Trekking
There are many signposted trails on Ärjänsaari Island. Even though there are no paint markings on the trails, it is easy to trek along the them. You cannot get lost on the island. The trail that takes you round the whole island is roughly ten kilometres long, but you can also go on a shorter hike, as there are various route options. It is easy to walk along the trails, and there are duckboards along the moister sections. You may also hike outside the marked trails. However, please trek along the trails in order to preserve this erosion-sensitive island for the next generation of visitors.
Seeing the Sights and the Views
From the high sand cliffs of Ärjänsaari Island, you can enjoy the gorgeous scenery of Lake Oulujärvi. Amongst the best viewpoints are the Lentohiekka drift sand area, as well as the banks of Mansikkatörmä and Hautakaarre.
Birdwatching
Ärjänsaari Island is a paradise for birdwatchers. There are typical lake and forest bird species in the area. Please note that it is forbidden to enter the Kirkkosäikkä bird nesting area from 1 May to 31 July.
Other Activities
- Swimming: You may swim in Lake Oulujärvi all around Ärjänsaari Island. You can swim and sunbathe, enjoy the sea-like atmosphere on the beach, or you can play beach volley or throw a flying disc. Take your own ball or flying disc with you. Swimming in the waters of Ärjänsaari Island is at your own risk.
- Fishing: Located in Lake Oulujärvi, Ärjänsaari Island is surrounded by fishing waters. You may angle and go ice fishing under the everyman’s rights. You will need permits for all other types of fishing. More detailed information is available on the (kalallakainuussa.fi) site.
- Geocaching: There are geocaches (geocache.fi) on Ärjänsaari Island. Geocaching is a fun way to explore the island.
- Skiing: You are allowed to go cross-country skiing and snowshoeing on Ärjänsaari Island. The Koutaniemi-Vuoreslahti village society (koutavuores.net) organises the Ärjän kierrän skiing event annually in March.
- Berry and mushroom picking: You are allowed to pick berries and mushrooms on Ärjänsaari Island.
- Photography: Ärjänsaari Island offers a versatile setting for photography, ranging from details to landscape panoramas.
- Volunteer work: On Ärjänsaari Island, various volunteer work events are organised in the summer. In the summer, there are sheep grazing on the island and shepherds who take care of the sheep. The application period for the shepherding weeks in the summer takes place in January. Read more about the herding of sheep and cows on Ärjänsaari Island and in the other areas of Metsähallitus.