The beautiful country of Finland is home to countless stunning landscapes that deserve to be visited and experienced by travelers. One such place is a charming little island named Kotisaari. This island, resembling a tiny boy, is nestled in the Kemijoki River, near the ancient town of Rovaniemi, boasting a fairy-tale beauty that many dream of visiting at least once in their lifetime.
The people of Rovaniemi have long been connected to the logging industry. The Ounas and Kemi rivers were used as floating channels for local logging operations since the late 1800s. By the end of the 1980s, the community gradually shifted to using trucks for timber transport.
In the past, when boats were the primary means of transporting wood, Kotisaari Island served as a resting place for loggers. Today, it has transformed into an attractive tourist destination, offering breathtaking scenery that is hard to find anywhere else in the world.
According to Stunning Lifestyle, Kotisaari is likened to Finland’s “hidden gem.” Many visitors come to this tiny island to enjoy its natural beauty and tranquil atmosphere.
The only way to access the island is by ferry. A local tour company has arranged daily ferry trips that allow tourists to visit and explore the island, experiencing the life of loggers from times gone by. One of the cabins, which was once a resting place for loggers, has been renovated into a pub to cater to all visitors daily.
Kotisaari is likened to Finland’s “hidden gem.”
Jani Ylinampa is a photographer based in Rovaniemi, Finland. He is considered a true master of capturing and preserving the magical, emotive images of nature, such as spectacular sunsets, beautiful forests, pristine lakes, and misty dawns…
During his 15 years of photography, the small island of Kotisaari has become one of the mysterious places Ylinampa has discovered. This little island lies in the beautiful, serene Kemi River. Since the late 19th century, Kotisaari has been a meeting point for loggers in Rovaniemi, Lapland, Finland. Today, this picturesque island attracts tourists year-round.
You can reach Kotisaari Island by a small motorboat and also cruise along the Kemi River to admire the majestic, untouched nature of this Nordic land. On the tiny island, several small wooden cabins have been built for visitors to stop, relax, and take in the surroundings, listening to nature and their own breath.
In 2015, Jani Ylinampa used a drone to capture aerial views of this island. Subsequently, the photos spread rapidly on social media, drawing significant attention to the little island. Jani then decided to photograph the island’s changing landscapes across the four seasons to share with everyone.
He noted that this island is a perfect spot to capture the changes of the sky, trees, air, river, and forest. The distinct transformations of the four seasons leave many in awe, wishing to set foot in this magical land at least once.
Spring on Kotisaari Island
Summer on Kotisaari Island
Autumn on Kotisaari Island
Winter on Kotisaari Island
Let’s enjoy more vibrant images of Kotisaari Island and the Kemi River through the lens of Jani Ylinampa!
