Oulanka National Park Winter Walk: Frozen Rivers & Falls

Walk frozen rapids and waterfalls, then warm up by the fire with cloudberry pancakes

A private winter walk through Oulanka National Park in Finland, where you trek along frozen rivers and snowy forests to Myllykoski rapids, Aallokkokoski, and Jyrävä waterfall with a local guide who shares stories of Arctic nature. The tour lasts three to four hours and ends with freshly made nettle pancakes and cloudberry jam by a campfire. Pickup is available from Kuusamo or Ruka center. Snowshoes or light crampons are provided depending on snow conditions, and children are welcome from age six.

Step-by-step itinerary

Winter walk in Oulanka National Park

• Start at Oulanka National Park edge
• Walk along frozen Kitka River
• Visit Myllykoski rapids
• See Jyrävä waterfall
• Explore Aallokkokoski rapids
• Listen to local guide stories
• Enjoy campfire with pancakes and drinks

The experience

The tour starts at the edge of Oulanka National Park and moves into its winter landscape on foot. Your guide (a local who speaks English or Finnish) leads you across the frozen Kitka River to the roaring Myllykoski rapids, where water still churns beneath the ice, then on to Aallokkokoski and the Jyrävä waterfall. The route depends on snow conditions: you'll wear either snowshoes or light crampons with poles to move safely across the frozen terrain. Along the way, the guide points out the best viewpoints and explains the rhythms of Arctic nature in winter.

After three to four hours on the trail, you gather around a campfire where the guide cooks nettle pancakes from scratch, topped with homemade cloudberry jam made in Kuusamo. Hot drinks warm you while you sit by the fire: a practical end to the day that also lets you rest and absorb what you've seen. In very cold weather, an alternative snack replaces the pancakes, but the campfire moment stays the same.

Pickup is arranged from either Kuusamo or Ruka center, so you don't need to arrange your own transport to the park. Bring outdoor clothing and winter boots. The operator provides the technical gear. The tour welcomes children from age six, though you'll need at least a moderate level of fitness to walk the frozen rivers and uneven terrain for the full duration.

What’s included

• Pickup from Kuusamo or Ruka center.
• snowshoes or light crampons with poles, chosen based on snow conditions.
• local guide in English or Finnish.
• nettle pancakes with homemade cloudberry jam and hot drinks by the campfire.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 10:00 and 11:00

Book up to1d before

AgesAdult (18 and older) · Child (6 to 17 years) · Under 6: can't be booked

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish and Finnish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.You can choose from 6 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated 23 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortPets welcomeInfants must sit on laps

Operated by MyTrail

Is this one for you?Book this private tour if you're visiting Kuusamo or Ruka for a few days and want a morning or afternoon walk that doesn't require arranging your own transport or gear. The small group size means you move at your own pace with personalized attention from the guide, and the campfire finish gives you time to rest and reflect before heading back.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Finnish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (6 to 17 years). Children under 6 can't be included in the booking.

What are the frozen rapids and waterfalls I'll see on this walk?

Myllykoski rapids, Aallokkokoski, and Jyrävä waterfall are the main highlights. Myllykoski is notable for its roaring water that continues to flow beneath the ice, and Jyrävä waterfall is the most impressive of the three. You'll also cross the frozen Kitka River as part of the route through the park.

Do I need to bring my own winter boots and outdoor clothing?

Yes, you provide your own outdoor clothing and winter boots. The operator supplies snowshoes or light crampons and poles, depending on snow conditions at the time of your visit.

How does pickup work if I'm staying in Kuusamo or Ruka?

Pickup is included from either Kuusamo or Ruka center, so you don't need to arrange separate transport to Oulanka National Park. Confirm your location and pickup time when you book.

What happens at the campfire, and is the food suitable for dietary restrictions?

After the walk, you gather around a campfire where the guide prepares nettle pancakes with homemade cloudberry jam and hot drinks. In very cold weather, an alternative snack is prepared instead. Mention any dietary needs when booking so the guide can plan accordingly.