No new reports of stomach flu on the Karhunkierros Trail – Metsähallitus still receiving illness reports from Urho Kekkonen National Park

Karhunkierros huts and toilets can be used again – good hygiene still important

Last week, Metsähallitus advised hikers not to visit the Karhunkierros Trail, which runs through the municipalities of Kuusamo and Salla, due to a wave of stomach flu. Wilderness huts along the trail were temporarily closed.

“We thank all hikers who followed our recommendation. Thanks to your actions, the situation appears to have calmed down, and we haven’t received any new reports since Tuesday. We also thank those who reported their illness to us – your notifications helped us identify the issue and most likely prevented many others from getting sick in remote areas where help is not readily available,” says Airi Kallunki, recreation specialist at Metsähallitus Parks & Wildlife.

This week, the maintenance contractor hired by Metsähallitus has cleaned the wilderness huts along the Karhunkierros Trail and disinfected surfaces at toilets and lean-to shelters. Hikers are still advised to maintain good hygiene. The exact cause of the illness remains unknown.

Norovirus spreading in Urho Kekkonen National Park: avoid huts, rest areas, and toilets

As of Friday, Metsähallitus has received reports of 43 hikers falling ill with stomach flu while hiking in Urho Kekkonen National Park, in northern Lapland.

Ill hikers have reported visiting the following huts and rest areas:

• Aittajärvi
• Anterimukka
• Hammaskuru
• Härkävaara
• Iisakkipää trail
• Kiertämäjärvi
• Kotaköngäs
• Luirojärvi
• Muorravaarakanjoki
• Muorravaarakka
• Niilanpää
• Porttikoski
• Pälkkimäoja
• Raja-Jooseppi
• Rautulampi
• Sarvijoki
• Siikavuopaja
• Sokosti
• Suomujoki
• Tahvontupa
• Tuiskukuru

One hiker who fell ill in the terrain has been tested by the wellbeing services county of Lapland. The test confirmed norovirus. See: Norovirus spreading in UKK National Park – Five rescue operations already carried out in challenging conditions - Lapin hyvinvointialue (lapha.fi, in Finnish)

Metsähallitus continues to advise against overnight hikes in Urho Kekkonen National Park and recommends avoiding wilderness huts and other trail structures. Hikers are advised to stay on marked trails, as it is easier for rescue services to reach people if needed.

You can report any observations related to trails maintained by Metsähallitus via: Luontoon.fi/feedback

There is currently no known connection between the cases on the Karhunkierros Trail and those in Urho Kekkonen National Park.

FACT: How to prevent illness while hiking

• Wash your hands thoroughly before eating and after using the toilet. Use warm water if available. If not, use soap or hand sanitizer.
• Do not wash yourself or your dishes directly in lakes, rivers, or streams. Wash on dry land.
• Use your own water container. If using a shared water bucket in a hut, do not use it for anything other than carrying and storing drinking water.
• Do not fill your own water bottle directly above the hut’s drinking water bucket.
• Boil any untreated natural water for at least 5 minutes before using it for drinking or cooking.
• Avoid touching your face with unwashed hands.
• Keep your food clean – store it in sealed containers and avoid cross-contamination.
• If using a personal water filter, make sure it is cleaned properly before your trip.
• Always carry your own shelter, such as a tent.

Previously Published:

• Do not set out on the Karhunkierros Trail – Metsähallitus closes wilderness huts due to stomach flu 6.6.2025
• Stick to marked trails, boil water, and practice good hygiene in Urho Kekkonen National Park due to stomach flu 11.6.2025

More Information

• Karhunkierros Trail
• Urho Kekkonen National Park