The spectacular scenic marshlands and the starkly beautiful nature attract admirers of the scenery and nature photographers to the route. You can cross a river with a rope boat ferry on this route in the northern part of the Oulanka National Park. The wilderness hut at Keroharju, with its sauna, invites you stay for a longer time in the midst of the wilderness.
To be considered:
- There is a water crossing on this route; the Niitselysjoki river is crossed using a rope boat ferry, which is taken out of use during the winter
- The route can be started from Harjulammentie at Liikasenvaara in Kuusamo, or in Salla from Niitselyksentie at Hautajärvi
- Please note the instructions for how to behave in Oulanka National Park, the instructions can be found on the luontoon.fi site of Metsähallitus
- More information about the route can be found from the Metsähallitus website at luontoon.fi
Author’s recommendation

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
Keroharju Hiking Trail is 17 km long. It leads along a ridge and is surrounded by mires. The trail's starting and ending points are the Harjulammentie road and parking area in Liikasenvaara and the Niitselyksentie road in Hautajärvi village. The River Niitselys can be crossed by cable boat. The trail takes about one day to walk.
Services: Kerojärvi Open Wilderness Hut. Sights: Keroharju Ridge and the National Parks broad mires.
Source: luontoon.fi
Note
Public transport
Public-transport-friendly
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 or rubber bootsStatistics
- 5 Waypoints
- 5 Waypoints
Questions and answers
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