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Finland is a paradise of people, who spend the time in unspoiled nature, relaxing trails, and plentiful wildlife. Having over 40 national parks in forests, lakes, archipelago, and Arctic sceneries, the nation presents an outstanding hiking and nature exploration opportunities. This travel guide to Finland has recommended the Best National Parks to hike and see wildlife in Finland to help you select locations with a combination of scenic beauties, great marked trails and rich ecosystems. These insights are also compatible with the practical Finland travel planning tips whether you are going there on the first time or with the goal of discovering more about it.

Nuuksio National Park – Close to Helsinki, Rich in Wildlife

Nuuksio National Park is considered to be among the most convenient nature escapes in Finland bearing in mind that it is situated very near Helsinki. The park is wild and calm, even though it is close to the capital, spruce forests and rocky hills along with calm lakes are thick.

Nuuksio can be used in day hikes and in brief nature walks. The trails are of varying difficulty, so you can find an easy trail that is easy to navigate and explore the forest more thoroughly. Visitors will be able to see flying squirrels, elk, foxes and numerous bird species. The wide variety of landscapes represents another feature that predisposes the park to the preference of photographers and first-time visitors who do not have to travel much to enjoy Finnish wilderness.

Oulanka National Park – Finland’s Most Famous Hiking Trails

Oulanka National Park which is a major destination to serious hikers is situated in northeastern Finland and closer to the Russian border. It hosts the mythical Karhunkierros (Bears Trail) that is one of the most famous long-range hiking trails in the country.

The scenery is dramatic with roaring rapids, suspension bridges, deep valley and old-growth forests. Deer, birds of prey, and other smaller mammals that suit the north are wildlife sightings. Oulanka is also recommended to be included in the list of the Best National Parks in Finland due to the fact that it can be suggested not only as a place of difficult hikes but also the spectacular landscape which varies in season changes in a wonderful way.

Pallas-Yllästunturi National Park – Arctic Landscapes and Fell Hiking

Pallas-Yllastunturi National Park is the best choice when a traveler wants to get lots of space and see the Arctic. This park boasts of some of the best fell hiking in the country due to its rolling fells, clean air and expansive horizons.

Pathways in this area have been cutting through bare hill tops, which offer a thousand and one kilometers long panoramic views. The wildlife in the area comprises of reindeer, Arctic foxes, and rare bird species. The park also boasts of dark skies and is therefore a great place to view the stars and during winter to see the Northern Lights. The accessibility and the wild nature make it one of the best national parks in Finland where nature enthusiasts can visit.

Lemmenjoki National Park – True Wilderness Experience

Lemmenjoki National Park is the biggest national park of Finland and one of the most isolated. It is also in the heart of Lapland hence providing a real wilderness experience to the tourists who like solitude and unspoilt scenery.

Hiking in this part of the country can also imply walking on long paths or even off-road hiking across the river valleys and fell scenery. Park is also associated with the gold-panning history, and the old mining zones could still be observed by the visitors. Some of the wildlife one may see include wolverines, bears, and golden eagles. Lemmenjoki can be offered to those experienced hikers who are not afraid of more extended journeys, which are not guided.

Koli National Park – Iconic Finnish Landscapes

The eastern part of Finland has a national park called Koli which is one of the most photographed sites in the country. Its rocky mountains are above Lake Pielinen and provide traditional Finnish scenery that has been in the imagination of artists and photographers over the years.

The hiking trails in Koli are well kept and have different levels of difficulty and thus able to accommodate both amateur and advanced hikers. There are forest birds, deer and smaller mammals which are wildlife and the changing seasons epic transform scenery. Autumn is a beautiful season especially when the trees are changing to gold and red in color.

Urho Kekkonen National Park – Vast Trails and Untamed Nature

The Urho Kekkonen National Park in Lapland, which is also called the park with a trail network, boasts of varied landscapes. With pine forests and peatlands, to open fells the park presents diverse hiking all over long distances.

It is also the home of wildlife, reindeer, moose and numerous bird life. Multi-day increases are in favor here with wilderness huts being provided to spend the night. Another good qualifier of the park to be considered as the best national park in Finland to hike and see wildlife is its size and variety.

Practical Tips for Visiting Finland’s National Parks

Majority of Finnish national parks have marked trails, rest places and clear signs. Nevertheless, the weather may change within a short time particularly in the northern areas. Good-looking clothes, hardcore shoes, and rudimentary navigation expertise are needed. Finnish culture is very respectful to nature, and the visitors should adhere to Leave No Trace principles at any time.

Conclusion

One of the most gratifying experiences of the natural beauty and wildlife of the country is to explore the national parks that it has to offer. The forests of Nuuksio are readily available, and Lemmenjoki lies in the distant wilderness, however, each park has its own way of looking at Finland. By being exceptionally strategized and adventurous, the following places provide memorable Finland travel experiences. In case you need expert advice and tailor-made tours, the Go Kite Tours company can assist you in creating the trip that will make you more connected to the impressive nature of Finland.