Oulanka National Park
Kuusamo, Finland
River canyons, rapids and suspension bridges near the Russian border, with the Kiutaköngäs rapids a short walk from the visitor centre. The long Karhunkierros trail crosses the park; the 12 km Little Bear’s Ring starts at Juuma.
Oulanka National Park, near Kuusamo in northern Finland, was founded in 1956, covers about 270 sq km and borders Russia’s Paanajärvi National Park. It is a wide landscape of river canyons and rapids. Its best-known sight is Kiutaköngäs: red rocks above the rapids of the Oulankajoki, close to the visitor centre and reachable by a short path that is also wheelchair-friendly. Entry to the visitor centre is free, and it has a restaurant, a small exhibition, equipment hire and English-speaking staff.
The main trek, the Karhunkierros (‘Bear’s Ring’), runs about 80 km from Hautajärvi to Ruka; most hikers need three or four nights. A good day trip is the ‘Little Bear’s Ring’ (Pieni Karhunkierros), a 12 km loop from Juuma with the Jyrävä waterfall and two suspension bridges. There is free parking at the visitor centre, Juuma, Hautajärvi and Ruka. Summer is the best time; late May brings snowmelt scenery and few visitors, early autumn has no mosquitoes but autumn colours. Spring floods can make sections of trail impassable. The campsite near the visitor centre is open from June to August, and wild camping is not allowed.
- Nearest town
- Kuusamo, Finland
- Category
- Nature & parks
- GPS
- 66.3683, 29.3148
- Editor's pick
- ★
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 October–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
Nearby
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Campsites nearby
- Oulangan kansallispuiston leirintäalueCampsite1 km from Oulanka National Park · 170 pitchesTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsDogs allowed
- Juuma CampingCampsite11 km from Oulanka National ParkTentsCaravansElectricityShowersToiletsDogs allowed
- Lomakylä RetkietappiCampsite12 km from Oulanka National ParkTentsCaravansDrinking waterShowersToilets
- Viipuksen LeirintäalueCampsite20 km from Oulanka National ParkTentsCaravansElectricityShowersToilets
- KuusinkiCampsite23 km from Oulanka National Park · 60 pitchesTentsCaravansElectricityShowersToiletsDogs allowed
- Ruka CaravanMotorhome stopover24 km from Oulanka National Park · 150 pitchesCaravansMotorhomesShowersToilets
All campsites in Finland · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Oulanka National Park?
Oulanka National Park is in Kuusamo, Finland, at GPS 66.3683, 29.3148. It is about 24 km from Ruka.
Can you camp near Oulanka National Park?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Oulangan kansallispuiston leirintäalue, about 1 km away; within 25 km there are 9 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Oulanka National Park?
Oulanka National Park is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Eastern Finland: Koli to Oulanka.
What is there to see near Oulanka National Park?
Places worth a stop nearby: Hossa National Park (101 km), Santa Claus Village (155 km) and Arktikum (160 km).
When is the best time to visit Oulanka National Park?
No month is ideal everywhere on this route; the most pleasant are usually June–August. Cold, short days in October–April. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)