Summer activities and equipment rental
In the summer, the nature of the Tornio River Valley turns lush and green, allowing you to enjoy sunlight around the clock.
On this page, you’ll find activities offered by us and our partners, as well as rental equipment for self-guided adventures.
Summer Activities
Kruununkierros nature trail
On Aavasaksa Hill, you can explore the breathtaking Kruununkierros Nature Trail. The trail starts and ends at the Aava Sky Village grounds.
The Kruununkierros trail offers a journey through the beautiful and partly rugged nature of Aavasaksa. You'll experience diverse landscapes, from lush forests to rocky terrains. This 3.8-kilometer-long nature trail is easy to walk and takes approximately 1–2 hours to complete.
The trail is well-marked, with wooden boardwalks in its more challenging sections. Along the route, you'll find a lean-to shelter and scenic viewpoints where you can take in stunning views from all sides of Aavasaksa Hill, including the Tornio River Valley and even across the border into Sweden.
Activities near us
Make your own Kuksa
At Forest Jewel, you can create and design your own Kuksa by the bridge crossing the Swedish border.
A Kuksa is a traditional Lapland cup made from birch burl.
You can purchase a ready-made Kuksa from the Forest Jewel souvenir shop or craft and design your own, adding personal engravings to make it uniquely yours.
While making your Kuksa, you'll hear stories and history about this traditional item, and you’ll have the opportunity to christen your finished Kuksa in a special way by the campfire in a teepee.
Rafting in Kukkolankoski
Kukkolankoski is the largest free-flowing rapids in Finland.
The Kukkolankoski Rafting activity includes two runs. The first run follows the fastest route, while the second features a more challenging course with a series of tasks to complete.
Self-guided activities during the summer season
Nature trails and hiking
The nearest nature trail, Kruununkierros, starts from the Aava Sky Village grounds and circles the top of Aavasaksa Hill. Along the route, you'll find scenic viewpoints, information about the environment, history, and nature of the area, as well as a lean-to shelter for hikers. The trail also offers the option to detour to Keisarinmaja and the observation tower.
Keisarinmaja
Keisarinmaja is located at the top of Aavasaksa Hill. Built in 1882, the building was originally constructed for a visit by the Emperor, which, however, never took place.. The building now serves as a museum.
The exterior of the building was restored in the summer of 2023. Keisarinmaja is a beautiful historical attraction and a perfect spot for photography.
Culture
In the summer, there’s plenty happenings in the surrounding area. Various events, from the Swedish bilbingo, where players sit in their cars during the game, to the Aavasaksa Midsummer Celebration and many other local happenings, draw people in to enjoy what the Tornio River Valley has to offer. You can also take day trips to nearby areas and explore the summer offerings of the region.
Golf, frisbee golf, padel, and gyms
Just a few kilometers away, you'll find a padel court and the Tureholmi golf course in Övertorneå, Sweden. The nearest frisbee golf course is located in Ainiovaara, Ylitornio. Around the Övertorneå ice hall, there are also two outdoor gyms and a skatepark. Ylitornio offers two gyms and a swimming pool.
Fishing
The Tornio River and salmon fishing are the highlight of the summer for many anglers. In addition to the Tornio River, fishing trips can also be made to the numerous lakes in Ylitornio. Aavasaksa is centrally located near the Tornio River, as well as many lakes and waterways.
Enjoy the summer!
You can spend time on the sandy shores of the Tornio River or the beaches of the lake villages. A summer day can also be enjoyed at the Övertorneå Ekobadet outdoor swimming area, where the water is guaranteed to be warm.
In the Ylitornio area, there are several hiking trails of varying lengths, crossing multiple hills and offering stunning views.