🏞️ Winter national parks in Finland 2025–2026: easy trails for beginners, warm shelters and live scenarios

If you want to start with the "snow classics" and not freeze

In this article, you will learn how to complete your first winter trail in Finland without overexerting yourself: where to choose a short walk of 2–7 km, how to build in warm breaks, what to wear, how to read the light and weather, and in which parks you will find smooth ice, pine ridges, boardwalks over marshes and "blue hours". We have put together simple loops not far from cities and in Lapland so that you can fall in love with the northern winter from the very first step — without having to drag yourself on long hikes.

How to choose a park in winter: logistics, terrain, services

1) Proximity to the city vs. "northern silence". If you are in Helsinki, start with Nuuksio or Sipoonkorpi: 40–60 minutes by car and you are already in the forest. For Oulu/Kuusamo — Oulanka/Ruka; in Lapland — Riisitunturi, Pyhä–Luosto, Pallas–Yllästunturi, Urho Kekkonen (UKK).

2) Terrain. "First trails" — on boardwalks (swamps), along lakes, through sparse pine forests, without large elevation gains. Stunning views on the fells (Lapland) — but there is wind and harsher weather there: plan for shorter and warmer trips.

3) Services. Look for parking pockets, toilets/dry lockers, shelters/shelters, and in some places — cafes/visitor centres. On popular weekends, allow extra time for parking.

4) Light and time. In December, there are 5–6 hours of daylight in the south and about two and a quarter hours in Rovaniemi. Plan to be on the trail by noon to catch the "blue hour" on the way back and have time to warm up before dark.

5) Surface. In winter, the main trails are packed down, but the decking is slippery; after a thaw, it's a mess. Always bring ice cleats for adult boots and walking sticks (folding canes) for stability.

12 easy winter trails (2–7 km): from Helsinki to Lapland

Below are basic loops that can be completed at a leisurely pace with photo breaks. The lengths are approximate; in winter, micro-relief and snow cover affect the speed. Always check the operational notes at the entrance/on the information boards at the visitor centres.

1) Nuuksio (Uusimaa) — "Haukkalampi loop" ~3–4 km.
An easy loop around the lake with small elevation gains. Scenery: pine forest, bridges, "blue water under the snow". After the walk, take a warm break at the parking area.

2) Nuuksio — "Kattila–Haltia short cut" ~2–3 km.
An option for families: a short, easy trail with boardwalks. Good for a cloudy day.

3) Sipoonkorpi (Uusimaa) — Byabäcken nature trail ~1.4–3 km.
Low relief, streams and sparse forest. Perfect for a first encounter with "slippery" boardwalks.

4) Liesjärvi (Kanta-Häme) — Korteniemi heritage loop ~2–5 km.
Cultural landscape + forest. In the silence, you can hear the snow rustling on the branches — a rare acoustic experience.

5) Torronsuo (Kanta-Häme) — Kiljamo boardwalk ~1.5–3 km.
The very same "endless white plain": a swamp on boardwalks, the wind "drawing" snow. It's beautiful in the frost, but colder — dress warmly.

6) Seitseminen (Pirkanmaa) — Korpinkierros easy ~3–6 km.
Gentle forests, sparse footbridges, "geodesy" of pine trees. Suitable for families with schoolchildren.

7) Repovesi (Kymenlaakso) — Ketunlenkki short (caution) ~3–5 km.
A classic 5 km route with a suspension bridge: in winter, the stairs and bridge can be slippery — in icy conditions, choose an easier section and don't take any risks.

8) Koli (North Karelia) — Ukko–Akka–Paha loop ~1.4–2 km.
A short ridge with picture-perfect views. Ice and wind at the top — walking sticks and ice axes are essential.

9) Oulanka (Kuusamo) — Kiutaköngäs rapids there-and-back ~2–3 km.
The path to the noisy rapids through a snow-covered forest. A mix of red rocks and white snow: works in any light.

10) Riisitunturi (Posio) — Riisin rääpäsy ~4–5 km.
Famous "snow caps" on spruce trees ("tykky"). Slow pace, lots of photos — allow plenty of time.

11) Pyhä–Luosto (Lapland) — Tunturiaapa short ~2–4 km.
Tundra bog with a tower (if accessible) and the "breath" of the fells. Open wind — dress warmly.

12) Pallas–Yllästunturi (Lapland) — Varkaankuru nature loop ~3–4 km.
Pine ridges, streams under the snow, gentle slopes. A rare case when the terrain is both beautiful and calm.

Bonus) Urho Kekkonen / Saariselkä — "Illuminated winter walking" 2–3 km.
There are illuminated winter walking loops in the vicinity of the village: ideal for a short day or a blue evening when you want to relax.

Summary table: lengths, difficulty, where to warm up

Clothing and equipment: "warm trail" checklist

Winter safety: light, ice, communication and rules

● Light and time. In the south, plan for a window of 11:00–14:30, in Lapland — shorter. Return to your car/stop 30–40 minutes before dark.

● Ice and walkways. Walkways on marshes are slippery: ice picks, sticks, "short steps". Remove snow from the soles of your shoes on stairs.

● Ski trail ≠ footpath. Do not walk on ski trails — they are a world of their own. If there is only a ski trail nearby, choose another route.

● Communication. Download an offline map and turn on "share geolocation" with your loved ones. Keep your power bank in your inside pocket

● Weather. Wind on open fells blows away the heat; a blizzard can change visibility in minutes. If it's not your day, shorten your route and don't try to be a hero.

● Ethics. Take your rubbish with you, do not feed birds/animals, keep your distance from fires; be careful with sparks in dry forests.

How to get there without a car and with a car: city → park

Without a car.
— Nuuksio/Sipoonkorpi from Helsinki: city and regional transport will take you to the "edges" of the park; the last 10–25 minutes are on foot.
— Seitseminen/Liesjärvi/Torronsuo — with train/bus connections via Tampere/Hämeenlinna.
— Oulanka/Riisitunturi — Kuusamo/Posio bases; bus/shuttle from resorts (Ruka).
— Pyhä–Luosto/UKK/Pallas–Yllästunturi — use a combination of train or plane → bus to the resort → short walking loop.

By car.
— Check that the car park is clear and do not block the passage of snow removal equipment.
— Fuel supply, brush/scraper, washer −20 °C; for the night — a place with lämmitystolppa (if available).
— Watch out for reindeer on the roads (Lapland) and black ice on bridges.

Budget for the trip 2025–2026: from zero to a "warm day"

● Access to parks is free.

● Transport — city combined tickets/regional buses; it is advantageous to buy a day pass or pre-purchased intercity tickets.

● Equipment rental — snowshoes/poles: approximately €10–25/day; ice cleats — €15–30 to purchase.

● Food and warmth — thermos from home = €0, cafes at visitor centres/in cities = €8–15 per person for soup/coffee/bun.

● Insurance — check your coverage for outdoor activities in winter.

● Sauna afterwards — €8–25: a great "warm spot" to end the day on a cosy note.

Scenarios: family, romance, solo traveller, photographer

Family (Helsinki → Nuuksio, 3–4 hours).
Head to Haukkalampi around noon → 3–4 km loop → tea/soup at the car park → short walk to the viewing clearing. Return before blue hour. The kids are happy, the adults are warm.

Romance (Koli, 2 hours + café).
Ukkokallio in the evening → thermos on a bench → warm spot at the visitor centre. Views like a film, wind like music.

Solo traveller (Riisitunturi, 4–5 hours with photos).
Riisin rääpäsy slowly, with stops at tykky. Pauses every 40 minutes. Photos turn time into soft snow.

Photographer (Oulanka / Kiutaköngäs, 2–3 hours).
A threshold in red rocks, snow dust, silk water. A tripod on spikes, a red lantern, batteries in an inside pocket.

Interactive map: 14 reference points

Skeleton map: parks and "where to start" hubs. Markers are divided into layers: easy trails, viewpoints, warm hubs (visitor centres/car parks with shelters). Expand for your publications and local tips.

Winter walk planner widget

Enter your group composition and the format of the day. The widget will calculate the approximate budget "per person/for everyone" and tell you whether the "light window" is sufficient for your plan.