Karhunkierros

Karhunkierros (Bear’s Trail) is Finland’s best-known long-distance hiking route, a multi-day hike of about 79–82 km through northeastern Finland’s Oulanka area.

The route is typically done as a 4–6 day thru-hike. It runs mainly through Oulanka National Park, with orange paint markings on trees and rocks to follow the line between stages.

Most hikers plan for two main start areas: Hautajärvi (Salla) and Ristikallio, which meet at Taivalköngäs. From there the trail continues along the Oulanka and Kitkajoki rivers toward Rukatunturi.

Along the way the character is strongly water-and-forest based: river corridors, rapids and falls, plus sections that transition into pine forests and wet terrain where boardwalks may be used.

Major hut-and-camps infrastructure exists along the corridor—eight open wilderness huts for overnight stays plus smaller day-trip huts for shorter breaks. Camping is generally organized around huts and designated areas rather than free anywhere on the route.

A key “shorter variation” option is Pieni Karhunkierros (Little Bear’s Trail), a circular 12 km day trip that partly shares the Karhunkierros route.

The trail was first marked in 1955 and remains the country’s most popular hiking route in summer, with the main hiking season running from mid-July to late September.

More information: Official website, Wikipedia, Karhunkierros - Hiking the 82 km Bear's Trail 1/2