Lapland is Finland's vast, mystical northern wilderness, stretching above the Arctic Circle and home to the Northern Lights, endless fells, pristine national parks, and the legendary Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi. This subarctic region offers extraordinary experiences year-round, from dogsled adventures and snowmobile safaris in winter to midnight sun hiking and wild berry picking in summer. Lapland is also the ancestral homeland of the indigenous Sámi people, whose rich culture and reindeer-herding traditions add a unique dimension to any visit.
Top trails
Routes worth lacing up your boots for.
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1
Karhunkierros (Bear Trail)
Finland's most famous long-distance hiking trail follows the dramatic gorges and rapids of the Oulankajoki River through Oulanka National Park. Suspension bridges, canyon viewpoints, and roaring waterfalls make every kilometre spectacular.
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2
Pieni Karhunkierros (Little Bear Trail)
The shorter version of the Bear Trail is perfect for day hikers and families, still featuring the best of Oulanka's gorge scenery including the Kiutaköngäs rapids and Jyrävä waterfall.
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3
Kiilopää Fell Day Trek
A popular and accessible fell hike starting from Saariselkä to the Kiilopää fell summit, offering 360-degree views across the Arctic wilderness and potential Northern Lights sightings in autumn and winter.
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4
Hetta-Pallas Trek
One of Finland's most celebrated multi-day treks crosses the fell chain of Pallas-Yllästunturi National Park from Hetta village to Pallastunturi, passing through open fell landscape, ancient pine forests, and past wilderness huts.
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5
Saana Fell, Kilpisjärvi
The iconic Saana fell rises dramatically above Kilpisjärvi village to 1,029 m, offering extraordinary views into three countries (Finland, Norway, Sweden). The climb is steep but well-marked and the summit views are unmatched in Lapland.
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6
Treriksröset (Three Countries Cairn)
A relatively flat hike across open fell and marshland to the stone cairn marking the point where Finland, Norway, and Sweden meet. The remote Arctic landscape and the novelty of standing in three countries simultaneously make this a memorable walk.
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7
Pyhäkuru Canyon Trail
The dramatic Pyhäkuru gorge was carved through the Pyhä fell by ancient glacial forces and is now accessed by a scenic trail with wooden boardwalks, viewpoints, and ladders descending into the canyon. Spectacular in autumn ruska colors.
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8
Lemmenjoki Wilderness Trek
Finland's largest national park offers remote multi-day trekking through pristine Sámi wilderness. The most popular route follows the Lemmenjoki River upstream, accessible by boat taxi, through ancient forests and gold-panning territory.
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9
Luosto Fell Circular
A pleasant circular walk taking in the Luosto fell area, amethyst mine territory, and panoramic views across the undulating Lapland forest. A good introduction to Lapland fell hiking for beginners.
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10
Pallastunturi Fell Summit Hike
The northern terminus of the Hetta-Pallas trek can be hiked as a day route from Pallastunturi visitor centre to the highest summit, offering sweeping views across Lapland's fell landscape into Norway.
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11
Ylläs-Pallas Fell Trail
The southern section of the national park's main trail runs between Ylläs ski resort and Pallastunturi, crossing some of Lapland's most beautiful fell landscape with regular wilderness hut stops.
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12
Ounasvaara Nature Trails
The forested Ounasvaara fell on the edge of Rovaniemi city offers an accessible network of nature trails for all fitness levels. Excellent for families and those with limited time, combining fell views with easy forest walking.
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13
UKK Trail Section (Urho Kekkonen National Park)
The UKK Trail within Finland's second-largest national park offers serious wilderness trekking across vast fell plateaus, ancient pine forests, and pristine Arctic lakes with minimal human impact and exceptional wildlife.
Trail difficulty levels
Pick a route that matches your fitness and experience.
Mostly flat, well-marked paths. Suitable for families and casual walkers.
Some elevation gain, longer distances. Requires basic fitness.
Significant climbs and exposure. Requires good fitness and route-finding.
Technical terrain, scrambling, or alpine conditions. Experience essential.
When to hike
Seasonal conditions in Lapland.
- Spring
- April–May can be muddy and slushy; late May offers first summer trails but rivers are high from snowmelt
- Summer
- June–August is prime hiking season with excellent conditions, long daylight (24hr in June), and good trail access
- Fall
- September–October is spectacular with ruska autumn colors; hiking conditions excellent; first snow possible on fells by October
- Winter
- Many summer trails converted to ski tracks; snowshoe and ski touring possible on most routes; daylight very limited
Local hazards
What to watch out for on the trail.
Hazard: Rapid weather changes on fell plateaus—always carry warm layers and waterproof gear
Hazard: Navigation challenge: above treeline, trails may not be visible in fog or snow
Hazard: Biting insects (mosquitoes, blackflies) are intense near wetlands in June–July; bring DEET repellent
Hazard: Reindeer and elk encounters—give them space, especially calving season (May–June)
Hazard: River crossings can be dangerous during spring snowmelt (April–May) when water levels are high
Hazard: Mobile phone coverage is very poor in national park interiors—carry a map and compass
Hazard: Bears and wolverines are present in Lapland's wilderness; make noise while hiking and store food correctly