Kalajan kierros hiking route in Southern Konnevesi National Park
Savonia University of Applied Sciences Verified partner Explorers Choice
Breathtaking contrasts characterise this route. Sit by the clear Vuori-Kalaja pond, walk through old-growth forest and climb to the top of Kalajanvuori to admire the amazing view.
On Kalajan kierros circular route, you get to admire the beautiful and diverse Finnish nature as you walk in the scenery that has steep hills, wilderness ponds, marsh areas, old forest and rock formations.
This is a great destination for a day trip. Starting from the Kalaja parking place, the first kilometer of the route is easy to walk. After reaching the barbecue hut by the lovely Vuori-Kalaja pond, you will continue to a circular path that begins along duckboards by the pond. Soon the path starts taking you higher until you reach the top of Kalajanvuori hill. The view is magnificent, but please be careful as there are no safety barriers. Walking up and down the hill on the steep and uneven terrain is demanding and slow. There are ropes that help you on the way up and down.
At the end of the circular path, you will reach the barbecue hut again. Take a break and enjoy the beautiful sceneries surrounding the rest stop, before returning to the parking place.
Author’s recommendation
Safety information
Duckboards and the rocky paths may be slippery on a damp weather.
The path is partly difficult to walk because of the steep hills. There are no stairs, but there are ropes that help you walk up and down the hills. Be careful in the steep parts of the path.
There are no safety barriers on the edge of the cliffs.
When the forest fire warning is in effect, fires are not allowed – even at the campfire sites or the barbecue hut at Vuorikalaja pond.
If you borrow the rowing boat that is available for use at the rest stop of Vuorikalaja pond, please bring your own life vests.
There are no services along the route so please bring your own snacks and drinks. You should always take least a water bottle with you.
Although the trail is marked in the terrain, it is good to take a map of the area with you.
In case of emergency, call 112 ( The emergency number in Finland).
Tips and hints
The first kilometre from the Kalaja parking area to the Vuori-Kalaja campfire shelter is a fairly easy gravel path, suitable even for pushchairs fit for use on rough terrain.
Start
Destination
Turn-by-turn directions
Note
Public transport
There is no regular public transportation to the national park. The bus services (www.matkahuolto.fi) to Konnevesi and Rautalampi are the closest bus connections.
Getting there
From main road 69 between Konnevesi and Rautalampi, turn to Konnekoskentie road (no 16089, around 4 km west from the centre of Rautalampi). Drive along Konnekoskentie road for around 5.5 km, and the Törmälä holiday and course centre will appear on the left side of the road. You can park your car in Törmälä or drive on for 1.5 km along a forest road to the Kalaja parking area.
To the Kalaja parking area (Törmälän metsätie 136, Rautalampi): Turn off the Konnekoskentie road (no 16089) onto the forest road that leads from the opposite side of the parking area of the Törmälä holiday and course centre. Drive for 350m and take the left fork of the Y-junction. At the end of the road, there is a turning point and a parking area for cars. The marked trails to the national park begin from the corner of the parking area.
Parking
The closest free parking is at the Kalaja parking area, Törmälän metsätie 136, Rautalampi.Coordinates
Equipment
You should wear sturdy hiking boots. Always dress according to the weather.
Bring your own toilet paper. There are no services along the route so please bring your own snacks and drinks. You should always take least a water bottle with you.
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