Discover Siikajoki: River, Coast and History

In the municipality of Siikajoki, river landscapes, coastal villages, bird habitats and local history come together. In Siikajoenkylä, the Siikajoki River flows into the sea. Mertapuisto offers views of the river and surrounding landscape; the park also has seating and places where you can eat. The municipality has almost 60 kilometres of sea coast and three small-boat harbours: Merikylä, Tauvo and Varessäikkä.

River Landscapes and Coastal Villages

The coast around Tauvo and Varessäikkä features different yet related landscapes. In Tauvo, a long sandy beach follows the coastline, and the bathing water is shallow. Varessäikkä has natural sandy beaches, shallow bathing water and gently sloping shores. If coastal landscapes are a priority when planning your trip, these locations and landscape descriptions give you specific places to consider. The shorter branch of the Joutsenreitti leads to the beach and small-boat harbour at Varessäikkä.

Birdwatching and Trails

The Karjoneva wetland is an important breeding area for wetland birds; its facilities include an observation platform and an observation shelter. The Karjoneva nature trail, also known as Karjonkierros, is 2.5 kilometres long. In Paavola, the 4.1-kilometre Hangasneva Trail can be explored on foot or by mountain bike. There are three birdwatching towers, a lean-to shelter, a campfire site and a dry toilet along the trail. Many birds arrive in the area in spring, making it suitable for birdwatching.

Ulkonokka, Merikylänlahti and Säikänlahti are also valuable for their bird populations during the breeding and migration seasons. Under Finland’s waterbird conservation programme, these areas have been classified as internationally valuable waterbird areas. For longer outings, the Joutsenreitti is on a different scale: its longest section is 80 kilometres and runs through the municipalities of Siikajoki, Lumijoki and Liminka. In addition to mountain biking, parts of the route are suitable for activities including hiking and trail running. The different trail lengths offer a practical guide to whether you would prefer to include a shorter nature trail or a longer route in your plans.

Activities in the Municipality

The Hietamaa Recreation Centre is located in Ruukki. The site includes a beach, an 18-basket disc golf course and a lit fitness trail, and is open for public use. In winter, there are ski trails, a winter swimming spot and a sledding hill. There is also a barbecue hut, a campfire site, changing rooms and two dry toilets, one of which is accessible. A summer kiosk is often open in summer. Hietamaa is also home to the Ruukin Formula-K Kerho ry karting track and its maintenance building, Vauhtimaja.

Those interested in climbing will find 42 climbing routes on the Karhuviiankivi boulder in Luohuan Ylipää. The site is best suited to climbers with some experience through to experienced climbers. The 18-hole Raahentienoon Golf course in Siikajoki has a playing season that starts in early spring and ends in late autumn. Paavola hosts an annual spring market, with goods from various market vendors and a varied entertainment programme.

Churches and Local History

The Paavola Local Heritage Museum is located near Paavola Church in a former granary built in 1847. Its extensive collection includes objects related to local history. The museum is open on Sundays in summer; check current opening hours before your visit.

The churches offer another path through the municipality’s history. In Siikajoenkylä stands Siikajoki Church, built in 1701; its bell tower was built in 1765 and is still in use. The wooden church in Revonlahti was completed in 1775, and Paavola Church was consecrated in 1756. All three churches are cruciform, and each features art by church painter Mikael Toppelius. Revonlahti Church has altarpieces by Toppelius; Paavola Church is adorned with his works. Near the church hill in Siikajoenkylä, a monument designed by Matti Visanni in 1934 commemorates the Battle of Siikajoki during the Finnish War. The Kotiseutupolku is a local history trail in Siikajoenkylä; the Vekalan suspension bridge is in Paavola. In Revonlahti, Rumpari (Kirkkokoskenpuisto) has a lean-to shelter and an open campfire site with benches.

Choosing the Right Focus for Your Trip

When looking for a holiday rental, you could start by asking what you want your trip to focus on: coastal villages such as Tauvo and Varessäikkä, birdwatching at Karjoneva and Hangasneva, longer trails, or the churches and local history.

Discover more destinations: Kasnäs, Jokioinen, Kauhajoki, Pyhäjärvi, Salmilamminkylä, Ii, Nastola, Haapavesi.

For the regional travel overview: Northern Ostrobothnia.