Urho Kekkonen National Park

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Urho Kekkonen National Park
IUCN Category IV (Habitat/Species Management Area)
Urho Kekkonen National Park
Map of Finland
Map of Finland
Location: Lapland Province, Finland
Coordinates: 68°12′25″N, 28°14′16″E
Area: 2,550 km² (985 mi²)
Established: 1983
Total Visitation: 165,000 (in 2005)
Governing body: Metsähallitus

Urho Kekkonen National Park (Urho Kekkosen kansallispuisto) is a national park in Lapland Province, Finland. Established in 1983 and covering 2,550 km², it is one of Finland's largest protected areas. It is named after Urho Kekkonen, former President and Prime Minister of Finland.

The Suomujoki river flows through the northern parts of the diverse park. The marked paths in its western part are an easy destination even for the inexperienced backpacker, whereas the wilderness is good for long and demanding trips.

Most trips to Urho Kekkonen National Park are started from the Kiilopää fell center, the Aittajärvi lake along the Suomujoki river, or Raja-Jooseppi, and backpackers usually end up nearby the Saariselkä fell line, for instance on the top of its highest fell, Sokosti.

Reindeer keeping is still a common livelihood in the area.

Paratiisikuru valley in the middle of the Saariselkä fell line, seen from the top of Ukselmapää fell.
Paratiisikuru valley in the middle of the Saariselkä fell line, seen from the top of Ukselmapää fell.

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