Services in Iivaara Nature Reserve
Customer Service and Guidance
- Oulanka Visitor Centre
- Maps, permits, brochures, guidance
Services Offered by Enterprises and Organisations in the Nature Reserve
- Enterprises and organisations offering services in the Iivaara Nature Reserve
- Guided excursions, food and catering services, transportation and lodging services and equipment rental.
- They have a cooperation agreement with Metsähallitus and they follow the principles of sustainable nature tourism when operating in the nature reserve.
Food, Where to Buy and Prepare
Stores and Restaurants
- There are versatile services in Kuusamo town centre, about 31 km form Iivaara
- Cafés and restaurants: Kuusamon Portti (along road nr 20) about 29 km from Iivaara. Snow mobile route goes via Kuusamon Portti.
Campfire Sites
- Näätälampi open wilderness hut
- Iivaara campfire site
Note that lighting fire even at the campfire sites is not allowed if the wildfire warning is in effect.
Drinking Water
- Waters in lakes, rivers and brooks should be boiled before it is drunk, as the quality of water differs from one area to another. Drinking water from the these is at each person's own risk.
- It is recommended that hikers fill up water bottles at the customer service points.
Waste Management
- There are no waste bins in the area, so hikers should bring their waste with them out of the area to a recycling point. Biodegradable waste should be placed in a toilet or composter, and small amounts of clean paper and cardboard can be used as kindling in a campfire. Read more about Hiking without littering.
Dry toilets
- There are dry toilets in Näätälampi open wilderness hut and at the top of Iivaara Hill near the fire place.
Overnight Stays
Open Wilderness Hut
Lodging in the Surrounding Area
Accessible Services
- There are no accessible services in the area.
Other Services in the Surrounding Area
- There is a taxi in the Poussu village.
- Other services at Kuusamo town (banks, shops, post office, medical centre, pharmacies)
Other Sights in the Surrounding Areas
- Julma Ölkky ravine lake (julmaolkky.fi, in Finnish) about 70 km from Iivaara, near Hossa National Park.
- Näränkä Natural Forests, 56 km from Iivaara, in eastern Kuusamo next to the Frontier Zone.
- Kuusamo Predator Center (kuusamon-suurpetokeskus.fi) along road E63 / 5, about 35 km from Iivaara.
- More information from Tourism and Culture Centre Karhuntassu (karhuntassu.fi).