Pohjavaara is a village in Sotkamo Municipality, in the region of Kainuu, Finland. Pohjavaara lies at 174 m above sea level. The nearest city is Jyväskylän maalaiskunta, 247 km to the southwest. Among the landmarks around are Kajaani Castle (15.9 km), Kajaani Church (16.2 km) and Paltaniemi Church (20 km). Among the natural features are Rupukkavaara (3.0 km) and Vuokatti (16.1 km).