UKK Trail
Photo: Janne Räkköläinen, CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons
The UKK trail is a legendary long-distance hiking route through much of Finland, all the way from Koli National Park in North Karelia to Urho Kekkonen National Park in Finnish Lapland, passing through several nature reserves and national parks. Most of the route is marked and well maintained, but there are several legs that are unmaintained and on them the original route may be unsuitable because of forestry or other activities.
UnderstandThe trail is named after Urho Kaleva Kekkonen, President of Finland for most of the Cold War, who hiked the route in 1957.
PrepareThere are no fees to be paid, unless you are going to fish or use paid lodging, and no permits are needed, unless your route leads through the border zone or strictly protected areas.
Get inSee articles on towns and parks that you are going to use as trailheads. In many areas the trail crosses roads with coach service.
WalkThe trail starts at Koli. After the border to Juuka it mostly follows narrow forest paths, forestry roads and other minor roads.
Stay safeKnow your limits. You will often be far from people, there may be gaps in mobile phone coverage, the terrain may be difficult, and in the north cold weather might be possible, at least in shoulder season.
RespectThe facilities, such as trails, shelters and wilderness huts, are maintained as a service to the public.
Sources and licences
- Guide text adapted from the Wikivoyage article "UKK Trail" by its contributors, available under CC BY-SA 4.0. Read on Wikivoyage · Contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
- Photo: Janne Räkköläinen, CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons