# Taivalkoski

Taivalkoski is a municipality in Eastern Oulu region, Finland.

## Get in

The nearest highway is the national road 20 between Oulu and Kuusamo.

## Get around
### By bus

Coaches passing by can be used, see Matkahuolto.

### By taxi

* Smartphone apps: Valopilkku, 02 Taksi

## See

* 65.574228.24081 Taivalkoski Church (Taivalkosken kirkko), Kirkkotie 7. (updated Jan 2023)

## Do

There are many nature trails and hiking trails all over the municipality, and services such as bird observation towers, lean-to shelters and campfire sites. Some parts of Syöte National Park and all of Kylmäluoma Hiking Area are here.

### Syöte National Park

65.67727.99771 Syöte National Park is shared between the municipalities Taivalkoski, Posio and Pudasjärvi. The main part of the park stretches from the Syöte ski resort in Pudasjärvi to the north and north-west, extending into Posio and the north-western corner of Taivalkoski. Another part lies on the border between Pudasjärvi and Taivalkoski, with most infrastructure and sights on the Pudasjärvi side west of the border. Two parts are wholly in Taivalkoski, north of the municipal centre; there is an open wilderness hut in each of the latter, in addition to other services: 65.741228.17051 Vinola and 65.667228.04492 Liiveri. Wild camping is allowed by the campfire sites (no campfires during wildfire warnings) and in the wilderness zone, which includes the Latvavaara–Kortevaara–Kärppävaara area (no campfires except at maintained campfire sites).
Hiking, skiing, canoeing and snowmobiling routes extend far from the park. A hiking route leads from Taivalkoski centre to Syöte, joining the UKK trail at the border to Pudasjärvi. Southward the UKK trail continues all the way to Sotkamo as a maintained hiking trail. Northward the UKK trails leads through the part of the park shared with Pudasjärvi and continues towards the Posio–Ranua road.

### Kylmäluoma Hiking Area

65.583128.77372 Kylmäluoma Hiking Area (east of the centre). A hiking area of 73 km$^2$ (28 sq mi) in eastern Taivalkoski, including some 90 lakes big and small. The area suits also families with small children. In addition to lean-to shelters, campfire sites, hiking trails etc. there is a holiday village in the eastern end of the area. Sights include esker and lake landscapes, varying nature, ancient reindeer pitfalls and newer traces of tar making and countryside life. The camping site by the holiday village suits also the mobility impaired.
A hiking and terrain biking route leads from Taivalkoski centre through Kylmäluoma.

## Buy

* 65.576428.24091 Jalavan Kauppa, Mikonkuja 2. M–Sa 09:00 – 17:00, Su 11:00 – 15:00. An old shop, which has been established 1883 and has been with the same family ever since. Nowadays the site also hosts a café for the tourists. (updated Jan 2023)

## Eat

* 65.576328.23861 Pizzeria Finlandiano, Talonpojantie 8. Tu–Th 10:30 – 19:00, F 10:30 – 20:00, Sa–Su 12:00 – 20:00. (updated Jan 2023)

## Sleep

* 65.563528.21613 Hotel Herkko, Taivalvaarantie 2, ☏ +358 8 7171 700, sales@hotelliherkko.com. (updated Jan 2023)
* 65.580328.23634 Ruska Bed & Breakfast (Hostel Ruska), Kauppatie 37, ☏ +358 40 5827 789, ruskabedbreakfast@gmail.com. (updated Jan 2023)
* 65.502328.56165 Saija Lodge (Saijan Lomakartano), Saijantie 8 (on the shores of Lake Isohauta), ☏ +358 8 847 511, info@saija.fi. (updated Jan 2023)

## Stay safe

In emergencies, ☏ 112 (free from all phones). This includes social services, although for non-urgent matters you could contact the social services directly.

## Go next

* Kuusamo
* Pudasjärvi