Mäntyjärvi

If you are planning a trip to Mäntyjärvi, lakes, river landscapes and water-related activities take centre stage. In the surrounding area, Mäntyjärvi is one of the largest lakes in the Livojoki catchment area; these lakes are located in the Posio area. For planning your trip, the lake and the wider river area offer different points of interest.

Lakes and the Livojoki River

The Livojoki River is 135 kilometres long across the wider travel area. It rises from Lake Livojärvi in Posio and flows into the Iijoki River near the village of Aittojärvi. Its catchment area also extends beyond a single municipality: it belongs to the Iijoki fisheries management area and spans Posio and Pudasjärvi. This makes it possible to consider Mäntyjärvi in the context of a larger water system without equating the lake with the river.

The river’s length helps put the different scales into perspective: Mäntyjärvi is one of the larger lakes in the Livojoki catchment area, while the Livojoki itself is the broader focus of a trip in the Posio area. If you are interested in river landscapes, the experiences described on the Livojoki include both rapids and calmer stretches of river. These offer a nature experience for experienced paddlers and inexperienced boaters alike.

Water route and boating

A printable PDF map is available for the Raistakan alaosa–Kouva–Mäntyjärvi water route. The route is also listed among the maps for the Posio area. This provides a specific map reference for travellers interested in this water route. The name connects Raistakan alaosa, Kouva and Mäntyjärvi; no further information about the route’s length or individual stages is available here.

A project at Mäntyjärvi and the lower reaches of the Laukunjoki aimed to enable boating, fishing and other recreational use. Following a sand removal project, boat travel became easier on the waters of Mäntyjärvi and the lower reaches of the Laukunjoki. The waterway in this area has become deeper. These changes offer a concrete insight into local topics related to boating and water use, without presupposing any particular activity or route.

Fishing and local events

The Mäntyjärven kalastuskunta is another point of contact for visitors interested in fishing. Olavi Ollila is chair of the kalastuskunta; the contact details provided are 040 749 0913 and posionluontolomat (at) gmail.com. On 12 April 2026, a public ice-fishing competition was held in Mäntyjärvi, organised by Posion Kalamiehet and the Mäntyjärven kalastuskunta. The competition is a dated event from 2026 and an example of a local fishing event.

Demand-responsive bus service between Mäntyjärvi and Posio

The Municipality of Posio’s demand-responsive bus service covers the Mäntyjärvi–Lauhkea–Posio route. The service is open to everyone; passengers pay the bus fare. If you are considering this connection for your trip, the stated route and the municipality’s demand-responsive service are the appropriate starting point. This description does not provide information about timetables or how to arrange a journey.

You can also explore other destinations, including Ranua, Inari, Nellim, Kemi, Kaamanen, Räisälä, Sodankylä and Savukoski.

For the wider travel overview: Lapland.