Sallatunturi Fell Area

Level: (* *) two bears The Sallatunturi Area, south of the Salla village, on both sides of Via Karelia (950), has many types of nature reserves, encompassing open string bogs, old forests, and fells. There are also many magnificent nature destinations outside of the protected areas: wilderness hills, large mires and lush river banks. The…

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Näränkä Natural Forests

Level: (*) one bear Näränkä Nature Forest in Kuusamo has pristine nature that is unique in Finland and the entire western Europe. In addition to forests, the small bodies of water and swamps in the area are in their natural state, providing viable living conditions for many demanding species. The reserve area has four forest…

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Iivaara

Level (*) One bear The Iivaara Natura area in south Kuusamo has age-old hunting and fishing grounds. More recently, hikers have started to become interested in the area. Iivaara’s nature type is wilderness. The base of the area consists of precious old forests, presenting the northern forest nature at its best. A hiking trail runs…

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Valtavaara

Level: (* * ) Two bears The Valtavaara Nature Reserve is located north-east of the Rukatunturi fell. One of the highest in Kuusamo, the hill is a bounty for nature lovers. The area has great views, hardy fell side plants, rare birds, and magical snow-covered spruces in winter. Valtavaara is perfect for hiking both in…

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Tuntsa Wilderness Area

Level: (* * *) Three bears Tuntsa Wilderness Area is wonderful for hiking because of its easy to travel terrain and because the area is easy to navigate. Some say it is one of Europe’s most beautiful outdoor recreation destinations. Tuntsa Wilderness Area is only a portion of the broader Tuntsa Area, which was described…

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Oulanka National Park

Level: (* * *) Three bears The Oulanka National Park has two major attractions: the great rapids of Oulankajoki and Kitkajoki, and the Karhunkierros Trail. The Oulanka region is well-known for its beautiful nature. The first plans to protect the area were made already in the 19th century. Nevertheless, Oulanka was not among the first…

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Kylmäluoma Hiking Area

Level: (* *) two bears Founded in 1979, the relatively large Kylmäluoma Hiking Area is in Taivalkoski, by main road 5, about 45km south of Kuusamo. The terrain is mainly dry pine forest, characterised by steep ridges following the bodies of water. The trails on top of the ridges have great views down to vast…

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Hossa National Park

Level (* * ) two bears Hossa is one of the state’s hiking areas. It’s a great destination for hiking, skiing, canoeing and fishing. The forests are mainly easy and pretty pine forests, even heaths and magnificent ridges, left by the Ice Age. There are trees of many ages, old too, and there’s evidence of…

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Suomussalmi

The four burning splints, used as a source of light in the olden times, symbolise the four base houses, mentioned in documents dating back to 1604. As evidenced by hundreds of Stone Age living sites and rock paintings on Värikallio, in the Hossa National Park, the region has been inhabited for thousands of years. The…

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Salla

The coat of arms has a silver arch on blue background, symbolising the fells typical of the regional nature. The municipality is located in East Lapland, almost entirely above the Arctic Circle. The local winter sports centre is on the Sallatunturi fell. You can find wilderness in the northern part of the municipality, in Tuntsa.…

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Säynäjäsuo – Matalasuo Mire Reserve

Level: (* *) two bears The area is one of the largest swamp areas in Kainuu, with very diversified bird species. Lake Säynäjärvi and smaller ponds add variety. The area is very much in its natural state. There are a vast variety in mire types. Many of them are poor, but there are small lush…

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Kieverrysjärvet

Level: (*) one bear Kieverrysjärvet is a recreational area in southern part of Kuhmo close to Via Karelia and where the Russian border reaches it’s most western spot. This is a perfect destination for a day-trip. An easily passable trail travels around six lakes and ponds: Porojärvi, Syrjälampi, Valkealampi, Syvälampi, Hukkalampi ja Juolunka, and through…

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The Raate Frontier Guard Museum

The frontier guard post has been used by soldiers under the reign of three different domains. It served first as a frontier guard for Finns, then for the Russians in the Winter War, and finally, the Germans in the Continuation War. The building is the oldest guard house in Finland and the only one preserved…

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