Petkeljärvi National Park

Petkeljärventie 61, 82900 Ilomantsi

Petkeljärvi National Park – Scenic Wilderness in Eastern Finland

Petkeljärvi National Park is a peaceful and scenic nature reserve in Ilomantsi, North Karelia. Founded in 1956, it is one of the oldest national parks in Finland. It is also the easternmost and the smallest national park in the country, covering about 6 km² of beautiful ridges, forests, and lakes.

The ridges surrounding the waters of Lake Petkeljärvi are dozens of kilometres in length. The park’s old-growth forests include majestic pine trees over 150 years old, creating a calm, natural atmosphere ideal for walking and exploring.

The landscape was shaped by ancient glacial activity, with narrow eskers rising between clear waters and marshland. Did you know that esker ridges are found only in the northernmost parts of the Northern Hemisphere, and that Finland has more eskers than anywhere else in the world? Today, relatively few esker areas remain in a natural state.

The 15-kilometre-long Petkeljärvi-Putkelanharju ridge area is considered one of the most valuable natural ridge formations in Finland, with more than 2,700 hectares protected as part of the European Natura 2000 network. Moreover, Petkeljärvi National Park is part of the North Karelia UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.

Petkeljärvi also has historical significance: visitors can see restored wartime trenches and a dugout connected to Finland’s military history.

Trails and Outdoor Activities

The terrain in Petkeljärvi National Park offers varied scenery and a gentle but rewarding outdoor experience for hikers and nature lovers.

Walking in Petkeljärvi National Park is like walking in a picture postcard.

https://www.luontoon.fi/en/destinations/petkeljarvi-national-park

Kuikan Kierros Trail – A popular 6.5 km circular route that winds across eskers, through forests, and past scenic water views.

Harjupolku Trail – A shorter 3.5 km loop that highlights the park’s unique ridge formations.

Korkeasärkkä Trail – A scenic 2 km one-way trail leading to a narrow ridge viewpoint; return the same way.

Taitajan Taival Trail – A historic 32 km long-distance route that begins in the park and continues beyond; it is the oldest marked hiking route in North Karelia and an ancient ridge path.

Visitor Services and Facilities

At the heart of the park is the Petkeljärvi Center, where you can find accommodation rooms and cabins, camping and caravan facilities, equipment rentals (like kayaks and canoes), and a café from May to October. In addition, the area offers a campfire shelter, fireplaces, a camp kitchen, a rentable grilling hut, and a traditional wood-heated sauna.

There is also an old Park Ranger’s Hut, which showcases the park’s history and can be rented for a unique overnight stay.