Tourist offices Finland

Once parked, take the funicular (free, runs from 8am to 10pm) to the heritage sanctuary. The Koli park house is a mine of information for outdoor activities in the area. People come here to book guided tours, pick up maps and brochures... There are also souvenir shops, cafes and restaurants. Many hikers choose this place as a starting point.

Wild Taiga has about 60 agencies that organize activities to discover the region and its wildlife, including the five legendary animals of the region: brown bears, wolves, lynx, wolverines and elks. In these remote forests, you can also cross paths with flying reefs, reindeer, beavers and many birds. Wild Taiga also allows you to discover them in their natural habitat with a guide. This is a walk that we recommend if you have the time and budget for young and old alike!

Ideal to start the visit of Parikkala and its surroundings. You will find brochures (in English) about activities, accommodation and restaurants. There is information on the different species of birds to admire; the park has more than 300 different species. Siikalahti is the country's premier bird wetland. Lakes Simpelejärvi, Pien-Rautjärvi and Suur-Rautjärvi are all part of these important bird areas.

Cottage bookings. For more information at the Forestier Park Forestry Office (see below).

Information about Pallas-Oulastunturi National Park and removal of keys for shelters. Other more general tourist data and exhibitions on lapland nature. Clear and reliable cards.

Numerous information on the national parks Linnansaari, Kolovesi and Repovesi and on the region's natural reserves. You will find information about hiking, places where camping, places to rent canoes and boats, how to obtain the fishing licence. The centre sells books and maps. Permanent exhibits and guided presentations of threatened species and conservation issues in the park and in general. Canoe and kayak rentals.

Free brochures on national parks. Fishing licences and GR cards also for sale.

There is information on hiking in the Lake Saimaa region and Linnansaari, Kolovesi and Siikalahti National Parks. Also on where to camp, where to rent canoes and boats... The centre sells books and maps. Permanent exhibitions on endangered species, such as the seals of the lake. There are currently 310 of them with between 10 and 20 births each year. Very interesting to make a detour there before going on an adventure by canoe or on foot.

This Hautajärvi visitors' center, located on the 82 km Karhunkierros hiking trail, offers a wealth of information on Oulanka and Riisitunturi national parks, as well as on the surrounding nature reserves: maps with routes and ideas for walks, flora and fauna... From here, you can even book guided tours to discover the park. On site, you'll find a café serving drinks and simple dishes.