Hossa: Rock Art, Hiking Trails and Water

Hossa National Park was established in 2017 to mark the centenary of Finnish independence. Its nature programme combines hiking trails and mountain biking routes with lakes, ponds and the Hossanjoki River. It also features impressive rock paintings and a dedicated network of winter trails. This means visitors to Hossa can choose from several different activities.

Värikallio: ancient rock paintings

At Värikallio, 61 individual rock paintings can be made out. The motifs depicted include elk and people, bear paws and lizard-like patterns. The paintings are approximately 3,500 to 4,500 years old. Anyone interested in early pictorial representations will find a special cultural aspect of the national park here. The variety of recognisable figures and patterns invites visitors to look closely at the individual motifs; their approximate age range is as much a part of their context as the different depictions.

Hiking and mountain biking

The national park has about 90 kilometres of hiking trails. Most routes are circular and can be combined with connecting trails to make longer hikes. This means you can choose between a loop and a longer route, without all the trails following the same course. You can use this flexibility when planning your day to make hiking a shorter or more extended part of your visit, without assuming a specific walking time or distance for any individual route.

There are also marked options for mountain biking: four marked mountain biking routes run through Hossa National Park. It is also home to Finland’s only mountain biking route designated as IMBA EPIC. Both details illustrate the importance of cycling as a distinct way to explore Hossa, alongside hiking on foot.

Lakes, river and paddling

Hossa has numerous lakes and ponds in an area suited to paddling. The Hossanjoki River is 30 kilometres long and has been developed for paddling and recreational fishing. Trout are stocked in the river. This means that both trips on the water and recreational fishing are among the activities described on the river, without implying any particular fishing success.

The Hossa-Kylmäluoma Recreation Centre rents out canoes, kayaks and SUP boards. Fat bikes and snowshoes are also available. The national park’s many open huts, lean-tos, shelters and campfire sites are also available to canoeists, kayakers and SUP users. Water activities are thus complemented by a dedicated choice of equipment and places to rest.

Winter trails and seasonal experiences

The extensive network of winter trails makes it possible to take day trips to the national park’s best-known sights as well as longer winter hikes. The snow-covered trails can be used on skis, snowshoes and fat bikes; some sections can also be walked. The reindeer farm in Seipiniemi is another consideration when planning your trip: visits there are offered only during the winter season. If you plan to include it, schedule your trip for winter.

Getting your bearings and staying overnight in the national park

Hossa Nature Centre provides reception for the recreation centre as well as information and advice about the national park. There are five open huts in the park, freely available to all hikers. You can spend one or two nights there; advance reservations are not possible. This accommodation option comes with clear conditions: it is intended for hikers, is limited to one or two nights and cannot be booked in advance. When looking for a holiday rental in Hossa, your preferred travel dates and planned activities can therefore be helpful starting points.

Other places

Other places: Puolanka, Hyrynsalmi, Ristijärvi, Ruhtinansalmi, Sotkamo, Jormua, Suomussalmi, Vuokatti.

For the full travel overview: Kainuu.