Backpacking/ Hiking in Finland

skullmonkey · Post by **skullmonkey** » Tue Jun 16, 2009 4:28 pm

If one of the reasons for you was to come to Finland because of its magnificent outdoors, with its pristine lakes and forests, it might not be far-fetched that you like backpacking. Finland offers great backpacking and hiking all year around, and thanks to the Everyman's Right you can nearly walk everywhere. I myself am an avid backpacker, and share my trips regularly on my blog.

Any other outdoor enthusiasts online here? What are your favourite areas or National Parks to walk, what's your favourite season to go outdoors?

**Sponsor:**

Bubba Elvis XIV · Post by **Bubba Elvis XIV** » Tue Jun 16, 2009 9:18 pm

Well maybe you should join this thread....and give FF's own Forest Gump some tips and advice...

viewtopic.php?f=4&t=38554

mmac · Post by **mmac** » Wed Jun 17, 2009 12:04 am

I really should take a look at some of the trails in Finland. I've done quite a lot in the past (mainly in New Zealand) but nothing yet in Finland. If you do have any interesting sources of information on trails I'd be happy to hear about them

EP · Post by EP » Wed Jun 17, 2009 12:23 am

This is the address for you: http://www.luontoon.fi/default.asp?Section=4973

My favourite in the south is Repovesi.

skullmonkey · Post by **skullmonkey** » Wed Jun 17, 2009 9:36 am

@mmac: Here's a map with all Finnish NPs, click each for very detailed information: http://luontoon.fi/page.asp?Section=4984. If you look for longer trails in the south, then the Pirkan Taival trail is the way to go, I hiked parts of it and its superb. If you want more info and pictures, click on the globe on the right of this post, under my avatar and location, to get to my blog!

wza24 · Post by **wza24** » Mon Jun 29, 2009 2:52 pm

I have done smaller day-trips in most of the Southern-Finland national parks and hiking areas. 2-day hikes in Ruunaa and in the winter in Karhukierros and near Utsjoki in far North. I must say that Finland is really fantastic place for all kind of hiking, also the seasons change greatly.
During the summer the mosquitos are really annoying, also sometimes the trails happen to be quite crowded. Also in my opinion the Finnish nature is even more beautiful during the winter time.
Next plans are to have a few-day hike in the up North in the autumn, just before the snow. Also in the winter-time to have a hike with the snow-shoes on the big Karhukierros.
Best source for the trails for me is http://www.excursionmap.fi having the possibility to check the coordinates from the map and use with hand-GPS.

Best regards,
Valter

filecore · Post by **filecore** » Wed Sep 15, 2010 10:40 pm

Damn, I came to this topic late - I've been pestering my friends for the last few years, but only just now thought to ask on the forums.

I agree with EP, Repovesi is by far the best in the south of Finland, and you can get round most of it at a nice leisurely pace in about three days. I've done Nuuksio (boring and crowded), Liesjärvi (tiny) and some other places, and the only one I'm still missing in the south is Evo, near Lahti. Another small one a little further north, which is very nice for at most an overnight trip, is Isojärvi.

I'd welcome suggestions for good places to try out (I'm based in Porvoo) and also invitations to hike with people. I've recently gotten interested in ultralight hiking (see my fantastic camping hammock which I just got at the start of the summer, made of the same coated nylon as tents; comfy, warm, small, light, and very much fun, and the bonus of not having to find a perfetly spacious and even camping spot is great too - just two trees, which in Finland isn't hard - and I highly recommend them) but I can't go strictly ultralight because I like to cook proper meals on the trip, such as a good curry, and I often take flour, butter and sugar to make trail bread or biscuits. I'm open to suggestions - hopefully the weather will hold, and I'll get to go out once or twice at the start of October (sadly the rest of September is booked up already).

jogreen68 · Post by **jogreen68** » Mon Sep 27, 2010 2:59 pm

I have been doing alot of cycling but have now busted my knee and to find something less strenuous, I think hiking might be the way forward, any ideas would be great?

filecore · Post by **filecore** » Mon Sep 27, 2010 4:16 pm

Finland - especially in the south - is mostly flat and fairly dull, but you'll find a variety of terrain to cover what you're after. What sort of hiking is it you're after? Where are you based? Go to www.outdoors.fi and you'll be able to locate suitable hiking areas and national parks close to you. Give more specifics and I (and others here) might be able to give you some pointers.

Sophie Hart · Post by **Sophie Hart** » Mon Dec 20, 2010 8:20 am

I am a hiking fanatic. I backpack a lot back here in canada and been looking for promising spots in Europe more like beginner level....thanks for sharing the info guys

Finland Forum

Find information about moving to, living in and life in Finland