Hossa National Park
Hossa, Finland
Pine ridges and clear lakes that became Finland’s 40th national park in 2017, with the Värikallio rock paintings and the Julma-Ölkky canyon lake. The visitor centre on Lake Öllöri has maps and trail advice.
Hossa National Park, in the municipality of Suomussalmi in the Kainuu region of eastern Finland, opened on 17 June 2017 as the country’s 40th national park, marking the centenary of Finnish independence. Its landscape of pine ridges and clear lakes has about 90 km of marked hiking trails. The 162 km Eastern Border Trail (Itärajan retkeilyreitti) also starts here. The visitor centre has stood on the shore of Lake Öllöri since 1991.
The Värikallio rock paintings above Lake Somerjärvi are about 3,500 to 4,500 years old; more than 60 figures can be made out, and they were discovered in 1977 by two skiers. They can be visited all year. Julma-Ölkky is regarded as Finland’s largest canyon lake, with rock walls up to 50 m high and a depth of about 50 m; a demanding 10 km trail circles it, and boat trips are offered. The visitor centre (free entry) gives advice and sells hiking maps and fishing permits, and has a café-restaurant plus boat and canoe hire.
- Nearest town
- Hossa, Finland
- Category
- Nature & parks
- GPS
- 65.4677, 29.5184
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
No month is ideal everywhere on this route; the most pleasant are usually June–August. Cold, short days in November–April. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Getting there
- Finland: No motorway tolls for cars. Motorway limit for cars: 120 km/h.
Sources
Featured in these trip guides
Campsites nearby
- Karhunkainalon leirintäalueMotorhome stopover0 km from Hossa National Park · 78 pitchesTentsCaravansMotorhomesElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsWaste disposal
- Camping Hossan LumoCampsite3 km from Hossa National Park · 50 pitchesTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsWaste disposalWi-Fi
- Teerirannan leirintäCampsite5 km from Hossa National Park
- Camping PiispansaunatCampsite22 km from Hossa National ParkTentsCaravansElectricityShowersToiletsWaste disposal
All campsites in Finland · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Hossa National Park?
Hossa National Park is in Hossa, Finland, at GPS 65.4677, 29.5184. It is about 57 km from Kuusamo.
Can you camp near Hossa National Park?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Karhunkainalon leirintäalue, about 0 km away; within 25 km there are 4 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Hossa National Park?
Hossa National Park is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Eastern Finland: Koli to Oulanka.
What is there to see near Hossa National Park?
Places worth a stop nearby: Oulanka National Park (101 km).
When is the best time to visit Hossa National Park?
No month is ideal everywhere on this route; the most pleasant are usually June–August. Cold, short days in November–April. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)