Rautavaara is the best by nature, as stated in the municipality's official municipal strategy. In Rautavaara, you can experience the flavour of history in many different ways. The most famous attractions include the pothole and the Swedish-Russian border stone carved in stone 400 years ago.

Did you know that the name Rautavaara comes from the iron-making industry that started in the 1500s? Iron was made from lake ores in coal mines. Iron-making ceased in Rautavaara in the 19th century, leaving behind at least 33 historic sites where coal mines and other remains from that period are still visible.

Here are the favourite hiking spots of Vaarojen majat in Rautavaara:

1. Kiparinvuori observation tower with views of the back of Lake Keyritty and Kiparinkierros.

2. The sand beaches:
   - Hiekkahäikkä in the Kipari hiking area.
   - Rouskunhiekka on the shore of Älänne.
   - Venäjänhiekka at Tiilikkajärvi National Park.

3. Pumpulikirkko pothole, giant's kettle
   Pumpulikrkko is a naturally formed rock formation inside Pumpulikirkko’s old forest’s protected area. Steep-walled, millions of years ago created gorge-like rock crevice expands into a clearing surrounded by vertical stone walls.

4. We also recommend a visit to the Youth Centre Metsäkartano on the same trip, if you are not staying at our Tentsiles accommodation there.

5. Tiilikkajärvi National Park
   The park's lovely lakeshores include the beautiful beach of Venäjänhiekka (Russian Sands), whose name relates to the 1595 Treaty of Teusina which divided these lands between Sweden and Russia. An old border stone in Lake Tiilikkajärvi still bears a crown and a cross symbolising the two countries.
   The park area has 27 kilometres of marked trails. Uiton kierto (7 km) and the Autionkierto trail (3.4 km) continuing from it are circle trails, as is Tiilikan kierto Trail (18 km). Visit the Metsähallitus website to learn more about Tiilikkajärvi National Park.

6. Kaivannonkierto
   3 km circular route. The route starts at Rouskunhiekka sand beach and goes around the Valkeinen pond.

Find out about other nearby hiking and activity opportunities on the website of the municipality of Rautavaara.