The Best of Summer – Local Travel in Nature in Äänekoski!
Visit Äänekoski |
When you ask locals what’s best about living in the Äänekoski region, the answer is often nature right on your doorstep! Sometimes even locals can be surprised by how diverse their home area is for nearby travel and outdoor activities. We’ve put together the best ways to make the most of your own neighborhood this summer!
Hike into nature’s calm
Even Akseli Gallen-Kallela once immortalized Äänekoski’s shimmering lake landscapes in his paintings. On the shores of Keitele you can let go of the rush, settle gently into nature’s peace, and enjoy a day amid the magnificent views along the nature trails.
1. Laulavan mörön polku in Sumiainen
Laulavan Mörön polku is named after its endpoints. Laulumäki on the shore of Keitele is the viewpoint at the trail’s northern end, while in the south the trail ends in backwoods scenery at the gurgling Mörkökoskelle. The route is waymarked with troll signposts and red dots painted on trees. The total length is 19 km. The trail map also shows many other intersecting paths in the area for shorter outings.
2. Tärttämäki viewpoint cliff and bird tower
The Tärttämäki viewpoint and short terrain paths around the summit open beautiful views over Kuhnamo’s Tärttälahti and all the way to the city of Äänekoski. You can reach the top of Tärttämäki by bike and on foot, but on the trails moving on foot is recommended. The route on the trails is partly difficult. The first viewing platform and its accessibility are easy. Note that there is no maintenance on site, and especially in rain and when wet the rock is extremely slippery.
3. Riihivuori viewpoint, Suolahti
The path leading to Riihivuori starts about 50 m after the intersection of Riihivuorentie and Sahantie. At this point there is a sign by the road reading "luontopolku". From the cliffs of Riihivuori, incredibly fine views open over the surrounding nature. You can reach the top of the rock along the path.
4. Hitonhauta in Sumiainen
Along the bumpy gravel road from Sumiainen to Rautionmäki there is a sign to the local Hitonhauta. The lower route takes hikers straight to the bottom of the gorge at the foot of a great rock wall. The bottom of the depression is filled with moss-covered stones and perfect silence. Choosing the upper route takes you straight to the top of Hitonhauta to admire the views; the upper route is considerably easier.
Work up a sweat
If you want more from your nature experiences than peace of mind, luckily Äänekoski’s many outdoor sports spots and attractions offer your body different challenges and opportunities to boost fitness.
1. Cycling routes and fitness stairs at the Äänemäki ski slope
Äänemäki’s mountain biking routes are located about 1 km from Äänekoski town center towards Suolahti. The starting point is at the bottom of the Äänemäki ski slope. The versatile routes suit both beginners and more experienced mountain bikers. You can choose routes from challenging to easy.
The fitness stairs are right next to Äänemäki by the ski lift. On the last ascent, it’s worth climbing up to the Äänemäki observation tower to admire the views!
2. Jogging track at the Sports Park
The sports park near Äänekoski town center offers good terrain for runs of various lengths. There are many options: 1, 2, 3, 5 and 10 kilometer trails. The longest, 10 km loop, goes via Lossinranta. The track also has good, clear signposts for the different routes.
3. Fitness check-up
If your own fitness is still a question mark, you can test your endurance independently anytime on the fitness check routes at Äänekoski’s shore park or Suolahti’s Wanha station.
To the water!
Especially on hot summer days, it’s wonderful when right near home you can head to the water to swim, boat, adventure, and fish.
1. City swimming beaches
What would summer be without splashing in the water? Head to one of the city’s 13 beaches and dip into Keitele’s refreshing water. See all the city’s beaches here
2. Kapeenniemi and activities in the Kapeenkoski area
Kapeenniemi is a recreation, rapid-fishing, nature and landscape protection area owned by the City of Äänekoski, whose diverse trail network is excellent for small-scale nature excursions. Read more
The area also hosts the tourism company Kapeenkoski Travel Oy, which offers food, accommodation, saunas, fishing packages and various handicraft courses as well as guided nature activities by request. Read more
3. Keitelejärvi by boat
Experience familiar scenery from the water and explore the islands of Keitele from Risusaari to Muuraissaari, Kalliosaari and Tyttöjensaari. The islands are reachable with your own watercraft or rental kayaks, and the closest even by SUP boards. On guided fishing trips you can, on request, visit several wonderful excursion islands. Explore and read more:
Fishing and accommodation Vonkale
Have a wonderful summer in the Äänekoski region!
Head out to enjoy summery Äänekoski and tell your summer guests about our unique nature sites. For inspiration for nearby trips, see especially the Visit Äänekoski pages at www.visitaanekoski.fi/
Have a great summer!