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Giant's Kettles At Hirvas
An interesting place to visit is the giant's kettles located in Hirvas. The largest giant's kettle s have diameters of 5,7 - 8 metres and a height of 15,4 metres. These natural formations were formed around 9 000 years ago with the retreat of the continental ice sheet in an infraglacial river where the currents swelled with a great deal of force making whirlpools or "concurrents", that made loose rock swirl like grindstones making holes in the rock or giant's kettles.
Standing by the potholes, one can only imagine the turbulence and enormous din that dominated the area at that time. The rocks above the giant's kettles provide a beautiful view of a typical Northern Ostrobothnian landscape with hills, bogs and forests broken uo with rivers and lakes. By some of the steep walled rocks are good blueberry picking spots and a couple of hidden mushroom spots.
A nature trail is being planned for the giant's kettle area for recreational and tourism use, as well as assisting the study of the area's soil and nature. The Giant's Kettles are approximately twenty kilometres south of Rovaniemi.
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Nature trails & guided trips
There are three nature trails taken care by Rovaniemi city. Read more below and ask more details from Rovaniemi Tourist Information.
Nature Trails
Koivusaari nature trail is about 2,5 km long and covered with planks. There are also information boards telling about the versatile birdlife and flora of the area. In summertime there is a birdwathing tower on the island which is a good place to watch the spring migration of birds. It is good to have waterproof shoes when walking on the trail.
Korkalovaara nature trail is located near to Korkalovaara neighbourhood. It is 2,5 km long and partly covered with planks. There is a fireplace along the trail. On the information boards are told about the nature, animals and flora of the area. It is good to have waterproof shoes when walking on the trail in spring and autumn.
Ounasvaara nature trail goes along the hillside. Trail is either 3,8 km or 4,4 km long and marked by poles. There are information boards where is information about the forest and bog types, wood spe-cies, flora, bedrock and soil and also history of the region. The trail is partly covered with planks. In the midway there is a clean water foundation and a lean-to with fireplace. It is good to have water-proof shoes when walking on the trail in spring and autumn. Parts of the trail is difficult because of rocks and stones.
Local activity program companies offer guided trips to the nature spots of Rovaniemi and the County. Further information on the spots and getting there is available from Rovaniemi Tourist Information.
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Ounasvaara
Ounasvaara is not only a renowned sports centre, but also a year-round recreational area for townspeople and visitors, close to the town centre of Rovaniemi. Ounasvaara has signposted and well-maintained trails and numerous spectacular landscapes.
There are almost 50 different activities available at Ounasvaara and the number is growing. Wintertime has downhill and cross-country skiing, winter tobogganing or snowshoeing. Summertime offers hiking, hurtling down the slopes with the summer bobsleighing, or golf. Santa Claus’ Sports Institute in Rovaniemi, on the hillside of Ounasvaara, is truly a center of sport and well-being. Read more: Ounasvaara Ski Centre and Santasport.
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Auttinköngäs
Auttinköngäs is a river canyon with waterfall formed millions of years ago. Nowadays Auttinköngäs is a conservation area. The region has walking routes and trails. Auttinköngäs is approximately an hour’s drive from Rovaniemi in the direction of Kuusamo. |
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Arctic Circle recreation area
The Arctic Circle recreation area is great for year-round excursions. The recreation area is located less than half an hour’s drive from Rovaniemi. The countryside is dominated by hills, aapa bogs and the Raudanjoki River with its host of opportunities for outdoor pursuits.
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