Hossa National Park, Kainuu Travel Guide

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Explore Finland's Hossa National Park: pristine lakes, ancient rock art, and endless outdoor adventures in a vast wilderness.

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Hossa National Park

Hossa National Park, established in 2017, is a pristine wilderness in Finland, near the Russian border. It features clear lakes, pine forests, ancient rock paintings, and diverse outdoor activities, offering a blend of natural beauty and cultural history.

A brief summary to Hossa National Park

Jatkonsalmentie 6, Suomussalmi, 89920, FI
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From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Hossa National Park.

Visit the Hossa Visitor Centre for maps, permits, and information about the park's trails and activities.
Explore the Värikallio rock paintings, some of Finland's most significant prehistoric art.
Enjoy the crystal-clear lakes by canoeing, kayaking, or stand-up paddleboarding.
Hike the diverse trails, ranging from easy lakeside paths to challenging wilderness routes.
Check bus schedules in advance, especially if visiting outside the peak summer season.

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Explore Hossa National Park on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Hossa National Park, mapped for you.

Getting There

Car

The most convenient way to reach Hossa National Park is by car. From Suomussalmi, drive north on Highway 5 (E63) and then follow the signs to Hossa. The park is located off the Suomussalmi–Murtovaara road (no. 843). There are several parking areas providing access to hiking trails, including Hossan luontokeskus, Lihapyörre and Julma-Ölkky. Parking is free. Note that overnight stays in cars are only permitted at the Karhunkainalo campsite.
Public Transport

During the summer (June to mid-September), a bus operates from Kuusamo directly to Hossa. Check the Matkahuolto website for the current bus schedule. Outside of the summer months, take a bus from Kajaani or Kuusamo to Peranka on National Road 5 (E63). From Peranka, it is approximately 30 km to Hossa, requiring a taxi. A taxi from Peranka to Hossa will cost approximately 50-70 EUR. Bus tickets from Kajaani to Suomussalmi cost approximately 15-25 EUR.
Taxi

Taxis are available in Suomussalmi, with several local taxi services. A taxi from Suomussalmi to Hossa National Park (approximately 70 km) will cost an estimated 130-160 EUR. It is advisable to book in advance. Taxi services include Korpitaxi (+358 600 398 100), Taxi Taneli Heikkinen (+358 400 284 010) and OmaTaxi Kajaani (+358 800 02120).

Discover more about Hossa National Park

Hossa National Park, located in the Kainuu region of Finland, close to the Russian border, is a captivating destination for nature enthusiasts and history buffs alike. Established in 2017 to celebrate Finland's 100th anniversary of independence, Hossa encompasses over 11,000 hectares of interconnected lakes, pristine forests, and rugged landscapes.This area has been inhabited for 10,000 years, serving as an ancient hunting ground for the Sami people. The name 'Hossa' originates from the Sami word 'hoašša', referring to the plant Equisetum hyemale. One of the park's main attractions is the Värikallio rock paintings, dating back 3,500 to 4,500 years, depicting ancient hunting and shamanic rituals. These paintings, discovered in 1977, are among the largest prehistoric rock art sites in Finland.Hossa offers a wide range of activities throughout the year. In the summer, visitors can enjoy hiking, cycling, canoeing, fishing, and stand-up paddleboarding in the crystal-clear lakes. There are approximately 90 km of marked trails, catering to various skill levels. Popular trails include the Hossa Nature Trail (3 km), the Värikallio Rock Paintings trail (4.5 km), and the Ölökyn Ähkäsy trail (10 km). In the winter, the park transforms into a snowy playground for husky sledding, snowmobiling, ice fishing, and snowshoeing.The Hossa Visitor Centre provides information about the park's nature, history, and services. The center offers maps, fishing permits, equipment rentals, and guided excursions. Visitors can also explore exhibits about the Värikallio rock paintings and the region's cultural heritage. The visitor center typically operates from 10 am to 4 pm, but it remains closed in January and February.