For those who enjoy an active vacation, we have lots of suggestions in North Karelia. Use our Travel Guide as a source of inspiration for planning your next adventure and browse through descriptions and route details of the most beautiful hiking routes.
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Maps and trails
The 10 Most Beautiful hiking routes in North Karelia

Hiking Route
· North Karelia
Accessible trail, Lykynpolut trails
recommended route
Difficulty
easy
1.5 km
0:20 h
5 m
5 m
The Accessible trail is 1,4 kilometers long and is situated in beautiful and level pine forrest terrain. Along the way there is a fireplace with free firewood, a shelter and a wheelchair accessible outhouse.

Long-Distance Hiking
· North Karelia
The Ruunaa Rapids Circuit
recommended route
Difficulty
moderate
31.9 km
10:00 h
150 m
150 m
Experience the nature and rapids of Ruunaa on the two-bridge circuit. This diverse trail runs around the entire Ruunaa recreational area and provides experiences for all of your senses.

Hiking Route
· North Karelia
Patvinkierto in Patvinsuo National Park
recommended route
Difficulty
easy
25 km
8:00 h
145 m
140 m
Wetlands for as far as the eye can carry, the charming scent of the wetlands and an enormous range of different plants and animals. The colours change according to the season, and the terrain is easily accessible.

Long-Distance Hiking
· North Karelia
Lake Herajärvi’s hiking route in Koli - North-end route 35 km
recommended route
Difficulty
difficult
35.9 km
24:00 h
740 m
740 m
You can start the Herajärvi route in Koli, at Nature Centre Ukko, where you can get good tips and maps to take with you on your excursion. The route is challenging due to its altitude differences and varied terrain.

Hiking Route
· Koli National Park
The Trail of The Tops - 1.4 km Circle Trail
recommended route
Difficulty
moderate
1.2 km
0:30 h
24 m
24 m
This trail, which includes three of Koli's most famous and perhaps most beautiful scenery, is a classic! The trail is quite easy to walk and can also be done without using stairs.

Hiking Route
· North Karelia
Suomunkierto at the heart of the wilderness-like Patvinsuo national park
recommended route
Difficulty
easy
15.4 km
6:00 h
64 m
64 m
Suomunkierto in Patvinsuo national park is a true pearl of wilderness nature. The peace of nature, Lake Suomunjärvi and its many sandy beaches ensure an experience to be remembered by hikers.

Hiking Route
· North Karelia
Pieni Ritojärvi - a natural treasure
recommended route
Difficulty
easy
5.3 km
1:20 h
28 m
28 m
A hiking trail that circles around the wilderness lake and swamps going through untouched nature. Suitable for the whole family.

Nature Trail
· North Karelia
Pielispolku and Braheanpolku trails
recommended route
Difficulty
easy
3.1 km
1:00 h
17 m
17 m
Pielispolku and Braheanpolku trails are beautiful and easily accessible trails in the shoreside areas of Pielinen, in Lieksa’s harbour area.

Hiking Route
· North Karelia
Mäkrän Trail - hiking in the Finnish national landscape in Koli
recommended route
Difficulty
difficult
7.4 km
3:30 h
221 m
221 m
Numerous scenic spots and natural attractions on Mäkrävaara hill make the demanding hike up the hill worth the effort. Along the way you can stop for a refreshing rest, for example, at Ikolanaho, an idyllic meadow with a fireplace.

Nature Trail
· Koli National Park
Summer Café Circuit at Koli
recommended route
Difficulty
moderate
7.1 km
6:00 h
288 m
288 m
On the summer café circuit at Koli, you will enjoy the best coffee, pastries, local delicacies and lunch on your hiking vacation. Enjoy a trip of relaxed indulgence at Koli.
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