Head into the winter forest to enjoy the quiet and the fresh air. In Tiilikkajärvi National Park and the Älänne area, trails run along esker ridges and the shores of freezing lakes. In early winter, frost coats the trees and shrubs, and once the snow falls, the tracks in it show that someone has walked the same route before you. Bring a thermos, snacks and a change of clothes.
When there is enough snow on the ground, snowshoes take you where no trail or ski track goes. An outing can be atmospheric after dark, too. In moonlight, the snow reflects enough light to see your way through the forest, and with a headlamp an evening walk becomes a small adventure.
Watch the stars and the northern lights
Winter brings long, dark evenings, and they are worth making the most of. There are no street lights or other artificial lights in the wilderness to disturb the view, so on a clear, frosty night the starry sky stretches from horizon to horizon. Good spots include Koirakivi in Tiilikkajärvi National Park and Rouskunhiekka in the Älänne area, both listed as observation sites by the Finnish amateur astronomy association Ursa. With a bit of luck, the northern lights may appear too.
Light a fire at a hut or lean-to shelter, warm up some juice or coffee, and let your eyes adjust to the dark.
Ski the national park's wilderness tracks
The ski tracks of Tiilikkajärvi National Park wind through esker ridges, mires and lakes. There are two classic-style loops, 7 km and 17 km. A good starting point is the Sammakkotammi parking area (Valtimontie 1095). Along the way, the yard of Uiton kämppä, an old log drivers' cabin, is a nice place to stop for a snack.
The tracks are maintained by volunteers depending on the weather and snow conditions, so check the current track situation before you set off.
Hit the snowmobile trails
Rautavaara's snowmobile trails connect to Tahko, Vuokatti, Juuka and Valtimo. The main routes maintained by the municipality run from the village centre to Metsäkartano, Ylä-Luosta and the municipal borders of Varpaisjärvi and Sotkamo. In addition, there is a free-riding area of about 126 hectares around Rehvonsuo.
The municipality opens the snowmobiling season according to the snow conditions, so check the trail situation before you go.
Ice fishing straight from the car park
The municipality's ice fishing car parks let you step from a car park right next to the lake straight onto the ice at Keyrittyjärvi, Viilekelampi and Alanen. The fishing spots are close to the car, so an ice fishing trip works for the whole family or as a quick stop during the day. A separate permit is required for Viilekelampi. Permit information and a map of the car parks can be found on the fishing page.
Ice conditions vary throughout the winter. Always check that the ice is thick enough before stepping onto it.
Ski the lit tracks in the village centre
The village ski tracks start from the Monitoimitalo multi-purpose hall (Urheilutie 1), and you can choose a loop to suit your energy: 1, 2, 3, 5 or 8 kilometres. Loops up to 5 km are fully lit, so you can ski after work, too. For a calmer, flatter ski, try the roughly 3 km Kunttasuo route, which starts from the Erämiehet hunting club's hut along Sonkajärventie.
Skiing with a dog is allowed on all village tracks on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 19:00 to 21:00, and at any time on the shooting range loop. There are also ski tracks in Ylä-Luosta and at Metsäkartano. Track maintenance depends on the snow conditions.
Go sledding at Hiihtomaa
Sled, toboggan or kick sled? Behind the Monitoimitalo hall (Urheilutie 1) is Hiihtomaa, with a groomed slope and a sledding tower whenever the snow conditions allow. The slope is lit, so you can head out after school even when it's already getting dark. Read more about sledding spots.
Eat, stay and enjoy a frosty day
In Rautavaara you can stay in a hotel, a cottage or a wilderness cabin. The cafés and restaurants offer a taste of the region. Many places also have things to do in case of a hard frost or sleet, so the day goes nicely indoors too. In the village centre, you can also drop by the library.
And sometimes a frost is simply a good reason to pull on your woollen socks, as the frosted forest sparkles and the hoarfrost crunches underfoot.
Explore everything on offer on the Visit Rautavaara website: accommodation, cafés and restaurants and activities.
Welcome to Rautavaara! Winter here is naturally the best.
