Hossa offers several distinct highlights: the Värikallio rock paintings, an extensive network of hiking trails, marked mountain biking routes and waterways. When planning your trip, you can therefore consider whether cultural history, hiking, cycling or water activities should be the main focus.
Rock Paintings and National Park History
At Värikallio, 61 individual rock paintings can be made out. The motifs include reindeer and people, bear paws and lizard-like patterns. The paintings are approximately 3,500 to 4,500 years old. The more recent history of the protected area is distinct from this: Hossa National Park was established in 2017 to mark the centenary of Finnish independence. Värikallio thus combines a specific archaeological highlight with the history of a relatively young national park.
Hiking and Mountain Biking
Around 90 kilometres of trails are available for hiking in Hossa National Park. Most routes are circular and can be combined via connecting trails to create longer hikes. You can choose a route based on whether a loop or a longer trek is a better fit for your planned stay. The distance alone does not determine a specific walking time.
The mountain biking options are also clearly defined: the national park has four marked mountain biking trails. It is also home to Finland’s only mountain biking trail designated IMBA EPIC. This designation is a special point of reference for visitors who want to explore Hossa by bike; however, it does not replace choosing a specific route for your own plans.
Waterways and Outdoor Activities
The Hossanjoki is 30 kilometres long and has been developed for water-based hiking and recreational fishing. Trout are stocked in the river. In addition, Hossa’s many lakes and ponds are suitable for water-based excursions. The river and lakes offer different ways to include time on the water in your travel plans, while fishing remains a distinct activity on the Hossanjoki.
The national park’s facilities also cater to visitors on the water: its many open huts, shelters, lean-tos and campfire sites are available to canoeists, kayakers and SUP users too. These provide specific places to rest and shelter along the waterways. If you are considering a hike on foot as well as a trip on the water, you can plan for the facilities and trail types mentioned for each separately.
Winter Trails and Seasonal Activities
The extensive winter trail network makes day trips to the national park’s best-known sights possible, as well as longer winter hikes. The snow-covered trails can be used on skis, snowshoes and fat bikes; some can also be used on foot. This limitation is important when choosing a route: not all snow-covered trails are equally intended for walking.
Visits to the reindeer farm in Seipiniemi are offered exclusively during the winter season. Keep this seasonal restriction in mind when planning your dates, and check before travelling whether a visit is possible. This means the visit remains a winter activity and is not confused with trails described as available year-round or permanent facilities in the national park.
Getting Your Bearings and Staying Overnight in the Park
Hossa Nature Centre serves as the reception for the recreation centre and provides information and advice about the national park. It is a specific point of contact for questions about finding your way around the area.
There are five open huts in the national park, available free of charge to all hikers. You can stay there for one or two nights; advance reservations are not possible. These huts are a separate accommodation option for hikers and should be factored into your plans in accordance with the stated length of stay and reservation policy.
Discover more destinations: Jormua, Sotkamo, Hyrynsalmi, Ruhtinansalmi, Vuokatti, Puolanka, Kajaani, Ristijärvi
For the overview of the wider region: Kainuu.
