A Day Trip from Oulu to Hossa Surprised with Its Vastness

Hanna and Mikko left early in the morning from Oulu and returned home late at night. The day was filled with experiences, but Hossa made such a strong impression that they wished for more time.

“We left around eight in the morning and didn’t get back until half past ten in the evening. The day was enough, but we still wanted to do more,” Hanna recalls.

Before the trip, the couple had planned to visit the Värikallio Cliffs and the Julma-Ölkky Canyon, but the sheer size of the area surprised them. “If possible, it’s worth leaving even earlier in the morning. Hossa is much bigger and more diverse than we expected,” Mikko adds.

First visit left a strong impression

For Mikko, this was the very first visit to Hossa Nationalpark, and Hanna had previously only been to the Nature Centre. “The surroundings are stunning, the nature is beautiful and so clean,” Hanna says.

They started with the seven-kilometre Värikallio Circle Trail and then drove to the Julma-Ölkky parking area. “We walked along the ridge by the lake for about an hour each way. Having a break in the evening sun was an unforgettable moment before we returned to the car,” Mikko tells.

Snacks and campfire moments

During the day, they stopped both at the Nature Centre and at rest spots along the trails. “It was a nice surprise to see that lunch was available at the Nature Centre even outside the summer season. However, we had packed plenty of our own food, so we enjoyed it outdoors instead,” Hanna says.

“What stayed with us most was the perfect autumn weather, tidy rest areas with firewood, the beauty of the nature and the Julma-Ölkky route,” she adds.

A wish for clearer starting points

One improvement idea stood out: finding the trailheads. “The paths themselves were clearly marked, but locating the starting points took some effort. A clear signboard at the Nature Centre showing the distances and directions to each parking area would help new visitors,” Mikko suggests.

Hossa – simply “impressive”

After the trip, one word summed up their experience: impressive. “It captures the scale, the beauty and the rugged scenery. The cleanliness of the area was also remarkable,” Hanna and Mikko conclude.

They plan to return to Hossa again – either in early summer or during the colourful autumn season. “Next time, we might even stay overnight along the trail.”

“We truly recommend Hossa to everyone. Even just sitting quietly in the forest with a cup of coffee is an experience worth having,” they say.

Photos: Hanna and Mikko’s personal album