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Hiidenportti National Park: A Gorge-ous Wilderness Escape

Explore Finland's Hiidenportti National Park: A stunning gorge, old-growth forests, and rich cultural history await in the Kainuu wilderness.

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Hiidenportti National Park, located in the Kainuu region of Finland, offers a dramatic landscape of deep gorges, old-growth forests, and vast mires. Established in 1982, the park's main attraction is the Hiidenportti gorge, a stunning natural wonder with cliffs rising up to 20 meters.

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 terrain can be steep and rocky in places.
  • Bring insect repellent, especially during the summer months, as mosquitoes and other insects can be abundant.
  • Check the park's website for current trail conditions and any alerts or warnings.
  • Pack a picnic lunch and enjoy it at one of the park's lean-to shelters or campfire sites.
  • Visit in late spring or early autumn for mild temperatures and fewer crowds.
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Getting There

  • Car

    The most convenient way to reach Hiidenportti National Park is by car. The park is located approximately 48 kilometers southeast of Sotkamo. From Sotkamo, follow road 76 towards Kuhmo. Signs will guide you to the Palolampi parking area, the main entrance to the park. Parking is free. Note that road 5284 to Urpovaara trailhead is not ploughed in winter.

  • Public Transport

    There is no public transportation directly to Hiidenportti National Park. The nearest train station and airport are located in Kajaani, approximately 86 kilometers from the park. From Kajaani, you can take a bus towards Sotkamo or Kuhmo. The bus ride is approximately 1 hour. From either Sotkamo or Kuhmo, you would need to take a taxi to reach the park, which is about 45-50 km. A taxi from either town would cost approximately 60-100 EUR.

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Discover more about Hiidenportti National Park

Hiidenportti National Park, meaning "Goblin's Gate," is a captivating wilderness area in the Kainuu region of Finland. Established in 1982 to preserve the region's unique landscape, the park covers 45 square kilometers and features a striking combination of deep gorges, old-growth forests, and expansive mires. The park's most iconic feature is the Hiidenportti gorge, a canyon-like ravine carved out millions of years ago. The steep, rocky walls of the gorge rise up to 20 meters in places, creating a dramatic and awe-inspiring sight. The Porttijoki River flows through the gorge, adding to the scenic beauty. Visitors can explore the park's diverse landscape on a network of well-marked trails. The most popular route is the Hiidenkierros Trail, a 3- to 5-kilometer loop that showcases the main sights, including the Hiidenportti gorge and the Kovasinvaara croft, a former farmstead. For a longer hike, the 10.5-kilometer Kitulankierros Trail takes you through the gorge to the Kitulanlampi lean-to shelter. Hiidenportti National Park is also rich in cultural history. The Kovasinvaara croft, inhabited until 1949, was once a gathering place for young people who came to socialize and dance. The park also contains traces of tar burning, slash-and-burn agriculture, and logging, offering a glimpse into the area's past. The park is home to a variety of wildlife, including large carnivores such as brown bears, wolverines, and lynx. Birdwatchers can spot northern species such as the brambling, rustic bunting, and Siberian jay.

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