Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
From here the trail is a little tougher. A hike through ridges and forests takes you to the
Kitkajoki in another deep gorge. When you meet the Pieni Karhunkierros trail, you can
turn right to head directly to Juuma via the bridge at Myllykoski, or turn left for the more
scenic route via the Jyrävä waterfall (where you'll find Siilastupa hut, 16km beyond Jus-
sinkämppä). Three and a half kilometres beyond here is Juuma, where there are campsites,
and the Basecamp Oulanka lodge on the trail just outside it.
Juuma to Ruka
Juuma is one possible endpoint, but you can also walk 24km further to Ruka, which has a
big choice of accommodation and better road connections to Kuusamo. There is one wil-
derness hut, Porontimajoki (often full), 9km down this trail, and several lean-to shelters.
The first 15km are easy going, but then a series of ascents and descents mean that post-
hike beer in Ruka will be very well earned.
Sleeping
There is a good network of wilderness huts along the Karhunkierros. All are pretty similar
and tend to be crowded in high season. Although tradition says there's always room for the
last to arrive, a tent will come in handy, as someone often ends up sleeping outside. Dry
firewood is generally available, and there's a gas cooker in most, but carry a lightweight
mattress. See
www.outdoors.fi
for hut details.
Oulanka Camping
CAMPGROUND
more €7.50/15, 4-person cabins €48; Jun-Aug; )
The trail runs right through this place, 1km from the Oulanka Visitor Centre. It rents ca-
noes and rowboats to use on the Oulankajoki, and has a kiosk and sauna. It will open in
early September if you book ahead. A 5km circular walk leaves from here.
Information
The website
www.outdoors.fi
has comprehensive route information. The 1:50,000
Rukatunturi-Oulanka
map (€19.90) is sold at park visitor centres and tourist offices. A
map guide to the Karhunkierros costs €25. The trail is so well signposted that you can eas-
ily make do with the free map.
