Hello everyone!
I am doing a roadtrip from latvia to northern Finland and am going to spend the New Years here (29th dec.-2nd jan).
We're comming here together with my wife and we really like to hike (especially in rocky terrains).
I was wondering if anyone has some day hike or maybe just spot recomendations in the Oulu, Pudasjärvi and Paltamo region.
I am open to any other tips, suggestions and anything else!
Thank you in advance!
Edit: taking recommendations on day hikes further north but not furteher than Rovaniemi!
by mr_cloud_
11 comments
[Rokua Geopark ](https://rokuageopark.fi/en/)is a UNESCO world heritage site 1.5 hours from Oulu.
There aren’t many. Oulu-Pudasjärvi is really flat. There’s Iso-Syöte in Pudasjärvi. It has hills and hiking rounds around it. It’s the closest you can find. If you go further north you can find plenty.
Probably you’d have to go further north for it. However around New Year it’s all gonna be covered in snow most likely
Which website is that map in?
Real rockyish hikes only in Käsivarren erämaa.
Recommend skiing around Iso-Syöte.
The best source for trails and hiking routes is https://www.luontoon.fi/en
You can find all the official hiking routes and nature trails also in https://retkikartta.fi/
It’s winter, you should rather go skiing than hiking.
You can see it yourself from the map: Oulu is in Pohjois-Pohjanmaa (Northern Botnia) region, all of the west coast&surroundings is former seabed, very flat. The flatness even is a “thing” for the residents, it is a part of their identity. For more dramatic landscapes, go east.
Not much rocky terrain (or even -ish) in the area, you’d have to go higher up. The only thing that comes to mind is Kivesvaara in Paltamo. There’s some trails and nice view from the top. Not really rocky, but at least there’s some elevation. Everything will be covered in snow anyway. It’s quite nice in the winter.
Check out [Lemmenpolku](https://maps.app.goo.gl/kFdJKWQn6rK3UAES6). It’s tiny, but it’s the closest hiking spot near Oulu that offers any sort of verticality. It’s about a 30-minute drive from the city center and it gives you some nice views of the Oulujoki.
Quick warning though. It doesn’t have winter maintenance, so there might be some pretty deep snow. Some paths may be packed down, but have some snowshoes with you if you want to be extra secure.
There’s the Hepoköngäs waterfall in Puolanka, it seems to have a hiking route as well. The waterfall itself is on a prominent rocky cliff so might be up your alley.
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