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> Outdoor activities map of Kainuu
> The old forests of Paljakka on Google Earth

Mustarinda is located almost at the top of Paljakanvaara hill, at 360 meters. The highest point of the hill, at 384.4 meters, is a 400-meter walk away. According to the measurements of the National Land Survey of Finland, Paljakka and nearby Lumivaara are the snowiest areas of Finland right after Käsivarsi region, the most northern part of the country. In April 1998, the average snow depth at Paljakka was 168 centimetres. The word is that at their deepest, there have been snow banks of more than three meters.

Paljakka Nature Reserve and the surrounding areas have natural fir forests that are unique in Finland and Northern Europe, a wealth of rare old-forest species, as well as large wild animals. The oldest of the firs are up to 500 years old. Also in satellite footage the forests of Paljakka are clearly discernible from the lighter green commercial forests elsewhere in Finland.

The highest points of the hilly part of the Kainuu region have been above sea level significantly longer than low-lying areas and are therefore very fertile. There are also streams, swamps and wetland in the area. The hills are famously abundant with mushrooms and berries.

A lot of academic research is carried out in the Paljakka Nature Reserve and The Finnish Forest Research Institute’s research forests. The area is also popular with nature photographers.

Sights near Mustarinda also include the Komulanköngäs waterfall of Syväjoki river, Hepoköngäs, the tallest waterfall in Finland, and a restored mill. For more information on the natural environment of the area, please visit www.luontoon.fi/paljakka

weather statistics (Ilmatieteenlaitos): Weather in Mustarinda is close to this statistics from Sodankylä village but the weathers my variate a lot. You can see the current weather in link above.

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