What’s new
- 11/04/2025
Winter Maintenance of Roads Leading to the Urho Kekkonen National Park Boundary
There are several roads leading to the border of Urho Kekkonen National Park. Not all roads have winter maintenance. This news article compiles information about road maintenance.
Read more - 10/31/2025
The road to the Pahaoja parking area in the Hammastunturi Wilderness Reserve is not drivable
Read more - 10/31/2025
Public transport connections to Repovesi have ended for now
Public transport connections to Lapinsalmi in Repovesi have ended. The last direct bus service from Kouvola to Lapinsalmi for this season ran on Sunday, 26 October. Train connections to the nearby Hillosensalmi railway stop had already ended at the end of September.
Read more - 10/31/2025
Ketunlossi pull ferry to be removed from the water on 17 November – No access to trails from Lapinsalmi parking area
Starting from 17 November 2025, there will be no temporary access to hiking trails from the Lapinsalmi parking area in Repovesi National Park. On that date, the Ketunlossi pull ferry will be lifted from the water, cutting off the connection across Lake Kapiavesi. The ferry and the jetties on both shores will undergo renovation and will return fully renewed in spring 2026. The Lapinsalmi bridge is also closed due to ongoing repair work. Hiking is still possible from the Saarijärvi and Tervajärvi parking areas.
Read more - 10/30/2025
The crossing boats at Ruunaa have been taken out of the water for the winter
The boats at Airovirta, Vastuuniemi and Naukuniemi in the Ruunaa Hiking Area have been lifted from the water for the winter season. The Vastuuniemi Trail (11 km) and the Neitijärvi Trail (23 km) cannot be completed as circular routes until next spring, when the boats are returned to the water. Typically, the boats are launched in early May.
10/27/2025Saimaa ringed seal population continues to grow – mild winters and gill nets remain a threat
The Saimaa ringed seal population has continued to grow, despite recent winters being exceptionally mild and low in snow. According to the population estimate published by Metsähallitus on 27 October 2025, the estimated population for 2025 is 530 individuals. In 2024, the corresponding figure was 495. The population is growing rapidly in Puruvesi and southern Lake Saimaa, while the situation in northern Saimaa is concerning.
Read more- 10/24/2025
Cleaning services tender open for Pallas-Yllästunturi National Park visitor centres
Metsähallitus is tendering cleaning services for the Fell Lapland Visitor Centre and the Yllästunturi Visitor Centre Kellokas.
Read more - 10/24/2025
The river crossing cable at the Nuortti River has been taken out of use in Urho Kekkonen National Park.
The river crossing cable at the Nuortti River has been taken out of use for the 2025 summer season in Urho Kekkonen National Park.
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