Holiday in Savo 2023

Nature attractions Linnansaari National Park This national park on Lake Haukivesi is a water and nature lover’s paradise with hundreds of islands. It’s home to the famous Saimaa ringed seal and the osprey, a magnificent bird of prey. On the main island, you’ll find the Linnavuori lookout, croft and slash and-burn cultivated land, and a camping area with services. In late winter, try the tour skating route in the area. The rugged cliffs of Lake Kolovesi and the ancient rock paintings tell a millennia-old tale of people and nature living in harmony. This is the home of the most endangered seal in the world, the Saimaa ringed seal. The national park is perfect for canoeing and rowing. Two marked nature trails in the area. www.luontoon.fi/kolovesi Sorsavesi's Archipelago The landscapes of Lake Sorsavesi consist of several islands, islets, and stony areas. At the heart of the lake stands an idyllic cluster of small fishing huts. North ern parts are adorned by deep fissure valleys and tall hills. Shores are mostly rocky and stony, and a till zone formed by a continental glacier crosses the area in the south. Recently, an ancient rock painting was found on Ukkokivi Island. Ämmäkoski Rapids & Kämäri Island The whitewater of Ämmäkoski rapids and Kämäri’s nature trails offer an excellent setting for relaxation and recreation. Here, a stone’s throw from downtown Varkaus, nature and the city’s industrial heritage are bound together. Footbridges lead visitors from Päiviönsaari and its museums, lodgings, and restaurants all the way to the Taipale Canal area—through fairytale-like sceneries by the rapids. Finland’s largest natural bypass was constructed to Ämmäkoski in 2022, so that endangered fish can migrate to their spawning grounds. www.visitvarkaus.fi Harjuranta Nature Church Located on the 174-meter-high Joenmäenvuori hill, this nature church in Varkaus is open to the public. Close by, there’s a lean-to and the Peisin polku nature trail (4.3 km), which also leads you to the Peis Immonen caves. Mobile route info is available www.luontoon.fi/linnansaari Kolovesi National Park

WATERWAYS AND NATURE

Härkämäki Observatory A camping and recreational site in picturesque wilder ness. The observatory allows visitors to gaze deep into clear skies (weather permitting) in the winter season, Sep.–Mar. The area also offers a campfire hut, lean-to, nature trail, and a new clubhouse 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 for Southern Finland’s conditions. Due to its acoustics, concerts have also been organised there. The site is located by the road from Jäppilä to Leppä virta via Sorsakoski. One of the 100 natural wonders in Finland (chosen by the FANC). www.vedenjakajareitisto.fi Kotakallio Trail of Nature and Thought Two kilometers of nature trail in Härmäniemi, Varkaus. Along the route, you’ll find 40 boards with information about the surrounding nature as well as food for thought. Open to the public. The trail’s camp fire hut is open to groups with a reservation. www.harjuranta.blogspot.fi Kotkatharju Recreation Area, Joroinen Kotkatharju is a valuable wilderness area marked by its natural diversity. Especially the eskers formed during the Ice Age are unique in their geology and vegetation. Most of the eskers are protected and part of the Natura 2000 network. Joggers love the 7-km long Kotkanpolku (eagle path) trails on top of the ridge, which is surrounded by clear-watered lakelets. Mountain bikers can try the new Likolampi route starting from the local museum’s (kotiseutumuseo) parking area. Saimaa Lake System & Kotkatharju: Lake Joroisselkä is a great place to fish and enjoy boating. A marked route starts at the municipal dock and passes the Puomila bridge before leading to the Varkaus–Savonlinna waterway. www.kotkatharju.fi Mula and Ruokojärvi Bird Towers The Lake Mula bird watching tower is accessible via a path (200 m) starting by the Museum of Mechanical Music. Suitable also for persons with reduced mobility. The view overlooks a reed-laden bay. The Lake Ruoko järvi bird watching tower is located around 5 km from the city center. Parts of the path are duckboarded. www.visitvarkaus.fi www.kassiopeia.net Jäppilä Kivikuru

on the Retkipaikka.fi service. www.harjuranta.blogspot.fi

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