Description of Arctic Circle Trails

Starting Points for Trails

Vikaköngäs parking area at the southern end of the village of Vikajärvi, at the northern end of the hiking area
 
Vaattunkiköngäs parking area at the western end of the hiking area
 
Makialampi parking area by Road no. 4, at the southern end of the hiking area
 
Kalliosalmi, by the side of Road no. 82, to the east of the hiking area
 
Misin tie Road, by the side of a sandy road that runs to Misi, to the east of the hiking area
 
Vikajärvi, by the mouth of the River Raudanjoki, to the east of the hiking area
 

Accessible Trails

Vikaköngäs Shore Trail, 200 m / direction
Accessible nature trail symbol.
 Accessible toilet symbol. 

When the ground is unfrozen, duration 10 min
Category: an easy trail , a demanding accessible nature trail 

From this accessible shore trail you can also catch fish.

Two people cross a narrow bridge under which a river flows.

Starting Point

Coordinates: WGS84 lat: 66° 37.1542' lon: 26° 11.0054'
ETRS-TM35FIN P: 7389171 m I: 463840 m
 
Hiking Structures
Vikaköngäs parking area, a lean-to shelter area (two lean-to shelters), a campfire site, a toilet with a septic tank, a pier, and a recycling point. No winter maintenance, but the Vikaköngäs lean-to shelter area is also accessible in winter.
Two hikers sitting next to a campfire eating picnic lunch.
 
Sights
The gushing Vikaköngäs Rapids in different seasons and fishing from the pier located close to the lean-to shelter area.
 
Trail Description
The Vikaköngäs Shore Trail starts by the side of a hanging bridge that runs across the Vikaköngäs Rapids. For 200 metres, the trail runs upstream along the bank of the Vikaköngäs Rapids within the vicinity of the Vikaköngäs parking area, and arrives at the Vikaköngäs lean-to shelter area. The accessible shore trail is a two-metre wide route. The trail has been classified as an easy trail and as an easy accessible nature trail. The Vikaköngäs Rapids are also a suitable destination for families with children, as it is easy to move with a pram along the shore trail and in the lean-to shelter area. The Vikaköngäs lean-to shelter area and dry toilet are accessible. 
 
Please Note
The trail is not maintained in winter.
 

Könkäänsaari Accessible Nature Trail, 1,5 km, circle trail

Demanding accessible nature trail symbol.
 Accessible toilet symbol. 

Open throughout the year, duration 1 h
Category: an easy trail , a demanding accessible nature trail 

Along the most popular nature trail in the area, you can spot a rich assortment of plant and animal species on the lush river islands.

Aerial view of a shed, pier and wooded trails near the riverbank. There is a forest around.

Starting Point
Address: Vaattunkiköngäs parking area (excursionmap.fi), Vaattunkikönkääntie 219, 96900 Vikajärvi
Coordinates: WGS84 lat: 66° 35.7258' lon: 26° 7.1511'
ETRS-TM35FIN P: 7386556 m I: 460958 m

Hiking Structures
An accessible toilet with a septic tank and a recycling point in the Vaattunkiköngäs parking area. Könkäänsaari lean-to shelters (two), campfire site, accessible dry toilet, jetty.

The family is on a lunch trip by the campfire in front of the shed.

Sights
The gushing Vaattunkiköngäs Rapids and the rich assortment of plant and animal species on the lush islands of the River Raudanjoki provide an impressive experience for hikers, especially in summer.
 
The family with children watches the flowing river on a wooden pier.
 
Trail Description
The Könkäänsaari Accessible Nature Trail starts from the Vaattunkiköngäs parking area. It is particularly well suited for families with children. Along the nature trail, you will find information boards that tell little stories on what happens in the river area in different seasons and what bugs live in decaying tree trunks that have fallen by the duckboards. There are also tips on identifying the most common bird species. After setting off from the Vaattunkiköngäs gate, you will arrive at a hanging bridge that runs across the Vaattunkiköngäs Rapids. After the hanging bridge, the trail continues (wide duckboards) to the left through a lush shore forest, and after about 400 metres, you will arrive at a bridge and an intersection. From the intersection, continue to the right (away from the bridge), and soon you will reach the Könkäänsaari lean-to shelters. The surroundings of the lean-to shelters and the jetty in the vicinity are accessible to all. By the lean-to shelters, children can enjoy a treasure hunt in the footsteps of Firrel the Squirrel (Kurre Könkäänsaari). The recommended direction of the trail is clockwise. The nature trail has been classified as an easy trail and a demanding accessible nature trail: those using a wheelchair either need an assistant or an electric wheelchair. The trail has duckboards that are about one metre in width, and there are lay-bys for passing. In addition to hiking, the trail is suitable for snowshoeing in winter.
The family with children looks at the information board along the trail.
 
Please Note
The trail is suitable for snowshoeing in winter, but there is no winter maintenance.  In spring and early summer, the trail may not be available, due to floods. Könkäänsaari island is being prepared to be made in a nature conservation area because of it's precious nature. So please respect nature, don't damage plants or animals, or trash.
 

Easy Trails

Kielosaari Plant and Fungus Trail, 200 m, circle trail, (total 0,9 km)

Accessible toilet symbol.

Open throughout the year, duration 0,5 h
Category: an easy trail 

On this short nature trail, you can enjoy lush vegetation and a rich variety of fungi.

The wooden duckboards trail runs through the lush grove where grows lot of northern oak ferns.

 

Starting Point
Address: Vaattunkiköngäs parking area (excursionmap.fi), Vaattunkikönkääntie 219, 96900 Vikajärvi
Coordinates: WGS84 lat: 66° 35.7258' lon: 26° 7.1511'
ETRS-TM35FIN P: 7386556 m I: 460958 m

Hiking Structures
An accessible toilet with a septic tank and a recycling point in the Vaattunkiköngäs parking area. Könkäänsaari lean-to's (two lean-to's), campfire site, accessible dry toilet, jetty, Karhukumpu lean-to and dry toilet.
 
Lily-of-the-valley blooms with the smallest white bellflowers.
 
Sights
Along this short nature trail, you can enjoy the lush vegetation and rich variety of fungi on Kielosaari Island. 
 
Trail Description
The starting point for the Kielosaari Plant and Fungus Trail is located on Kielosaari Island, next to Könkäänsaari Island. The distance to the trail's starting point from the Vaattunkiköngäs parking area is about 0.7 km along the Könkäänsaari Accessible Nature Trail. After the Könkäänsaari lean-to shelter, the trail runs along the Könkäiden polku Trail across the Kielosaari bridge. The Plant and Fungus Trail is a 200 metre-long nature trail on Kielosaari Island. It introduces the lush vegetation and wide variety of fungi that thrive on the island. The trail has duckboards, and it returns to the Könkäiden polku Trail. You can use the following rest spots: the Könkäänsaari lean-to shelter area and the Karhukumpu lean-to shelter, which is located slightly further along the Könkäiden polku Trail. 
 
Crane's-bill blooms with the purple inflorescence.
Please Note
The trail is not maintained in winter. In spring and early summer, the trail may not be available, due to floods.
 

Mire Trail, 7 km, circle trail, (total 9 km)

 
Open throughout the year, duration 2 h
Category: an easy trail 

Experience the versatile Vianaapa nature with its poor fens, pine mires and spruce mires.

Starting Point
Address: Vaattunkiköngäs parking area (excursionmap.fi), Vaattunkikönkääntie 219, 96900 Vikajärvi
Coordinates: WGS84 lat: 66° 35.7258' lon: 26° 7.1511'
ETRS-TM35FIN P: 7386556 m I: 460958 m

Hiking Structures
Karhukumpu lean-to and dry toilet, Säynäjäojan lean-to and dry toilet and Vianaavan birdwatching tower.

Sights
The versatile mire landscape of Vianaapa with its poor fens, pine mires and spruce mires. The banks of the Säynäjäoja stream are ideal for birdwatching in early summer. There is also a birdwatching tower along the trail.
 
Trail Description
The Mire Nature Trail presents the versatile mire landscape of Vianaapa. The trail (most of the trail has duckboards) is a circle trail whose starting and ending points are located by the Karhukumpu lean-to shelter. You can set off for the Karhukumpu lean-to shelter from the Vaattunkiköngäs parking area. The distance is about one kilometre. When setting off from the parking area, the trail is nine kilometres long. The trail runs across poor fens, pine mires, spruce mires and forest islets. It introduces some peatland types as well as plant and animal species that are characteristic of northern Ostrobothnia. The Säynäjäoja lean-to shelter is located midway between the trail and the Vianaapa birdwatching tower on the open mire area of Vianaapa. In winter, the trail is suitable for independent skiing, but there is no maintained skiing trail. 
 
Please Note
The duckboards in poor condition from Säynäjäoja lean-to-shelter approximately 700 meters towards Vianaapa birdwatching tower have been removed. This part of the trail is not closed, but it might be wet and challenging to pass. On this trail, we recommend to wear waterproof shoes. In spring and early summer, the trail may not be available, due to floods. In addition to hiking, the trail is suitable for independent skiing in winter (no maintained skiing trail).
 

 

Other Hiking Trails 0-10 km

Könkäänvaara Trail, 2,7 km / direction

Open throughout the year, duration 1 h
Category: a medium level trail 

Splendid views from the top of Könkäänvaara hill. 
 
A wooden signpost in the forest guides you to Vaattunkiköngäs and Könkäänvaara.
 
Starting Point
Address:  Vaattunkiköngäs parking area (excursionmap.fi), Vaattunkikönkääntie 219, 96900 Vikajärvi
Coordinates: WGS84 lat: 66° 35.7258' lon: 26° 7.1511'
ETRS-TM35FIN P: 7386556 m I: 460958 m
 
Coordinates: WGS84 lat: 66° 36.4148' lon: 26° 5.7228'
ETRS-TM35FIN P: 7387851m I: 459921m
 
Hiking Structures
A table and benches on the top of Könkäänvaara Hill and an accessible toilet with a septic tank and a recycling point in the Vaattunkiköngäs parking area.
 
Sights
Splendid views from the top of Könkäänvaara Hill. 
 
Trail Description
The Könkäänvaara Trail connects the Vaattunkiköngäs and Makialampi parking areas to each other, and you can start the trail from either parking area. When setting off from the Makialampi parking area, the distance to the top of the wooded hill is shorter, only 0.8 km. Gorgeous views open out from the top of the wooded hill, where a table and benches are provided. You can return to the Makialampi parking area when the distance comes to about 2 km, or you can continue to the Vaattunkiköngäs parking area when the distance is 2.7 km. This intermediate trail runs on a stony and rocky terrain on the top of Könkäänvaara Hill, so the terrain can be slippery in rainy weather. Part of the trail runs in young forest, but an old pine forest grows on the top of Könkäänvaara Hill. You can follow the trail by snowshoe in winter.
 
Please Note

Some of the trail markings are unclear. In rainy weather, the rocky trail can be slippery. The trail is suitable for snowshoeing in winter, but there is no winter maintenance along the trail.

Pikkurompa Trail, 4,5 km, circle trail

Open throughout the year, duration 2 h
Category: a medium level trail 
 
Admire the old-growth forests of Sortovaara hill and walk trough an aapa mire.
 
A hiker sits by a campfire in front of a wooden cottage. In the background is a toilet building and a shed. There is firewoods next to the buildings.
 
Starting Point
Coordinates: WGS84 lat: 66° 36.4148' lon: 26° 5.7228'
ETRS-TM35FIN P: 7387851m I: 459921m
 
Hiking Structures
Sortovaara Lapp ‘kota' hut, a spring, a dry toilet.
 
Duckboards through the flowering mire.
 
Sights
The old-growth forests of Sortovaara, almost in their natural state, and a spring close to the Sortovaara Lapp ‘kota' hut.
 
Trail Description
The Pikkurompa Trail takes you to the old-growth forests of Sortovaara, almost in their natural state. The starting point of the trail is located in the Makialampi parking area, in the vicinity of Vaattunkiköngäs and the intersection of Road E75. The trail first goes across a mire section (duckboards), and 600 metres later it branches off into two trails. If you turn to the left (i.e. to the west) to the Sortovaara Lapp ‘kota' hut and return along the same trail, the trail is easy. If you turn to the right and proceed, via Sortovaara, to the Lapp ‘kota' hut, the trail is intermediate. The Sortovaara area is, however, more demanding. Nevertheless, it is worthwhile hiking via Sortovaara if you want to experience the atmosphere of the old-growth forests. You can do the trail by snowshoe in winter.
 
Please Note
During spring floods, the duckboards in the initial part of the trail may be flooded. The trail is suitable for snowshoeing in winter, but there is no winter maintenance along the trail.

 

Kivalonaapa Meadow Culture Trail, 1,3 km, circle trail (total 5,8-6,3 km)

Open throughout the year, duration 1 h
Category: an easy trail , a medium level trail 

 (transition to the beginning of the trail on Könkäiden polku Trail)

Get to know the meadow culture on a cultural heritage destination. 

Summer landscape with an old log hay barn in the midle of the mire.
 
Starting Point
Coordinates: WGS84 lat: 66° 37.1542' lon: 26° 11.0054'
ETRS-TM35FIN P: 7389171 m I: 463840 m
 
Address:  Vaattunkiköngäs parking area (excursionmap.fi), Vaattunkikönkääntie 219, 96900 Vikajärvi
Coordinates: WGS84 lat: 66° 35.7258' lon: 26° 7.1511'
ETRS-TM35FIN P: 7386556 m I: 460958 m
 
Hiking Structures
Vaattunkilampi lean-to, a dry toilet, jetty, Kivalonaavan niittypirtti day-use hut, a dry toilet, a fireplace. There are also lean-to shelters along the Könkäiden polku Trail.
 
Sights
A cultural heritage destination where you can familiarise yourself with the mire meadow culture. In addition to information boards, you will also find an old haystack and barn along the trail.
 
Trail Description
In the past, mire meadows were harvested for hay. You can familiarise yourself with the meadow culture on the nature trail that branches off from the Könkäiden polku Trail, close to Vaattunkilampi Pond. The distance to Vaattunkilampi Pond from the Vikaköngäs starting point is about 5 km, and about 4.5 km from the Vaattunkiköngäs starting point. You can also travel by boat along the River Raudanjoki to the jetty by the Vaattunkilampi lean-to shelter. You will see the Niittypirtti Day-use Hut as well as an old haystack and barn along the circle trail that runs in the Kivalonaapa area. The trail features information boards on the meadow culture and Kivalonaapa. The Meadow Culture Trail has been classified as easy. The connecting trail along the Könkäiden polku Trail is intermediate in difficulty. 
 
Please Note
In spring, when the snow is melting, the River Raudanjoki may flood at Vaattunkilampi Pond to the extent that the Könkäiden polku Trail is flooded and the Meadow Culture Trail cannot be accessed along it. In addition to hiking, the trail is suitable for independent skiing in winter (no maintained skiing trail).

Vaattunkivaara Nature Trail, 4 km, circle trail

Open throughout the year, duration 1,5 h
Category: a medium level trail 
 
 
Admire the views from the observation tower in the middle of old pine forests.
 
Two hikers and a dog walk on top of the rocky hill. Pines grow all around and the ground has autumn colors.
 
Starting Point
Coordinates: WGS84 lat: 66° 37.1542' lon: 26° 11.0054'
ETRS-TM35FIN P: 7389171 m I: 463840 m
 
Hiking Structures
Vikaköngäs parking area, a lean-to shelter area (two lean-to shelters), a campfire site, a toilet with a septic tank, a jetty, and a recycling point. Rest spots on the slopes of Vaattunkivaara Hill, Vaattunkivaara nature observation tower, Kaltio lean-to, spring, a dry toilet.
 
Sights
Old pine forest on the top of Vaattunkivaara Hill complemented by the handsome view that opens out from its observation tower. 
 
At the top of the rocky hill is a wooden bird tower. Surrounded by pines.
 
Trail Description
The Vaattunkivaara Nature Trail starts from the Vikaköngäs hanging bridge. From the starting point, the trail ascends for about 80 metres onto the top of Vaattunkivaara Hill. A pine forest grows on the rocky top. The oldest trees are over 450 years old. The rocky top may be slippery in rainy weather. There are duckboards on the wettest sections: you will not necessarily need rubber boots during the driest season. However, the trail includes stony sections, so wearing sturdy boots is recommended. About 600 metres after the hanging bridge, the trail branches off and becomes a circle trail. You can hike it in either direction. The trail can be negotiated by snowshoe in winter.
 
In front of a lean-to shelter in a pine forest, two hikers pet a small dog.
 
Please Note
The rocky hill top may be slippery in rainy weather. The trail is suitable for snowshoeing in winter, but there is no winter maintenance along the trail. 

Könkäiden polku Trail, 10 km / direction

Open throughout the year, duration 4h
Category: a medium level trail 
 
 
See the two magnificent rapids of the river Raudanjoki, wonderful mire sceneries and the Meadow Culture Trail.
 
Two hikers walk on a narrow bridge. The river flows below and the birches on the riverside are yellow.
 
Starting Point
Coordinates: WGS84 lat: 66° 37.1542' lon: 26° 11.0054'
ETRS-TM35FIN P: 7389171 m I: 463840 m
 
Address: Vaattunkiköngäs parking area (excursionmap.fi), Vaattunkikönkääntie 219, 96900 Vikajärvi
Coordinates: WGS84 lat: 66° 35.7258' lon: 26° 7.1511'
ETRS-TM35FIN P: 7386556 m I: 460958 m
 
Two hikers and a small dog walk towards a bird tower on the top of a rocky hill.
 
Hiking Structures
Vikaköngäs parking area, a lean-to shelter area (two lean-to shelters), a campfire site, a  toilet with a septic tank, a jetty, and a recycling point. Kaltio lean-to, spring, Vaattunkivaara nature observation tower, Kivalonaavan niittypirtti day-use hut, a dry toilet, fireplace, Vaattunkilampi lean-to, a dry toilet, jetty, Karhukumpu lean-to, a dry toilet, Könkäänsaari lean-to shelter area, an accessible dry toilet, Vaattunkiköngäs parking area, an accessible toilet with a septic tank.
 
Two hikers and a small dog walk on the wooden duckboards in the forest.
 
Sights
Amongst the gorgeous destinations along the trail are the rapids, Vaattunkivaara Hill, Vaattunkilampi Pond, Vianaapa and the Könkäänsaaret Islands. This trail also boasts handsome mire areas and the Meadow Culture Trail.
 
Two hikers and a small dog walk on the trail in a pine forest.
 
Trail description
The Könkäiden polku Trail is a hiking trail (with good facilities) that connects the most handsome rapids in the River Raudanjoki, i.e. the Vikaköngäs Rapids and the Vaattunkiköngäs Rapids. Setting off from Vikaköngäs, the trail first runs across Vaattunkivaara Hill, goes along the southern bank of the River Raudanjoki, and takes you via the cultural heritage destination that presents the Kivalonaapa mire meadow culture to the impressive Könkäänsaaret Islands, whose biodiversity is particularly versatile. The trail has been classified as intermediate in difficulty. A considerable part of the trail has duckboards, so it is easy to move along the trail. The most demanding section is the ascent onto Vaattunkivaara Hill. The altitude difference is 80 metres, so you must be quite fit to reach the hill top. In addition, the trail on Vaattunkivaara Hill is stony in places, and it may be slippery in rainy weather. In spring, when the snow is melting, the River Raudanjoki may flood at Vaattunkilampi Pond to the extent that the Könkäiden polku Trail is flooded and it is impossible to walk along it.
 
Please Note
In spring and early summer, the trail may not be available, due to floods. In addition to hiking, the trail is suitable for independent skiing or snowshoeing in winter (no maintained trails).

Other hiking trails over 10 km

Olkkajärvi Hiking Trail, 12 km / direction


When the ground is unfrozen, duration 5 h
Category: a demanding trail 



Enjoy a feel of the wilderness and wonderful sceneries from Rantakivalot and Korvavaara hills.

Starting Point
Address: Vaattunkiköngäs parking area (excursionmap.fi), Vaattunkikönkääntie 219, 96900 Vikajärvi
Coordinates: WGS84 lat: 66° 35.7258' lon: 26° 7.1511'
ETRS-TM35FIN P: 7386556 m I: 460958 m
 
Hiking Structures
Könkäänsaari lean-to shelter area, an accessible dry toilet, Karhukumpu leant-to, a dry toilet, Olkkajärvi leant-to, a dry toilet.
 
Sights
Magnificent views spreading out from Rantakivalot and Korvavaara Hill.
 
Trail description
The Olkkajärvi Hiking Trail is suitable for those seeking challenges. The Olkkajärvi Hiking Trail starts from the Vaattunki parking area and ends on the eastern shore of Lake Olkkajärvi, close to Korvalampi Pond. This trail is the most demanding trail in the Arctic Circle Hiking Area, and you need to be in good condition to do it. You can stay overnight in a tent or at lean-to shelters along the trail. 
 
The initial part of the Olkkajärvi Hiking Trail consists of an easy duckboard section and easy trail, following the Mire Trail (Suopolku) signposts. The Olkkajärvi Hiking Trail branches off from the Mire Trail about 200 metres east of the birdwatching tower. Thereafter, the Olkkajärvi Hiking Trail becomes more difficult. In the final section (about nine kilometres), there are no duckboards in wet sections, either, so you will need waterproof boots. There is no clear path on the terrain, but you will keep on the route by following the orange paint signs. Also take a map and compass with you.
 
The lingonberry grows on a mossy stump.
 
After branching off from the Mire Trail, the Olkkajärvi Hiking Trail ascends the gentle slopes of Rantakivalot. The terrain consists of moist spruce forests in places, and the trail ascends along the rim of a slope bog. The trail also crosses two poor forest roads. An old pine forest and a spruce-dominated mixed forest grow on the ridge of Rantakivalot. The trail proceeds along the rocky ridge to the top of Rantakivalo. After that, it starts descending towards Korvanaapa. Splendid views open out from Rantakivalo to Korvanaapa, Korvavaara Hill and Lake Olkkajärvi.
 
From the vicinity of Korvanaapa, the trail continues (for about one kilometre) along a forest strip on the rim of a mire and crosses a snowmobile track. There is a spring in the vicinity. The trail runs across Korvanaapa, which is watery in places, via a mire islet. Thereafter, there is a brisk ascent onto the top of Korvavaara Hill, from where the trail descends to the side of Lake Olkkajärvi, along a spruce-dominated ravine. After the descent, the trail continues along a forest road towards the northern end of Korvalampi Pond and crosses a small stream. The final part of the trail goes across pine mires and heath forests to a lean-to shelter located on the shore of Lake Olkkajärvi. 
 
Please Note
It is recommended that the hiking trail is used only in summer. It is in poor condition and insufficiently marked in places.

Boating and Canoeing Routes

Canoeing route Kalliosalmi Sound - Lake Olkkajärvi, 62 km / direction

When the ground is unfrozen, duration 2-3 days
 
Experience over 60 km of lake and river sceneries.
 
Rafters ride in inflatable boat down the rapids.
 
Starting Point
Coordinates: WGS84 lat: 66° 41.1138' lon: 26° 42.5679'
ETRS-TM35FIN P: 7396321 m I: 487168 m
 
Route Structures
Vikaköngäs parking area, a lean-to shelter area (two lean-to shelters), a campfire site, a  toilet with a septic tank, a jetty, and a recycling point. Ukkoharri lean-to, a dry toilet, Vaattunkijoki lean-to, a dry toilet, Vaattunkilampi lean-to, a dry toilet, jetty, Säynäjäoja lean-to, a dry toilet, Olkkajärvi lean-to, a dry toilet. Boat harbour on the shore of Lake Olkkajärvi, a Lapp ‘kota' hut, boat launching site, swimming shore
 
Sights
Versatile river and lake scenery, with good fishing opportunities and handsome rapids.
 
Route description
The water and canoeing route runs along the rivers Vikajoki and Raudanjoki. The latter runs below Lake Vikajärvi. The route starts from the village of Kalliosalmi (close to Road 82 to Kemijärvi) and ends at Lake Olkkajärvi. The distance from the village of Kalliosalmi to Lake Olkkajärvi is about 62 km. There are no rest spots maintained by Metsähallitus in the initial part of the route. However, there are rest spots in the hiking area that are also suitable for canoeists in the final part of the route.
 
Kalliosalmi – Misin tie Road, about 12 km 
The route starts from Kalliosalmi, from where you can go canoeing and boating along the River Kalliojoki. There is a parking area at Kalliosalmi, by Road no. 82, slightly after the river, in the direction of Kemijärvi. The route goes towards Lake Kalliojärvi, Lake Uurajärvi and Karvatit, whereafter the River Kalliojoki becomes the River Vikajoki and runs into Lake Kielijärvi. There is a boat landing site on the shore of Lake Kielijärvi, by the river mouth, close to Misin tie Road. The distance from Kalliosalmi to Misin tie Road is about 13 km. This section is suitable for rowing and canoeing in summer. However, there are no rest spots maintained by Metsähallitus along this section.
 
Misin tie Road – Lake Vikajärvi, about 27 km 
The section that starts from Lake Kielijärvi (close to Misin tie Road) and runs to Lake Vikajärvi (close to a bridge of Road No. 82 to Kemijärvi) is only suitable for canoeing. At first, you will arrive at the Kieliköngäs Rapids, which are difficult to run, particularly during periods of high water levels. After the Kieliköngäs Rapids, you will arrive at Lake Venejärvi and continue along the River Välijoki to Lake Pirttijärvi. From Lake Pirttijärvi, the route goes along the River Vikajoki to Lake Köyry. There are some strong currents in the river sections that run between the lake sections. After Lake Köyry, a river section commences that continues to Lake Vikajärvi (close to the bridge of Road no. 82 to Kemijärvi). After that, you will find rest spots maintained by Metsähallitus.
 
The rapids scales in the River Vikajoki are I - II (melontajasoutuliitto.fi), depending on the water conditions. The most demanding and speediest rapids in the River Vikajoki are the Pietarinkoski Rapids, which extend one kilometre. The river section is suitable for canoeing almost throughout the summer, but during the driest season it may be difficult to canoe along the rapids sections.
 
Lake Vikajärvi – Lake Olkkajärvi, about 23 km 
The section starting from Lake Vikajärvi is the most difficult. This section has the most demanding rapids, i.e. the Vikaköngäs and Vaattunkiköngäs Rapids. Rest spots are maintained by Metsähallitus in this section.
 
Tips for Running the Vikaköngäs Rapids
You will arrive first at the Vikaköngäs Rapids. The rapids have three sections, and the rapids scale varies between II and III (melontajasoutuliitto.fi), depending on the water conditions. The first two parts are easy to run, but it is advisable to take a look at the third part in advance. It is advisable to land in the vicinity of the Vikaköngäs lean-to shelters on the right-hand bank of the river.
 
Below the Vikaköngäs Rapids, you will arrive at Vaattunkilampi Pond. There is a lean-to shelter on its southern shore. From there, you can visit the Kivalonaapa Meadow Culture Trail (at a distance of 300 metres). From Vaattunkilampi Pond, the river is easy all the way to the Vaattunkiköngäs Rapids.
 
Tips for Running the Vaattunkiköngäs Rapids
There are two courses in the Vaattunkiköngäs Rapids. The course on the right-hand side of Könkäänsaari Island can be run. After a short rapids section, you can land on Könkäänsaari Island, from where you can take a look at the rapids in advance. Könkäänsaari Island is located on the left-hand side of the course. The rapids scale of Vaattunkiköngäs is I - II (melontajasoutuliitto.fi), depending on the water conditions.
 
After the Vaattunkiköngäs Rapids, the river is easy all the way to Lake Olkkajärvi. In the vicinity of the eastern shore of Lake Olkkajärvi, by a snowmobile track, you will find the Olkkajärvi lean-to shelter, also used by boaters. The water and canoeing route ends at the boat harbour at the northern end of Lake Olkkajärvi, close to Road E75.

Snowmobile Trails and Tracks

Many snowmobile trails and tracks run via the Arctic Circle area.
 
The Revontuli Trail runs from Rovaniemi to the border of Sodankylä (about 90 km). The Revontuli Trail goes across the Arctic Circle Hiking Area, via the Makialampi parking area and Vikaköngäs, for example.
 
The oldest snowmobile trail in the area is the snowmobile trail that runs from the Santa Claus Village via Lake Olkkajärvi to Kemijärvi. The snowmobile trail runs from the eastern shore of Lake Olkkajärvi to the northern side of Korvavaara Hill. From there, it branches off into two, continuing as a snowmobile track to Lake Vikajärvi and as a snowmobile trail to Kemijärvi. From the Kemijärvi snowmobile trail, there is also access to Ranua and Posio along snowmobile tracks.
 
The snowmobile track to Lake Vikajärvi runs, after the intersection, across Korvanaapa, then ascending to Rantakivalo. From there, it passes by Pattaskivalo and descends to the mires on the northern side of the range of wooded hills. After crossing Road no. 82 to Kemijärvi, you will arrive at Vikajärvi. From there, there is a connection to the Revontuli Trail to Sodankylä and to the grocery store at Vikajärvi.
 
You do not need a permit for travelling along the snowmobile trails. However, a permit is required for travelling along the snowmobile tracks. It is free of charge for those whose domicile is in the municipality and subject to a fee for others. You can obtain permits at the Pilke House customer service desk and from the Eraluvat.fi website (eraluvat.fi).
 
Further information on the snowmobile trails and tracks is available on the Metsähallitus game and fisheries services website (eraluvat.fi).