Juuma: Hiking, Whitewater and Long Traditions

Juuma Between Hiking Trails and Whitewater

Juuma is an idyllic village and is considered the birthplace of tourism in Kuusamo. To this day, the combination of nature experiences and a long tradition of welcoming visitors shapes the character of the place. Juuma serves as a year-round gateway to Oulanka National Park and the Pieni-Karhunkierros hiking trail. The trailhead is in the village. This brings practical opportunities for hiking together with a history that dates back to the 19th century.

The landscape of nearby Oulanka National Park includes rapids, steep river valleys, forests along the riverbanks and suspension bridges. These features give an impression of what visitors can expect in the surrounding area: river landscapes and trails that also cross bridges. Those interested in a holiday in Juuma can choose between hiking and whitewater activities, without suggesting that both offer the same experience.

The Pieni-Karhunkierros in Different Seasons

The Pieni-Karhunkierros hiking trail is about 12 kilometres long and is suitable for a day trip. It is considered suitable for families, for example as far as Myllykoski. This information gives families a guide when choosing a hiking destination; the route remains a full day’s outing rather than just a short detour. During peak periods, hikers should also allow for waiting times at the suspension bridges. Juuma’s trailhead can be very busy in summer. Anyone planning the hike should take these possible delays into account.

The Pieni-Karhunkierros also remains open in winter: hikers pack down the snow. At the same time, icy steps and slopes can be very slippery. Suitable equipment to prevent slipping is essential; even spiked shoes are not enough. For longer day hikes such as the Pieni-Karhunkierros, you should also take the short hours of daylight into account in winter and bring a headlamp. A winter hike is therefore very different from a summer visit, when possible crowds at the trailhead and waiting times at the bridges may be the main considerations.

Whitewater on Two Routes

For a different kind of nature experience, a family rafting route runs from Käylä to Juuma along the upper reaches of the Kitkajoki. It offers a rafting experience suitable for the whole family. The route includes seven rapids, one of which is a Class III waterfall.

Another whitewater route runs from Juuma to the border zone. On this route, participants see Jyrävä Waterfall, which is rated Class VI; the waterfall is bypassed overland.

An Early Tourism Tradition

Juuma’s tourism traditions began as early as the late 19th century. At the time, village residents provided meals and accommodation for tourists travelling to Paanajärvi, known as the “Finnish Switzerland,” and transported them there. This history also makes the place interesting to travellers seeking a cultural connection alongside nature experiences. Juuma’s role in tourism thus predates its present focus on hiking trails and whitewater activities.

If you are looking for a holiday apartment for a trip to the Pieni-Karhunkierros, Juuma is a particularly relevant location: one of the trailheads is in the village, and Juuma serves as a year-round gateway to the trail.

More Places

Ii, Fiskars, Raahe, Lankojärvi, Kiviperä, Haukipudas, Utajärvi and Juupajoki.

For the broader travel overview: Northern Ostrobothnia.