Koilliskaira Visitor Centre provides information on the history of
Urho Kekkonen National Park or Koilliskaira. Visitors also learn about the
area’s versatile nature, and the history of nature utilisation and hiking in
Lapland. There is also an exhibition on birds of prey.
Opening hours in 2010
31.5. - 30.9. Mon - Fri 9 am - 5 pm, Sat - Sun 9 am - 4 pm
1.10. - 31.10. Mon - Fri 10 am - 3 pm
Exceptions:
At Midsummer 25.-27.6. open 9 am - 4 pm
Other times by appointment.
Entrance
There is no entrance fee. Groups should make reservations in advance. We
charge for group tours, and they should be reserved in advance as well.
Contact Information
Address: Koilliskaira Visitor Centre, Tankavaarantie 11 B,
FI-99695 Tankavaara, Finland
Tel. int. +358 205 64
7251
Fax: +358 205 64 7210
E-mail:
ukpuisto(at)metsa.fi
The Visitor Centre is managed by Metsähallitus
Directions
By Car
- There are signposts leading to the Visitor Centre (Koilliskairan
luontokeskus) from road number 4, which runs between Sodankylä and Ivalo.
- The Koilliskaira Visitor Centre is located 30 km south of Saariselkä, 10
km north of Vuotso and 100 km from Sodankylä.
By Public Transportation
- From the
airport
(www.finavia.fi) and railway station
(www.vr.fi) in Rovaniemi there are coaches to Koilliskaira Visitor Centre. Timetables (www.matkahuolto.fi)
- The closest airport is in Ivalo (www.finavia.fi).
Services
- Information on the hiking possibilities and nature in
Urho Kekkonen National Park.
- Reservations and keys for reservable wilderness huts, in the National
Park.
- Information and broschures about products and services of Metsähallitus.
- We sell fishing and snow mobile track permits.
- Maps, books about nature and hiking, posters, postcards, small products
for hiking, and products about Urho Kekkonen National Park (t-shirts, caps and
pins)
Events
We arrange a variety of exhibitions and other events at the Koilliskaira
Visitor Centre.
Permanent Exhibition
There is an exhibition on reasons why Urho Kekkonen National Park is worthy
of protection. The visitor gets acquainted with the land, formerly inhabited by
the Forest Sámi. This area’s landscape has been moulded considerably by man from
the 17th century onward. The exhibition also outlines the events of the past few
decades, which led to the founding of the National Park. The Koilliskaira
Visitor Centre children’s cave is a place for the youngest in the family to
experience a winter night atmosphere.
The aim of Urho Kekkonen National Park is not only to preserve natural
habitats, but also to safeguard the traditional ways of livelihood and
traditional hiking possibilities of the region. This is why the exhibition
displays Sámi culture, reindeer husbandry, and the history of hiking.
Birds of Prey Exhibition
Urho Kekkonen National Park is an important habitat of the Golden Eagle. The
Visitor Centre exhibition on birds of prey, has displays on the lives and
distinguishing features of the Golden Eagle and nine other birds of prey,
indigenous to Lapland. There are illustrative pictures and models of each
specie, to aide in learning to identify them. In our nature photography booth
visitors see the wonders of the Wilderness in spring. The exhibition has
exciting sights and sounds for children to enjoy.
Auditorium and AV Presentations
The auditorium seats 104 and has AV equipment. There are slideshows at
request. The auditorium can also be rented for conference use at 40 e per hour,
200 e per day.
The Grounds
- During summer, there are four different
nature trails in the vicinity of the Visitor
Centre that visitors can walk along.
- The new geological nature trail, 6 km, was opened in August.
- During winter, a kilometre-long adventure trail is in use. The three and
six kilometre-long nature trails are suitable for snowshoe walking.
- There is a wooden Lapp pole tent on the grounds of the Visitor Centre. It
is suitable for a little break by open fire.
- There are a Lapp pole tent and a campfire site along the three and six
kilometre-long nature trails.
Services for the Disabled
- The outside steps have a ramp next to them.
- The exhibition space is on two floors. The main entrance to the Visitor
Centre is on the first floor. On the other side of the building there is an
entrance to the second floor exhibition area.
- There is a toilet for the disabled.
- A kilometre-long gravel path begins on the grounds and is accessible by
wheelchair, but assistance is needed.
Sight Seeing Locations
Read more
about
our service
guarantee.
