Route

Wonders of the Wilderness

The wonders of the wilderness route takes you through the untamed landscapes of East Lapland to Finland's southernmost fell in this picturesque region. Stretching from Salla to Syöte, the journey offers captivating stops, including four national parks, making it a perfect adventure to explore by bike.

Credits: Harri Tarvainen, Salla National Park

Wilderness marvels and National Parks

Discover the rugged wilderness and explore four distinct national parks along the route: Salla, Oulanka, Riisitunturi, and Syöte. Along the way, enjoy the hospitality of local, family-owned businesses, witness breathtaking natural phenomena like the midnight sun in summer, and breathe some of the world’s purest air.

Route overview

Starting Point: Salla
Length of route: 250 kilometres
Duration: 5-7 days
Summer, Autumn
By car: 5 hours
By bike: 15 hours

Travel tip

Take a comfortable night train from Helsinki to Kemijärvi and begin your bike adventure towards Salla with the convenience of bringing your bike on board. For a shorter ride, you can opt to take a bus from Kemijärvi to Salla Ski Resort. At the end of your journey, the easiest public transport options from Syöte to Oulu are by bus or private car service.

Route highlights

Person admiring the scenery in Salla National Park. - Harri Tarvainen

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Salla, in the heart of nowhere

The journey begins in Salla, an ecologically rich destination nestled "in the middle of nowhere". Salla offers tranquillity for both body and mind, with tourism centred around its stunning natural surroundings. Enjoy memorable experiences like guided e-bike tours through Salla National Park, where you can immerse yourself in its unique landscape.

Picturesque rapids flowing through Oulanka National Park. - Julia Kivelä

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Hiking the Bear's Trail in Oulanka National Park

From Salla, the route takes you to Oulanka National Park, one of Finland’s most popular hiking spots, renowned for the famous Bear's Trail, "Karhunkierros" in Finnish. Visitors can explore attractions like the Karhunkierros Visitor Centre and experience the Arctic Circle, which runs through the park.

Reindeer yoga session at Ruka. - Riku Niemi

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Culinary and adventure break in Ruka

Ruka is a lively, year-round resort set amid unspoiled nature, clear rivers, and endless opportunities for outdoor activities like downhill biking, reindeer farm visits, hiking, kayaking, and rafting. It’s also home to wild food lovers, with most restaurants offering dishes made from fresh, local ingredients.

Aerial view of a tranquil pond in Posio. - Harri Tarvainen

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Posio – Finland’s first Sustainable Travel Destination

Next, the route takes you to Posio, which earned the Sustainable Travel Finland label in 2020. This charming destination is a haven for small and family-owned businesses, steering clear of chain hotels and restaurants. Posio offers a range of local tours, activities, accommodations, and dining options.

Joyous cyclist at Syöte National Park. - Eeva Mäkinen

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The serene wilderness of Syöte National Park

The final stretch of this route leads to Syöte, a captivating destination known for its rugged, wooded hills perfect for year-round adventures. In summer, hikers and mountain bikers can explore the park’s scenic lakes, gorges, and hills, making it an ideal conclusion to your incredible journey.

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Places to eat

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The area is a hotspot for wild food enthusiasts, with most restaurants featuring dishes crafted from fresh, local ingredients.

Countryside Wild Food Dinner in Pohjolan Pirtti & Kievari

Kuusamo

Countryside Wild Food Dinner in Pohjolan Pirtti & Kievari

Arctic lunch at Isokenkäisten Klubi

3-course dinner at Lappish Hut Restaurant Kataja

Rukatunturi

Dinner at Lappish Hut Restaurant Kataja

Places to stay

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Experience local, authentic, and personalized accommodations from family-owned businesses, all while appreciating the natural surroundings.

Kuusamo

Isokenkäisten Klubi

Rukatunturi

Iisakki Glass Village

Kuusamo

House of Northern Senses

Salla

Sallatunturin Tuvat Accommodation

Rukatunturi

Wilderness Hotel Papin Talo

Salla

Overnight in the wilderness

Rukatunturi

Iisakki Guest House

Main building of Holiday Village Himmerki

Posio

Accommodation in Holiday Village Himmerki

Rukatunturi

Papin talo Apartments

Rukatunturi

Magical Pond Nature Igloos Autumn

Pudasjärvi

Taigalampi Log Villa in Syöte

Activities to explore

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Explore the wonders of the Arctic wilderness through your preferred activities.

Waterfalls, rapids and rivers of Oulanka national park - day hike

Rukatunturi

Waterfalls, Rapids and Rivers of Oulanka National Park - day hike

Kuusamo

SaunaTour - Finnish Sauna experience

Salla

Urpo Reindeer Feeding trip

Midnight sun in Kuusamo Finland MunPolku

Posio

Walking in the midnight sun in Riisitunturi National Park

Syöte

Canoeing Trip in Syöte

Salla

Bicycle rental

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