Eastern Lapland Region
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).
