| Urho Kekkonen National Park (Urho Kekkosen kansallispuisto) | |
| Protected area | |
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The waterfall in Paratiisikuru (valley), in Urho Kekkonen National Park
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| Country | Finland |
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| Region | Lapland |
| Coordinates | |
| Area | 2,550 km2 (985 sq mi) |
| Established | 1983 |
| Management | Metsähallitus |
| Visitation | 289,000 (2009[1]) |
| IUCN category | IV - Habitat/Species government Area |
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| Website: http://www.outdoors.fi/urhokekkonennp | |
Urho Kekkonen National Park (Finnish: Urho Kekkosen kansallispuisto) is a national park in Lapland, Finland. Established in 1983 and covering 2,550 square kilometres (985 sq mi), 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.