5 Unmissable Hikes from Rovaniemi

Rovaniemi is situated in the middle of vast wilderness areas and some of them have been adapted for hiking. Here are our 5 recommended hikes to make the most of your time sorrounded by the beautiful Finnish nature in Rovaniemi.

1. GO FOR A GENTLE HALF-DAY TRIP TO OUNASVAARA

Ounasvaara hiking trail makes for an ideal destination for a day-trip hike because of its accessibility. The beginning of the trail is located just 3km from the city centre of Rovaniemi. There are pedestrian and bike roads that connect the starting point to the city. If you prefer, you can take a bus nr 9 to get close to the hill.

The trail passes through herb-rich forests to a lean-to shelter, going around the edge of the hill. If you want to feel like a local, we recommend taking some snacks with you, to grill them on the fireplace next to the shelter. Some of the favourites snacks of the Finns include sausages, rye bread and local grilling cheese called leipäjuusto. You will find firewoood waiting next to the shelter, but don’t forget a knife and a firestick or matches to make the fire.

There are no steep climbs on the trail and the length of around 5km makes it accessible to everybody who is up to some gentle excercise in the nature. We recommend you to take some water with you to make sure you stay hydrated during the trip.

View on Ounasvaara hiking area

2. LOOK FOR BERRIES AT PÖYLIÖVAARA

Pöyliövaara is another great option if you are looking for a beautiful hike accessible by foot from Rovaniemi. The trail is of around 7km and is located 3km south from the city centre. The bus connection is by bus number 3 and the ride takes approximately an hour. It is also accessible by foot and bike.

The path is famous among locals for berry picking. The mixed forests of different ages with the swamps on the south side of the trail make the area a perfect place for blueberries to grow. In a good year, you might even find some strawberries too! After having filled your basket with delicious berries you can continue until you reach the wooden shelter with dry toilets. In the middle of the trail and equipped with a fireplace it makes for a perfect place to stop for a lunch break.

The second part of the trail is more difficult to pass than the first one, as it goes through more lush and dense areas. We recommend you bring good hiking boots for this hike.

Berry picking during a hike in Lapland, Finalnd.

3. SEE THE OLD PINE FOREST AT VIKAKÖNGÄS

With its hanging bridges and the oldest pine trees of over 450 years old, Vaattunkivaara nature trail at Vikaköngäs will be a great option if you are looking for a complete immersion in Finnish nature. The trail is about 4 km long and it’s accessible by bus from Rovaniemi.

The hike starts by passing a bridge hanging over the river of Raudanjoki. From there you will follow the trail made of wooden platforms that are often seen on Finnish marked trails and serve two purposes: protect the vegetation from the feet of the hikers, and your feet from getting soaked in the water collected in the mosses and the soil, which can be a lot especially during the autumn season. Whevever you see the boards, we definetly recommend staying on the trail!

Hiking facilities include lean-to shelters with fireplaces and firewood, dry toilets and an observation tower in the middle of the forest. There is little climbing required and the advanced hiking facilities make this hike accessible to everybody wanting to experience the famous Finnish forests.

Pine forest on a hike from Rovaniemi

4. GO BIRDWATCHING AT VAATTUNKIKÖNGÄS

A must-do hike for any wildlife spotting enthusiasts, Mire trail from Vaattunkiköngäs provides ideal surroundings and facilities for bird watching. The hike is about 9 km long when you start at the parking of Vaattunkiköngäs, and is accessible by bus from Rovaniemi.

The area offers versatile landscapes of pine and spruce mire, poor fens and forest islets. The trail leads to a bird watching tower, with a lean-to shelter and dry toilets on the way. While hiking in the picturesque surroundings, keep your eyes open for the colorful Siberian Jay or the soaring Golden Eagle, among others. Tops of the hills make for perfect view points for both the landscapes and local fauna. We definetly recommend taking your camera with you on this hike!

If you are looking to extend the aventure, Vikaköngäs and Vaattunkiköngäs trails are connected, so you can have an overnight adventure there too! We have prepared an itiernary for such a hike and invite you to have a look!

View from Vaattunkiköngäs while hiking in Rovaniemi

5. ENJOY THE VIEW FROM A FELL TOP AT PYHÄ-LUOSTO

Looking for something different? Landscapes at the Pyhä-Luosto national park have been formed by a melting glacier and the local flora differs from the one around Rovaniemi. Tunturiaapa nature trail will take you to the fell tops with stunning views, following a 7 km trail. 

The hike starts off with a gentle climb through the dense pine and spruce forests. The sound of the wind rustling through the trees is the only noise you’ll hear, making this the perfect place to find peace and solitude. As you make your way through the forest, you’ll notice the trees getting shorter and the landscape opening up to reveal stunning views of the fells and gorges. The highlight of the trail is a panorama view from a bird watching tower over the southernmost summits of the fell range.

And if you are looking for a longer adventure, Pyhä-Luosto national park offers a 3-day hiking trail of a total of 30 km. Great for beginner hikers as well as more experiences adventurers, the trail will walk you through changing landscapes and interest points, such as the Amethyst Mine. Didn’t bring your tent or a good backpack? Don’t worry, we’ve got it covered for you. Discover our self-guided hike to Pyhä-Luosto national park with all the equipment needed included!

View from the top of the fell during a hike in Lapland, Finland
That’s it! We hope you enjoyed reading this blogpost.
If you have any question, feel free to contact us!
We will be super glad to help you plan your summer trip to Rovaniemi!

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