This private, all-inclusive snowshoe hike along the iconic Pieni Karhunkierros trail offers an immersive way to experience one of Finland´s most spectacular national parks, with your local guide ensuring a safe, personal and enriching experience. Snowshoeing allows us to also move off the trails through this pristine environment and find some private footsteps in a popular destination like Oulanka. Get ready to witness the magical atmosphere of these dramatic river valleys, frozen rapids, hanging bridges and old-growth forests in an unhurried way and join this 7 km / 6 h (inc.transfers/lunch) trip designed for small groups. The route and pace are adapted to your experience, physical fitness and the prevailing weather conditions.
The starting point of this circular walk is a 45min drive from Ruka near the Myllykoski mill, which may be the most photographed landscape in Finland and offers a wonderful introduction to the roaring waters of Kuusamo. From here we will follow the Karhunkierros trail for 3 km, stopping often to take in the scenery and silence. Lunch (reindeer soup, sandwich, coffee/tea) is served by the fire along the way, before it´s time to head off the trails and explore the wild and partially restricted parts of the area, that are open for hiking only during the winter months. Here we´ll follow the majestic Kitkajoki River upstream for roughly 4km, making our own way through the snow-covered wilderness and along the flowing water beneath the ice and finally end up back at the starting point at around 2 pm.
This trip includes everything from transfers, rental equipment to lunch – all you need to take care yourself is shoes and clothing suited for winter conditions and a backpack to carry drinking water, extra clothing and snacks. Join the journey and have a truly personal winter adventure in Finnish Lapland.
Bookings & Questions: hossatravel@gmail.com
Season 1st January – 19th April 2026
Duration 7 km / 6 h inc. transfers from Ruka/Kuusamo
Group size 2 – 4 persons
Price 1-2 person 135€/person and 3-4 person 115€/person
- We reserve the right to make changes to the itinerary due to major occurence and weather conditions.
What’s included in my trip price?
Pick up from and drop off to your accommodation in Ruka/Kuusamo, equipment rentals (snowshoes/poles), lunch (reindeer soup, sandwich and coffee/tea) and the expertise of your local guide from the welcome till the farewell.
NOT INCLUDED: winter clothing, personal travel insurance
Other info:
For this trip you need to have with you a daypack to carry water and extra clothing, warm shoes and clothing suited for winter conditions. Winter clothing can be rented from Ruka, please ask if necessary.
How do I book:
Send us an e-mail to hossatravel@gmail.com with info on how many people you would like to book and for which date. Before confirming your place and sending you an invoice, we agree on pick up/drop off. After this we are ready to send you an invoice and when it´s paid, your trip is confirmed. Along with the invoice we will send you further instructions and inform you on the terms and conditions.
When booking several different day trips or people all at once, we can give some discount so groups of friends and families etc. please do request a personalized offer.
How do I pay?
After we have agreed on pick up/drop off, we will send you an invoice for the payment.