What can one do in Viiankiaapa?
Walk on Marked Trails
Viiankiaapa Mire Reserve has nature trails in two locations. The circular nature trail (4.3 km) can be accessed at the northern end of the village of Kersilö. The one-way nature trail (1.7 km) begins in Siurunmaa. The trails have duckboards and signposts.
Go Canoeing
Viiankiaapa Mire Reserve has no actual water routes, but in the east the site is partly bounded by the River Ylijoki, where canoeing is possible.
Go Birdwatching
Viiankiaapa Mire Reserve is ideally suited to birdwatching. The site is home to a wide range of species: many birds of prey, grouse, ducks, the bean goose and the common crane thrive there. A total of 90 bird species have been sighted in the area. The most common bird is the willow warbler. Other abundant species include the brambling, meadow pipit and broad-billed sandpiper. A nature observation tower has been built for birdwatching, mid-way along the longer nature trail starting at the village of Kersilö. Another nature observation tower can be found at the end of the nature trail accessed from the village of Siurunmaa.
See the Sights and Scenery
There are two nature observation towers along the nature trails of Viiankiaapa Mire Reserve, from which you can admire the view of the aapa mire. In clear weather, you can discern the Sattasvaara Hill in the west and the Saariselkä fell area in the north. In the south, you will find the fell landscape of Pyhä-Luosto.
Walk on Nature Trail
Viiankiaapa Mire Reserve has nature trails in two locations. The circular nature trail (4.3 km) can be accessed at the northern end of the village of Kersilö. The one-way nature trail (1.7 km) begins in Siurunmaa. The trails have duckboards and signposts.
Ski Cross-country Off Trails
There are no maintained trails in Viiankiaapa Mire Reserve, but you can freely explore the wintry landscape on skis.
Go Fishing
Most of the waters in Viiankiaapa Mire Reserve are privately or jointly owned. Only a small proportion of them are owned by the state. Hook and line fishing and ice fishing are everyman's rights, for which no permit is required. For other forms of fishing, you always need the landowner's permission.
- Fishers need to check the restrictions on fishing sites at kalastusrajoitus.fi (in Finnish).
Go Hunting
Hunting is regulated by the Hunting Act. Locals have the right to hunt in their home municipality on state-owned areas.
Go Berry and Mushroom Picking
Berry and mushroom picking are allowed as provided by everyman's rights.
Go Swimming
Swimming is allowed in the lakes and ponds of Viiankiaapa Mire Reserve, but there are no official swimming places in the area.
Go Snowshoe Walking
Viiankiaapa Mire Reserve is an excellent area for snowshoe walking.