Summer Activities
Kiilopää’s summer is full of things to do!
See the Guided Activities
Experience the Trails in Your Way
Hiking
Hiking in Urho Kekkonen National Park is effortless, with route options ranging from marked trails to those requiring orienteering skills. From Kiilopää, six named and marked loop trails start, offering a suitable length for everyone. The shortest is a one-kilometer loop, a couple are 5-6 kilometers long, two are over ten kilometers, and the longest is over 20 kilometers. The most popular route is the climb to the summit of Kiilopää and back, totaling four kilometers.
Mountain Biking
Mountain biking in Urho Kekkonen National Park is accessible to everyone, with marked trails near the fell center ensuring easy navigation and suitable paths for both beginners and experienced riders. Using an electric-assist bike allows for leisurely exploration of the fells, even for those with lower fitness levels. Biking is permitted only on designated marked trails within the national park, except for a few specified exceptions. It’s essential to stay on these trails to minimize environmental impact and preserve the delicate terrain.
Trail Running
You can also hike the trails by running! Trail runners will find routes extending deep into the national park, perfect for longer trail running adventures. Nearby trails range from very easy paths to more technical and skill-demanding tracks. Trail running is an excellent way to build endurance and improve cardiovascular fitness while enjoying the beauty of nature. It also engages more muscle groups compared to road running, providing a full-body workout that enhances strength and stability.
Explore the Forests and Discover Treasures
Orienteering
During the summer at Kiilopää, you can practice orienteering with an 18-control point fixed orienteering network. The easiest way to orienteer is through the Mobo app, available for download on your phone, which includes the entire checkpoint map. Maps and compasses are also available for rent from Kiilopää Adventures starting from July 23rd.
Disc Golf
Frisbeegolf is a delightful pastime to enjoy with friends or family. Kiilopää offers a 19-hole frisbeegolf course designed for players of all skill levels, with holes ranging from beginner-friendly to more challenging ones. The course features both long and short holes, including challenges like water crossings. Discs can be borrowed from the Kiilopää Adventures rental shop. During summer season 2024 there are some chances so the holes 1 and 2 are not in use.
Observe the Nature & Learn About It
Berries and mushrooms
Find the natural treats while exploring the beautiful landscapes! Commonly found berries include blueberries, lingonberries, and cloudberries, while mushrooms such as chanterelles and boletus are plentiful.In Finland, everyone has the right to pick berries and mushrooms in the wild, thanks to the concept of “Everyman’s Right.” This legal principle allows people to enjoy nature and its resources, as long as they do so responsibly and without causing harm to the environment.
Photographing
The park’s vast landscapes, including fells, forests, rivers, and lakes, provide a stunning backdrop for any nature photographer. The best light for photography is usually during the golden hours—shortly after sunrise and before sunset. Move quietly and stay alert to spot animals like reindeer, foxes, or birds. Stay on marked trails to protect the delicate environment and ensure your presence doesn’t disturb wildlife.