Spring arrivals progressing in Oulanka
(Updated 05/15/2024)
The last few days have been warm and sunny with no night frosts. Spring has progressed at a rapid pace in Oulanka. The river Oulankajoki has been freed from ice in many places and the flood season is about to begin. The water level of the river has started to rise slowly and the current forecast for the flood peak is 20-21 May. The flood situation on the Oulankajoki can be monitored on Vesi.fi (In Finnish).
The routes are passable, but as the snow cover is melting rapidly, it may be soft and sinking in places. The routes can become impassable very quickly. Slip-resistant or studded shoes are necessary, especially on day routes with differences in altitude, ups and downs.
We recommend hiking the Karhunkierros Trail from late May - early June at the earliest, once the flood waters of the Oulanka River have subsided and the snow has melted, even on the shady northern slopes. Read more in the news.
Check the weather conditions before your trip: Meteorological institution.fi.
Maintenance of Oulanka Wilderness Trail has been stopped for the winter season
(Updated 4/15/2024)
The maintenance of the Oulanka Wilderness Trail, which is maintained from February to April, has been discontinued for this winter. The warmer weather has softened the snow and snowmobile maintenance of the trail is no longer possible.
New map: Fishing permit areas of Oulanka National Park and the surrounding area
(Updated 2/3/2024)
To fish in the rivers of Oulanka National Park, you need a fishing permit. If you are 18-69 years of age the fisheries management fee (eraluvat.fi) is required also. The lines of different river fishing areas in Oulanka National Park and links to the online stores are marked on the new map.
The new map: Fishing permit areas of Oulanka National Park and the surrounding area (julkaisu.metsa.fi)
Please note:
- In the fishing permit areas there are also places where fishing is forbidden. Some of these fishing prohibition zones are marked with signposts on the terrain.
- When you buy a fishing permit, you will also get information about the prohibition zones and other restrictions.
- You can also check the fishing restrictions online on kalastusrajoitus.fi (in Finnish).
- All fishing is forbidden in these fishing permit areas outside the fishing period.
Ice fishing and angling are allowed at the lakes and ponds of the Oulanka National Park throughout the year. Read more about the Everyman's Rights. If you are 18–69 years of age and will be fishing with lures or traps or crayfishing, the fisheries management fee (eraluvat.fi) is required.
The cable boat will be removed for the winter on 13th of October
(Updated 10/11/2023)
The cable boat across the River Niitselysjoki at the northern end of the Keroharjun kuiskaus -trail will be removed for the winter time on Friday 13th of October. Before snow the trail can still be reached from the southern end of the trail from the parking at Harjulammentie Road. The Harjulammentie Road has no winter maintenance. More information about Keroharjun kuiskaus trail can be found from the hiking trail description.
The removal of the boat happens earlier (before removal was scheduled for 16th of October) due to changed weather conditions.
Trail markings renovated on the Kanjonin kurkkaus Trail
(Updated 8/25/2023)
The worn, green paint marks of the day trail Kanjonin kurkkaus have now been repainted. Fresh paint signs make it easier to stay on the trail. The Kanjonin kurkkaus Trail is located in the northern part of Oulanka National Park, by the Oulanka Canyon. The trail is walkable approximately to the end of October, because the road leading to the starting point (the Savilampi parking area) has no winter maintenance.
Entering the Pähkänänkallio Cliff is prohibited 1.4.-15.8.
(Updated 04/19/2022)
Entering in the Pähkänänkallio Restricted Area is prohibited from 1st of April to 15th of August. You can see the map of the restricted area below.
Check for Warnings
When wildfire warnings (en.ilmatieteenlaitos.fi) are in effect, fire is only allowed at covered campfire sites that have a flue. A fire can be also lit in fireplaces at wilderness and other huts. Always use extreme caution when handling fire. The one who lights a fire is always responsible for its safe use. Please note, that making fire at these campfire sites can be banned locally.
