Satisfy your wanderlust
Heinävesi offers a plethora of outdoor activities to satisfy your wanderlust. Explore the pristine beauty of our forests and lakes by hiking along well-marked trails or paddling through tranquil waters. Experience the thrill of fishing in our abundant waterways or simply unwind amidst the serenity of nature. With its diverse landscapes and abundant wildlife, Heinävesi is a haven for those seeking adventure and tranquility in the great outdoors.
Monastery Hike from Valamo to Lintula — 18 km
A trail winding through natural and varied terrain, providing a perfect glimpse of the Eastern Finnish landscape. The route partly follows roads, showcasing a range of forest types. The terrain can be challenging, with boardwalk sections and wetlands. The trail is marked with blue signs or painted markers.
A fireplace is located at Monikkolahti, 3.3 km from Valamo. Midway along the route is Varistaipale lean-to shelter, which can accommodate about 40 people (8 for overnight stays). For lean-to reservations, contact Aarne Hiltunen at +358 400 373 926.
At Lintula, 2.5 km from Riski cabin, there’s a shelter available for reservation. Contact +358 400 174 617.
Valamo Prayer Trail — 3 km
The trail leads from the monastery cemetery to the atmospheric prayer forest. At the end of the trail, visitors will find a small hermitage inviting them to contemplate, with prayer books and icons. The trail’s profile is considerably more challenging than the Pilgrim’s Cross route.
VValamo Pilgrim’s Cross Trail — 4 km
The monastery’s most popular walking route guides the visitor to the so-called “Matkamiehen risti” (Pilgrim’s Cross), a bowing cross erected by the brotherhood on the shore of Lake Juojärvi in the late 1980s. The route meanders through varied landscapes, partly following the shoreline of the lake. Along the way, you’ll also find a lean-to shelter where you can stop to have a meal or barbecue.
Lintula Prayer Trail — 1 km
The forest path starting from the monastery courtyard leads to the Chapel of St. Paraskeva Martyr on the shore of Lake Koskijärvi, and from there, through varied lakeside and forest landscapes, to the monastery cemetery.
Pyylin Path — 3.8 km, Pyylinsaari
The starting point is on Huutoniementie, accessed from Pyylintie.
There is a small signboard with maps at the site. The starting point is 25 km south from the village center. The trail is marked with blue paint on trees and wooden stakes. Along the route, there is a wilderness hut (for 4 people), a sauna, and a lean-to shelter.
Vihtari nature trail 2,5 km
Starting Point: Vihtarin Village Manor, Savonrannantie 2B, 79940 VIHTARI
There are 6 information boards along the trail, providing insights into the local nature. Vihtari Nature Trail in the Mattila Nature Reserve has been developed in collaboration with Vihtari Village Association, Pirteä Pässi Oy, and the local chapter of the Finnish Association for Nature Conservation, Heinäveden Luonnonystävät. There’s a birdwatching tower on the shore of Kiiskinlampi Lake. The trail starts 700 meters from Savonrannantie Road.
Guided tours:: Pirteä Pässi Oy
Karvio Path
Karvio Path, 1.7 km, starts from Karvio School, Venevalkamantie 2, 79810 KARVIONKANAVA. There is a lean-to shelter, a fireplace, a beach, changing rooms, and a toilet by the shore.
Adjacent to Karvio Camping Area (Takunlahdentie 2) is another trail, Virranniemi Nature Trail, 2.3 km long, offering a natural experience along the shoreline. The camping area provides various amenities such as minigolf, a playground, a restaurant, accommodation cabins, and a cozy caravan and camping area with service facilities.
From the guest harbor, you can also embark on a canal cruise on m/s Sergei ‑boat.
For Cyklists
From Heinävesi, you can cycle through Outokumpu to Koli, through Liperi to Joensuu, through Savonranta to Kitee, or through Enonkoski to Savonlinna, traversing varied and sometimes challenging terrain. Along the way, there are pleasant resting spots and charging points for electric bikes available at suitable intervals.
Muinaisilla asuinsijoilla
At ancient settlements,
Explore the remnants of ancient dwellings and settlements, offering a glimpse into the lives of past inhabitants. Wander through the traces of history left behind by those who once called these places home, and immerse yourself in the stories of ancient civilizations.
Heinävedem muinaisseura ry organizes guided tours to several sites for small groups. Explore the Satunnaisen retkuilijan blog for comprehensive descriptions of many destinations.
Kolovesi National Park
For off-road enthusiasts
At Kolovesi National Park, there’s one nature trail and two hiking trails that allow you to immerse yourself in the forested landscapes.
Nahkiaissalo Nature Trail and the one-way Hirviniemi Trail are located in the southeast part of the park, in the Selkälahti area. These trails are situated on the mainland and are accessible by car. They share the same starting point along Nahkiaissalontie road.
Explore the 3.9 km trail on Mäntysalo Island and the Pyylin Path, which extends into the National Park area.
Please note that the hiking trails at Kolovesi are only accessible during the warmer months, as they are not maintained during the winter.
Palveleva Heinävesi
Ota yhteyttä matkailuneuvontaamme mieltäsi askarruttavissa asioissa joko soittamalla, lähettämällä sähköpostia tai oheisella lomakkeella. Neuvonta kunnantalolla palvelee myös pääsääntöisesti viraston aukioloaikojen puitteissa.