Discover Reisjärvi: Trails, winter and culture

In Reisjärvi, long hiking trails meet winter activities and cultural sites with very different stories. Peuran Polku winds through the region, while Petäjämäki brings together several sports facilities.

Reisjärvi at a glance

• The Peuran Polku trail network covers 115 kilometres. Its 77-kilometre main route connects the Petäjämäki outdoor centre with the 15-kilometre Mäntyjärvi loop trail.
• Petäjämäki has an adventure forest and an 18-hole disc golf course.
• The Rauran näköalatorni observation tower offers views of the wilderness landscape and is a good spot for birdwatching.
• Reisjärvi Church, Reisjärven Elisabetin kirkko, was completed in 1820 and consecrated on 2 September 1821.
• Kotiseutumuseo provides information about Reisjärvi and its history, and displays old objects.

Hiking between a loop trail and a long-distance route

The different lengths of Peuran Polku give you a concrete starting point for planning a day out: alongside the 77-kilometre main route is the 15-kilometre Mäntyjärvi loop trail. Together, they are part of a 115-kilometre trail network. On a larger scale, Peuran Polku runs from North Ostrobothnia to Central Finland through the sparse Suomenselkä watershed region. Reisjärvi can therefore also be seen as part of a landscape crossed by an extensive trail network.

Kuivajärven kierros, which is part of Peuran Polku, offers a local point of reference. The trail is marked in orange, and there are also signposts at junctions. By the shore of Kuivajärvi, the Kuivajärvi log cabin is located near the Etelä-Sydänmaa old-growth forest reserve and the hiking trail; it has a sauna. There is also a reservable cabin and a sauna at the Kuivajärvi parking area. In the cabin’s yard is a fire pit that all hikers can use.

Petäjämäki: activities in different seasons

Petäjämäki outdoor centre brings together options for active days: it has an adventure forest, an 18-hole disc golf course, and illuminated fitness trails of 2, 3, 4 and 5.5 kilometres. These distances offer a practical guide for planning, but do not indicate how difficult the trails are. If you are planning a longer hike, you can distinguish these trails from the 15-kilometre Mäntyjärvi loop trail and the Peuran Polku main route.

In winter, you can ski on Petäjämäki’s illuminated trails, as well as go sledding and snowboarding. The snowmaking-dependent trail has its own seasonal condition: it opens every year in November, depending on the weather. November is therefore a possible, not guaranteed, opening time. When planning your trip, it is worth bearing this weather dependency in mind rather than basing all your winter activities on the snowmaking-dependent trail.

Wilderness views and a walk to the observation tower

The Rauran näköalatorni observation tower stands on Raurankallio. From there, you can enjoy views of the wilderness landscape, and it is also a good spot for birdwatching. Right next to the tower is a large, continuous rock formation known as “pirunpelto.” The views and the rocky landscape are two different reasons to include this spot in your trip plans.

The drive follows Mäntyperäntie and Raurantie to a parking area. From there, it is about another kilometre along a forest road or path. This approximate walking distance is part of planning your visit. If you are looking for a short walk between your car and your destination, be sure to factor it in as a separate part of the journey.

History, art and local collections

Reisjärven Elisabetin kirkko is a historic landmark in the area: the church was completed in 1820 and consecrated on 2 September 1821. The two dates mark different milestones—completion and consecration. For travellers who want to include history in their days alongside outdoor experiences, this distinction provides a useful point of reference.

The collections in Reisjärvi also offer different perspectives. Kotiseutumuseo covers the history of the area and displays old objects. Puurulan kotiseutumuseo focuses on old farming objects and tools. Annin nukketalo houses handmade dolls and toys from different decades. Maikin taidekoti is the studio home of artist Maikki Parkkila, where watercolours and other paintings are on display. Visits are possible by appointment.

At Runokivenpuisto, at the end of Susisaari, stands the statue Kaarina-runotyttö, reading a book of poems. Large stones around the statue bear poems by local residents. The park is accessible by car, and there is a parking area next to it. You can include different forms of local culture in your trip, from art and everyday objects to poetry.

Choose the focus that suits your stay

If you prefer several short discoveries to a longer route, you could also visit the museums, art venues and Runokivenpuisto. Consider which of these activities you would like to shape your trip, and choose your accommodation based on your preferred starting point. This way, the focus is on your own itinerary rather than a general profile of the area.

Discover more destinations: Yli-Valli, Muuruvesi, Jokioinen, Kesäniemi, Hankamäki, Vieremä, Kärkölä and Alastalo.

Frequently asked questions about Reisjärvi

How is Kuivajärven kierros marked?

Kuivajärven kierros is marked with orange trail blazes. There are also signposts at junctions.

How long is the walk to Rauran observation tower?

From the parking area, reached via Mäntyperäntie and Raurantie, a forest road or path continues for about one kilometre.

What winter sports are available at Petäjämäki?

You can ski on illuminated trails, as well as go sledding and snowboarding. The snowmaking-dependent trail opens every year in November, depending on the weather.

Can you visit Maikin taidekoti without an appointment?

Visits to Maikin taidekoti are possible by appointment. The studio home displays watercolours and other paintings by Maikki Parkkila.

Go to the main travel guide: North Ostrobothnia.