Paths of Silence – A Walking Tour in Finland’s National Parks

­ Arrival to the guesthouse. Dinner and getting to know the program.

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­Getting to know the surroundings of the guesthouse by foot. A 6 km route goes along village roads and forests trails. In the afternoon a short Finnish course for beginners and a possibility for canoeing on the Viemenjärvi Lake (300 m from the guesthouse to the lake).

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Trail category: Easy

Dinner and sauna at the guesthouse

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­ • Walking at Nature reserve area of Raesärkät

Raesärkät nature reserve is a beautiful day trip destination in a ridge landscape. The hiking trail that runs through the area follows the old cart road and the bottom of the wheel track. The rest stops are along the route at a short distance from each other. In addition to ridges, Raesärkät landscape includes calm marshes, clear lakes, river bends and old forest with diverse inhabitants. Raesärkät scenery has been admired for decades, and the area is a popular local recreation destination. We can also take a swim in the Ahven-Valkeinen Lake.

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The circular route of Raejärvi, 10 km.

Trail category: Easy

30 minutes driving time by car/direction

Dinner and sauna at the guesthouse

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­ • Walking at Hiidenportti

The gorge of Hiidenportti is a spectacular sight. Along the trail leading up to the gorge you can experience the mystical spruce forest and the austere beauty of the the flowery meadow.

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Places to see at Hiidenportti: the gorge with its upright cliffs is the most popular sight of the national park. On the forested hill of Kovasinvaara there is a desolated cabin which gives the traveller a view on the life in the wilderness and presents the local traditional landscape. 

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The hiking route: Hiidenkierros Trail, 5 km / Circle Trail. 

Trail Category:  intermediate and demanding

1,5 hours driving time/direction

Dinner and sauna at the guesthouse.

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• Walking at Tiilikkajärvi

The spectacular sandy beach of Tiilikkajärvi is called Venäjänhiekka (Russian sand) which is no coincidence: in the year of the peace treaty of Täyssinä (1595) a memorial stone was placed there to mark the demarcation. On the stone you can see a crown and a cross representing Sweden and Russia, the two countries at war. On the sandy beaches, forested hills, odorous swamps and in the sighing forests you can feel nature at its most powerful.

The hiking route: The circular routes of Uiton kierto (7km) and Autionkierto (3,2 km) or 17 km Tiilikan kierto. 

The trail is agreed upon according to the condition of the group.

Trail Category: intermediate

50 minutes driving time/direction

Dinner and sauna at the guesthouse.

Walking at Koli

Koli is best known for the magnificent views you get to enjoy on top of the forested hill. Over the years it has inspired famous artists like our national composer Jean Sibelius as well as ordinary hikers and backpackers who love hiking in the area. The highest point, Ukko-Koli rises 347 metres above sea level and 253 metres above Lake Pielinen. The view you get from the top has been named the best known Finnish national landscape.

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The hiking route: Mäkrä trail 7,2 km. The starting point for the circular route is from the parking place of hotel area. From there the trail goes to the glades of Mäkränaho and Purolanaho and then   up to the forested hill of Mäkrävaara. The next destinations will then be the forested hill Pieni-Mäkrä and the glades of Ikolanaho and Mäkränaho. From there we walk to Ukko-Koli and to the hotel area and information centre.

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Trail Category: demanding or intermediate

45 minutes driving time/direction

Dinner and sauna at the guesthouse.

Paalasmaa Archipelago – Finland’s Highest Island and a Hiker’s Treasure

Located in Juuka, North Karelia, the Paalasmaa Archipelago is a group of three islands that captivates visitors with its breathtaking scenery and serene island atmosphere. It is the largest island in Lake Pielinen and also the highest island in Finland, with its peak rising an impressive 75 meters above the lake’s surface. We will travel to the archipelago by ferry.

Experience the diverse nature of Paalasmaa by hiking the Paalasmaa Nature Trail

The trail begins at Paalasmaa Camping and follows charming country roads and forest paths to the Sydänvaara Observation Tower. From the top, a spectacular panorama opens across the Pielinen archipelago – and on a clear day, you can even see the famous Koli hills in the distance.

- about 15 km walking route

- moderate level

55 minutes driving time/way

In the evening the smoke sauna experience at Minna’s. One kilometre from the guesthouse Pihlajapuu by canoe over the lake. (6.5 kilometres by bike or by car).

­ After breakfast. Time to say Hei, hei - Godbye.

Breakfast. Time to say hei, hei.