Discover Vieremä

In Vieremä, forest trails, waterways and local culture take centre stage. When planning your trip, you can focus on different things: short trails through distinctive landscapes, longer hiking and cycling routes, or a visit to the local heritage museum. Fishing, boat moorings and a swimming area are also among the experiences described in the area.

Hiking and experiencing nature

Several trails offer different ways to explore the landscape. The four-kilometre Linnaharjun metsäpolku forest trail runs through the Linnaharju area and also introduces the Luvejoki River and a forestry approach that retains the forest’s natural character. The trail is accessible to everyone and suitable for groups. There is parking at the starting point, including space for buses. Fires are permitted at the campfire site, but extra care must be taken.

For a longer route, consider the approximately 30-kilometre Linnakankaan retkeilyreitti hiking and cycling trail in the landscape around the village of Nissilä. The trail starts at the Tapiola youth association hall, where there is a car park and an outdoor toilet. Clear signs mark the route. Its length can help you plan your day, though no specific walking or cycling time is given.

The Talaskangas nature reserve encompasses around 3,500 hectares of largely untouched forest and marshland. It lies in the border region between Kainuu and Savo, within the municipalities of Sonkajärvi, Vieremä and Vuolijoki. There are approximately 12 kilometres of easy walking trails in total, with starting points at Jyleikönkangas and Talaskangas. Three campfire sites complement the trails: the Patalampi lean-to shelter, one on the western shore of Pikku-Talas, and a semi-open shelter north of Pikku-Talas.

Talaskangas also offers opportunities for paddling and rowing. In winter, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are possible; no officially groomed ski trails are maintained in the area. Another natural attraction is the Räisälän mänty: the tree has been protected as a natural monument under the Nature Conservation Act since 1967, is named after the nearby Räisälä farm, and is thought to date from the 16th century.

Local history and culture

Vieremä Church was consecrated on Boxing Day in 1919 and designed by Ilmari Launis. Another literary connection commemorates Juhani Aho’s novel “Rautatie”: a bronze statue of the characters Matti and Liisa has stood in Vieremä since 1989.

The local heritage museum displays horse-drawn vehicles, harnesses and other horse-related items from the 19th and 20th centuries. In 1979, eight buildings from the Hevosajoneuvomuseo were moved to the local heritage museum grounds. The museum is open on weekdays in June and July; visits at other times can be arranged by appointment. In summer, there is also a picnic area with hammock swings. The museum hosts an annual traditional costume airing day in early August and Kulttuurimäki’s Christmas event in December.

Water, activities and everyday life

Rainbow trout have been regularly stocked in Mykänlampi, in central Vieremä, since spring 2019. Fishing is permitted during the fishing season with a permit announced each year. Facilities for a lakeside visit include a lean-to shelter, an outdoor toilet and a designated campfire site where fires are permitted.

Sotkun uimaranta beach also offers different water areas: the sandy bottom and a designated shallow swimming area are described as suitable for small children, while deeper water is available for confident swimmers. For those who prefer boating, the village’s church harbour has a guest harbour with berth number 1 reserved for visitors. The Nikulanlahti boat landing is free to use, suitable for rowboats and canoes, and connected to the river by a dredged channel.

For recreation in town, there is a nine-hole disc golf course, completed in 2013 and designed by Erno Väyrynen. Einarin puisto combines playground equipment and outdoor fitness equipment with a campfire site and a toilet; the marked Aarnikotkan polku hiking trail, which leads to Talaskangas, also starts there. Coloured markers and signposts mark the route. Meijerin monttu adds to the options as a park with a playground and an event stage. Food and handicraft vendors regularly sell their goods at the Vieremä market.

Other places to discover include Lemmenjoki, Siikajoki, Vahto, Pyhäntä, Ruka, Savio, Raahe and Taivalkoski.

For the regional travel overview: North Ostrobothnia.