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Hiidenportti National Park: A Gorge-ous Escape

Explore Finland's Hiidenportti National Park: A stunning gorge, ancient forests, and mythical landscapes await your discovery.

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Hiidenportti National Park, located in the Kainuu region of Finland, is a compact wilderness perfect for day trips and weekend hikes. Established in 1982, the park's main attraction is the Hiidenportti gorge, a dramatic canyon carved millions of years ago. With its diverse landscape of old-growth forests, mires, and rocky terrain, the park offers visitors a chance to experience the serene beauty and unique natural history of the region.

A brief summary to Hiidenportti National Park

  • Monday 12 am-12 am
  • Tuesday 12 am-12 am
  • Wednesday 12 am-12 am
  • Thursday 12 am-12 am
  • Friday 12 am-12 am
  • Saturday 12 am-12 am
  • Sunday 12 am-12 am

Local tips

  • Wear sturdy hiking shoes, as the trails can be rocky and uneven.
  • Bring insect repellent, especially during the summer months.
  • Check the park's website for current trail conditions and winter accessibility.
  • Pack a picnic to enjoy by one of the park's serene lakes or at a campfire site.
  • Consider visiting in late spring or early autumn for mild temperatures and fewer crowds.
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Getting There

  • Car

    Hiidenportti National Park is accessible by car. From Sotkamo, follow road 76 towards Kuhmo. Signposts will direct you to the Palolampi parking area, the main entrance to the park. Note that access roads can be challenging for larger vehicles. Parking is free at Palolampi, Käärmesärkkä and Urpovaara. Be aware that Perävaarantie leading to Urpovaara is usually not ploughed in winter.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are available from the towns of Sotkamo, Kuhmo and Valtimo to reach Hiidenportti National Park. The distance from these towns to the park ranges from 20-50 km. Expect to pay approximately €40-€100 for a one-way taxi ride, depending on the distance and taxi company.

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Discover more about Hiidenportti National Park

Hiidenportti National Park, meaning "Goblin's Gate," is a captivating destination in the Kainuu region of Finland, offering a blend of natural beauty and cultural history. Established in 1982 to preserve the area's wilderness, the park's defining feature is the Hiidenportti gorge, a stunning canyon formed millions of years ago by the folding of the Earth's crust. The gorge's steep rock walls, reaching up to 20 meters in some places, create a dramatic and unforgettable sight. The park's landscape is a mosaic of mires, heath forests, and old-growth forests, showcasing the region's diverse ecosystems. The forests, averaging 100-150 years old, feature a mix of pine, spruce, and birch trees, with some pines over 400 years old. This near-natural state provides a habitat for various wildlife, including brown bears, wolverines, lynx, and diverse bird species. Keep an eye out for the American beaver, whose traces can be seen along the Porttijoki River. Visitors can explore the park's beauty through a network of well-maintained trails. The most popular is the Hiidenkierros Trail (3-5 km), a circular route suitable for families and beginner hikers. For a longer adventure, the Kitulankierros Trail (10.5 km) takes you through the gorge to the Kitulanlampi lean-to shelter. Along the trails, discover remnants of the past, such as the Kovasinvaara croft, a former farmstead with information boards detailing life in the wilderness. Hiidenportti was once considered a sacred natural site. Before Christianity, people worshipped nature and its spirits, and Hiidenportti was considered a magical place. According to legend, a 'Hiisi' or demon, retreated to the area after being enraged by church bells. The park's history also includes traces of slash-and-burn farming and tar burning, practices that shaped the landscape and provided livelihoods for the region's inhabitants.

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