Province of
Lapland
Municipalities: Inari (www.inari.fi), Sodankylä
(www.sodankyla.fi), Savukoski
(www.savukoski.fi)
Area: 2,550 sq. km. Established in 1983.
The area is
managed by Metsähallitus.
Urho Kekkonen National
Park is an inviting place for visitors to hike during all seasons. The sun-lit
nights of spring and summer, bright changing colours of autumn and calming
darkness of the Polar Nights (kaamos) help visitors gather their strength, while
hiking and experiencing this forest wilderness, which is unique in Europe. The
western side of the park has marked trails, which make it easy for even the
inexperienced backpacker to move around. Alternatively it is possible to go on
long and demanding hikes in the park’s wilderness zones. Sompio Strict Nature Reserve and
Urho Kekkonen National Park have a mutual border. An old trail called Ruija
Trail leads across the strict nature reserve.
Urho Kekkonen National Park is one of Finland’s largest protected areas. The
huge expanse of the park covers magnificent fells, broad mires and backwoods.
Reindeer husbandry, hunting and fishing have long traditions in the region. They
have left their mark in the form of hole traps, reindeer fences, herders’ huts
and restored Koltta Sámi settlements. Reindeer husbandry is to this day the main
source of livelihood in the region.
The address of this web page is www.outdoors.fi/urhokekkonennp
Take a
look at Urho Kekkonen National Park related products at the Outdoors.fi online
shop (kauppa.luontoon.fi).
