The Arctic Circle Hiking Area is located in
Lapland 20 km north of Rovaniemi along Highway 4. There are a wide variety of
hiking trails, lean-to shelters and nature trails in the area. The purpose of
the Könkäänsaari Nature Trail, which is accessible by pram or wheelchair, is to
facilitate access to nature for all those with an interest in wildlife.
The whole of Könkäänsaari Island is circled by broad duckboards, which are
accessible by pram or wheelchair, allowing everybody to enjoy the wildlife of
the area. In addition, Vikaköngäs and Vaattunki, the main starting points for
the hikes in the Arctic Circle Hiking Area, have been equipped with other
service facilities that are accessible by pram or wheelchair, and these
facilities serve all visitors to the area.
Tips for Observing Wildlife on the Könkäänsaari Nature Trail
The Könkäänsaari Nature Trail can be reached from the Vaattunkiköngäs parking
area, for which there are signposts on Highway 4. In addition to the lush river
landscape, you can also enjoy the atmosphere of the old forest on this
kilometre-long trail. At this time of the year you can also stop and listen to a
spring concert of birds, as a wide variety of bird species inhabit Könkäänsaari
Island.
The colourful, illustrated information boards tell you small stories, such as
what happens to the river landscape throughout the year, or what kind of bugs
live in the rotting, old tree that has fallen by the duckboards. Perhaps
visitors might also learn to look at the plants of the forest with new eyes.
Along the trail you pick up tips for identifying the most common birds and for
spotting the best bird-watching destinations in the area. The information boards
are in Finnish, English and German. During a break at the Könkäänsaari lean-to
shelter, children and the young at heart may like to hunt for the treasure that
has been hidden close to the shelter.
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