Finland’s National Parks – 7 Amazing Nature Destinations to Explore from Oravi
7 National Parks in Finland to Explore from Oravi, Lake Saimaa
Finland is home to 41 national parks, protecting some of the country’s most beautiful and valuable natural landscapes. From peaceful lake archipelagos and ancient forests to rugged hills and vast open mires, the national parks in Finland offer unforgettable experiences for nature lovers.
Lake Saimaa, in the heart of Finnish Lakeland, is an excellent starting point for exploring Finland’s national parks. The village of Oravi is located between Linnansaari and Kolovesi National Parks, with several other remarkable nature destinations within a few hours’ drive.
National parks have been established to preserve biodiversity, protect the habitats of endangered species and safeguard valuable landscapes for future generations. At the same time, they offer everyone the opportunity to explore the outdoors, relax and experience the beauty of Finnish nature.
The History of Finland’s National Parks Goes Back Almost 90 Years
Finland’s first national parks were established in 1938. The first two were Pallas–Ounastunturi and Pyhätunturi in Finnish Lapland, predecessors of today’s Pallas–Yllästunturi and Pyhä–Luosto National Parks.
The national park network expanded significantly in 1956, when seven new national parks were established across Finland. Among them was Linnansaari National Park, which celebrates its 70th anniversary in 2026.
Finland’s newest national park, Salla National Park, was established in 2022. Today, national parks can be found throughout the country, playing an important role in both nature conservation and sustainable nature tourism.
Seven National Parks to Explore from Oravi
The village of Oravi enjoys a unique location in the heart of Lake Saimaa, between Linnansaari and Kolovesi National Parks. These two parks are right on our doorstep, but within a few hours’ drive, you can also discover completely different types of Finnish landscapes and nature experiences.
1. Linnansaari National Park – The Beautiful Archipelago of Lake Saimaa
Distance from Oravi: The national park boundary is right next to Oravi. The main island of Linnansaari is approximately 5 km away by water, a 15–20-minute boat ride.
Established in 1956, Linnansaari National Park is particularly famous for the endangered Saimaa ringed seal, its beautiful archipelago scenery and rich birdlife. The national park consists of more than a hundred islands and islets, together with the surrounding waters. The park extends all the way to the outskirts of Oravi village.
Linnansaari is a true paradise for those who love exploring nature by water. The archipelago can be discovered by kayak, canoe, boat or on a guided nature excursion. The main island has several hiking trails, and Linnavuori Hill offers magnificent views over the Haukivesi archipelago. An old traditional croft on the island provides a glimpse into the region’s history and the traditional way of life in the archipelago.
During summer, the main island of Linnansaari can be reached from Oravi by scheduled boat service, water taxi or independently by canoe or kayak. In winter, when ice conditions are safe, the national park can also be explored across the frozen lake. A marked and maintained winter trail connects Oravi with Linnansaari, allowing visitors to enjoy winter hiking or cross-country skiing.
2. Kolovesi National Park – Majestic Cliffs and Peaceful Wilderness
Driving distance from Oravi: approximately 45–50 km, around 50–60 minutes. Kolovesi can also be reached by canoe or kayak from Oravi via Lake Joutenvesi.
Kolovesi National Park is especially popular among paddlers. Its landscape is dominated by towering cliffs, old-growth forests and a maze of peaceful waterways. The park is also home to ancient rock paintings dating back thousands of years.
Motorboat traffic is prohibited in large parts of the park, making Kolovesi an exceptional place to enjoy the silence and tranquillity of nature. The area offers wonderful opportunities for both short day trips and multi-day paddling adventures.
You can start your paddling trip from Kirkkoranta, where a self-service canoe and kayak rental station is available. More experienced paddlers can also set off directly from Oravi and paddle to Kolovesi through the beautiful waters of Lake Joutenvesi. This route is ideal for a 2–3-day paddling adventure.
3. Koli National Park – One of Finland’s Most Iconic Landscapes
Driving distance from Oravi: approximately 210 km, around 3–3.5 hours.
Located in North Karelia, Koli is famous for its high forested hills and breathtaking views over Lake Pielinen. The panorama from the summit of Ukko-Koli is one of Finland’s most iconic national landscapes and has inspired Finnish artists for over a century. The park offers a variety of hiking trails, old-growth forests and traditional rural landscapes.
4. Leivonmäki National Park – Esker Ridges, Mires and Lakes
Driving distance from Oravi: approximately 200 km, around 3–3.5 hours.
Located in the Joutsa region of Central Finland, Leivonmäki National Park offers a wonderful variety of typical Finnish Lakeland scenery. Its highlights include sunlit pine forests, extensive mires and clear forest ponds. Wooden boardwalk trails across the wetlands and beautiful esker landscapes make it an excellent destination for a day hike.
5. Petkeljärvi National Park – Forested Ridges and Wilderness Lakes
Driving distance from Oravi: approximately 245 km, around 3.5–4 hours.
Located in Ilomantsi, Petkeljärvi is one of Finland’s smallest national parks. It is known for its narrow Ice Age ridges, crystal-clear lakes and old forests. Visitors can also explore the area’s wartime history, as old military trenches can still be found in the park. Petkeljärvi celebrates its 70th anniversary in 2026.
6. Patvinsuo National Park – Open Mires and Wilderness Tranquillity
Driving distance from Oravi: approximately 245 km, around 3.5–4 hours.
Located in North Karelia, Patvinsuo National Park is a dream destination for lovers of Finland’s wild peatland landscapes. Vast open mires, ancient forests and the sandy beaches of Lake Suomunjärvi create a beautiful and varied natural environment. Wooden boardwalks lead hikers across the open mires, where they can enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of the wilderness. Patvinsuo is especially beautiful in autumn, when the mire vegetation turns into a colourful tapestry of autumn shades.
7. Repovesi National Park – Dramatic Cliffs and Suspension Bridges
Driving distance from Oravi: approximately 225 km, around 3.5 hours.
Located in the Kouvola and Mäntyharju region, Repovesi National Park is known for its dramatic cliffs, forest lakes and varied hiking trails. Its most famous attractions include the Lapinsalmi suspension bridge, the hand-operated Ketunlossi ferry and the impressive Olhavanvuori cliff. The park’s rugged terrain and dramatic scenery make it a particularly rewarding destination for hikers.
Driving distances are approximate estimates from Oravi village to the national parks’ hiking trail starting points. The exact distance depends on the chosen route and parking area.
Oravi – The Perfect Base for Exploring Finland’s National Parks
Would you like to visit several national parks during one holiday? Oravi is an ideal base for a nature holiday in Lake Saimaa! Located between Linnansaari and Kolovesi National Parks, Oravi offers easy access to two of Finland’s most beautiful lake landscapes. Spend one day paddling beneath the majestic cliffs of Kolovesi and the next hiking on Linnansaari Island or joining a guided Saimaa ringed seal safari.
You can even combine both national parks on a longer paddling adventure. Oravi offers everything you need for a comfortable nature holiday, including accommodation in our hotel and lakeside villas, canoe and kayak rentals, boat transfers and guided nature excursions. After a day outdoors, enjoy a delicious meal and relax in a traditional Finnish sauna.
Several other national parks are also within a few hours’ drive, making Oravi a great stop on a longer road trip through Finland’s diverse natural landscapes. As a partner company of Metsähallitus, the organisation responsible for managing Finland’s national parks, we are committed to responsible nature tourism and encourage our guests to explore and enjoy these unique natural environments with care and respect.
Which Finnish national park is your favourite? Have you already explored Linnansaari and Kolovesi?