© Julia Kivelä, Finnish Lakeland/Jyväskylä
Hiking Collection by Visit Finland
15
Tours
17:59 h
42.1 mi
1,975 ft
With a sea of lakes; oak and pine forests; countless unspoiled islands; and the Lapland wilderness in the north, Finland has many facets. Vast, untouched nature, infinite tranquillity, and a magical animal and plant world awaits you here. Combine this with cosy evenings around the campfire, relaxing sauna sessions and cold dips and you get the full package – this is Finland.
With a total of 41 national parks, Finland is certainly one of the most rewarding destinations for anyone seeking tranquil and vast nature. From the southernmost tip of the Baltic Sea all the way up to northern Lapland, protected areas are spread all over the country. If you set out on a hike here, you can look forward to a special experience outdoors.
In this Collection, we take you to the wild Lakeland in the south of Finland on 15 Tours in 15 varied national parks. You’ll explore picturesque lakes, enchanted moorland and rocky vistas. A campfire site for a roaring fire is never far away. A very special highlight is spotting the rare ringed seal that lives in the inland waters here. Maybe you'll spot one of these cute little creatures on your visit.
To make your experience in the national parks as enjoyable as possible, here are a few tips:
- Wear appropriate clothing for the Finnish wilderness. The weather in Finland can change quickly, even in summer, so make sure you take a few layers and a waterproof coat. Many of the trails in the national parks also lead over boardwalks or through swampy areas. This can make it wet or slippery so the right footwear is a must.
- Bring food and a lighter. Some national parks also have cafés where you can stop for refreshments. For the typical Finnish experience, however, take a break at one of the fire pits, light a small fire, and grill the sausages, vegetables, or marshmallows you have brought with you. Please always check and follow the information on safety to avoid forest fires.
- All national parks in this Collection are accessible by car and some are also accessible by public transport (for more information, see visitfinland.com/en/places-to-go/national-parks/).
- In Finland’s unspoiled nature, you may have little or no phone reception. We therefore recommend that you save the Tour for offline use in advance.
- If you stay overnight in the national park, make sure you only sleep in the designated areas. The right to roam doesn’t apply in nature reserves.
Let's go and head into the Finnish wilderness. We hope you have a great time in the fabulous landscapes of the south. If you’re interested in visiting other Finnish regions, check out these Collections: a coastal journey komoot.com/Collection/2068933 and the wild north komoot.de/Collection/2068937.
The nearly six-kilometer Hiidenkierros Trail takes you deep into the wilderness of the Hiidenportii National Park. The highlight of the tour is the impressive Hiidenportii gorge, where the rock faces plunge down up to twenty meters steeply to the water. Typical moor and forest landscapes alternate with…
Despite its short length of only around 1.7 kilometers, this tour takes you to three peaks with wonderful views of the landscape of the Koli National Park, which was formed by the ice ages. Where cassava fields and pastures once covered the hills when the Kolis were settled, today a pretty hiking trail…
Get recommendations on the best single tracks, peaks, & plenty of other exciting outdoor places.
Ancient swamps, creaking wooden paths and pine forests covered in cloudberries - this is what characterizes the natural Patvinsuo National Park in eastern Finland. Incidentally, with around 105 square kilometers it is also the largest national park in the southern half of the country. You will also find…
Even if the Petkeljärvi National Park is the smallest national park in Finland with only six square kilometers, you can still expect all kinds of the finest nature here. Enjoy rocky heights, sandy pine forests and picturesque lakes near the Russian border. Right in the middle: the approximately three…
The Kolovesi National Park is best known as a paradise for paddlers. With its rocky cliffs and narrow canals, it is also an absolute feast for the eyes on foot. If you are very lucky, you may even spot one of the extremely rare seals that actually live in lakes here: the Saimaa ringed seal. Explore the…
Located in the heart of the Finnish Lake District, Linnansaari National Park is not only a place of wonderful tranquility, you can also discover pretty old farmhouses and lush green islands. The rare ringed seals also live here, preferring the lakes of Finland to the sea as their home. And by the way…
The Pyhä-Häkki National Park contains the best preserved primeval forests in southern Finland. Trolls and elves are hiding between trees, some of which are 400 years old – or so they say. Embark on the approximately four-mile Kotajärvi Trail and see for yourself if you spot any of them.
The varied path…
Crystal-clear water and smooth glacial rocks, forests rich in herbs and high cliffs - not only ospreys and wild lake trout feel at home here in Southern Konnevesi National Park. You can also relax wonderfully in the pristine nature on foot or by boat. How about a lap along the five-kilometer Kalajan…
Leivonmäki National Park is the place to be if you want to explore with the whole family. Exciting paths run through the forests and swamps. Lonely paths meander along picturesque lakes. Including the Kirveslampi Nature Trail. With a total length of almost two kilometers, it is also perfect for the little…
Blue lakes and ponds dot the rugged forests of Repovesi National Park. Those looking for adventure will find a suitable challenge here in the hills and on the cliffs. But families don't miss out either and can make themselves comfortable in one of the campfire huts and listen to the crackling of the…
The ice ages significantly shaped the landscape of Päijänne National Park. Here, the crystal-clear water of Lake Päijänne washes around a chain of islands that grew out of a ridge. Today you can relax on the sandy shores, glide through the water by boat or hike to the most beautiful vantage points. We…
On the green hills and in the forested valleys that frame Lake Isojärvi, you can spot traces of logging work. Old lumberjacks' huts still stand where people used to do their work with saws and axes, but today the management of the forest is left solely to the beaver. On top of that, the three-and-a-half…
Immerse yourself in the history of the region in the Seitseminen National Park. The historical farm Kovero shows you in a very vivid and exciting way how the farmers used to make their living in this remote area. In the nature center, on the other hand, you can find out all sorts of things about the…
The landscape of Helvetinjärvi National Park is rich in geological features such as rock crevices that were formed millions of years ago by violent movements deep in the earth's crust. It is not for nothing that Helvetinjärvi translates as Hell Lake. But the area is one thing in any case: hellishly beautiful…
The Salamajärvi National Park impresses with its varied landscape with rocky pine forests, enchanted moors and idyllic lakes. It is also home to the proud forest reindeer. On a hike in the beautiful wilderness, you have the chance to encounter one of the rare animals, for example on the approximately…
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