Journey V2

The Arctic Wilderness Journey

The Arctic Wilderness Journey guides you from the wilderness of East Lapland to the southernmost fell in Finland in the Finnish Lakeland area. Stretching from Salla to Syöte, this journey presents interesting destinations, including four national parks.

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The land of National Parks

Discover the wonders of the arctic wilderness and the four different National Parks of the route: Salla, Oulanka, Riisitunturi and Syöte while enjoying the local, authentic, and family-owned services. Here you can witness wonderful natural phenomena, such as midnight sun during the summer months and get to breathe the purest air in the world.

Route overview

Starting Point: Salla
Duration: 5-7 days
By car: 5 hours
By bike: 15 hours

Travel tip

Take the comfortable and ecological night train to Kemijärvi and start your bike journey towards Salla. You can conveniently bring your bike with you on the train. If you want to shorten the cycling distance, you can also travel from Kemijärvi to Salla Ski Resort by bus. At the end of the journey, the easiest way to travel by public transport is to take a bus or taxi from Syöte to Oulu.

Remember that even the summer weather in Finland can be variable and unpredictable - be prepared for cool temperatures, especially at night! Also don't be surprised if you meet a reindeer or another animal along your route - they are normally easy-going fellows, but please don't disturb them or other animals and go around them a little further.

Salla, in the middle of nowhere

Hiking the Bear’s Trail in the Oulanka National Park

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Salla, in the middle of nowhere

The journey starts from the ecologically rich destination of Salla. Located “in the middle of nowhere”, Salla offers peace and quiet for the body and soul. Salla’s tourism centers around nature, providing wonderful experiences such as guided e-bike tours to Salla National Park to explore this unique landscape

Take a culinary & activity break in Ruka

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Hiking the Bear’s Trail in the Oulanka National Park

Continuing from Salla, the route leads to Oulanka National Park, which is one of the most popular hiking destinations in Finland and well-known for its beloved Bear’s Trail (Karhunkierros). The national park offers interesting places to visit, such as the Karhunkierros Visitor Centre and the Arctic Circle passing through the area.

Posio – the first Sustainable Travel Finland destination

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Take a culinary & activity break in Ruka

Ruka is a vibrant resort active all year round and surrounded by pristine nature, crystal-clear rivers, and a myriad of opportunities for nature activities, such as downhill biking, reindeer farm visits, hiking, kayaking, and rafting. The area is a true home of wild food: most of the restaurants serve dishes made of local, pure ingredients.

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Posio – the first Sustainable Travel Finland destination

Moving forward, the route heads to Posio, the first Finnish destination to earn the Sustainable Travel Finland label in 2020. A haven for small or family-owned businesses, Posio shuns chain hotels and restaurants, offering local tours, activities, accommodations and dining options

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Peaceful wilderness of Syöte National Park

The final leg of the Sustainable Arctic Wilderness Route concludes in Syöte. Characterised by wild wooded hills ideal for a multitude of year-round activities, Syöte is truly a captivating destination. During summer, hikers and mountain bikers can easily traverse the area’s wilderness lakes, gorges, and hills on foot or by bike. A perfect way to end th

Activities to explore

Discover the wonders of the arctic wilderness with your chosen style of activity. Discover the wonders of the arctic wilderness with your chosen style of activity. Discover the wonders of the arctic wilderness with your chosen style of activity.

Food

The area is a true home of wild food: most of the restaurants serve dishes made of local, pure ingredients.

Accomodation

Enjoy the local, authentic, and personal family-owned services, all while cherishing the environment.