Kokin lähde, Utajärvi, Finland

## Overview Kokin lähde is a natural spring located near the municipality of Utajärvi in Northern Ostrobothnia, Finland. Situated along Puolangantie road at approximately 64.89°N latitude, this spring sits within the boreal landscape of central Finland — a region known for its pristine groundwater resources filtered through ancient glacial deposits. The spring flows year-round and has been described by visitors as producing very clean, fresh-tasting water. One regular visitor, Lassi Kokko, reports having drunk from the spring on multiple occasions and found the water to be exceptionally clean and refreshing, though no formal laboratory testing has been conducted to confirm its composition or potability. Finland is home to thousands of natural springs, many of which have been used as drinking water sources for centuries. The name "Kokin lähde" (roughly "Kokko's spring" or "the cook's spring") suggests a long-standing local connection to the site. Springs in this part of Finland typically draw from deep glacial aquifers, and the water tends to be naturally cold and low in mineral content. ## Directions Kokin lähde is located along or near **Puolangantie** (the road between Utajärvi and Puolanka) in the Utajärvi area. 1. Head toward **Utajärvi** in Northern Ostrobothnia, Finland. 2. Follow **Puolangantie** (Route 837 / the Utajärvi–Puolanka road). 3. The spring is located near the GPS coordinates **64.889595, 26.836239**. Use these coordinates in a navigation app to find the precise location. 4. The spring can be difficult to spot from the road. The original submitter notes that the exact location may require local guidance — if you have trouble finding it, reaching out to locals in the Utajärvi area may help. *Note: The directions above are based on limited information. The GPS coordinates provided should guide you to the general area, but the spring's exact trailhead or access point may not be immediately obvious.* ## What to Expect Kokin lähde is accessible **24 hours a day, year-round**, making it a convenient stop for travelers along the Puolangantie road. The spring is situated in a typical Northern Ostrobothnian landscape of boreal forest, and visitors should expect a natural, undeveloped setting. The water has been reported to taste very clean and fresh. As with any wild spring, the water has not been formally tested or treated, so visitors should be aware that conditions can change seasonally — particularly during spring snowmelt or heavy rains. During winter months, temperatures in the Utajärvi area can drop well below freezing, and access may require navigating snow-covered terrain. In summer, the long daylight hours of the Finnish subarctic make for pleasant visiting conditions, though mosquitoes can be abundant from June through August. This is a quiet, off-the-beaten-path spring — ideal for those exploring the natural water sources of Finland's interior. There are no facilities at the site, so come prepared.