Karhunkierros
Karhunkierros (Finnish for Bear's Round) is a hiking trail that stretches from Salla to Kuusamo in north-eastern Finland. The route was first marked in 1955, and has since become the most popular hiking trail in Finland, attracting some 15,000 hikers every year, mainly over the high season lasting from mid-July to late September. The trail is approximately long, and runs for the most of its length within the Oulanka National Park. Route The trail has two main starting points. The paths starting at Hautajärvi and at Ristikallio converge at Taivalköngäs, from where the trail continues along the Oulanka and Kitka rivers towards Rukatunturi fell. Starting from Hautajärvi makes the total length of the trail 80 kilometres, while the Ristikallio variant is some 9 km shorter. The route is marked with orange paint markings in trees and rocks. It is also perfectly possible to hike the route in the opposite direction, starting from Rukatunturi, but most people prefer the aforementioned ways. Also of note is the Pieni Karhunkierros, or Little Bear's Round, a circular day trip trail of that partly shares the route of Karhunkierros proper. Accommodation Along the trail there are eight wilderness huts that are open and free to