Urho Kekkonen National Park
National park in Lapland, Finland
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Urho Kekkonen National Park (Finnish: Urho Kekkosen kansallispuisto, Northern Sami: Urho Kekkonen álbmotmeahcci, abbreviated to UK[3]) is a national park in Lapland, Finland, situated in area of municipalities of Savukoski, Sodankylä and Inari. Established in 1983 and covering 2,550 square kilometres (985 sq mi), it is one of Finland's largest protected areas. It is named after Urho Kekkonen, late President and Prime Minister of Finland.
| Urho Kekkonen National Park | |
|---|---|
The waterfall in Paratiisikuru (valley), in Urho Kekkonen National Park | |
  Location within Finland | |
| Location | Lapland, Finland |
| Coordinates | 68°20′N 028°00′E |
| Area | 2,550 km2 (980 sq mi) |
| Established | 1983 |
| Visitors | 435,900 (in 2024)[2] |
| Governing body | Metsähallitus |
| Website | https://www.luontoon.fi/en/destinations/urho-kekkonen-national-park |
The Suomujoki river flows through the northern parts of the diverse park. The marked paths in its western part are an easy destination even for the inexperienced backpacker, whereas the wilderness is good for long and demanding trips.
Most trips to Urho Kekkonen National Park are started from the Kiilopää fell center, the Aittajärvi lake along the Suomujoki river, or Raja-Jooseppi, and backpackers usually end up nearby the Saariselkä fell line, for instance on the top of its highest fell, Sokosti. Reindeer herding is still a common livelihood in the area.
Gallery
A wilderness hut in UK national park
Lake Harrijärvi
