Hossa: Rock Paintings and Trails in the National Park

Hossa combines a cultural landmark with trails and activities in the national park. Värikallio’s rock paintings, hiking and mountain biking trails, waterways and winter trails give your stay a variety of focuses.

Cultural History at Värikallio

Hossa National Park was established in 2017 to mark the centenary of Finnish independence. Its founding is therefore linked to a specific period in Finnish history.

At Värikallio in Hossa, 61 individual rock paintings can be made out. The motifs include reindeer and people, bear paws and lizard-like patterns. The paintings are approximately 3,500 to 4,500 years old. At this one site, you can see both a varied selection of recognisable depictions and works spanning an age range of several millennia.

Hiking Trails and Mountain Biking Routes

The national park has around 90 kilometres of hiking trails. Most are circular routes, which can be combined into longer hikes using connecting trails. This gives you two options when planning: you can follow the circular routes or include connecting trails if you want to hike further.

There are also marked routes for mountain biking: Hossa National Park has four. It is also home to Finland’s only mountain biking route marked as IMBA EPIC. The number of routes and this special designation provide different points of reference; they are not the same detail.

Paddling and Recreational Fishing

Hossa has numerous lakes and ponds in an area suited to paddling. It is also home to the 30-kilometre-long Hossanjoki River, which has been developed for paddling and recreational fishing. Trout are stocked in the river. This means that both paddling and fishing are among the activities associated with the Hossanjoki.

Numerous open huts, lean-tos, shelters and campfire sites in the national park are also available to canoeists, kayakers and SUP users. This infrastructure is therefore relevant not only to hikers but also to people travelling by canoe, kayak or SUP.

Winter Trails and Seasonal Visits

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. This makes a practical difference when planning: you can choose between trips to the sights and longer winter hikes.

The snow-covered trails can be used with skis, snowshoes and fat bikes; some can also be walked. Visits to the reindeer farm in Seipiniemi are offered only during the winter season. If you plan to visit, check before travelling whether it will be open during your travel dates.

Getting Around and Overnight Stays in the National Park

Hossa Nature Centre serves as the reception for the recreational centre and provides information and advice about the national park. It is a place to go with questions about finding your way around the park.

There are five open huts in the national park, available free of charge to all hikers. You can spend one or two nights there; advance reservations are not possible. If you are planning to stay in one, bear this in mind.

Discover more destinations: Kajaani, Ristijärvi, Hyrynsalmi, Paltamo, Vuokatti, Jormua, Suomussalmi, Ruhtinansalmi

For the main travel overview: Kainuu.