At the foot of the Karhutunturi fell is the village of Naruska, known from both TV and the Finnish freezing temperature records. On the Karhutunturi route, you will experience diverse and varied terrain, ranging from coniferous wetlands to more open rocky terrain, as well as the treeless summit. Before climbing to the summit of Karhutunturi, you can stop by the camp fire place at a traditional Lappish hut and watch the crackling logs in the fire slowly turning into embers. After a break for a snack, you can continue the trip to the summit!
To be considered:
- The route is a forest road and a path marked with blue or blue/orange markings, which is the old route circling the Karhutunturi fell
- It is possible to do the route in an easier or more challenging way

Track types
Safety information
- Choose the route according to your physical fitness, skills, and circumstances.
- Follow markings and signposts.
- Always keep a map and phone with you. You can also download the Salla routes to your phone via the CityNomadi app (maps pre-downloaded on your phone will also work in areas where there is no internet connection)
- Download the 112 app on your phone for any possible emergency situations. It is your obligation to stop and help if you notice someone needing assistance.
Tips and hints
Please remember the rules of litter-free hiking; everything that is taken into nature is also taken out. The hiker must not leave a trace in nature.Start
Turn-by-turn directions
Services on the trail: Forest truck road or a trail marked by blue and blue/orange signs. There is a hut on Karhutunturi fell. There are water sources along the route at Kuopsiojanlatvakuru.
Outdoor activities for which the trail is suitable: Walking in the summer, skiing during the snowy season.
Trail conditions, related risks and recommended equipment: The forest truck road is easy to traverse. The trail is narrow. It is also uneven and rocky in places. There are several very steep inclines and declines. Recommended footwear: waterproof high-cut hiking boots with good ankle support.
Description of the natural environment: The natural environment is very diverse. Tunturikuru is characterised by bleak wilderness. As you ascend, the terrain becomes more rocky and open, culminating in the bare peak of the fell.
Description of the cultural environment: Magnificent fell scenery and great views from the top across other fells in the area.
Accessibility: Municipality: Salla. Located north of Naruska village and to the west of Naruskajoki River. Not accessible by public transport. The starting points are accessible only by car. Driving instructions for Karhutunturi: Drive about 30 kilometres from Salla towards Savukoski, then take a right on Naruskantie. Drive about 19 kilometres on Naruskantie, then turn left on Karhutunturintie. Drive on for about 7 kilometres.
Note
Public transport
The nearest airports are at Kuusamo (1.5 h) and Rovaniemi (2 h). There are shuttle buses connecting Kuusamo Airport and Salla, which link with almost every flight.
The nearest railway station is in Kemijärvi (1 h). There is a bus to Salla, which is timed to connect with the night train, Mon-Sat.
Getting there
Please see the description.Parking
Free parking near starting point.Coordinates
Equipment
- High-cut waterproof hiking boots that support the ankle.Statistics
- 1 Waypoints
- 1 Waypoints
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