Spawning Weeks invite to Rajamailla – experience Hiitolanjoki's autumn and the salmon's spawning migration

Spawning Weeks invite to Rajamailla – experience Hiitolanjoki's autumn and the salmon's spawning migration. Autumn colors the forests, the air cools, and something very special begins to happen on Hiitolanjoki. Rautjärvi Spawning Weeks are held on October 9–25, 2026, when attention once again turns to Hiitolanjoki's foaming rapids, the magnificent autumn nature, and the salmon ascending the river from Lake Ladoga. Spawning Weeks are an excellent reason to head for an autumn trip to Rajamailla – to watch, listen, and experience nature's own spectacle.

Nature's Own Autumn Spectacle on Hiitolanjoki

As autumn cools, salmon rising from Laatokka return to Hiitolanjoki to continue nature's ancient cycle. With good luck, you might get to observe the movements of these large fish with the naked eye by the rapids.

However, it's best to go salmon spotting on nature's terms. There are no specific showtimes or tickets – sometimes the salmon puts on a magnificent display, and sometimes it decides to keep onlookers in suspense. That's probably part of the experience's charm.

And even if the salmon remains hidden during your visit, Hiitolanjoki is already a destination worth a trip in itself.

The river's old dams have been dismantled, the rapids restored, and the water flows freely again. The colorful autumn river landscapes, the roar of the water, and the area's history make Hiitolanjoki a place where it's worth stopping for a moment just to be.

Events During Spawning Weeks

During Spawning Weeks, various programs are organized in Rautjärvi, centered around nature, salmon, local culture, and autumnal togetherness.

Friday 9.10. – Spawning Weeks Kick Off

Spawning Weeks kick off in the landscapes of Hiitolanjoki.

The opening day's program includes, among others:

The Story of Laatokka Salmon at B&B Hiitolanjoki
Led by experts, you'll hear about the Laatokka salmon, its life, and the significance of Hiitolanjoki for this special migratory fish.
Eripariterapiaa Comedy Show at Simpeleen Työväentalo
As a counterbalance to nature experiences, the evening also offers culture and laughter in the form of a comedy.

Saturday 10.10. – Spawning-themed Kekri

On Saturday, it's time for the popular Kekri event, which this year, in honor of Spawning Weeks, gets its own spawning theme.

Kekri, fitting for the autumn harvest tradition, brings its own atmospheric addition to the Spawning Weeks program.

Saturdays 17.10. and 24.10. – Home Bases and Kutupesäs

During Spawning Weeks, you can also explore Rautjärvi's various home bases and Kutupesäs.

Presentations are held on both Saturdays from 12 PM to 4 PM.

One Kutupesä on display:
Simmes Apartment Hotel is open for exploration on both Saturdays, October 17th and 24th, from 12 PM to 4 PM.
Ilmarinkatu 2, Simpele
Come and see what home-like accommodation right near the Spawning Weeks events looks like.

Program Updates

The Spawning Weeks program will be published and supplemented as autumn progresses. Up-to-date events, times, and possible program changes should be checked from the Spawning Weeks Facebook page before embarking on your trip.

On the same trip, it's also worth leaving time for other autumn nature in Rajamailla. The region of Parikkala, Rautjärvi, and Ruokolahti, colored by autumn foliage, offers peaceful landscapes, excursion destinations, and small local experiences without rush. Explore excursion destinations.

A Spawning Ground for Salmon – a Kutupesä For You!

It's worth coming to Spawning Weeks even from further away and staying to enjoy the autumn of Rajamailla in peace.

Simmes Apartment Hotel in Simpele offers a home-like base for Spawning Weeks excursions. In your own apartment, there's comfortable space to rest after a day of outdoor activities, prepare an evening snack, and put your feet up for a while – before the next day's new adventures.

And since salmon have their spawning grounds, a traveler should also have their own Kutupesä.

Spawning Weeks Accommodation Offer

You get a 20% discount on the accommodation price at Simmes Apartment Hotel.

Use the offer code when booking:

By staying in Simpele, you can make Spawning Weeks into a complete autumn holiday trip: one day for salmon spotting, another for events, and in between, unhurried hiking in the autumn landscapes.

Autumn is a Good Reason to Visit Rajamailla

Pack warm clothes, good shoes, and a little patience. Nature does not give exact starting times for its shows, but that's precisely why every trip to Hiitolanjoki is unique.

Perhaps you'll see a salmon.
Perhaps you'll only hear the roar of the rapids and gaze at the autumn colors.
Either is a pretty good reason to go on a nature trip.

Explore comfortable accommodation destinations on the VisitRajamailla website.