Patokoski – an old settlement on the Ounasjoki

Patokoski is an old settlement on the Ounasjoki. Finds show that hunters and fishermen were already living here in the Stone Age. The first written references to permanent settlement date from the 16th century. The place name also points to a local tradition: it derives from salmon fishing with a fish trap. The evidence covers different periods: Stone Age finds indicate early human presence, while the written references relate to permanent settlement.

History and reindeer farm

The old main house of Poro-Pekan Pirtti is in Patokoski, near the Ounasjoki. The reindeer farm has a long history dating back to the 19th century. The main house and accommodation buildings are located in the same courtyard, in an area classified as a traditional cultural landscape. During a visit to the reindeer farm, you will learn about the history of the house, reindeer husbandry, and reindeer life. The visit also includes a short reindeer sleigh ride through a small wooded area near the reindeer enclosure.

The old main house is usually open by appointment only, so arrange your visit in advance. Poro-Pekan Pirtti offers activities year-round. As the range of activities may change, check the current programme before planning your visit.

Archaeological traces in the surrounding area

Nearby, outside Patokoski itself, is the Patokoski 2 archaeological site. It consists of a stone heap and a stone wall, and is located southwest of the village on the south or southeast shore of the Meltausjoki. A path leads there from a car park south of the bridge over the Meltauskoski. At Patokoski 1, on the north bank of the Patokoski, quartz flakes were found in sandy pine woodland, indicating a Stone Age settlement site.

River landscapes and seasons

Patovaara and its river landscape are classified as a special destination for outdoor recreation, nature-based recreation, and local and regional tourism. In Patokoski, fishing is possible in summer and skiing in winter. In winter, an ice road is also built across the Ounasjoki, allowing you to reach the other side of the river. Use of the road depends on the weather; check current conditions before planning a crossing. For choosing when to travel, there is a clear contrast: summer fishing versus winter skiing and a weather-dependent river crossing.

Location in the Rovaniemi region

Rovaniemi lies on the Arctic Circle, at the confluence of the Kemijoki and Ounasjoki rivers. In the Rovaniemi region, Patokoski is one of the villages on the Ounasjoki in a tourist area classified as regionally significant.

It is best to plan arrangements for visiting the main house separately from the weather-dependent conditions for using the ice road.

Discover more destinations: Mäntyjärvi, Sodankylä, Inari, Utsjoki, Pohjaslahti, Tornio, Enontekiö, Napapiiri

For the broader travel overview: Lapland.