Activities in Iivaara Nature Reserve

Trekking

Iivaara's day route is called Iirinki. In June 2021, a storm called Paula felled a lot of trees in the Iivaara area and the route had to be closed.

Now the route has been realigned. The length of the new Iirinki Trail is 10.2 kilometers and it is partly a circular route. Along the Iiring, there is a fire place at the top of Iivaara and there is a open wilderness hut at Näätälampi.

Walking expeditions in the wilderness

Iivaara and the surrounding large wilderness area offers a great chance to explore the Koillismaa region by hiking outside the marked routes also. You can return to the Iivara Trail's starting point either from the southeastern or the southwestern side of the hill chain. Note that hiking outside the marked routes requires experience and wilderness skills.

Two hikers standing on a fell slope with their hands on their hips looking in different directions. A forest and lake landscape opens up below.

Skiing

The 40-km cross-country ski trail from Lahtela village to Iivaara is open from 17 February to 30 April. Around 11 km of the trail passes through the Iivaara area. There is a connecting ski trail between the main trail and Näätälampi open wilderness hut.

A snowshoer walking towards the top of the fell. The surrounding trees are leaning because of the thick snow cover.

Other activities

Berry and Mushroom Picking: Picking berries and mushrooms is permitted throughout the Iivaara area. Local species include mushrooms, cloudberries, and various kinds of boletes.
Fishing: Fishing and ice fishing is permitted in the area free of charge under public rights of access (ymparisto.fi).
- Lure fishing requires either a fishing management fee (eraluvat.fi) or Metsähallitus recreational fishing licence (eraluvat.fi). Permits can be purchased at Kuusamo Customer Service Karhuntassu or at Metsähallitus web store (eraluvat.fi).
- Fishers need to check the restrictions on fishing sites at kalastusrajoitus.fi (In Finnish).
Hunting: Iivaara is part of the Eastern Kuusamo small game hunting area (Eastern Kuusamo, permit area 5637).Permits can be purchased at Kuusamo Customer Service Karhuntassu or at Metsähallitus online shop (eraluvat.fi).
Skiing expeditions in the wilderness: The Iivaara ski trail facilitates wilderness expeditions in winter, too. The ski trail is connected to the Kuusamo Circular Ski Trail (17 km) and Aurinkolatu Ski Trail (27 km). Further information about the skiing trails in Kuusamo (kuusamo.fi, in Finnish).
Snowshoe Walking: The varying terrain and magnificent views of Iivaara pose exciting challenges to hikers on snowshoes.