Winter trekking in Finland's Urho Kekkonen National Park

Cool winter hike in Urho Kekkonen NP in northern Finland

Starting point

Parking in the Kiilopää tourist centre. It is located at the turn-off from the E75 road in northern Finland.
 

Description of the hike

1. day

We arrived at the tourist centre of Kiilopää in the morning. The weather was not ideal, it was snowing heavily. But we were not discouraged and we set off on our hike. There is a cross-country skiing trail leading from the parking lot, which we continued around. First, we climbed the ridge of Mount Kiilopää in a blizzard, followed by a gentle descent into a valley where streams flow in summer. We, of course, had everything under snow. In the valley we turned right and followed the marked path through the mountain valley. The weather gradually calmed down and we were able to enjoy the views of the surrounding landscape dotted with dwarf birch trees.

Eventually we reached the deeper valley of Rautulampi Lake. At the end of this lake there is also a log cabin of the same name, which we used to spend the night. The facilities were excellent, including gas bombs and a cooker. In addition, there was an unfrozen stream near the cabin, so we didn't have to melt snow for water. In the end, local cross-country skiers slept with us in the cabin.
 

2. day

The morning was like painted, just a bit frosty. After a hearty breakfast we set off with snowshoes again. Just after the lake we turned right and started to climb the mountain ridge. We were also treated to some spectacular views of Sokosti, the highest mountain in Urho Kekkonen National Park.

We ascended Raututunturit ridge and continued along the wide plains to Niilanpää ridge. Below us we could also see the valley with the Rautulampi log cabin. We continued along the ridge towards the Kiilopää tourist centre. After about five kilometres we descended the ridge and joined the cross-country skiing trails, along which we gradually descended back to Kiilopää.
 

Difficulty

Technically undemanding trek in winter conditions. The elevation gain is minimal. The only problem is the Finnish winter weather. That means bitter cold and fair blizzards. This, of course, makes it difficult and you need to be well prepared. It is no exception that temperatures drop below -30 degrees at night.
 

Water availability

In winter, most of the water is under snow. It is necessary to take supplies with you. Despite the fair winter weather, there was a running stream near the Rautlampi cabin where we spent the night. Otherwise it is possible to melt snow on the gas cookers in the log cabin.
 

Sleeping options

In the middle of the trail is the Ratulumpi cabin, where we spent the night. The cabin is well equipped for winter conditions. There are several such cabins around Urho Kekkonen National Park. All of them are free of charge.
 

Mountain peaks

The trail only goes over ridges, there are no peaks along the way. It is possible to see the highest mountain of Urho Kekkonen National Park - Sokosti.
 

Danger

In winter conditions, the biggest danger is the weather and very low temperatures. These drop below -30 degrees at night. In poor visibility, orientation can also be a problem, especially on wide ridges where there are no clues for orientation. Otherwise, the trek is physically easy, with minimal elevation gain.
 

Food

There are no huts along the way with refreshments (only log cabins for overnight stays). Therefore it is necessary to have all supplies with you. It is possible to cook on gas cookers in the log cabins.
 

Attractions

Urho Kekkonen National Park is one of the largest protected areas in Finland. It is named after the former Finnish president, who was Finland's longest serving president and is also one of Finland's most popular politicians.