Canal Villages along your route
In Heinävesi, it’s easy to take a break along the way, whether you’re traveling from north to south from the direction of Kuopio or Savonlinna, or from west to east from the direction of Varkaus or Joensuu. Between two national parks – Koli and Kolovesi – you can explore both on the water, on the roads, and on forest trails, and there are serviceable canal villages always nearby.
Whether you’re traveling by bike, car, boat, or public transportation, Heinävesi is easy to reach. Highway VT23 and road 476 as well as the railway pass through the municipality from west to east, and the Heinävesi route on Lake Saimaa takes travelers between the north and south. Stop by our charming canal villages and come to the town center for services.
Along the Heinävesi Route
The Heinävesi route and its six canals represent quintessential Finnish scenery.
Public transportation
The train between Pieksämäki and Joensuu stops at Heinävesi and Vihtari stations, while bus routes run along VT23 towards Karvio-Valamo and along 476 road from Heinävesi town to Liperi, Savonlinna, and Joensuu.
For Boaters
At the small boat harbors of Kermanranta, Karvio, and Kermankoski, basic services for boaters are available, such as a café or restaurant, septic tank emptying, and overnight accommodation. Papinniemi Harbor is located in the immediate vicinity of the Valamo Monastery Center. Fuel distribution is available in Karvio. Other excursion harbors include Pitkäsaari, Säynämö, Pyylinoja, Lapinniemi, and Laajakaarre in Kolovesi National Park.
Satama
Kirkko, Kotisutumuseo
Frisbeegolf
Keskustan palvelut
Heinävesi Center
In addition to grocery stores, the village center offers many quality specialty shops, wellness and beauty services, as well as several cozy dining options. You can stay comfortably in your own studio apartment or even in an authentic police cell. During the summer, Kermanranta Harbor offers a motorhome park, café, and equipment rental, while in winter, Pääskyvuori with its surrounding ski trails provides activities for skiers of all levels, from sledders to avid mogul skiers.
Heinävesi North
The northern area of Heinävesi includes the villages of Karvio-Lepikkomäki, Varistaipale, Palokki, and Suuraho. This region is home to the Valamo and Lintula Monasteries, as well as the Karvio, Varistaipale, and Taivallahti Canals.
Karvio, located along Highway VT 23, serves as the hub of northern Heinävesi. Here, throughout the year, you’ll find a diverse range of services including a Neste service station and a K‑market. Karvio Camping offers accommodation during the summer months along with various activities, a guest harbor for boats, and restaurant services.
In Palokki, the Lintula Monastery’s shop and café are open during the summer season. Near the monastery, there is also a nature trail. Accommodation options in Palokki include the quaint Palokki Inn, which is housed in a renovated old village school. During your visit, you can also explore the historic Palokki Rapids area and enjoy a cup of coffee in Ronttopuisto Park.
Karvio-Lepikkomäki
Karvion leirintäalue
Karvion kanava
Neste Karvio
Located along Highway VT 23, Karvio serves as the center of northern Heinävesi and is a favorite spot for fly-fishing enthusiasts. In addition to the K‑market, Karvio offers various services for travelers, including the diverse Karvio Camping campground and its Restaurant Leiskari, as well as the Neste service station with guest boat docks.
The location offers an ideal position along a waterway, providing easy access for boating and water-based activities. Situated between the towns of Varkaus and Joensuu, it serves as a convenient midpoint, allowing travelers to break their journey while enjoying the scenic surroundings and recreational opportunities offered by the waterway. Whether arriving by boat or road, visitors can take advantage of the amenities available in the area while taking in the beauty of the natural landscape.
Varistaipale
In Varistaipale, travelers are catered to by various amenities, including the Varistaipale Canal Kiosk located by the canal. Here, visitors can purchase fresh seasonal berries or vegetables to enjoy on-site or take home. During the summer, explore the history of the canals and artifacts on display at the canal museum. Additionally, Variranta offers a splendid swimming spot, providing a comfortable setting for a relaxed day by the beach.
Heinävesi East
The eastern part of Heinävesi includes the Kerma-Sappu-Pölläkkä area, Vihtari region, and Sarvikumpu. Highway 476 to Joensuu passes through the villages of Eastern Heinävesi. Vihtari also has a train station, providing convenient access for public transportation users to destinations such as Vihtari Nature Trail or to enjoy a relaxing sheep farm stay at Pirteä Pässi.
The Eastern Heinävesi area offers plenty of natural beauty for nature enthusiasts to admire. Along your journey, you’ll encounter the picturesque Kermankoski and Kerma Canal, where you can take a detour for a short nature trail in Vihovuonne or enjoy a pleasant picnic by Pilppa Canal. The rapids offer challenges for both kayakers and anglers, and fishing permits are available conveniently at the Kermankoski kiosk during summer season.
Comfortable guesthouses offer accommodation options, and there’s even a small camping area with kiosk services in Kerma. During the summer, boaters are served by Kermankeidas guest marina and restaurant, along with lodging facilities. Kermankoski dance pavilion (Kermankosken Lava) has recently undergone extensive renovations, providing excellent facilities for both dancers and summer theater audiences to enjoy their time.
Kerma-Sappu-Pölläkkä
Kerman kanava
Kermankosken lava
Kissakoski
In the Kerma-Sappu-Pölläkkä area, you’ll find the Kerma Canal and Kermankoski Rapids. Serving travelers in this rapids landscape are Kermankeidas and Kerma guest marinas, along with the renowned Kermankoski dance pavilion, which local community members have diligently renovated in recent years. At the edge of the rapids, visitors can acquire fishing permits and reserve accommodation spots at Kermanvirranranta camping site from the Kermankoski kiosk.
Vihtari region
In Vihtari, the nature-centric businesses and the lush surroundings are sure to impress travelers. Vihtari is easily accessible by train, and from here, it’s a short journey to the Kolovesi National Park, perfect for hikers and nature enthusiasts alike.
Heinävesi
South and West
The western and southern parts of Heinävesi are truly havens for nature lovers. In the south, the area borders the Kolovesi National Park, where you can paddle or hike amidst stunning rocky landscapes or enjoy a vacation horseback riding on Icelandic horses.
The area is dotted with small villages, although there are relatively few permanent residents. Vacation cottages offer accommodation for travelers. Pilppa Canal features a beautiful park area and an excellent environment for picnics. For boaters, there’s a guest harbor along the Heinävesi route, for example, in Säynämö.
Karhila-Malkkila
In the small villages, local, distinctive village events and other activities are organized, warmly welcoming visitors. Karhila-Malkkila boasts active village activities, and you can enjoy a relaxed holiday, perhaps even horseback riding. Accommodation is provided by the area’s cottage entrepreneurs.
Kypäräjärvi-Viitalahti
The Kypäräjärvi-Viitalahti area offers a unique blend of natural beauty and local charm, making it an ideal destination for tourists seeking authentic experiences. Here, visitors can immerse themselves in the tranquility of the Finnish countryside.
Explore the picturesque village landscape: Take a leisurely stroll or bike ride through the scenic countryside, experience local culture and traditions: Immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage of the region by participating in traditional events and activities organized by the Kypäräjärvi-Viitalahti community.
Indulge in outdoor adventures: Nature lovers will find plenty to explore in the surrounding wilderness, with opportunities for hiking, birdwatching, and wildlife spotting.
Yritykset ja palvelut
Majoitus, majatalot ja mökit
Majoitus, leirintäalueet
Kahvila — Ravintolat
Kioskit
Ostokset
Hyvinvointipalvelut
Elämyspalvelut, Kulttuuri
Polttoaine
Latauspaikka
Taukopaikat
Nuotiopaikka
Uimapaikka
Luontopolku / hiihtolatu
Frisbeegolf
Rinnekeskus
Satamapalvelut
Retkisatamat
Kosket, Kalastusluvat
Nähtävyydet