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Oulanka National Park

Introduction

Oulanka is a unique and versatile combination of northern, southern and eastern nature. The landscape is made up of pine forests, river valleys with sandy banks and rapids, and in the north of vast mires. The area is rich in animal and plant species, even endangered ones.

Oulanka is a superb hiking destination. The popular Karhunkierros Hiking Trail leads through the National Park. Hikers can get a general picture of the park’s nature and see the national landscape even on day-trips lasting a few hours.

Oulanka is the National Park of flowing water. The area is traversed by two large rivers flowing east, the Rivers Oulankajoki and Kitkajoki. The National Park also has several tributaries, such as the Rivers Maaninkajoki and Savinajoki, and many little brooks. Oulanka River Valley was formed during the last Ice Age about 11 000 years ago. Moving ice smoothed out jagged cliff edges and transported many tons of fine sand to bottom of what is now the River Oulankajoki.

Steep sided ravines and river valleys, which traverse the park, ensure that the landscape is unforgettable. The natural and cultural landscape of the River Oulankajoki have been named one of Finland’s National Landscapes. “Renowned for its rapids the Oulanka River Valley, with its rugged ravines is part of the exceptional nature of the Kuusamo forested hills.