Published 23.6.2025

Stomach flu cases continue in Urho Kekkonen National Park

Metsähallitus Parks & Wildlife has received new reports of stomach flu cases from the Midsummer weekend in Urho Kekkonen National Park and along the Kalottireitti Trail in Northern Lapland. The Kevo routes in Utsjoki will be opened to hikers as planned on Thursday, 26 June.

By Monday, 23 June, Metsähallitus Parks & Wildlife had received a total of 64 reports of stomach flu symptoms from hikers who had fallen ill while visiting Urho Kekkonen National Park. The latest reports were submitted over the past weekend. The affected hikers had been in the national park area between 31 May and 23 June 2025. The wellbeing services county of Lapland previously tested one hiker who had fallen ill in the backcountry, and the illness was confirmed to be caused by norovirus.

Over the Midsummer weekend, one case of stomach flu was also reported along the Kalottireitti Trail. For the time being, we ask hikers to avoid using the open and reservable wilderness huts and toilets at Saarijärvi and Guonjarjohka (also known as Kuonjarjoki).

Metsähallitus still recommends that hikers refrain from going on overnight treks in Urho Kekkonen National Park and that they avoid using huts and other hiking infrastructure. It is also recommended that hikers stay on marked trails, as this makes it easier for rescue authorities to reach them if needed. Metsähallitus will issue updates when the stomach flu situation shows signs of improvement.

“It is especially important right now to pay attention to good hygiene when hiking and to avoid places where the illness could spread. We recommend using your own tent, boiling drinking water, and taking care of hand hygiene—these actions can help prevent the spread of illness and reduce the risk of new cases. It is also wise to carefully consider your destination and timing to avoid stomach flu. A warm thank you to everyone who has reported cases—the reports help us respond in a timely manner and protect other hikers from falling ill”, says Leena Leppälä, Outdoor Recreation Specialist at Metsähallitus Parks & Wildlife.

Hikers who have fallen ill in Urho Kekkonen National Park have reported visiting the following trails, huts, and rest areas:

  • Aittajärvi
  • Anterimukka
  • Hammaskuru
  • Härkävaara
  • Iisakkipää Trail
  • Kiertämäjärvi
  • Kotaköngäs
  • Könkäänvaara
  • Luirojärvi
  • Along the Muorravaarakanjoki River
  • Muorravaarakka
  • Niilanpää
  • Porttikoski
  • Pälkkimäoja
  • Raja-Jooseppi
  • Rautulampi
  • Sarvijoki
  • Siikavuopaja
  • Sokosti
  • Suomujoki
  • Tahvo Wilderness Hut
  • Tuiskukuru

Kevo trails in Utsjoki to open for hikers on 26 June

Metsähallitus closed the Kevo and Kuivi trails in the Kevo Strict Nature Reserve on 14 June due to flooding and stomach flu cases. No new cases have been reported from the trails for over a week.

Both the Kevo and Kuivi trails include fords that were unsafe to cross due to flooding. According to flood forecasts, water levels have now decreased, and the trails will be opened to hikers as planned on Thursday, 26 June.

Up-to-date information available on the Luontoon.fi service

Metsähallitus reminds hikers to always visit the destination’s Luontoon.fi page before their trip. The pages provide all the current information hikers may need. For example, trail closures are always published on the Luontoon.fi service.

All feedback and observations related to hiking infrastructure managed by Metsähallitus can be submitted at: Luontoon.fi/feedback.

More Information

Media Contacts:

  • Metsähallitus:
    • Kevo Strict Nature Reserve: Field Manager Martti Kyrö, Metsähallitus Parks & Wildlife, tel. +358 40 026 7289
    • Urho Kekkonen National Park: Outdoor Recreation Specialist Leena Leppälä, Metsähallitus Parks & Wildlife, tel. +358 40 482 4426Evacuations and Medical Information:
  • Lapland Rescue Department, On-call Fire Chief, tel. +358 40 152 8650, operaatiokeskus.la@pelastustoimi.fi
  • Lapland Wellbeing Services County, Chief Health Centre Physician Outi Liisanantti, tel. +358 40 0699 330, outi.liisanantti@lapha.fi

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