Six hiking trails in and around Finnish Lapland: Hetta–Pallas (about 50 km), Karhunkierros (82 km), Halti (about 55 km one way) and three shorter routes.
How long does the Karhunkierros (Bear Trail) take? The full Karhunkierros is about 82 km and most hikers walk it in four to six days, sleeping in the open wilderness huts along the trail. Strong walkers do it in four long days; if you want time at the rapids, waterfalls and suspension bridges, plan five. The shorter Pieni Karhunkierros loop covers the highlights in 12 km.
What is the most popular hiking trail in Lapland? Karhunkierros is often called Finland's most popular hiking trail. In Lapland itself the best-known long route is Hetta–Pallas, about 50 km and marked in 1934, in Pallas-Yllästunturi, Finland's most visited national park. It runs mostly above the treeline, and the huts split it into three or four days between Hetta and Pallas.
Do you need to book wilderness huts in advance? Open wilderness huts (autiotupa) are free and first-come, first-served, you cannot reserve them, and at ruska peak in September they can fill by mid-afternoon. Reservation huts (varaustupa) must be booked and paid in advance at eraluvat.fi, €20 per bed per night in 2026, and are worth it for a guaranteed bed on busy stretches.
How high is Finland's highest point, and can you hike it? Finland's highest point is on the shoulder of Halti at 1,324 m, deep in the Kilpisjärvi backcountry near the Norwegian border. It is about 55 km one way from Kilpisjärvi, so the return trip is around 110 km and takes most walkers six to eight days. The route is remote and exposed; carry a map and compass.
When is the best time to hike in Lapland? Mid-June to late September is the main season. July offers warm weather and the midnight sun; early-to-mid September brings ruska colour and far fewer mosquitoes, though nights drop below freezing and boardwalks turn ice-slick at dawn. Boat services such as the Lemmenjoki river boat run only in high summer, so check their dates.