Mäntyjärvi: Waterways and travel orientation

Mäntyjärvi is one of the largest lakes in the Livojoki catchment area. A named water route also includes Mäntyjärvi in its name, and a waterway was altered along the lower reaches of the Laukunjoki. These specific details about the waterways can help with travel planning, as can the dial-a-ride bus route operated by the municipality of Posio. It is useful to distinguish local orientation on the water from the wider regional context of the Livojoki.

Waterways at the local and regional scale

The lakes in the Livojoki catchment area are in Posio. The Livojoki itself is 135 kilometres long: it originates at Lake Livojärvi in Posio and flows into the Iijoki near the village of Aittojärvi. The catchment area also extends beyond a single municipality. It is part of the Iijoki fisheries management area and spans Posio and Pudasjärvi. This means two scales of orientation come together: Mäntyjärvi as a named lake and the larger river and catchment area.

Water route and changes to the Laukunjoki

A specific water route is named Raistakan alaosa–Kouva–Mäntyjärvi. It is shown on maps for the Posio area, and a printable PDF map is available. Consult the map before planning your trip to orient yourself using the named route.

In the waters around Mäntyjärvi and along the lower reaches of the Laukunjoki, the waterway was deepened as part of a sand-removal project. Boat travel in this area was also made easier. These details refer to the specified area of water and describe the changes made by the project.

The broader Livojoki area is described as offering both rapids and calmer stretches of river as part of the nature experience. It appeals to experienced paddlers as well as inexperienced boaters. This is a regional description of the Livojoki area; by contrast, the Raistakan alaosa–Kouva–Mäntyjärvi water route is identified specifically by its own name and the map provided. If you include waterways in your travel plans, distinguishing between an individual route and the larger river area can help you find your way.

Dial-a-ride bus and local points of interest

The municipality of Posio’s demand-responsive dial-a-ride bus service covers the Mäntyjärvi–Lauhkea–Posio route. The service is open to everyone; passengers pay the bus fare. Check operating and fare details with the municipality of Posio before travelling. This lets you consider the bus connection as a separate planning point alongside the waterways, without confusing it with a water route.

A public ice-fishing competition was held in Mäntyjärvi on 12 April 2026. It was organised by Posion Kalamiehet and Mäntyjärven kalastuskunta. The competition was a specific past event in the locality, held on that date.

Olavi Ollila is the chair of Mäntyjärven kalastuskunta. The contact details provided are telephone number 040 749 0913 and email address posionluontolomat (at) gmail.com. Check the contact details before relying on them for a future trip.

When making your choice, you can consider the specific and regional information separately: the PDF map relates to the named water route, while the rapids and calmer stretches describe the wider Livojoki area. The dial-a-ride bus route is a separate transport option. When choosing a hotel in Mäntyjärvi, you can therefore consider whether your trip will focus more on the specific route, the regional river landscape or the connection to Posio.

Discover more destinations: Kittilä, Tervola, Sinettä, Kemi, Utsjoki, Kilpisjärvi, Salla, Pello.

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