Popular Karhunkierros hiking trail shortened due to Ruka resort expansion

The iconic Karhunkierros hiking trail in Kuusamo, Finland, will be shortened by roughly one kilometre next summer as its route over Rukatunturi Fell is closed to make way for resort development, state forest agency Metsähallitus announced on Monday.

Starting in summer 2025, the trail will begin and end at the Saarua Valley in East Ruka rather than Rukankylä village. The change comes as the area is transformed into a new tourist hub, with expanded skiing and biking trails that Metsähallitus states could compromise hiker safety.

“Relocating the starting point to Saarua improves both the safety and clarity of the route,” the agency said in a statement. The trail’s official length will now be 81 kilometres, down from approximately 82 kilometres.

One of Finland’s most popular long-distance hiking routes, Karhunkierros primarily winds through Oulanka National Park. The park recorded 170,400 visits in 2025.

The trail has operated since 1954 and was originally established by a group of young outdoor enthusiasts.