Rautavaara: Bogs, Forests and Trails

Rautavaara combines trails and sports facilities in the village centre with natural attractions across the municipality. The defining feature is Tiilikkajärvi National Park: most of it lies in the municipality of Rautavaara, north of Highway 87, and it also extends into Sotkamo. Bogs, forests, and bodies of water form a valuable, wilderness-like landscape. The park is suitable for hiking and outdoor activities all year round.

Lakes, bogs, and distinctive rock formations

A striking feature of the landscape is the Tiilikkajärvi esker, which is over five kilometres long. The esker ridge runs through the lake and branches in places into sandbank-like peninsulas and side arms. Ancient and present-day shore formations, as well as erosion terraces, add to the character of this landscape. The open bogs in the wider area include Itkonsuo, Hietasuo-Rytysuo, Alussuo, Honkasuo, and Suurisuo; they are characterised by nutrient-poor bog types.

Venäjänhiekka is also a notable place to visit in the national park. Metsäkartano is located on a peninsula by the wilderness lake Ylä-Keyritty, right at the edge of the park. Each of these different places offers its own perspective on the natural area: here, the focus is on the lakeshore and esker ridge; elsewhere, it is on open bogs or the setting by a wilderness lake. The national park has 20 kilometres of marked trails, making it easy to combine hiking with exploring the landscape.

Pumpulikirkko reveals another side of the municipality: this rock formation, shaped by the Ice Age, lies within an old-growth forest protection area. A steep-walled, gorge-like crevice opens onto a clearing surrounded by vertical rock faces. At Pumpulikirkko, you can also view the Ice Age giant's kettle from the inside. The trail there is challenging in places and can be wet and rocky; wellington boots or sturdy hiking footwear are recommended. Impressive views await you at the destination.

Kipari in different seasons

Activities at the Kipari recreation area change with the seasons. In summer, you can hike the Kipari Trail and explore nature. A 14-metre-high observation tower stands on Kiparinvuori. In winter, you can explore the slopes on snowshoes; a separate run is designated for sledding or snowboarding. Kipari thus offers both trails through nature and opportunities for exercise in the snow.

Village centre and winter trails

In the village centre of Rautavaara, there is a nine-hole disc golf course at Urheilutie 1. It runs around the sports field and jogging track. The cross-country ski trails are also in the village centre. An illuminated section can be used at dusk and in the dark. The multipurpose building at Urheilutie 1 is a central starting and finishing point for the trails.

The Kunttasuo Trail is also nearby. This approximately three-kilometre cross-country skiing loop starts and ends at the hut of Rautavaaran Erämiehet. It is unlit, flat, and easy; its starting point is about three kilometres from the village centre. The options described therefore differ in specific ways: the village centre has an illuminated section of trail, while Kunttasuo is described as a flat, easy loop without lighting.

The official snowmobile season in the municipality depends on snow and maintenance conditions; the municipality opens and closes it accordingly. Outside the official season, riding is at your own risk. The route from Rautavaara to Ylä-Luosta is estimated to be 32 kilometres long, and the route to the Varpaisjärvi border 27 kilometres. Both distances are estimates, not information about travel time.

Culture and choosing your accommodation

The region's history can also be explored at specific places: the grounds of Tiilikanautio Manor have traces of historical iron ore processing. Together with the natural attractions and facilities in the village centre, this gives you a useful starting point when looking for a holiday apartment. If ski trails and disc golf are your priorities, the village centre is a good base; for hikes and excursions, the destinations across the municipality can shape your plans. So first consider which of these priorities you want to define your trip.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Pörsänmäki, Vuorela, Vesanto, Varpaisjärvi, Kauppilanmäki, Syvärinpää, Karttula, Hiltulanlahti.

For the main travel overview: North Savo.