Winter hiking in Kymenlaakso – tips for national parks and other nature destinations

In Repovesi and Valkmusa National Parks, walking trails are not ploughed or machine-packed during winter. All trails in the Eastern Gulf of Finland National Park are located on islands accessible only by boat, and they are not maintained either.

Some trails are so popular that they remain packed down by walkers throughout the winter.

• However, note that when temperatures fluctuate, trails can become extremely slippery. For example, on Repovesi’s hilly routes, traction aids, snowshoes or walking poles can be helpful. On the other hand, traction aids or snowshoes can be a hindrance on rocky sections or stairs.
• Metsähallitus does not monitor or report trail conditions.
• After heavy snowfall or drifting winds, the route may be hard to follow.

Even in snowy winters, you are most likely to be able to walk on these trails:

• Moronvuori Hill Trail in Valkmusa National Park
• Ketunlenkki Trail in Repovesi National Park (note that the Lapinsalmi bridge renovation blocks access until January 2026).

Other well-trodden routes include:

• The Olhava area in Repovesi National Park.

In snowy winters, a ski track is groomed to Moronvuori in Valkmusa National Park. The track is maintained by Kotkan Latu ry.

There is no maintained ski network in other national parks or Metsähallitus-managed nature sites.
The nearest ski tracks to Repovesi National Park are groomed to Orilampi. When conditions allow in late winter, an ice track is made from Orilampi to the Karhulahti campfire site in Repovesi.

Generally, routes that start from a ploughed parking area and have a campfire site along the way often remain open and packed throughout the winter. You can find information about winter maintenance of car parks by clicking the car park icon on the map or checking the site’s “Directions” page.

• **Snowstorms can drift trails shut, and warm weather can soften trail edges, making them hard to walk. **
• Visitors are responsible for clearing snow from the campfire site themselves.

Campfire sites that are usually easy to reach in winter include:

• Repovesi National Park
  Sukeltajaniemi (900 m from Saarijärvi parking area), Talas (600 m from Tervajärvi parking area), Lapinsalmi (600 m from Lapinsalmi parking area) – note that access is closed until the Lapinsalmi bridge opens in January 2026.

• Valkmusa National Park
  Moronvuori cooking shelter (2 km from Suolinna parking area).

You can snowshoe anywhere, except restricted areas. Following summer trail markers makes navigation easier and ensures safe terrain.

• Snowshoeing in deep snow is strenuous, so beginners should choose short routes.
• Start planning your snowshoe trip by checking winter maintenance of car parks. Click the parkin area icon on the map or check the site’s “Directions” page. Metsähallitus does not monitor or report daily ploughing.

In Repovesi National Park, local businesses offer snowshoeing services.

Beware of weak ice!

• On Kapiavesi in Repovesi National Park, there are strong currents under the ice regardless of conditions, making it unsafe. Always use the bridge to cross Kapiavesi.