Finnish National Parks

Finland's 41 national parks offer a complete spectrum of northern nature, ranging from forest terrains to fells, lakes, rivers, and archipelago landscapes. The purpose of these parks is to protect natural diversity and provide people with the opportunity to enjoy the beauty of pristine nature. With national parks scattered across Finland, they are easily accessible to every Finn. Find your favourite or visit them all!

Nuuksio National Park - A National Park Next to the Metropolis

Nuuksio is Finland's second most popular national park, offering a striking contrast to the hustle and bustle of Helsinki. Its popularity lies in its easy accessibility, as you can reach the park conveniently even by public transport. The area is diverse, featuring lakes, forests, numerous valleys, swamps, cliffs, ponds, and gorges. Hikers will delight in the 33 km of marked trails, campfire spots, and lean-tos, as well as the Finnish Nature Centre Haltia, which provides guidance on the area's natural features. Explore nearby rental mökki options close to Nuuksio National Park.

Hossa - The Finland 100 National Park

In celebration of Finland's centenary, a new addition to the list of national parks was made — Hossa National Park. Located in the heart of Kainuu, it attracts visitors with its clear waters, rolling ridges, and tranquil wilderness. Hossa's natural attractions are on par with many more famous sites: here, you can admire the rugged scenery of the canyon lake Julma-Ölkky or explore ancient paintings at Värikallio. The Hossa Visitor Centre serves tourists with additional information about the area's attractions. Check out rental mökki options near Hossa on its destination page.

Koli National Park - An Incomparable Classic

Koli is Finland's most iconic landscape, often hailed as the country's most beautiful area. Its majestic hills and splendid lakes have inspired great Finnish artists since the late 19th century, and for good reason: the views from the high hills over Lake Pielinen are truly breathtaking! The park offers a variety of activities: options for day hikes or longer treks, routes for canoeing, and excellent conditions for boating. In winter, you can go snowshoeing or skiing, with over 50 kilometres of maintained tracks available. A rental mökki near the national park is an excellent choice for visitors heading to Koli.

Lemmenjoki National Park - The Gleam of Gold in River Scenery

Finland's northernmost and largest national park, Lemmenjoki, is renowned not only for its gold prospectors but also for the beauty of its wilderness nature. Established in 1956, the park is located in the heartland of Sámi culture. At Lemmenjoki, you can try gold panning, join a guided boat tour, or explore the offerings of the visitor centre. Despite its vast size, the park is also suitable for day trips. Lemmenjoki is one of Europe's largest uninhabited wilderness areas, making it a prime spot in Northern Lapland to enjoy the silence, perhaps while staying in a rental mökki.

Linnansaari National Park - Home Waters of the Saimaa Ringed Seal

Established in 1956, Linnansaari National Park offers endless beautiful shoreline scenery. Those interested in culture should visit the old croft at Linnansaari, where traditional slash-and-burn agriculture can be witnessed in summer. In winter, the park's landscapes can be enjoyed through activities, with a 20-kilometre trail for ice skating and excellent skiing opportunities. Rental mökki options are available near the park, for instance, in the Savonlinna and Varkaus regions.

Oulanka National Park - A Nature Reserve Known for Its River Scenery

Founded in 1956, Oulanka National Park is one of Finland's most popular national parks. The area is famous for its suspension bridges, canyons, roaring rapids, and winding river valleys. With a total of 150 kilometres of hiking trails available, visitors can easily embark on a day trip or challenge themselves on the famous Karhunkierros trail. The scenery along the Oulanka and Kitka rivers also offers excellent opportunities for canoeing and cycling. There are plenty of accommodation options in rental mökki in the Kuusamo area for those seeking a place to stay.

Pallas-Yllästunturi National Park - A Hiker's Paradise

Pallas-Yllästunturi National Park is Finland's most visited national park, attracting over half a million visitors annually. Established in 1938 as Pallas-Ounastunturi National Park, it was expanded in 2005 to include the Ylläs–Aakenustunturi area. The park offers fantastic opportunities for hiking and trekking, with plenty of day trails and the iconic 55-kilometre Pallas-Hetta hiking route. The villages in the area offer various tourist services and rental mökki options.

Pyhä-Luosto National Park - A Sanctuary of Silence

Established in 1938, Pyhätunturi National Park expanded in 2005 to include the Luosto area. At Pyhä, you can explore the historical sacred sites of the Sámi, peer into deep gorges, and admire other geological wonders. The Pyhä-Luosto area also allows you to enjoy true natural peace close to the centres of Pyhä and Luosto. Nowadays, Pyhä-Luosto is one of Finland's most popular national parks, and its attractions are worth exploring at leisure. Accommodation options range from holiday apartments and hotels to rental mökki.

Repovesi National Park - A Versatile Nature Destination Near Urban Centres

Repovesi is one of Southern Finland's most popular national parks, with numerous lakes, rugged cliffs, and magnificent forests drawing many visitors year after year. The area is suitable for hikers of all ages and levels, with a network of 45 kilometres of trails offering choices for every taste. In addition to hiking, Repovesi features many canoeing routes, excellent climbing opportunities at Olhavanvuori, and a wide ski trail network in winter. Located about 200 kilometres from Helsinki, the park is ideal for both short visits and longer holidays.

Archipelago Sea National Park - Part of the Largest Archipelago in the Northern Hemisphere

The Archipelago Sea National Park is located in what is often described as the world's most beautiful archipelago. By boating, sailing, or kayaking, you can explore the culture of the archipelago villages — and with a bit of luck, spot grey seals or even a sea eagle. If you don't have your own boat, you can still get around the national park using ferry connections available year-round. Guidance on the area's nature is available at the Blue Mussel Nature Centre in Kasnäs or at the Archipelago Centre Korpoström in Parainen. The rental mökki in the Archipelago Sea area offer a chance to enjoy an unforgettable holiday amidst the maritime national park landscapes.

Bothnian Sea National Park - Experience the Unique Atmosphere of Lighthouse Islands

Established in 2011, the Bothnian Sea National Park is one of Finland's largest national parks. Located on the southwest coast, this nature reserve is known for its idyllic lighthouse islands, which can be explored by your own boat or by ferry in the summer. In Finland's cleanest marine area, it's worth joining a diving excursion, as most of the national park lies below the water's surface. The park also offers excellent opportunities for sailing, boating, and kayaking, as well as birdwatching and seal spotting. Travellers heading to the Bothnian Sea should explore the rental mökki options in the area.

Sipoonkorpi National Park - Natural Peace Near the Metropolis

Sipoonkorpi National Park is located in the immediate vicinity of the Helsinki metropolitan area, just 20 kilometres from the city centre. Due to its central location, Sipoonkorpi is easily accessible even by public transport. Despite its proximity to the city, Sipoonkorpi offers a very rural setting, making it an excellent place to collect mushrooms and berries for winter. The area is rich in forests, swamps, and cultural landscapes and serves as a habitat for many endangered species. You can explore the nearest rental mökki options on the Sipoonkorpi pages.

Syöte National Park - The Choice for Active Holidaymakers

Syöte National Park is known for its rolling fells, rugged forests, and wintery snow-laden trees. The area is particularly well-suited for active holidaymakers, offering 122 kilometres of hiking trails ranging from short nature paths to long trekking routes. In addition to hiking, the area features trails for mountain biking, canoeing, skiing, and snowshoeing. The Syöte Visitor Centre guides visitors interested in activities and nature. For accommodation, there are numerous options from holiday apartments and hotels in Iso-Syöte to more remote rental mökki.

Urho Kekkonen National Park - A Favourite Among Finns

Urho Kekkonen National Park (Koilliskaira) has been a popular destination for hikers since the 1950s. Today, it is Finland's third most popular national park, offering a wilderness atmosphere for those who love silence. Despite its tranquillity, the area's nature and visitor centres are reasonably close to the hiking trails. Visitors to the UKK park can choose their route based on their starting level: the marked trails in the western part are best for novice hikers, while the open landscapes of the treeless fells attract more experienced trekkers. Those seeking accommodation should explore the rental mökki options near Urho Kekkonen National Park.

In addition to the national parks presented above, there are also numerous other national parks in Finland:

Etelä-Konnevesi National Park
Helvetinjärvi National Park
Hiidenportti National Park
Isojärvi National Park
Itäisen Suomenlahti National Park
Kauhaneva–Pohjankangas National Park
Kolovesi National Park
Kurjenrahka National Park
Lauhanvuori National Park
Leivonmäki National Park
Liesjärvi National Park
Patvinsuo National Park
Perämeri National Park
Petkeljärvi National Park
Puurijärvi and Isosuo National Park
Pyhä-Häkki National Park
Päijänne National Park
Riisitunturi National Park
Rokua National Park
Salamajärvi National Park
Salla National Park
Seitseminen National Park
Tammisaari Archipelago National Park
Teijo National Park
Tiilikkajärvi National Park
Torronsuo National Park
Valkmusa National Park