Karhunkierros
An 82 km one-way trail through Oulanka National Park near Kuusamo in north-eastern Finland, past foaming rapids and seven open wilderness huts, walked in three to seven days.
At a glance
- Starts in
- Hautajärvi
- Ends in
- Ruka
- Length
- 82 km
- On foot
- 3–7 days
- Countries
Finland
About the trail
The Karhunkierros, the Bear's Ring, is an 82 km trail through Oulanka National Park near Kuusamo in north-eastern Finland, crossing both state and privately owned land. Despite a name that suggests a loop, it is a one-way route, and Metsähallitus calls it legendary, a trail that leads to the best places in the park and past foaming rapids.
Seven open wilderness huts and three day huts stand along the way, together with lean-tos and cabins. According to the town of Kuusamo the hike takes three to seven days, depending on how far walkers wish to go each day, and shorter sections or day trips are also possible.