Pieni Karhunkierros – Hiking on the bear circles

Karhunkierros (bear circle) is about 70 kilometers long trekking trail in Kuusamo, northeastern Finland. Pieni Karhunkierros (small bear circle) is a circular trail for one day trekking (12 km) in the middle of Karhunkierros. The smaller trail contains several points of interest, such as streams, a waterfall and breath taking views.

The trail starts at Juuma, 35 kilometers up north from Kuusamo, and guides the trekkers through varying landscapes: from arid sandy pine hills to swamp ponds with blossoming waterlilies.

  

The trail is not the easiest one. Some parts of it have wooden stairs and paths, but most of it is still in the natural shape: dirt paths, tree roots and occasional rocks. Have good hiking shoes or sandals, some water and snacks. There is a small cafe at the beginning of the trail, but otherwise there are no commercial services. For food, you may pick your own berries, catch a fish or two and roast sausages with fire in the designated areas — wood provided by courtesy of Finnish government.