The municipality of Siikajoki offers a variety of destinations: river views in Siikajoenkylä, birdwatching in wetlands, sandy beaches and historic wooden churches. When planning your trip, it helps to first choose what you want to focus on. If you’re interested in birdwatching, you could consider Karjoneva or the Hangasneva Trail; for architectural history, the churches and Paavola Local History Museum are good options.
River scenery, coast and birdwatching areas
From Mertapuisto in Siikajoenkylä, you can enjoy views of the river and surrounding landscape. The park has seating and places where you can eat. The Siikajoki also flows into the sea at Siikajoenkylä. The municipality has almost 60 kilometres of sea coast; the coastal destinations mentioned here differ in their beach features. In Tauvo, a long sandy beach stretches along the coastline, and the water is shallow. Varessäikkä has natural sandy beaches, shallow water and gently sloping shores.
The birdwatching areas also offer a range of options. Karjoneva is an important breeding area for wetland birds, with an observation platform and a birdwatching shelter. The bird populations at Ulkonokka, Merikylänlahti and Säikänlahti are valuable during the breeding and migration seasons. The areas have been designated internationally valuable bird wetland areas under Finland’s bird waters protection programme.
Trails and outdoor activities
The Karjoneva nature trail, also known as Karjonkierros, is 2.5 kilometres long. Another option is the 4.1-kilometre Hangasneva Trail in Paavola, which can be explored on foot or by mountain bike. Many birds arrive there in spring, making the area suitable for birdwatching. Along the trail there are three birdwatching towers, a lean-to shelter, a campfire site and a dry toilet.
For a longer outing, consider the Joutsenreitti: its longest section is 80 kilometres and runs through the municipalities of Siikajoki, Lumijoki and Liminka. In addition to mountain biking, parts of the route are suitable for activities such as hiking and trail running. A shorter spur leads to the beach and small-craft harbour at Varessäikkä. The distances and activities give you a practical basis for choosing between individual trails and a longer route.
Those interested in climbing will find 42 climbing routes at the Karhuviiankivi erratic boulder in Luohuan Ylipää. The rock is best suited to climbers with some experience, up to advanced climbers. Another activity is available at Raahentienoon Golf in the municipality of Siikajoki: the golf course has 18 holes, and its playing season begins in early spring and ends in late autumn.
Leisure and seasonal activities in Hietamaa
The Hietamaa recreational centre in Ruukki includes a beach, an 18-hole disc golf course and a lit fitness trail; the grounds are free to use. In winter, there are ski trails, a winter swimming spot and a sledding hill. The facilities also include a grill hut, a campfire site, changing rooms and two dry toilets, one of which is accessible. A summer kiosk is often open in summer. The facilities listed also include a go-kart track run by Ruukin Formula-K Kerho ry and the Vauhtimaja maintenance building.
Wooden churches and local history
The churches of Siikajoki, Revonlahti and Paavola are cruciform wooden churches, and all three feature art by church painter Mikael Toppelius. Siikajoki Church in Siikajoenkylä was built in 1701. Its bell tower was built in 1765 and is still in use. Revonlahti Church was completed in 1775 and has altarpieces by Toppelius. Paavola Church was consecrated in 1756 and is decorated with works by the painter. At the church hill in Siikajoenkylä, a monument designed by Matti Visanni in 1934 commemorates the Battle of Siikajoki during the Finnish War.
Paavola Local History Museum displays objects related to local history in a former loan-grain storehouse built in 1847. It is open on Sundays in summer; check the current opening hours before your visit. Paavola also hosts an annual spring market, with goods from various market vendors and a varied entertainment programme. If you’d like to visit the market, check the date before your trip.
Discover more destinations: Strandby, Möttönen, Pyhäjoki, Pudasjärvi, Merijärvi, Kiviperä, Lemmenjoki, Tyrnävä.
For the regional travel overview: North Ostrobothnia.
