Holiday in Savo 2021

WATERWAYS AND NATURE

Härkämäki Observatory Hiking and leisure destination in spectacular wilder- ness scenery. Observatory for viewing celestial objects in clear weather during the winter from September to March. The area also has a hut, lean-to shelter, nature trail and a new clubhouse suitable for meetings and events. Tel. +358 40 701 1625 A large field of jagged rocks, also called Devil’s Field, was formed after the Ice Age and is suitable for inde- pendent hiking. The area is a surprisingly large field of jagged rocks in Southern Finland’s conditions. Due to the good acoustics at the location, concerts have also been organised there. Located along the road that leads from Jäppilä to Leppävirta via Sorsakoski. Selected as one of Finland's 100 best nature destinations; the Pearls of Finnish Nature. www.vedenjakajareitisto.fi Kotakallio trail of nature and thoughts Approximately 2 km long trail in Härmäniemi, Varkaus. There are 40 signboards along the trail, telling about the surrounding nature and some of them aim to make people stop and think. Open to everyone. The Laplander’s hut along the trail is available to groups upon booking. www.harjuranta.blogspot.fi www.kassiopeia.net Kivikuru, Jäppilä

Kotkatharju Recreation Area, Joroinen The Kotkatharju area is a valuable ensemble with its natural biodiversity. In particular, the eskers created during the Ice Age have a unique geology and vege- tation. Most of the eskers are protected and belong to the Natura 2000 network. Joggers prefer the 7-km- long Kotkanpolku trail that runs on the esker and is surrounded by clear water ponds. Mountain bicyclists are offered the new Likolampi route, which starts from the local history museum’s parking area. www.kotkatharju.fi Mula and Ruokojärvi watchtowers A 200 m trail next to the Mechanical Music Museum takes you to Mulajärvi’s watchtower. Also suitable for disabled access. The view opens out to a reedy bay. Ruokojärvi's watchtower is at a distance of approxi- mately 5 km from the centre. Part of the way is along a trail of board walks. www.visitvarkaus.fi Orinoro Gorge A family-friendly, prestigious and exciting hiking and outing site on Soisalo island in Leppävirta. The marked nature trail takes you to the verti- cal-walled gorge scored during the Ice Age, which is about 200 m in length and has a depth of almost 20 m. Snow and ice remain in the gorge until June, and a spring gushes at the bottom. Along the route is a lean- to and a Laplander’s hut. The nature path’s mobile trip planner can be found at the Retkipaikka.fi service. www.visitleppavirta.fi

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