5 Spectacular National Parks To Visit in Finland In 2022

For a country of only 5.5 million people, Finland has an amazing number of national parks. Covering almost 3,000 square miles, the parks form part of the country’s national patrimony. Moreover, they are places of extraordinary natural beauty. Here, visitors can experience diverse ecosystems and pristine landscapes, all protected for everyone’s benefit. The parks are located in every area of Finland, with the largest reserves in Lapland. Each park offers everything from complex lake systems to primeval forests, rugged fells and coastal archipelagos.

Moreover, the parks are well organized, making them perfect for locals and visitors alike. They offer many activities, including skiing, hiking, kayaking, cycling and camping opportunities. The following are five of the best national parks to choose from in Finland for summer 2022.

1. Linnansaari National Park, Lakeland

For those who enjoy canoeing and kayaking, Finland’s beautiful Lake District is the perfect location to explore. The 217-square-mile Haukivesi Lake offers an amazing range of wildlife, including the endangered Saimaa ringed seal and a variety of birds such as osprey.

Meanwhile, there are hundreds of uninhabited islands dotted around the lake where hikers can forage for edible mushrooms or bilberries. Meanwhile, the largest island, Linnansaari features a series of hiking trails for summer visits. However, in the winter months, a well-maintained, 11-mile ice track between Oravi and Porosalmi Islands is perfect for skaters.

2. Ekenäs Archipelago National Park, South Coast, Finland

For those who love to be out on (or under) the water, Ekenäs Archipelago National Park is on Finland’s southern coast. Here, the Gulf of Finland meets the Åland Sea, offering a popular summer location. Surrounded by calm seas, the forested islands host a wealth of birdlife, including white-tailed eagles and the common eider. Besides spotting the birdlife, this island park is perfect for kayaking and scuba diving. Here, local operators offer trips for certified divers to experience everything this park has to offer.

3. Oulanka National Park, Koillismaa

For those interested in viewing flora and fauna, Oulanka National Park features the Karhunkierros Hiking Trail, also known as The Bear’s Ring. The park stretches along the Russian border and offers waterfalls, boreal forests and river rapids. Meanwhile, the park is home to more than 400 protected species of flora and fauna. Here, bird lovers can seek out white-tailed eagles, black kites, grey wagtails and white-throated dippers. Also, visitors can try their hand at rafting the rapids of the Oulankajoki River, go canoeing, foraging the forest and mountain biking. In winter, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are the order of the day.

4. Nuuksio National Park, South Coast, Finland

Nuuksio may not be as spectacular as some of the other national parks, but it makes up for that by being perfect for easy day hikes. In fact, the park is just 22 miles from the city of Helsinki, making Nuuksio a popular day-trip destination. Here, easy walking and cross-country ski trails head through the forested valleys where a wide range of flora and fauna can be seen. For those who love to forage, this park has plenty of lingonberries and bilberries just waiting to be picked on an autumn hike.

5. Koli National Park, Karelia

For budding and professional photographers alike, Koli National Park is perfectly Instagrammable. In fact, this beautiful park offers some of the best scenic vistas in Finland. While the slopes of the hills are steep here, getting to the top is well worth the trouble. One of the easiest to climb is Ukko-Koli, which offers a short, steep stairway or an accessible track. Once at the top, the scenic views over Lake Pielinen are truly beautiful. Those who choose to visit Koli in winter will be able to experience the 755-ft vertical drop that is considered the most difficult run to be found in southern Finland.

Whatever your choice of fresh air activities, experience the scenic beauty of Finland’s national parks this summer.