Kipari’s recreational area
Welcome to Kipari! Parking is available at Kiparintie 738, Rautavaara >>.
During the summer, you can enjoy the area by hiking the Kipari Trail, exploring nature, admiring views from the 14-meter-high observation tower on Kiparinvuori, or indulging in the forest’s offerings. The vegetation varies from lush ferns to twisted mountain pines on the uphill and wetlands on the return route.
The panoramic views from the top of Kipari are stunning! Many have exclaimed that the scenery resembles the landscapes of Koli. Ahead lies Lake Keyritty with its islands, and the keen-eyed might spot Rautavaara town center in the distance. You can enjoy snacks at the summit’s cliffs or in the lean-to, where you can make a fire.
In winter, you can trek the slopes with snowshoes. Sledding or snowboarding is available on a separate downhill trail. In early spring, the frozen Lake Keyritty invites skiing and ice fishing. There is also a snowmobile route >>.
The nearby sandy beaches of Kipari and Hiekkahäikä invite you to enjoy beach life. At Lake Keyritty, you can enjoy boating, kayaking, or fishing. Near Hiekkahäikä’s swimming spot, there’s a shelter with fireplaces that can be utilized in all seasons.
You can spend the night in a camper or caravan in the outdoor area’s parking area or camp near the beaches.
Respect Nature
When on the slopes of Kipari, you are partly in a nature conservation area. The aim is to protect the forest nature.
Remember to:
- avoid damaging trees or other plants
- not disturb the forest animals
- make fires only in designated areas and at permitted times
- avoid camping in the conservation area
- not using motor vehicles in the area
- dispose of litter in bins or take it with you
- note that picking berries and edible mushrooms is allowed
The trails of Kipari outdoor area
The trails of the Kipari outdoor area are marked on the outdoor area map, which you can find on the information boards in the area and here >>
At the starting and ending points of the trails, as well as at intersections, there are wooden trail signs marked with texts and color codes. A unique feature of the outdoor area is the natural sled track built in the late 1980s, where the 1998 World Championship in sled dog racing was held. The structures of the sled track have been removed, but the shapes of the track are utilized in the trails of the outdoor area. The maintenance of the trails in the Kipari outdoor area is overseen by the municipality of Rautavaara.
