Discover Reisjärvi

There are several ways to discover Reisjärvi: along the extensive Peuran Polku trail network, with activities at the Petäjämäki Outdoor Centre, or by exploring local history and art. Nature attractions such as the Rauran observation tower are another option. Which of these aspects you focus on can also help guide your search for a holiday rental for your stay.

Hiking the Peuran Polku

The Peuran Polku trail network in Reisjärvi is 115 kilometres long. It includes a 77-kilometre main route connecting the Petäjämäki Outdoor Centre with the 15-kilometre Mäntyjärvi circular route. When planning, you can choose between the larger trail network, the main route and a specific circular route. Further along its regional course, the Peuran Polku runs from Northern Ostrobothnia into Central Finland through the sparsely populated Suomenselkä watershed region.

The Kuivajärvi circuit offers a point of reference: as part of the Peuran Polku, it is marked with orange blazes, and signposts are also provided at junctions. The Kuivajärvi log cabin is located on the shore of Lake Kuivajärvi, near the Etelä-Sydänmaa old-growth forest reserve and the Peuran Polku hiking trail. The cabin has a sauna. There is also a reservable cabin and a sauna beside the Kuivajärvi car park. In the cabin’s yard, there is a campfire site that all hikers can use.

Activities at the Petäjämäki Outdoor Centre

Petäjämäki offers a range of ways to spend an active day. The outdoor centre has an adventure forest and an 18-hole disc golf course. The illuminated fitness trails are 2, 3, 4 and 5.5 kilometres long. The different trail lengths give you specific options for planning your day, without implying a particular walking time.

In winter, you can ski on the illuminated cross-country trails, go sledding and snowboard in Petäjämäki. The snowmaking-supported trail opens every year in November, weather permitting. If winter sports are a focus of your trip, these seasonal activities are another reason to consider Petäjämäki when planning.

Experience nature and enjoy the views

The Rauran observation tower stands on Raurankallio. From there, you can enjoy views of the wilderness landscape; the site is also suitable for birdwatching. Right next to the tower is a large, continuous rock formation called “pirunpelto”. To get there, drive along Mäntyperäntie and Raurantie to a car park. From there, it is about another 1 kilometre along a forest road or path. Bear this distance in mind when planning your day.

History, art and poetry

The Reisjärvi church, Reisjärven Elisabetin kirkko, was completed in 1820 and consecrated on 2 September 1821. At the Kotiseutumuseo, you can learn more about Reisjärvi and its history, and see old objects. The Puurulan kotiseutumuseo displays old farming objects and tools. The two museums offer different thematic insights: one into local history, the other into farming objects and tools used in everyday life.

Another cultural stop is Maikin taidekoti, the studio home of artist Maikki Parkkila. Watercolours and other paintings are on display there. Annin nukketalo houses handmade dolls and toys from different decades. For another way to discover local stories, follow the Runokivenpuisto to the end of Susisaari: there stands the statue Kaarina-runotyttö, reading a book of poetry. Large stones inscribed with poems by local residents are arranged around it. The park on Susisaari is accessible by car, and there is a car park next to it.

Whether you want to focus on hiking, winter activities, nature observation or culture during your trip, Reisjärvi offers a range of ways to get started. You can also discover other destinations: Taivalkoski, Utajärvi, Haukipudas, Yli-Ii, Kukonkylä, Komsi, Keitele and Muuruvesi.

For the broader travel overview: Northern Ostrobothnia.