Hiking in the Korouoma Nature Reserve - A Day Trip From Rovaniemi
Winter hiking is always part of any outdoor enthusiast’s bucket list. There’s something magical and almost surreal in being out in the open and deep in the forest while everything is coated in white snow.
You can have your Frozen moment while hiking during winter, and there's no better place to tick off this bucket list item than in Korouoma Nature Reserve.
About Korouoma Nature Reserve
Korouoma Nature Reserve is located in Southern Lapland, Posio, Finland. It is approximately a 30-kilometer-long valley that is part of a bedrock fracture zone.
You can do many things in Korouoma Nature Reserve. Aside from exploring it through hiking, you can also snowshoe and ski across the canyon. You can also stay on the Koronjää Trail, a 5-kilometer-long path where three of the canyon's most extensive ice falls rise.
In the middle of the Korouoma Nature Reserve lies a valley forming a ravine with steep cliffs. The area is primarily made of massive boulders, and the rocks were left open to promote lush vegetation.
Besides the Korouoma Nature Reserve itself being an attraction, you'll find many natural jewels along the hiking trails.
Here are some of them:
Koivuköngäs Rapids
This four-meter-high waterfall gently slopes, with its water descending gradually in a stir. It is located in the northern area of the Korouoma Nature Reserve.
Formed in 1983, the Koivuköngäs Rapids is also called the slide waterfall because the water smoothly glides down, always maintaining contact with the bedrock. At a closer look, the surface of this waterfall is practically flat, which is rare in Finland.
Piippukallio Rock
This is the best place in the Korouoma Nature Reserve if you want a glorious view over the valley. A good observation deck to relax and breathe in the beautiful surrounding walls.
Saukko-Oja Rapids
The Saukko-Oja Rapids boasts a height of 8 meters, making it one steep waterfall. The water and its bubbling noises are loud and appear to have a life of their own.
Tuulen Tie
Tuulen Tie, or The Winds Way, features finger and thin-like ice formations formed vertically. This is great for climbing, especially during the winter, and even in better weather conditions, it is still a challenging climb with walls up to 40 meters high and a width of 10 to 100 meters. The steepness of the walls is almost 85 degrees.
The Best Time to Hike the Korouoma Nature Reserve
You can explore this nature reserve all year round. Although, visiting it during the winter is a unique experience. The different activities you can do depend on the season you visit the Korouoma Nature Reserve.
Korouoma creates the perfect setting for fall, thanks to its brown, orange, red, and yellow colors. Its golden hue creates a chill and relaxed autumn ambiance. When you visit this place during the summer, you'll be amazed at its vibrant flora and fauna and then spend lazy days birdwatching or catching fish in the lake.
But nothing beats wintertime in Korouoma Nature Reserve, where the waterfalls appear frozen in time. This is one of the best places in Finland to try ice climbing.
There's no bad timing or an ideal time to be in Korouoma Nature Reserve because it has something to offer visitors and hikers throughout the year.
Must Try Trails in Korouoma Nature Reserve
This nature reserve has trails primarily for moderate hikers. There are trails of 603 feet to up to 1,459 feet—the path is yours to decide!
And a word of advice if you are hiking Korouoma Nature Reserve in the winter—it would be best to start early. You can begin your adventure as early as eight to nine in the morning to maximize the daylight time.
The hiking experience is not as fun if you have to use headlights as guides, and the risk of getting lost is greater. By starting early, you get to relax back at Posio and have some tea or coffee in the quaint cafés in the area.
#1. Korouoma Hiking Trail
This point-to-point route spans 12.7 miles with an elevation gain of 1,459 feet and is just near Posio, Lapland. Considered a challenging route, it is definitely not for beginners. Hikers usually take an average of four hours and 56 minutes—almost 5 hours—to complete the trail.
The Korouoma Hiking Trail is best for hikers who don't want to be caught in a crowd and would like to enjoy the serenity and privacy of the area.
#2. Koronjää
A moderately challenging trail that takes about 1.5 hours to complete, the Koronjää is a three-mile loop trail that locals and visitors love to explore. It is a sight to see anytime, and as it is Finland's only glacier route, you can be sure it will be a magical hike.
Koronjää’s circular trail will have hikers following a clockwise path, where they ultimately climb to the peak and then go down to the canyon's bottom. When hiking along Koronjää, make sure you stop by the three primary frozen waterfalls of the trail.
These are the Jaska Jokunen or Charlie Brown, Mammuttiputous or Mammoth Fall, and the Ruskea Virta or Brown River.
#3. Piippukallion Pihaus
This loop trail is 3.5 miles long and, again, best for experienced hikers because the route is moderately challenging. On average, it takes two hours to complete the trail, and like with the Korouoma Hiking Trail, fewer people explore this trail.
The slopes of Piippukallion Pihaus and its Instagrammable sights are a feast for the eye and give you an adrenaline rush, too.
Getting There
The initial trail of Korouoma Nature Reserve starts about 35 kilometers from Posio and is accessible either by bus or by car.
You'll be dropped off by bus at Pernu Village, where you can walk the 5-kilometer Rovaniementie to the trail’s starting point. If your starting point is from Kuusamo or Rovaniemi, you'll need to travel by car for almost two hours, and there's a parking lot at the start of the trail.
Quick Tips When Hiking In the Korouoma Nature Reserve
Make sure you plan for the hike and be proactive about checking the weather forecast days before your trip.
You should know your hiking route thoroughly.
Dress according to the weather and your activity.
Always pay attention to the trail and always stay on the course.
You must be physically fit since the hike entails carrying your backpack with a day's worth of essentials.
Bring with you an ample supply of water.
Littering is strictly prohibited, as is damaging the trails, bedrock, and other natural formations along the trail.
Check for any forest fire warning before starting a fire.
Wrapping Up
Hiking through the Korouoma Nature Reserve is an epic adventure. This picturesque place, almost a world on its own, is a hiker’s dream and one that can keep your pulse racing and you in awe of its beauty.
So head to Finland during the winter and include exploring Korouoma Nature Reserve in your itinerary!