Start our hike from the southern part of the country, where some of Finland's most popular and accessible national parks are located.

Nuuksio National Park, located just 30 kilometers from Helsinki, is the perfect place for a day trip or weekend getaway. The park is famous for its numerous lakes, dense forests and rocky hills. The trails in Nuuksio are well-marked and well-maintained, making them ideal for families with children and novice hikers. The most popular trail is the 5-kilometer Korpinkierros Trail, which goes around the scenic Hawk Lake. This route offers beautiful views of the typical Finnish forest and lake landscape. Note the numerous viewing platforms and picnic spots located along the trail.

Slightly further east of Helsinki is Sipoonkorpi National Park, which, despite its proximity to the capital, impresses with its wildness and tranquility. This park is less crowded than Nuuksio, making it ideal for those seeking peace and solitude. The trails in Sipoonkorpi are more challenging and less extensive, adding to the authenticity and charm of the wilderness. We especially recommend the Kalkkiruukki route, which leads through a variety of ecosystems, from dense forests to open meadows and peat bogs.

For those looking for more challenging trails, Seitseminen National Park is an ideal choice. This park, located in western Finland, offers a range of trails of varying difficulty, from easy nature trails to challenging routes through wild forests and peat bogs. The most famous trail is the Multiharjun kierros, which leads through an old primary forest. Note the huge pine and spruce trees, which are up to 400 years old. The park also offers opportunities to observe wildlife, including elk and forest birds.

Comparing the three parks, it's clear that Nuuksio is the most family- and beginner-friendly, offering well-developed infrastructure and easy trails. Sipoonkorpi is ideal for those who want to escape the crowds and experience more authentic wildlife. Seitseminen, on the other hand, offers the greatest variety of trails and is an excellent choice for more experienced hikers looking for challenges and unique ecosystems. All three parks are accessible year-round, but the best time to visit is in late spring, summer and early autumn, when the weather is most favorable and nature is awakening.

Moving north, we enter a region of central Finland where the landscape becomes increasingly wild and rugged. This is where some of the country's most fascinating hiking trails are located.

Riisitunturi National Park, located in the southern part of Lapland, is a real gem for winter hikers. The park is famous for its breathtaking views of snow-capped trees, which take on fantastic fairy-tale shapes. The most popular route is Riisin Rääpäsy, which is 4.3 kilometers long and leads to the top of Riisitunturi Hill. In winter, this route is ideal for snowshoeing, offering unforgettable views of the snowy landscape. In summer, the park delights with an abundance of flora and fauna, as well as beautiful views of the surrounding lakes.

Moving further north, we come across the Arctic Circle Hiking Area, which is the gateway to the real Arctic. This is the place where you can literally cross the Arctic Circle and experience the phenomenon of white nights in summer or the aurora borealis in winter. The trails in this region range from short, easy educational routes to challenging multi-day expeditions. We especially recommend the Vaattunkiköngäs route, which leads to a picturesque waterfall and offers beautiful views of the Raudanjoki River.

For those who are looking for a real challenge and want to experience wild, unspoiled nature, the Hammastunturi Wilderness Area would be an ideal choice. This is a huge wilderness area where you can hike for days without meeting a living soul. The trails here are minimalist and require good preparation and navigation skills. The most famous route leads from the village of Inari to Lake Hammasjärvi, offering great views of the tundra and the chance to encounter wild reindeer along the way.

When comparing the three areas, there are significant differences. Riisitunturi National Park is relatively easy to access and offers unforgettable views, especially in winter, making it ideal for photographers and winter landscape enthusiasts. Arctic Circle Hiking Area is a great place for those who want to experience unique Arctic phenomena, such as white nights and aurora borealis, while offering a wide range of trails of varying levels of difficulty. Hammastunturi Wilderness Area, on the other hand, is for true adventurers and experienced hikers who appreciate solitude and wilderness.

It is worth noting that each of these areas has its own unique character and the best time to visit. Riisitunturi is most beautiful in winter, when the trees are covered with a thick layer of snow. Arctic Circle Hiking Area offers different attractions depending on the season - aurora borealis in winter and white nights in summer. Hammastunturi is best visited in summer or early autumn, when the weather is most stable and the days are still long.

Finally, we reach the northernmost part of Finland, where nature is at its most rugged and the landscapes are at their most spectacular. It is here that you will find some of the most challenging yet beautiful hiking trails in all of Europe.

Urho Kekkonen National Park is one of the largest national parks in Europe, offering almost limitless opportunities for backpackers and long-distance hikers. The park is famous for its vast areas of wild tundra, deep canyons and crystal clear rivers. The most popular route is the Sokosti Fell Trail, which leads to the park's highest peak, Sokosti (718 meters above sea level). This challenging route offers unforgettable views of the boundless tundra and is ideal for experienced hikers.

For those looking for a real challenge, the ideal destination will be Halti - Finland's highest point (1,324 meters above sea level). Although the peak is technically on the Norwegian side, the route leading to it through Finnish Lapland is one of the most spectacular in the country. The expedition to Halti is a multi-day adventure through the wild Arctic wilderness, requiring good preparation and experience in high-altitude hiking. The reward is incredible views of the rugged Arctic landscape and the satisfaction of conquering Finland's highest point.

Finally, there is the Ounasvaara Winter Trail, which is located near the city of Rovaniemi, known as the official home of Santa Claus. This trail, although relatively short (7 km), offers an unforgettable winter experience. It is ideal for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing or simply winter walking. From the top of Ounasvaara Hill, there is a beautiful view of the illuminated city of Rovaniemi and the surrounding forests, which is especially magical during the polar night.

Comparing the three areas, it is clear that each offers a unique experience. Urho Kekkonen National Park is ideal for lovers of long hikes and wildlife, offering vast expanses and the possibility of multi-day expeditions. The route to Halti is a real challenge for experienced alpine hikers, offering unforgettable views and the satisfaction of conquering the country's highest point. The Ounasvaara Winter Trail, on the other hand, is the most accessible and offers a unique winter experience close to civilization.

It is worth remembering that hiking in northern Finland requires good preparation and proper equipment. The weather can be unpredictable and conditions harsh, especially in winter. The best time to visit is late spring, summer and early autumn, when the days are long and conditions are most favorable. In winter, the trails offer unique experiences, but require specialized equipment and skills.

All in all, Finland offers a tremendously diverse range of opportunities for hikers - from easy, family-friendly trails in the southern national parks, to the scenic trails of central Finland, to challenging expeditions in wild Lapland. Regardless of hiking level or preference, there is something for every hiker, and the unforgettable views and proximity to wild nature will make every trip a unique experience.