Hossa and Kylmäluoma are well-known natural
attractions and hiking destinations on the borders of Kainuu and Koillismaa in
northeastern Finland. This year marks the 30th anniversary
of the establishment of these areas as State-managed hiking areas. The
anniversary will be celebrated with a series of events throughout the year. The
main event, a hike from Kylmäluoma to Hossa, will take place on 15 August
2009.
Hossa,
situated in the municipality of Suomussalmi, is the most popular hiking
destination in the Kainuu region. It attracts just over 50,000 hikers a year.
Hossa’s attractiveness is based on the beautiful landscape, with easy-to-walk
trails and fishing. There are more than 100 km of hiking trails in gorgeous
esker landscapes around waterways. The area’s easy trails offer visitors of all
ages the opportunity to enjoy the outdoors. In wintertime, there are 60 km of
maintained cross-country ski trails in the area.
Situated in the north-west corner of the Taivalkoski municipality, Kylmäluoma
is the destination for around 35,000 visitors a year. The area’s main
attractions are its excellent fishing sites and its gorgeous lake and esker
landscapes. There are around 1,000 hectares of lakes and ponds and over 50
km of hiking trails in the area. In wintertime, there are maintained
cross-country ski trails available in the area. The camping area at the
Kylmäluoma Outdoor Centre is especially popular among caravan tourists.
There will be special events in the hiking areas all through this anniversary
year. In April there will be a lecture on rock paintings and a visit to the
Värikallio Cliffs to see its paintings; in May there will be the traditional
opening of the Kylmäluoma fishing season. The summer programme includes fishing
events, an introduction to nature photography, evening socials and the
anniversary hike along the connection trail from Kylmäluoma to Hossa. A writing
competition in celebration of the anniversary will be announced later in the
spring.
The events will be organised by Metsähallitus Natural Heritage Services in
cooperation with local entrepreneurs. Suomussalmen Samoojat, the local
recreational sports association, is also actively involved in organising the
canoeing events and the anniversary hike, among other things. More information
on the various events will be provided through different channels throughout the
year.
More information:
