Southern Lapland Region
Municipalities of Ranua (www.ranua.fi), and Posio (www.posio.fi, in Finnish)
Lake
Simojärvi 63.7 sq. km, Soppana 11 sq. km, Natura 2000 sites (1998)
The
state-owned lands in the area are managed by Metsähallitus.
The Simojärvi and Soppana areas are magnificent
outdoor excursion destinations for those interested in boating excursions and
hiking. The areas are also excellent winter destinations for hiking or fishing.
The areas forests are easy to hike through and offer hikers changing scenery.
The Simojärvi and Soppana areas are well suited for short day hikes. The areas’
trails are easy to travel and there are enough of them to cater to a hike
lasting several days.
Lake Simojärvi is Finland’s 50th largest lake. Its crystal clear waters lure
visitors to its shores. A large portion of the Simojärvi area is protected by
the Shore Conservation Programme, which ensures that Finland’s most valuable
shorelines stay building-free. The Soppana area is protected by the Old-Growth
Forest Conservation Programme. A significant part of both the Simojärvi and
Soppana areas are part of the Natura 2000 network.
