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Eastern Finland: Koli to Oulanka
North through Finland’s eastern wilds, from the lake views at Koli via Hossa to Oulanka’s river canyons and Ruka, ending in Rovaniemi.
- Distance
- 841 km (523 mi)
- Driving
- 11 h 37 min
- Suggested days
- 5
- Stops
- 9
- Countries
- Finland
- Updated
- July 22, 2026
At a glance: 5-day road trip of about 841 km (523 mi) with 9 stops, from Kuopio to Rovaniemi. About 11 h 37 min of driving in total.
More road trips in Finland
Route description
From Kuopio it is about two and a half hours east to Koli, crossing forest and lake country. Koli National Park sits on a ridge above Lake Pielinen; drive up to the car park and walk or take the small funicular to the Ukko-Koli summit, where the view over the lake and islands has inspired Finnish painters and composers. Marked trails lead down to the lakeshore.
Follow the western shore of Pielinen north to Nurmes, a wooden town on a ridge between two lakes. The road north then runs through long stretches of forest towards Kuhmo and Suomussalmi, with few villages. Around Suomussalmi, the Raate Road memorials recall the Winter War battles of 1939–40. Keep your fuel tank topped up and watch for reindeer and elk on the road.
From Suomussalmi continue north towards Kuusamo and turn off to Hossa, a national park of pine ridges, clear lakes and the Värikallio rock paintings. The visitor centre has trail maps and there are lean-to shelters with firewood along the paths. Kuusamo is the regional centre, with supermarkets and fuel. Oulanka lies about 50 km north, close to the Russian border, which is closed.
In Oulanka, the Kiutaköngäs rapids are a short walk from the visitor centre, and hanging bridges cross the river on the Karhunkierros trail. Ruka is a fell resort just south of the park with walking in summer and skiing in winter. From Ruka it is around three hours west on road 81 to Rovaniemi. Summer brings mosquitoes to the forests, so pack repellent, and in winter, drive only with studded or Nordic winter tyres.
Stop-by-stop itinerary
In driving order. Distances are estimates between consecutive stops.
- 1Start
Kuopio
Finland - 2137 km
Koli National Park
ViewsKoli, FinlandUkko-Koli, a quartzite hilltop above Lake Pielinen, is one of Finland’s national landscapes. From the lower car park a short path or a small funicular climbs to the nature centre and viewpoints; entry is free.
- 375 km
Nurmes
Finland - 4187 km
Suomussalmi
Finland - 588 km
Hossa National Park
NatureHossa, FinlandPine ridges and clear lakes that became Finland’s 40th national park in 2017, with the Värikallio rock paintings and the Julma-Ölkky canyon lake. The visitor centre on Lake Öllöri has maps and trail advice.
- 672 km
Kuusamo
Finland - 757 km
Oulanka National Park
NatureKuusamo, FinlandRiver canyons, rapids and suspension bridges near the Russian border, with the Kiutaköngäs rapids a short walk from the visitor centre. The long Karhunkierros trail crosses the park; the 12 km Little Bear’s Ring starts at Juuma.
- 830 km
Ruka
Finland - 9196 km
Rovaniemi
Finland
Suggested stages and overnight stops
5 days, split by driving time. Campsites from OpenStreetMap: check opening dates before you go.
- Day 1: Kuopio → Koli National Park · 137 km · 1 h 54 minOvernight nearby, for example: Koli Freetime (8 km); SFC Rekiniemi (11 km).
- Day 2: Koli National Park → Suomussalmi · 262 km · 3 h 37 minOn the way: Nurmes.Overnight nearby, for example: Finn Camping Kangasjoki (9 km).
- Day 3: Suomussalmi → Hossa National Park · 88 km · 1 h 13 minOvernight nearby, for example: Karhunkainalon leirintäalue (< 1 km); Camping Hossan Lumo (3 km).
- Day 4: Hossa National Park → Ruka · 158 km · 2 h 11 minOn the way: Kuusamo, Oulanka National Park.Overnight nearby, for example: Iisakki Village camping (6 km); Viipuksen Leirintäalue (4 km).
- Day 5: Ruka → Rovaniemi · 196 km · 2 h 42 minOvernight nearby, for example: Ounaskoski Camping (< 1 km); Napapiirin Saarituvat (5 km).
Best time to go
No month is ideal everywhere on this route; the most pleasant are usually June–August. Cold, short days in November–April. July and August are the busiest months: book campsites early.
Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons
Practical notes for the road
- Finland: No motorway tolls for cars. Motorway limit for cars: 120 km/h.
Road rules and fees change. Check official sources before you travel.
FAQs
How long is Eastern Finland: Koli to Oulanka?
5-day road trip of about 841 km (523 mi) with 9 stops, from Kuopio to Rovaniemi. About 11 h 37 min of driving in total.
How many days do you need for Eastern Finland: Koli to Oulanka?
We suggest 5 days: about 11 h 37 min of driving, which leaves time for the stops.
Where does Eastern Finland: Koli to Oulanka start and end?
It starts in Kuopio and ends in Rovaniemi.
Which countries does Eastern Finland: Koli to Oulanka pass through?
Finland.
Where can you camp along Eastern Finland: Koli to Oulanka?
OpenStreetMap lists 29 campsites and motorhome stopovers within 20 km of the stops on this route. For example: Matkailukeskus Rauhalahti, Finn Camping Kangasjoki and Karhunkainalon leirintäalue.
When is the best time for Eastern Finland: Koli to Oulanka?
No month is ideal everywhere on this route; the most pleasant are usually June–August. Cold, short days in November–April. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
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