The area has rare types of flora, endangered species, and rugged landscape. There are several different hiking and skiing paths which can be used all year round.
Pyhävaara
A beautiful landscape opens up from the top of Pyhävaara, which is considered a holy (fin. pyhä) place. You can still feel the holy presence in the nature. There are hiking trails and hikers in the area all year round.
Valtavaara
Valtavaara is one of the highest hills in Kuusamo. On its peak is a former fireman’s hut, with a wonderful view. Valtavaara can be experienced, for example, on a six-kilometre day trail and in winter on a five-kilometre snowshoe trail. The starting point is at the Saarua parking lot in the Eastern Ruka area.
Konttainen
The landscape that opens up from Konttainen is one of the most photographed in Finland. The views open across Kitkajärvi to Riisitunturi, Valtavaara and Rukatunturi.
The two-kilometre long Konttaisen kuhaus route takes you to the top, the starting point is along the road Virkkulantie. The parking lot is one of Kuusamo’s best places for spotting the Siberian jay.
The origin of Konttainen’s name is the Sámi word goddi, kodde, which means deer.
Marsh conservation areas
The Reposuo marsh conservation area is a sloping marsh area with fens and valuable endangered flora species. The marshes of Kumpuvaara are home to endangered and rare plant species, and one of the best birch groves in Kuusamo is also located in the area.
The area also has the Löyhkönen-Antinvaara marsh conservation area, the groves, and marshes of Kouervaara and the Harjasuo-Laurinkorpi areas. Kitka’s coastal protection areas include more than 30 hectares, which are located between Mäntyniemi and Rönnynranta.
