Go on an autumn colour hike in Tiilikkajärvi National Park
In autumn, Tiilikkajärvi National Park glows with the colours of ruska, the Finnish autumn foliage season. The park has around 27 kilometres of marked trails, so there is a route of the right length for both day walkers and longer-distance hikers. Be sure to see Venäjänhiekka, the Pumpulikirkko gorge framed by rock walls, and the Tiilikanautio homestead, where traces of bog iron ore processing can still be seen in the yard. You'll find trails, campfire sites and up-to-date information on Luontoon.fi.
You can also stay overnight in the heart of the park: the Sammakkotammi rental hut and the old Uitto log-floaters' cabin make atmospheric bases for a multi-day trip.
Take in the views from Kipari
At the Kipari outdoor recreation area, the hilltop offers sweeping views over Rautavaara's forests and lakes. Climb the observation tower, light a fire in the hut and enjoy a snack by the flames. Bring your camera, as the view is at its best during the autumn colour season.
Hike easily at Älänne, or take on the challenge of finding Peipospuro's Kohiseva
In the Älänne area, the three-kilometre Kaivannonkierto trail starts near Rouskunhiekka and is well suited to the youngest members of the family too. Älänne is a good setting for anything from a short day trip to a longer wilderness trek.
For the adventurous, we recommend Peipospuro's Kohiseva, a four-metre cascade waterfall in Ala-Luosta near the North Karelia border. There are no signs to the site, so finding it takes navigation skills and a sense of adventure. Your reward is an impressive waterfall in the middle of the autumn forest.
Pick berries and mushrooms
Rautavaara's forests are known for their berry and mushroom grounds. In autumn you can easily fill a basket with lingonberries and mushrooms, and Finland's Everyman's Rights make picking simple. Pack a thermos and snacks, and set aside plenty of time – it's easy to spend the whole day in the forest.
Spend the darkening evening by the campfire
The darkening autumn evenings are the perfect time to light a fire. At campfire huts and lean-to shelters, food tastes better, coffee warms you up and the glow of the fire sets the mood for the evening. Good places to stop include the hut at Kipari and the campfire sites in Tiilikkajärvi National Park. You'll find information on campfire sites and any fire restrictions on Luontoon.fi.
On a clear night, remember to look up as well. Good spots for stargazing include two sites on the observation site list of Ursa, the Finnish Amateur Astronomical Association: Koirakivi in Tiilikkajärvi National Park and Rouskunhiekka at Älänne. With a bit of luck, you may also see the northern lights.
Go geocaching, play disc golf and get outdoors with your dog
Rautavaara is one of the best geocaching areas in Finland. Most caches are located along paths and forest roads, with challenges for geocachers of all levels.
The 9-hole disc golf course in the village centre is located around the sports field and fitness trail (Urheilutie 1). If you're travelling with a dog, stop by the fenced dog forest, where your pet can burn off some energy during the journey.
Eat, stay and enjoy a rainy day
Rautavaara offers accommodation ranging from a hotel to cottages and wilderness cabins, as well as cafés and restaurants serving local ingredients. Many places also have things to do on a rainy day, so the day goes by pleasantly indoors as well. In the village centre, you can also drop by the library.
And sometimes autumn rain is simply a good reason to pull on your rubber boots – the wet forest smells wonderful, and the autumn colours glow against the grey sky.
Explore everything on offer on the Visit Rautavaara website: accommodation, cafés and restaurants and activities.
Welcome to Rautavaara! Autumn here is naturally at its best.
