What can one do in Auttiköngäs?
Walk on Marked Trails
There is a 3,6-km-long nature trail in the area, which is marked with orange marks on trees. The trail passes either side of the River Auttijoki through a changing landscape. Along the trail, you will be able to admire the winding river and the surrounding forest. Climbing the steepest hills is excellent exercise.
Go Bird Watching
Auttiköngäs is ideal for bird watching. You will see some old-forest species, such as the black woodpecker (Dryocopus martius) or three-toed woodpecker (Picoides tridactylus) along the nature trail. The brambling (Fringilla montifringilla), the common redstart (Phoenicurus phoenicurus) and crossbills (Loxia sp.) also inhabit the area. From the observation tower you might even see the golden eagle (Aquila chrysaetos) hunting for food. Some years, the rare grey wagtail (Motacilla cinerea) has also been spotted by the rapids.
See the Sights and Scenery
There is a scenic lookout point near Auttiköngäs Falls from where visitors can admire the roaring waters. Excellent views are also on offer from the observation tower located by the nature trail.
Walk on Nature Trail
There is a 3,6-km-long nature trail in the area, which is marked with orange marks on trees. The information boards along the trail tell you about the wildlife in Auttiköngäs.
Ski Cross-country off Trails
Skiing is allowed all over the area, but there is no maintained skiing trail network.
Go Snowshoeing
There are no specifically marked winter trails but the nature trail is suitable for snowshoeing. Kindly notice that the stairs, for example, can be very slippery in the winter.
Go Fishing
Fishing is permitted if you purchase a Metsähallitus' recreational fishing licence (eraluvat.fi). Fishing is not permitted in the first 100 metres downstream from the waterfall as the river is protected there. As well as having a local fishing permit fishers must have paid the national fisheries management fee (eraluvat.fi). The Metsähallitus' lure fishing permit can be bought from Metsähallitus netstore (eräluvat.fi) and at Customer Service Pilke.
Fishers need to check the restrictions on fishing sites at kalastusrajoitus.fi (in Finnish).
Go Hunting
The law states that hunting is permitted in the area, but Metsähallitus asks visitors not to hunt for safety reasons as Auttiköngäs is a popular hiking destination.
Go Berry and Mushroom Picking
Picking berries and mushrooms is allowed in the area. Blueberries and lingonberries grow on the sloping terrain.
Learn about the History of Log Floating
The most striking structures in this destination are linked to its log-floating history, such as the log floating dam and channel in the rapids. In this area you may also visit the Auttiköngäs Log Floaters' Hut, which today functions as a day trip hut. There is a shelter close to the hut where interesting objects used in log floating and forest work have been gathered.
