Customer Service and Guidance
- Oulanka Visitor Centre is responsible for customer service and maintenance of the Riisitunturi National Park. The Visitor Centre is located in the Oulanka National Park in Kuusamo. More information about the services on the website of the visitor centre.
- Posio Tourism Association (posiolapland.com) provides information about Posio's services and places to visit.
- Kuusamo Customer Service Karhuntassu offers hiking information and customer service in the Kuusamo city center. Karhuntassu services include, for example, maps and national park products, as well as hunting and fishing permits.
Services Offered by Enterprises and Other Organisations in Riisitunturi National Park
Following enterprises and other organisations offer services in the national park. They have a cooperation agreement with Metsähallitus and they follow the principles of sustainable nature tourism when operating in national park.
Meals, Where to Buy and Prepare
Cafés, Restaurants and Shops
- Wilderness Cafe Tykky (tykky.fi/en/wilderness-cafe) is located in the parking area next to the Riisitunturi starting point.
- In Tolva village in the former school building is café Korpihilla (Delicacy Shop) (korpihilla.fi, in Finnish).
- Catering services can be got by reservation in the tourism enterprises of Tolva, more information can be got on the website of the municipality of Posio (posiolapland.com).
Campfire Sites and Huts
There are six campfire sites along Riisitunturi Trail:
- At Riisitunturi Open Wilderness Hut, at Karitunturi Day Trip Hut and Ahmatupa Open Wilderness Hut. More information on the huts from Oulanka Visitor Centre, tel.int. +358 206 39 6850.
- At the lean-to shelters of Soilu, Uusilampi, Kuoppavaara, Liittolampi and Koljat.
Lighting campfires is not allowed when the forest fire warning is in effect.
- This prohibition does not apply to cooking shelters or other fireplaces with a flue.
Drinking Water
- It is recommended that hikers fill up water bottles at the customer service points. There are only small lakes in the National Park. A brook runs from the humid hillslopes and spring areas. The water has not been tested, so drinking water taken from the lakes or the brook is at hiker's own risk. It is advisable to boil the water before drinking.
Waste Management
- There are no waste-bins in the forest. Measures should be taken in advance to avoid taking unnecessary waste into the area. Biodegradable waste should be placed in a dry toilet or composter, and small amounts of clean paper and cardboard can be used as kindling in a campfire. Read more about Hiking without littering.
Toilets
- Along Riisitunturi Trail, there are dry toilets at the lean-to shelter of Soilu, at Riisitunturi Open Wilderness Hut, at the lean-to shelters of Uusilampi, Liittolampi and Kuoppavaara, and at Karitunturi Day Trip Hut.
Overnight Stays
Camping and Lean-to Shelters
- Soilu lean-to shelter, 3,2 km from Riisitunturi starting point.
- Uusilampi lean-to shelter, 7,3 km from Riisitunturi starting point.
- Liittolampi lean-to shelter, 8,5 km from Riisitunturi starting points and 11,6 km from Kirintövaara.
- Kuoppavaara lean-to-shelter.
- It is possible to camp in the immediate vicinity of Riisitunturi Open Wilderness Hut and Karitunturi Day Trip Hut. Karitunturi Day Trip Hut is located 20 km from Riisitunturi starting points and 6,2 km from Kirintövaara.
Open Wilderness Hut
- Riisitunturi Open Wilderness Hut is located 1,5 km from Riisitunturi starting point. More information from Oulanka Visitor Centre, tel.int. +358 206 39 6850.
Lodging in the Surrounding Area
- There are about twenty rental cabins of Metsähallitus in Posio.
- Information on other accommodation options and travel services can be found on the website of the municipality of Posio (posiolapland.com).
- There is a hotel at Kirintövaara (kirikeskus.fi).
Equipment Rental
- There are enterprises in the town of Kuusamo (ruka.fi) renting hiking equipment.
- In Posio (posiolapland.com) ask the tourist information office to find out about enterprises which rent equipment.
Accessible Services
- Unfortunately, there are no accessible services in the area.
Other Services in the Surrounding Area
- The village of Tolva is the nearest place to find a taxi. There you can also buy fishing permits, and find washing and accommodation possibilities.
- In the centre of the municipality of Posio (posio.fi, in Finnish), about 20 km away, you can find the nearest bank, health centre, pharmacy and public telephone. Posio (posiolapland.com).
- The sights of the Posio include Lake Livojärvi with its surroundings, Korouoma Gorge, and Kirintövaara Hill. The sights of Kuusamo include Rukatunturi Fell (in Finnish, ruka.fi), Valtavaara Hill and Oulanka National Park.
Riisitunturi Brochure
Check for Warnings
When forest and grass fire warnings (en.ilmatieteenlaitos.fi) are in effect, fire is only allowed at covered campfire sites that have a flue. A fire can be also lit in fireplaces at wilderness and other huts. Always use extreme caution when handling fire. The one who lights a fire is always responsible for its safe use. Please note, that making fire at these campfire sites can be banned locally.
