A ridge runs through the Järvinen’s ancient pine forest area (Järvisen aihkikko), and its sandy soil is home almost entirely to pine forest. The trees are old, yet the forest remains fairly light and open. The thick-barked, ancient Scots pines and numerous standing deadwood trees give the forest a distinctive character. In addition to the forests, the area includes mires north of the ridge near Ahvenlampi Pond, and on the eastern side of Marasenlampi Pond. The ridge forests, mires, and ponds form a remote and wilderness-like landscape.
- Aihkikko is an old forest with ancient trees, especially very old pines called aihkis.
- The Marasen kämppä hut, built in 1933, is located on the shore of Marasenlampi pond.
- The memorial on Marasenharju is built and laid with natural stone by A.E. Järvinen.
- Järvinen’s ancient pine forest (Järvisen aihkikko) reserve was established in 1955.
Järvinen’s ancient pine forest is named after A.E. Järvinen (1891–1963), a forester, author, and painter. Järvinen worked for Metsähallitus in Lapland between 1915 and 1958. Naarmankaira was a special place for him, and he spent much time there hunting and fishing. In his many wilderness-themed short stories, Järvinen described what he experienced on these excursions.
In the dry pine forests of Järvinen’s ancient pine forest, the ground layer vegetation consists mainly of lingonberry (Vaccinium vitis-idaea), crowberry (Empetrum nigrum), heather (Calluna vulgaris) and lichen, all of which thrive on the nutrient-poor, sandy soil. Fallen trees provide a growing base for lichens and mosses. The area also includes wetter habitats, such as mires and the shores of Marasenlampi and Ahvenlampi ponds. The mires are poor fens with sedge vegetation and string mires, bordered by dwarf pine bogs where cranberries (Vaccinium oxycoccos), for example, can be found.
The old-growth pine forest provides a habitat for woodpeckers, squirrels, crossbills (Loxia) and capercaillies (Tetrao urogallus), which feed on pine seeds and needles. Reindeer are also commonly seen in the area, drawn by the abundant lichen.
The mires are in places wet and string-like, typical of aapa mires, and they attract waders such as the wood sandpiper (Tringa glareola). Marasenlampi and Ahvenlampi are nutrient-poor ponds inhabited by species such as perch (Perca fluviatilis), pike (Esox lucius), and stocked whitefish (Coregonus lavaretus). Waterfowl such as goldeneyes (Bucephala clangula) are commonly seen on the ponds. The pond waters flow via streams into the Raudanjoki River.
Activities and trails
Visitor's checklist
Everyman’s Right apply in this area
Camp only at permitted camping sitesCamping is allowed elsewhere in the area, but not in the yard or vicinity of the Maranen wilderness hut.
Make campfires only in designated sitesDuring a wildfire warning, making fires is prohibited.
Remember to bring a trash bagThere are no waste bins in the area. Bring a trash bag and take the trash with you.
Always keep pets on a leashDog waste should be cleaned away from the paths.
There are movement restrictions in the areaJärvisen aihkikko is located within the Finnish Defence Forces’ Rovajärvi firing range, and access to the area is prohibited during live-fire exercises for safety reasons.