hey all,
i am planning on doing this 80km hike solo from 6 till 10 september, and well, as all starters i have some questions!
1. would i definitely need to bring a tent for this period or will the cabins along the path have plenty beds free?
2. are in this time of the year still those pesky mosquitos persistent?
3. it'll be 80km in about 4 to 4 1/2 day. is this well doable for an averagely experienced hiker?
4. to get from Kuusamo airport to the Hautajärvi starting point of the trail; i suppose it's advisable to take the bus, but are these frequent and easy to catch, or do i need to take into account that an overstay in Kuusamo upon arrival is probably needed.
5. a map of the trail/area....best to just buy it in Hautajärvi? or can nice ones be bought via the internet (haven't found any yet)
6. what's the general weather in the area around this? or...what kind of clothing andfootwear must i definitely take along?
7. are there any opportunities to take a shower along the trail?
thank you all kindly for shedding some light on this.
cheers
hiking the Karhunkierros Trail
Re: hiking the Karhunkierros Trail
Hi,
I've not hiked that trail, but I have spent some time thereabouts and hiked a fair amount in Finland.
I have no idea how busy those huts will be but would guess that since it is a pretty time of year when the leaves are changing that they could be full. I would definitely take a tent. It can get very cold; you'll want a good sleeping bag.
Mosquitos are unlikely to be a problem, it depends a bit on the weather though. I would bring a small bottle of OFF, just because not having it and needing it would be no fun at all.
20 km per day is a reasonably long hike, but completely doable if you are fit.
I've always had a car when in that region, but my experience with buses in these kinds of parts of Finland, is that it is entirely possible to get around by bus, but you need to reckon waiting times in days and hours rather than hours and minutes. I would definitely figure this out in advance.
Metsähallitus has the topos you need.
Hopefully, the weather will be 10C and sunny ,but you need to be ready to sleep outside in 0C or less. You can view historical weather reports at http://ilmatieteenlaitos.fi/ , remember night time lows are the most relevant.
I would definitely take a pair of sturdy, water resistant hiking boots, you need a full hikers overnight kit.
Showers! HAHAHAHAHA! You might find a freezing cold pond to take a dip in. I would definitely read up on hiking and backpacking before going; if you don't have the things you need, you could freeze to death out there.
I've not hiked that trail, but I have spent some time thereabouts and hiked a fair amount in Finland.
I have no idea how busy those huts will be but would guess that since it is a pretty time of year when the leaves are changing that they could be full. I would definitely take a tent. It can get very cold; you'll want a good sleeping bag.
Mosquitos are unlikely to be a problem, it depends a bit on the weather though. I would bring a small bottle of OFF, just because not having it and needing it would be no fun at all.
20 km per day is a reasonably long hike, but completely doable if you are fit.
I've always had a car when in that region, but my experience with buses in these kinds of parts of Finland, is that it is entirely possible to get around by bus, but you need to reckon waiting times in days and hours rather than hours and minutes. I would definitely figure this out in advance.
Metsähallitus has the topos you need.
Hopefully, the weather will be 10C and sunny ,but you need to be ready to sleep outside in 0C or less. You can view historical weather reports at http://ilmatieteenlaitos.fi/ , remember night time lows are the most relevant.
I would definitely take a pair of sturdy, water resistant hiking boots, you need a full hikers overnight kit.
Showers! HAHAHAHAHA! You might find a freezing cold pond to take a dip in. I would definitely read up on hiking and backpacking before going; if you don't have the things you need, you could freeze to death out there.