeer husbandry; do not disturb reindeer or their fences.
- Pack out all waste, including food scraps, and use the dry toilets at huts and trailheads.
- Book guided trips and buy supplies locally in Saariselkä, Kiilopää or Savukoski so the park's gateway villages benefit.
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to enter Urho Kekkonen National Park?
Nothing. There is no entrance fee and no gate — you can enter anywhere, any time. You pay only for what you use: maps (about €20–30, 2026 estimate), food and lodging at Kiilopää or Saariselkä, and any guided trip. Wilderness huts on the main routes are free and shared.
What are the best hikes in Urho Kekkonen National Park?
For a day: the 6 km Iisakkipää circle from Saariselkä and the Rumakuru valley trail, both marked and easy to follow. For a multi-day trip: the 70–80 km Kiilopää–Suomunruoktu–Tuiskukuru–Luirojärvi–Lankojärvi loop, unmarked but well worn, with huts 15–20 km apart and Sokosti (718 m) as a day trip from Luirojärvi. In the south-east, the 40 km Nuorttijoki circle trail is the quietest option.
When is the best time to visit Urho Kekkonen National Park?
February–March for cross-country skiing on maintained tracks and auroras, and early September for the ruska autumn colours and the best hiking. Summer (late June–August) is mild, around 20°C, but mosquitoes arrive in late June. Midwinter is dark and can hit -50°C, and late spring brings floods that make fords dangerous.
Do I need a permit or a guide?
No permit and no guide for the park itself. You need to respect the border zone along the Russian border, stay on marked trails in Sompio Strict Nature Reserve, and avoid the Pajuaapa, Repoaapa and Lamminaapa mires between 15 May and 15 July. Guided and assisted trips are available from local businesses if you want them.
How do I get to the park without a car?
Coaches run daily along the E75 between Rovaniemi and Ivalo, stopping at Saariselkä, Kiilopää and Tankavaara, and some detour to Kiilopää. Fly or take the train to Rovaniemi or fly to Ivalo, then continue by coach. For the southern entry points, take a coach or minibus to Pelkosenniemi and the Savukoski call taxi toward Tulppio and Kemihaara.
Can I camp and light fires in the park?
Yes to camping: under everyman's right you can pitch a tent away from trails, huts and private land. Fires only at official campfire sites, and check for wildfire warnings. The wilderness huts are free and shared, first come, first served, and you may be asked to move on after a night or two.
Is there mobile phone coverage?
Patchy to none in the backcountry. Tell someone your route and expected return, carry a map and compass, and dial 112 in an emergency.
Deep dive
Every source; fees and rules change, so check before you go