Oulanka National Park and Karhunkierros

The Karhunkierros routes take you through Oulanka’s landscapes. In the national park, stay on the marked route, give other visitors space, and take your rubbish to an aid station bin or carry it out with you. Check the route and aid stations for your distance before you start. This page introduces the area and how to look after it; distance-specific instructions are on the distance pages and in the Event Guide.

Oulanka is known for its river valleys, rapids, suspension bridges and varied forests. In spring, trails can be wet and rivers can flood. Take care on boardwalks, rocks and suspension bridges. Do not run on a suspension bridge, and follow its limit on the number of people allowed at once.

The 55 km starts at Oulanka Visitor Centre. The 83 and 166 km routes pass through the Oulanka area as shown in the route instructions for each distance. The first choice for reaching the 55 km start is the start bus from Ruka. If it does not suit you, share a lift where possible.

If you need your own car, leave it at the park-and-ride area at Korpihovi in Käylä — do not drive directly to Oulanka Visitor Centre to park. At the previous event, a shuttle bus ran from the Korpihovi grounds to the Oulanka start area and back. Continue from Käylä by organised transport rather than in your own car. These previous arrangements are the working guidance; exact 2027 times, fares and any booking requirements will be confirmed before the event.

If you are coming to watch, read the Supporter Guide too: watching in areas open to the public and providing a participant’s personal support are different roles.

Explore the park’s attractions and current hiking guidance on the Luontoon.fi Oulanka National Park page. Enjoy the landscape and leave it in good condition for the next visitor.