Myllykoski, Rapids on Kitkajoki river in Kuusamo, Finland.
Myllykoski is a set of rapids on the Kitkajoki river near Kuusamo, in northern Finland, where the water rushes through rocky terrain surrounded by conifer forest. A suspension bridge spans directly over the flow, giving a close view of the current from above.
In 1926, people from nearby villages built a grain mill at these rapids, which stayed in use until the late 1940s. After the mill closed, the site lost its working function but later became a stop along the Karhunkierros hiking trail.
The name Myllykoski means "mill rapids" in Finnish, directly recalling the grinding work once done beside the water. Today the site is used as a resting point by hikers on the Karhunkierros trail, who often stop on the footbridge to watch the current below.
The rapids are directly on the Karhunkierros hiking trail, which is well marked and manageable for most walkers. The path to the suspension bridge is wide and firm, but the terrain can get slippery in wet weather, so solid footwear is a good idea.
Although the mill is long gone, traces of the old foundations can still be spotted along the riverbank if you look carefully. Most hikers pass by without noticing them, but they are a tangible reminder of how the site was once used.
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