Taivalkoski has become known through the works of the great Finnish novelist, Kalle Päätalo. The municipality of Taivalkoski, located on the Iijoki River, has known how to utilize the Iijoki River as a transportation channel since the beginning of time.

Taivalkoski got its name from the Iijoki River’s largest rapids, which flow through the center of the village (koski = rapids). An international class white river canoeing center has been constructed there. Part of the Syöte National Park is also located in Taivalkoski.
www.taivalkoski.fi/