Return to Finland
Two visits to Finland in one winter season? Well, when we stumbled upon some cheap flights during March then we couldn’t resist!
We were keen to explore the area around Kuusamo and Riisitunturi in the east of Finland, along the border of the Lapland region, so after arriving in the over-commercialised city of Rovaniemi we headed to our accommodation in Patoniemi. A traditional wooden log cabin overlooking a frozen lake awaited us and proved to be not only a beautiful place to stay, but also a superb location from which to explore the area.
Käylänkoski Rapids were nearby - a delightfully scenic location in any weather.
The unseasonably warm weather resulted in quite a lot of snow-melt during our visit, and a chance to enjoy this beautiful scene in different conditions during the week.
The other reason for our multiple visits to Käylänkoski Rapids was the abundance of one of my favourite bird species, the white-throated dipper. This one was singing its heart out on the snow-covered riverbank.
Flying down the river at great speed - a tricky subject to capture in the air!
A dipper takes a breather on a submerged rock before diving under the cold water to hunt for food.
Myllykoski was another must-visit place. Even when the light is as flat as this it’s easy to see why this is one of the most photographed views in Finland. I’m looking forward to returning when the light is a little better!
The fell at Riisitunturi was another location on my list of must-visit places. Riisitunturi is most famous for the tykky trees, when the spruce trees become completely encased in snow. We were a little late in the season to see the trees like this, but it was still a beautiful, peaceful location and of course it’s just another reason for a further return visit!
A sunny day on the fell at Riisitunturi.
A very friendly Siberian jay in Oulanka National Park.
Our home for the week, viewed from the edge of the nearby lake. Another amazing place to stay!
The aurora wasn’t very strong during the week of our visit, but we managed to spend one evening watching the lights moving above the lake and below the milky way.
Our third trip to Finland, and first to this area, only reinforced our love for the country, with the endless beautiful scenery, peaceful open spaces and friendly locals. It won’t come as a surprise to know that our next trip is already planned!