Activities in Korouoma Nature Reserve

Hiking and Trekking

In Korouoma there is are two 5-kilometer-long day routes in the area, both of which are ring-shaped routes, starting from the Saukkovaara parking area. Koronjää can be walked on foot in summer and on snowshoes in winter. Piippukallion pihaus is suitable for summer hiking - in winter, steep slopes are dangerous.

Sights and views

The entire canyon formation of Korouoma is worth seeing in itself and there are several steep rock formations in the area. The River Korojoki flows meandering at the bottom of the canyon. The species richness of the groves attracts the plant enthusiast to delve deeper into the area.

The landscape of the gorge valley opens up along the Koronjää route from the Hannunkallio viewpoint. In spring, the Koivuköngäs waterfall is worth seeing. In winter, there are six icefalls along the Koronjää route, the most famous and easily accessible of which are Ruskea virta and Mammutti.

Korouoma Sights.

Indulge in cliff or ice climbing 

Korouoma is the largest and best-known ice climbing site in Finland among climbers. There are several frozen waterfalls in the Korouoma area suitable for climbing. The best-known ones include the 60-metre Ruskeavirta and Mammutti, the latter of which is favoured by beginners. The number and formation of the frozen waterfalls suitable for ice climbing vary from year to year, and depends on rainfall and frost.

The most popular route to the frozen waterfalls is the trail starting from the Saukkovaara parking area. Ruskeavirta can be seen on the opposing side when descending to the canyon from the parking area.

Ice climbing is allowed at all waterfalls in the area. Due to the inherent risks in ice climbing, beginners are advised to complete an ice climbing course organized by a climbing association or a commercial organizayion before trying it in the wild. Climbing associations operating near Korouoma include Koillismaan Kiipeilyseura (facebook.com, in Finnish) in Kuusamo and Rovaniemen Vuoristoklubi (rovaniemenvuoristoklubi.com).

Cliff climbing in the Korouoma area is restricted to the cliffs at the western end of the canyon. More information about the area's routes is available from e.g. Suomen kalliokiipeilyreitit (Cliff Climbing Routes in Finland), published by the Finnish Climbing Association. 

Read more about ice falls on Sights in Korouoma.

The Pirunkirkko area is out of bounds between 1 May and 31 July to avoid disturbing endangered species native to the area.

Other activities

• Bird Watching: A unique feature of Korouoma is that the Northern House Martins nest on cliffs. The Golden Eagle is also occasionally sighted in the area.
• Cross-country skiing Off Trails: Skiing is allowed all over the area, but there is no maintained skiing trail network.
• Fishing: In the Korouoma area you can fish with the fisheries management fee (eraluvat.fi) or with the Metsähallitus' angling permit for Western Lapland 2410 (eraluvat.fi). Lure fishing, fly fishing, ice fishing and hook and line fishing are permitted in the area's waters. The permits can be obtained from the Metsähallitus web store (eraluvat.fi). Fishers need to check the restrictions on fishing sites at kalastusrajoitus.fi (in Finnish).
• Picking berries and Mushrooms: Berry and mushroom picking are allowed, as Everyman's Rights apply in the area.
• Swimming: Swimming is allowed in the area's waters. You'll swim in the waters of Korouoma area at your own risk.