National Hiking Areas
photo © Visit Finland / Aku Pöllänen
National Hiking Areas in Finland
There are 9 designated hiking areas in Finland, 7 of which are state-owned and managed by Metsähallitus and which are also part of the Natura 2000* network. The same state enterprise has also established the Arctic Circle Hiking Area, and is in the process of establishing the Inari Hiking Area, both of which will provide the same range of services as the hiking areas in the south.
The facilities provided in the National Hiking Areas include, but are not limited to, well marked hiking and skiing trails, nature trails, lean-to shelters, and camp sites. Usually you can find a visitor or outdoors centre where information about the region and its nature is made readily available, and in many places there are rental cabins available. Detailed maps are available, and guides who can inform you of where to locate the best areas of outstanding natural beauty. Hiking options vary considerably in both the length and of the terrain covered, from the shorter trails of Evo and Teijo in the south, to the long trails over the fells in Iso-Syöte further north. Fishing and hunting is usually permitted in the National Hiking Areas, just ask at the Visitor Centres for information.
*Natura 2000 is the centrepiece of EU nature & biodiversity policy. It is an EUwide network of nature protection areas established under the 1992 Habitats Directive. The aim of the network is to assure the long-term survival of Europe’s most valuable and threatened species and habitats.
The following is a list of all the National Hiking Areas in Finland, simply click the link for more detailed information.
Arctic Circle
Evo
Hossa
Inari
Iso-Syöte
Kylmäluoma
Oulujärvi
Ruunaa
Teijo
