Hiidenportti National Park, National park in Sotkamo, Finland
Hiidenportti National Park is a protected nature reserve in Sotkamo that combines mixed forests, wetlands, deep gorges, and towering rock walls. The grounds are crossed by a network of walking trails that lead through different landscape types and reveal various natural features.
The park was established in 1982 to protect an area that had been shaped by traditional farming practices for centuries. Its creation marked the shift from managed farmland to a protected natural space.
The name Hiidenportti means 'Hiisi's Gate' in Finnish, referring to the steep gorge that forms the centerpiece of this place. You can see this striking rock formation when walking through the forested paths.
The visitor network includes about 30 kilometers of marked trails at varying difficulty levels for different fitness abilities. Along the routes you will find shelters, campfire sites, and resting areas for those who want to stay longer or need a break.
A 1992 study documented over 300 butterfly species in the park, including rare varieties that are seldom found in this region. This diversity makes the place interesting for wildlife watchers, especially during warmer months.
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