Location: Lapland/ Northern Ostrobothnia Map
Area: 270 km²
Official site
Oulangan National Park is located in Kuusamon kaupungisa and Sallan kunnassa Koillismaan ylänkö area. The park is bordered in the east by the Russian Federation, and in the back by the Paanajärven National Park, established in 1992, with which Oulanka cooperates continuously. Oulangan National Park is a diverse combination of northern, eastern and southern luontoa. The landscape is dominated by pine forest, jokilaakso koskinen and sandstorm, as well as extensive swamps in the northern part. The ecological system is rich and the area is home to many Uhanalais animals and birds. Kansallispuisto was founded in 1956. The area's current surface area is 270 km².
Oulanka National Park was established
in 1956, after which it was expanded twice in 1982 and 1989.
However, the area has been known for its beauty since the late 19th
century, when it was a popular destination for artists and
naturalists. The official designation of the national park could be
expected first because of World War II and then because of the large
division. The appointment was also slowed down by the Kuusamo rapids
war in the mid-20th century.
In 2002, Oulanka received the
WWF's PAN Parks certificate, which was a recognition of the
excellent combination of nature conservation and growing nature
tourism.
The landscape of Oulanka is
formed by old pine forests, meandering river valleys with sand dunes
and rapids, as well as steep-walled rock gorges and large bogs in
the northern part of the park. The highest hazards in the area are
located at an altitude of 380 meters, while at their lowest Oulanka
descends at the level of 151 meters in river valleys. Oulanka is
crossed by two large rivers flowing to the east, the Oulanka and
Kitkajoki rivers. The meandering Oulankajoki forms the basis of the
national park.
The fauna is rich in endangered plant and
animal species. For example, the maiden shoe that appears as a
symbol of the park is an endangered species, but common in the
national park. Other nationally endangered species in Oulanka
include bottom hat and dart container.
Various hiking trails provide an exciting opportunity to spend time
in nature all year round.
Kiutakönkään polku nature trail
Length 2 km. In winter and summer, the picturesque path along the
Karhunkierros (Bear Circle) route along the Oulanka River leads to the
turbulent Kiutaköngäs rapids.
Könkään kuohu trail
Length 150
m. The flat and gentle path is convenient for people with disabilities
and families with small children.
Kanjonin kurkkaus loop route
Length 6 km. The circular route through the forests in the northern part
of the national park offers many interesting obstacles: hills, ravines,
swamps, streams and a stunning canyon.
The Small Bear Circle
Nature Trail (Pieni Karhunkierros)
Length 12 km. An exciting
adventure among the breathtaking scenery along the banks of the
Kitkajoki River is suitable for a one-day hike. However, there are some
challenging places: three suspension bridges, wooden platforms and
stairs to overcome.
The Bear Circle Hiking Trail (Karhunkierros)
Length 80 km. One of the most popular hiking routes in Finland will take
you to the most beautiful views of the Oulanka National Park. The entire
route is designed for about 4-5 days, but you can hike only a certain
section of it. Along the way, you will encounter six suspension bridges,
as well as wooden platforms, stairs and footbridges. Despite its name,
the trail is not circular – it runs through the park from north to
south, and you can get to it from several points.
Birdwatching
On the banks of rivers, on the slopes of hills, in
forests or above the water, you can see countless birds that live here
all year round or fly in in the summer to build nests.
Fishing
You can fish with a rod on the Aventojoki, Savinajoki, Maaninkajoki and
Oulanka rivers, with the exception of protected areas where fishing is
prohibited. Also hidden among the dense forests of the national park are
numerous lakes. They are home to perch, grayling, pike, whitefish, but
you cannot catch the rare brown trout. Fishing is prohibited in the
lakes Aventolampi, Savilampi and Haaralampi.
Berries and
mushrooms
You can freely pick various mushrooms and berries in the
park - lingonberries, blueberries, strawberries. You will also find
exotic northern berries such as crowberries and cloudberries.
Rafting
An exciting canoe trip will allow you to look at the nature
of the park from a different perspective.
Bike rides
You can
ride mountain bikes along the 9-kilometer section of the Bear Circle
(Karhunkierros) trail from the Oulanka Visitor Centre to the
Taivalköngäs Waterfall, as well as along other public paths.
Skis
and snowshoes
The 26 kilometers of the difficult, but fascinating and
interesting Oulangan erämaareitti route will seem like a difficult test
even for experienced skiers and snowshoe hikers: there are no ski tracks
or lighting on the trail, but there are two warm huts for rest and a
campfire site along the way.
The Oulanka Visitor Centre is the heart of the national park. It
houses an exhibition about the nature and inhabitants of the area,
information about routes and attractions, and also offers maps, fishing
licences and equipment.
The Karhunkierros Nature Centre is located at
the start of the famous Karhunkierros hiking route and is ideal for
those planning to visit the northern part of the park.
The
Karhuntassu Information Centre in Kuusamo has detailed information about
the national park, the town itself and the Hannu Hautala Photography
Centre, a famous nature photographer and conservationist in
north-eastern Finland.
Hautajärvi Visitor Centre
The
325-metre-long Kiutaköngäs rapid is just a kilometre away from the
Oulanka Visitor Centre.
The Oulanka River Canyon is a mysterious
gorge with steep rocky banks, located about 2 km from the Savilampi
parking area.
Niskakoski Rapids. One of the 9 suspension bridges in
the national park spans the Kitkajoki River rapids in the southern part
of the national park. It is only 200 meters from the campsite and
parking area in Juuma village.
Jyrävä Waterfall. After 3.5 km from
the parking area in Juuma village, the Little Bear Circle (Pieni
Karhunkierros) nature trail leads to a stunning view of the majestic
9-meter waterfall on the Kitkajoki River.
Tents and shelters
In the national park, you can pitch a tent or
stay under a wooden shelter on specially equipped sites for free. It is
advisable to stay with a tent in one place for no more than two nights
in a row.
Forest huts
In Oulanka Park, there are 7 huts for
overnight stays and 2 cabins for daytime rest. Most of them are located
along the Bear Circle (Karhunkierros) route. Information about
accommodation in huts can be found at the visitor center.
Camping
In the central part of the park, along the Bear Circle (Karhunkierros)
route, a camping site is open throughout the summer. You can also stay
overnight in campsites or rented cottages in the village of Juuma.
Tourist complexes
Various accommodation options are available for
tourists in the city of Kuusamo and the Ruka ski resort, located 22
kilometers from the national park.
Campfires
Fire in the park is allowed only in specially designated
places. There are braziers and prepared firewood.
Garbage
It
is not customary to leave garbage in the park. Combustible waste can be
burned in a campfire, food waste can be thrown into a bio-toilet, other
garbage can be taken to special containers located at the entrance to
the park.
Animals
Domestic animals can only be walked in the
park on a leash. Hunting in the national park is prohibited.
Transportation
Motor vehicles can only be used on roads specially
marked on the map.