Paths of Silence – A Walking Tour in Finland’s National Parks
Welcome to the heart of Finland’s nature. Our national parks are a true paradise for hikers and backpackers, offering unspoiled landscapes, fresh air, and the soothing silence of the wild. Hiking is the most popular way to discover Finland’s natural treasures – so pack your rucksack and join us!
On this guided national park hiking tour, you will immerse yourself in breathtaking scenery while trekking through pristine wilderness. With an experienced guide by your side, you’ll gain deeper insights into the area’s nature, history, and cultural heritage – all while enjoying fascinating stories and local legends along the way.
We have carefully selected three national parks, one nature reserve, and a trip to the Paalasmaa Archipelago for this journey, each offering its own unique charm.
Koli National Park – Iconic landscapes and sweeping views over Lake Pielinen.
Tiilikkajärvi National Park – Quiet pine forests, sandy beaches, and crystal-clear waters.
Hiidenportti National Park (Goblin’s Gate) – Dramatic gorges and deep forests shrouded in mystery.
Raesärkät Nature Reserve – Serene ridges and tranquil lakeside scenery.
Paalasmaa Archipelago – Finland’s highest island
This tour is designed for travellers with average fitness who love spending time outdoors and want to experience the very best of Finland’s nature in comfort. Welcome to an all-inclusive hiking experience that will refresh your mind and body!
Tour highlights:
- National Parks
- Pure nature
- Local way of live
- Local pure food
- Silence and without hurry tour
- Sustainable travel
Group size: Min 6, max 14 persons.
Guided tours 2026:
30.5.-6.6.2026
19.-26.9.2026
Other times upon request.
Program
Day 1
Arrival to the guesthouse.
Dinner and getting to know the program.
Day 2
Getting to know the surroundings of the guesthouse by foot. A 6 km route goes along village roads and forest trails. In the afternoon a short Finnish course for beginners and a possibility for canoeing on the Viemenjärvi Lake (300 m from the guesthouse to the lake).
Trail category: Easy
Dinner and sauna at the guesthouse
Day 3
• Walking at The Nature reserve area of Raesärkät
Raesärkät nature reserve is a beautiful day trip destination in a ridge landscape. The hiking trail that runs through the area follows the old cart road and the bottom of the wheel track. The rest stops are along the route at a short distance from each other. In addition to ridges, Raesärkät landscape includes calm marshes, clear lakes, river bends and old forest with diverse inhabitants. Raesärkät scenery has been admired for decades, and the area is a popular local recreation destination. We can also take a swim in the Ahven-Valkeinen Lake.
Dinner and sauna at the guesthouse
The circular route of Raejärvi, 10 - 15 km.
Trail category: Easy
Drive 30 minutes /direction
Day 4
• Walking at Hiidenportti
The gorge of Hiidenportti is a spectacular sight. Along the trail leading up to the gorge you can experience the mystical spruce forest and the austere beauty of the flowery meadow.
Places to see at Hiidenportti: the gorge with its upright cliffs is the most popular sight of the national park. On the forested hill of Kovasinvaara there is a desolated cabin which gives the traveller a view on life in the wilderness and presents the local traditional landscape.
Dinner and sauna at the guesthouse.
The hiking route: Hiidenkierros Trail, 5 or 8 km / Circle Trail.
Trail Category: Intermediate and demanding
Drive: 1,5 hours /direction
Day 5
• Walking at Tiilikkajärvi
The spectacular sandy beach of Tiilikkajärvi is called Venäjänhiekka (Russian sand) which is no coincidence: in the year of the peace treaty of Täyssinä (1595) a memorial stone was placed there to mark the demarcation. On the stone you can see a crown and a cross representing Sweden and Russia, the two countries at war. On the sandy beaches, forested hills, odorous swamps and in the sighing forests you can feel nature at its most powerful.
The hiking route: The circular routes of Uiton kierto (7km) and Autionkierto (3,2 km) or 17 km Tiilikan kierto.
Dinner and sauna at the guesthouse.
The trail is agreed upon according to the condition of the group.
Trail Category: intermediate
Drive: 50 minutes /direction
Day 6
• Walking at Koli
Koli is best known for the magnificent views you get to enjoy on top of the forested hill. Over the years it has inspired famous artists like our national composer Jean Sibelius as well as ordinary hikers and backpackers who love hiking in the area. The highest point, Ukko-Koli rises 347 metres above sea level and 253 metres above Lake Pielinen. The view you get from the top has been named the best known Finnish national landscape.
The hiking route: Mäkrä trail 7,2 km. The starting point for the circular route is from the parking place of hotel area. From there the trail goes to the glades of Mäkränaho and Purolanaho and then up to the forested hill of Mäkrävaara. The next destinations will then be the forested hill Pieni-Mäkrä and the glades of Ikolanaho and Mäkränaho. From there we walk to Ukko-Koli and to the hotel area and information centre.
Dinner and sauna at the guesthouse.
Trail Category: Demanding or intermediate
Drive: 45 minutes /direction
Day 7
• Walking at Paalasmaa
Paalasmaa Archipelago – Finland’s Highest Island and a Hiker’s Treasure
Located in Juuka, North Karelia, the Paalasmaa Archipelago is a group of three islands that captivates visitors with its breathtaking scenery and serene island atmosphere. It is the largest island in Lake Pielinen and also the highest island in Finland, with its peak rising an impressive 75 meters above the lake’s surface. We will travel to the archipelago by ferry.
Experience the diverse nature of Paalasmaa by hiking the Paalasmaa Nature Trail
The trail begins at Paalasmaa Camping and follows charming country roads and forest paths to the Sydänvaara Observation Tower. From the top, a spectacular panorama opens across the Pielinen archipelago – and on a clear day, you can even see the famous Koli hills in the distance.
- 15 km round trip
- moderate level? minutes driving time/direction
In the evening the smoke sauna experience at Minna’s. One kilometre from the guesthouse Pihlajapuu by canoe over the lake. (6.5 kilometres by bike or by car).
Day 8
Breakfast. Time to say hei, hei.
The package price is from 1550E€/ person / 7 nights, 8 days.
The price includes accommodation in double rooms and full board at the guesthouse Pihlajapuu. Full board: breakfast, lunch, coffee / tea, dinner, sauna, packed lunch for excursions, guided hiking tours and transportation in the hiking trip.
Arrival by plane:
- On the arrival day one group transfer from Kuopio airport (flight at around 17:00 in Kuopio) or Siilinjärvi railway station (train at around 16:00 in Siilinjärvi).
- On the return day one group transfer to Kuopio airport (flight at around 14:00) or Siilinjärvi railway station (train at around 13:00). Departure from the guesthouse at 11:00 AM.
- All extra transfers from/to Kuopio airport or Siilinjärvi railway station 400€.
Arrival by train:
- Pickup from the Nurmes railway station at 14:00 or 20:00.
- On the day of departure, trains leave at 6:35 in the morning or 15:40 in the afternoon. Check the timetable from your tour operator.
Single room: 40€/day/person
An extra day 80€/person. Including accommodation and breakfast.
Please note:
- Not suitable for disabled or those with limited mobility.
- Most trails can be easily walked in sports shoes or walking shoes during dry weather, though hiking boots be useful, as terrain can vary considerably even over short distances. Weatherproof clothing.
- The trip may be cancelled up to one month before departure if the minimum group size is not reached.
Travel insurance:
Travel insurance is highly recommended for overseas travel. A comprehensive plan should include coverage for trip interruption, delay and cancellation, medical expenses, emergency medical transportation, loss and damage to baggage.
