Siikajoki: Coast, River and Nature

Coast, river and wetlands give the municipality of Siikajoki a variety of distinctive features. Almost 60 kilometres of coastline, nature trails and historic sites offer different themes to consider when planning a trip. Whether you want to focus on the beach, birdwatching, outdoor activities or culture, the municipality has specific places to visit for each.

Coast, river and bird habitats

The coastal villages of Tauvo and Varessäikkä offer different but related kinds of beach scenery. In Tauvo, a long sandy beach follows the coastline, with shallow water for swimming. Varessäikkä has unspoilt sandy beaches with shallow water and gently sloping shores. Three small-craft harbours—Merikylä, Tauvo and Varessäikkä—also help visitors explore the municipality’s maritime character.

A shorter spur of the Joutsenreitti leads to the beach and small-craft harbour at Varessäikkä. The longest section of the Joutsenreitti is 80 kilometres long and runs through the municipalities of Siikajoki, Lumijoki and Liminka. In addition to mountain biking, sections of the route are suitable for activities such as hiking and trail running. On the coast, Ulkonokka, Merikylänlahti and Säikänlahti are also valuable for their bird populations during the breeding and migration seasons; they have been designated internationally valuable waterbird areas under Finland’s national waterbird protection programme.

The Siikajoki River flows into the sea at Siikajoenkylä. There, Mertapuisto offers views of the river and surrounding landscape, along with places to sit and opportunities to eat on site. The Karjoneva wetland offers a different nature experience: it is an important breeding area for wetland birds and has an observation platform and a birdwatching shelter.

Nature trails and active days

The Karjoneva nature trail, also known as Karjonkierros, is 2.5 kilometres long. In Paavola, the 4.1-kilometre Hangasneva Trail can be explored on foot or by mountain bike. Many birds arrive there in spring, making the area suitable for birdwatching. The trail has three observation towers, a lean-to shelter, a campfire site and a dry toilet. The two routes offer different lengths, while the Hangasneva Trail also combines the facilities listed above with spring birdwatching.

Those interested in climbing will find 42 climbing routes on the Karhuviiankivi erratic boulder in Luohuan Ylipää. The site is best suited to climbers with some experience through to experienced climbers. Its suitability is therefore clearly geared towards this experience level.

The Hietamaa recreation centre in Ruukki also brings together a range of leisure activities. The grounds include a beach, an 18-hole disc golf course and a lit fitness trail, all of which are free to use. In winter, there are ski trails, a winter swimming spot and a sledding hill. A barbecue hut, campfire site, changing rooms and two dry toilets—one of them accessible—complete the facilities. A summer kiosk is often open during the summer. The centre also includes a go-kart track run by the Ruukin Formula-K Kerho ry association and the Vauhtimaja maintenance building.

Churches, a museum and local history

The Paavola Local History Museum displays an extensive collection of objects relating to local history. It is located near Paavola Church in a former grain loan storehouse built in 1847. The museum is open on Sundays in summer; check the current opening hours before your visit.

The municipality’s three cruciform wooden churches are also associated with the art of church painter Mikael Toppelius. Siikajoki Church in Siikajoenkylä was built in 1701, Revonlahti Church was completed in 1775 and Paavola Church was consecrated in 1756. Next to Siikajoki Church stands a bell tower built in 1765, which is still in use. Near the church hill, a 1934 monument by Matti Visanni commemorates the Battle of Siikajoki during the Finnish War. In Paavola, an annual spring market adds to the cultural programme with goods from various market vendors and a varied entertainment programme.

For another sporting option, there is the 18-hole Raahentienoon Golf course in Siikajoki. Its playing season begins in early spring and ends in late autumn.

Discover more destinations: Keitele, Kauhajoki, Möttönen, Närpes, Juuma, Hyytiälä, Apukka, Karhula.

For an overview of the wider region: North Ostrobothnia.