Travel Guide Finland Northern Savo - Lakeland

Mountain biking in Lintharju Photo: Northern Savo Lakeland
Stairs to Tahkovuori hill Photo: Kuopio-Tahko Marketing Ltd
Lake cruises in Northern Lakeland Photo: Kuopio-Tahko Marketing Ltd
Mountain biking in Lintharju Photo: Northern Savo Lakeland
Hiking in Northern Lakeland Photo: Iisalmi ja tienoot
Fishing in Northern Lakeland Photo: Kuopio-Tahko Marketing Ltd
Hiking in Northern Lakeland Photo: Kuopio-Tahko Marketing Ltd
Puijon tornista avautuvat upeat maisemat ympäröivään luontoon. Photo: Northern Savo Lakeland/Kehitysyhtiö SavoGrow Oy
Itkonniemi, south shore Photo: Vicente Serra, Savonia University of Applied Sciences
Orinoro Gorge Photo: Jaakko Laukkanen, Savonia University of Applied Sciences
Top of Tahkovuori hill Photo: Kuopio-Tahko Marketing Ltd
Biker on Rahasmäen Kierros route in Tahko, Kuopio Photo: Jaakko Laukkanen, Savonia University of Applied Sciences
Tahkolla on hyvinhoidettuja maastopyöräreittejä jotka vievät vaihtelevien korkeuserojen äärelle sekä upeiden maisemien ääreen. Photo: Kuopio-Tahko Markkinointi
Orinoron rotko Leppävirralla. Photo: Northern Savo Lakeland/Kehitysyhtiö SavoGrow Oy
Meloja Etelä-Konneveden kansallispuistossa. Photo: Northern Savo Lakeland/Kehitysyhtiö SavoGrow Oy
Kuopion satama elokuun yössä. Photo: Northern Savo Lakeland/Kehitysyhtiö SavoGrow Oy
Melojat oppaan kanssa Etelä-Konneveden kansallispuistossa Photo: Northern Savo Lakeland/Kehitysyhtiö SavoGrow Oy
Tahkon alue kesällä. Photo: Northern Savo Lakeland/Kehitysyhtiö SavoGrow Oy
Retkeilijä Etelä-Konneveden kansallispuistossa. Photo: Northern Savo Lakeland/Kehitysyhtiö SavoGrow Oy
Pyöräilijöitä keväällä Kuopion Valkeisenlammella. Photo: Northern Savo Lakeland/Kehitysyhtiö SavoGrow Oy
Väisälänmäen näkötorni Lapinlahdella. Photo: Northern Savo Lakeland/Kehitysyhtiö SavoGrow Oy

Northern Savo - Lakeland

The Northern Lakeland around the city of Kuopio is characterized by a wonderful, varied natural landscape. Thousands of lakes surround islands and islets, wooded ridges and barren cliffs alternate with small villages and offer the perfect environment to switch off, forget about everyday life, and devote yourself completely to nature. On hiking trails, mountain bike trails or canoeing on the water, you can discover the Northern Lakeland in all its diversity.

Read on

Ellare Oy
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Activities in Northern Savo - Lakeland

hikes

canoe trips

mountain biking trails

scenic routes

bike rides

ski resorts

Attractions in Northern Savo - Lakeland

Highlights

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Mountain Biking · Finnish Lakeland

Mountain bike tour Tolmuslampi in Lintharju, Suonenjoki

recommended route Difficulty moderate

Distance 18.2 km

Duration 3:00 h

Ascent 64 m

Descent 65 m

This beautiful mountain bike tour in the sceneries of Lintharju area in Suonenjoki offers a great ride and varied views along eskers shaped by the ...

from Outdoors Pohjois-Savo, Savonia University of Applied Sciences

Canoeing · Finnish Lakeland

Paddle and hike on a circular route in Sonkajärvi

recommended route Difficulty moderate

Distance 31.2 km

Duration 10:00 h

Ascent 40 m

Descent 40 m

This route offers plenty of experiences! Paddle in beautiful lake sceneries, stay overnight on an island booked just for you, and hike in the ...

from Outdoors Pohjois-Savo, Savonia University of Applied Sciences

Canoeing · Northern Savo - Lakeland

Käpynän Kierros Kayaking Trail, Southern Konnevesi National Park

recommended route Difficulty easy

Distance 4.3 km

Duration 1:30 h

Ascent 13 m

Descent 4 m

Käpynän kierros circular paddling route takes you through the beaver's habitat. Admire the tafone cliff of Saukkosaari Island and the mysterious ...

from Outdoors Pohjois-Savo, Savonia University of Applied Sciences

Hiking Route · Northern Savo - Lakeland

Cultural Path - hiking in Haminalahti village near Kuopio

recommended route Difficulty moderate

Distance 3.2 km

Duration 1:30 h

Ascent 55 m

Descent 37 m

Step into the village of bird painters and hike the scenery of the von Wright brothers' paintings on Haminalahti's cultural path only 15 km from ...

from Outdoors Pohjois-Savo, Savonia University of Applied Sciences

Hiking Route · Northern Savo - Lakeland

Day trip to Puijo - Hike from Market Square to Puijo Tower

recommended route Difficulty moderate

Distance 6.1 km

Duration 3:00 h

Ascent 137 m

Descent 131 m

Hike from Kuopio Market Square to Puijo Tower through a nature reserve and old Puijon polku -hiking path. On the way, you can rest in the ...

Savonia University of Applied Sciences

Mountain Biking · Northern Savo - Lakeland

Mountain bike tour Rahasmäen kierros in Tahko, Kuopio

recommended route Difficulty moderate

Distance 19 km

Duration 4:00 h

Ascent 371 m

Descent 371 m

This rather demanding tour takes you to lovely forest paths, countryside gravel roads and nice viewing points. The rocky and steep parts of the ...

from Outdoors Pohjois-Savo, Savonia University of Applied Sciences

Hiking Route · Finnish Lakeland

Kanjonin kierros hiking route and Korkeakoski water fall

recommended route Difficulty moderate

Distance 5.3 km

Duration 2:00 h

Ascent 69 m

Descent 69 m

Kanjonin kierros route runs in a nature reserve area, near the beautiful Korkeakoski water fall.

from Outdoors Pohjois-Savo, Savonia University of Applied Sciences

Canoeing · Northern Savo - Lakeland

City Canoeing Route from Kuopio Passenger Harbour to Saana resort

recommended route Difficulty easy

Distance 11.6 km

Duration 3:00 h

Ascent 13 m

Descent 13 m

On this scenic canoeing route you can enjoy the summer life of Kuopio on the islands of Kallavesi, near city center and have lunch at Holiday ...

Savonia University of Applied Sciences

Hiking Route · Northern Savo - Lakeland

Orinoron kierto - a circular hiking trail with a beautiful gorge

recommended route Difficulty moderate

Distance 7 km

Duration 3:00 h

Ascent 78 m

Descent 78 m

This hiking trail provides examples of Finnish nature in its different forms. You will also visit a gorge that has vertical walls, carved by ...

from Outdoors Pohjois-Savo, Savonia University of Applied Sciences

Nature Trail · Northern Savo - Lakeland

History path walking trail in Koljonvirta, Iisalmi

recommended route Difficulty easy

Distance 1.6 km

Duration 0:30 h

Ascent 23 m

Descent 25 m

History path trail is an easy walking trail in the battlefield of Koljonvirta in Iisalmi. The battle was fought between Sweden and Russia in the ...

from Outdoors Pohjois-Savo, Savonia University of Applied Sciences

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Mountain Biking · Finnish Lakeland

Mountain bike tour Tolmuslampi in Lintharju, Suonenjoki

recommended route Difficulty moderate

Distance 18.2 km

Duration 3:00 h

Ascent 64 m

Descent 65 m

This beautiful mountain bike tour in the sceneries of Lintharju area in Suonenjoki offers a great ride and varied views along eskers shaped by the ...

from Outdoors Pohjois-Savo, Savonia University of Applied Sciences

Canoeing · Finnish Lakeland

Paddle and hike on a circular route in Sonkajärvi

recommended route Difficulty moderate

Distance 31.2 km

Duration 10:00 h

Ascent 40 m

Descent 40 m

This route offers plenty of experiences! Paddle in beautiful lake sceneries, stay overnight on an island booked just for you, and hike in the ...

from Outdoors Pohjois-Savo, Savonia University of Applied Sciences

Canoeing · Northern Savo - Lakeland

Käpynän Kierros Kayaking Trail, Southern Konnevesi National Park

recommended route Difficulty easy

Distance 4.3 km

Duration 1:30 h

Ascent 13 m

Descent 4 m

Käpynän kierros circular paddling route takes you through the beaver's habitat. Admire the tafone cliff of Saukkosaari Island and the mysterious ...

from Outdoors Pohjois-Savo, Savonia University of Applied Sciences

Hiking Route · Northern Savo - Lakeland

Cultural Path - hiking in Haminalahti village near Kuopio

recommended route Difficulty moderate

Distance 3.2 km

Duration 1:30 h

Ascent 55 m

Descent 37 m

Step into the village of bird painters and hike the scenery of the von Wright brothers' paintings on Haminalahti's cultural path only 15 km from ...

from Outdoors Pohjois-Savo, Savonia University of Applied Sciences

Hiking Route · Northern Savo - Lakeland

Day trip to Puijo - Hike from Market Square to Puijo Tower

recommended route Difficulty moderate

Distance 6.1 km

Duration 3:00 h

Ascent 137 m

Descent 131 m

Hike from Kuopio Market Square to Puijo Tower through a nature reserve and old Puijon polku -hiking path. On the way, you can rest in the ...

Savonia University of Applied Sciences

Mountain Biking · Northern Savo - Lakeland

Mountain bike tour Rahasmäen kierros in Tahko, Kuopio

recommended route Difficulty moderate

Distance 19 km

Duration 4:00 h

Ascent 371 m

Descent 371 m

This rather demanding tour takes you to lovely forest paths, countryside gravel roads and nice viewing points. The rocky and steep parts of the ...

from Outdoors Pohjois-Savo, Savonia University of Applied Sciences

Hiking Route · Finnish Lakeland

Kanjonin kierros hiking route and Korkeakoski water fall

recommended route Difficulty moderate

Distance 5.3 km

Duration 2:00 h

Ascent 69 m

Descent 69 m

Kanjonin kierros route runs in a nature reserve area, near the beautiful Korkeakoski water fall.

from Outdoors Pohjois-Savo, Savonia University of Applied Sciences

Canoeing · Northern Savo - Lakeland

City Canoeing Route from Kuopio Passenger Harbour to Saana resort

recommended route Difficulty easy

Distance 11.6 km

Duration 3:00 h

Ascent 13 m

Descent 13 m

On this scenic canoeing route you can enjoy the summer life of Kuopio on the islands of Kallavesi, near city center and have lunch at Holiday ...

Savonia University of Applied Sciences

Hiking Route · Northern Savo - Lakeland

Orinoron kierto - a circular hiking trail with a beautiful gorge

recommended route Difficulty moderate

Distance 7 km

Duration 3:00 h

Ascent 78 m

Descent 78 m

This hiking trail provides examples of Finnish nature in its different forms. You will also visit a gorge that has vertical walls, carved by ...

from Outdoors Pohjois-Savo, Savonia University of Applied Sciences

Nature Trail · Northern Savo - Lakeland

History path walking trail in Koljonvirta, Iisalmi

recommended route Difficulty easy

Distance 1.6 km

Duration 0:30 h

Ascent 23 m

Descent 25 m

History path trail is an easy walking trail in the battlefield of Koljonvirta in Iisalmi. The battle was fought between Sweden and Russia in the ...

from Outdoors Pohjois-Savo, Savonia University of Applied Sciences

Highlights

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hikes

mountain biking trails

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Kuopio – Capital of the Lake District

Kuopio is the largest city in the Lake District. This is not the only reason why it is called the capital: Kuopio and its surroundings are surrounded more by water than by land. In the city, you can find historical as well as modern architecture and an internationally renowned university. But Kuopio is more known for the varied and beautiful nature of the surrounding region.

The area offers activities and sights during every seasons – it is especially nice to watch the changes in nature. Fresh air, unspoiled forests, and sparkling waters are always just a short walk away, even from the city. Great views can be enjoyed from the tower on Kuopio Hill. The Puijo Tower is 150 m above Lake Kallavesi and the view is breathtaking. In the middle of a recreation area, the view over the typical lake district with its blue water and green woods clears up.

Hiking trails lead through the almost untouched nature. If you are looking for adventure, you can take a hike through the Orinoro Gorge in the south of Kuopio or visit the highest rapids in Finland, Korkeakoski, in the north of the city. In the Lakeland, of course, you cannot miss a canoe or boat trip to see the landscape from a different perspective. There are beautiful routes around Kuopio and across Lake Kallavesi, but there are also longer trips to the famous Lake Saimaa.

Bike Riding · Northern Savo - Lakeland
Kuopio southern cycle trail - easy city bike tour
Hiking Route · Northern Savo - Lakeland
Katiskaniemen kierto Hiking Trail in Rauhalahti, Kuopio
Hiking Route · Northern Savo - Lakeland
Kokonmäen Kierto Trail in the Puijo area, City of Kuopio
Hiking Route · Northern Savo - Lakeland
Konttilan kierto - Circular Hiking Route in Puijo Area
Hiking Route · Northern Savo - Lakeland
Kuopion kierros - an easy route in the city parks of Kuopio
Hiking Route · Northern Savo - Lakeland
Cultural Path - hiking in Haminalahti village near Kuopio

Tahko – popular holiday destination

Tahko is located north of Kuopio and is one of the most popular holiday destinations in Finland. Nature is characterized by numerous lakes and forests with marked trails for extensive outdoor adventure. With a guide or on your own, you can set out, explore the unspoiled nature on foot, climb the famous stairs, or get on a mountain bike. Tahko is a dream destination for bikers; the varied terrain of the Northern Lakeland is ideal for cycling. There are challenging routes for advanced bikers, but there are also easier routes where you can enjoy the landscape above all. In winter you have a whole range of activities available; you can go skiing and cross-country skiing, snowshoeing or ice skating.

Tiilikkajärvi National Park

Tiilikkajärvi National Park was established to protect the wilderness around the lake, rivers, esker, and aapa swamps – it is one of the most spectacular natural areas in the region. Only about an hour's drive from Tahko Lake Tiilikka with its white sandy beaches and stones smoothed by the water spreads out. The Itkonjoki River flows into the lake, which is home to only a few aquatic plants. The landscape is also characterized by low mountain ridges covered with pine trees. The eskers of Pohjoisniemi and Kalmoniemi almost divide the lake in half. About one-third of the National Park is covered by forest; the rest consists of moorland. About 20 km of marked trails lead hikers through nature, canoeing over the water, and cross-country skiing in winter.

Hiking Route · Northern Savo - Lakeland

Uiton kierto - a hiking trail in Tiilikkajärvi National Park

recommended route Difficulty easy

Distance 7.2 km

Duration 3:00 h

Ascent 16 m

Descent 16 m

A beautiful hiking trail in the heart of Tiilikkajärvi National Park . Here you can admire the ridges, marsh sceneries with cottongrass and ...

from Outdoors Pohjois-Savo, Savonia University of Applied Sciences

Etelä-Konnevesi National Park

The Etelä-Konnevesi or Southern Konnevesi National Park in the south of Kuopio is the area where the lake meets the mountains. Here, green grove forests hide behind the rocky shores and a labyrinth of islands and rocks cavort on the wide-open water. Nature is characterized by great differences in altitude. The majestic mountain landscape towers above the lakes. Old forests and hilly areas offer an ideal retreat for rare animals such as bears, lynxes, and flying squirrels. The contrasts of the national park can be easily explored on a hike or a boat trip.