The forest offers opportunities - What can you do in the forest?

Sini and Pete spend lots of time exploring Äänekoski’s nature. Read below for winter tips for forest-goers!

Small adventures and big experiences in every season! We are Sini and Pete, and we’ve collected various tips for winter forest trips and getting active in nature in Äänekoski.

Winter might just be our favorite season. What’s better than packing snacks in your backpack and heading out to conquer new and old routes! In winter we especially enjoy the Kapeeniemi recreation area, listening to the roar of the rapids, and the diverse trails. We often visit the Äänemäki tower on winter mornings to admire the frosty scenery (no winter maintenance).

Varied forest adventures

A bright moonlight reflects millions of diamonds onto the white snow to light the night wanderer’s forest paths. Sometimes the sky is colored by the dance of the northern lights, and you may notice time slipping away for a moment. Moving in the dark forest can feel exciting at first, but walking under the starry sky in the forest’s silence makes it easy to forget the rush and let your thoughts wander.

Discover the surroundings through games

Geocaching and the game Ingress often lead you to places you might never have visited. In Ingress, you use your phone to find portals, capture them, and earn points. A portal is usually a popular or significant site, and your phone makes it easy to navigate there. We’ve discovered many new nature spots through Ingress, so it’s worth a try.

Try snowshoeing?

If you haven’t tried snowshoeing yet, we recommend giving it a go. In deep snow you’ll make good progress; both traditional and sliding snowshoes are available.

On hilly terrain, regular snowshoes are more stable, but on flatter ground the ski-like sliding snowshoes come into their own.  Hitonhauta in Sumiainen is an excellent place for snowshoeing; the ice columns frozen onto the rock walls make you feel small. You can rent snowshoes at the Äänemäki ski slope, and Äänemäki’s terrain also offers great conditions for those interested in snowshoeing.

Traveling over the ice lets you discover new spots

For a change from hilly scenery, you can head onto the frozen lakes. In winter you can reach the popular Risusaari by skiing, on foot, or even by bike. Petäjäsaari in Sumiainen is also a popular winter excursion destination. Tour skating is also a popular way to move, if the snow conditions allow it. When moving on the ice, consider your safety. Make sure the ice is strong enough, carry ice picks, and when you go, remember to tell someone where you’re headed.

The joy of being active at Liikuntapuisto

If you’re into skiing, it’s worth heading to the tracks at Liikuntapuisto. There are several ski loops of different lengths, and the trails are maintained regularly. The skating track at Liikuntapuisto is also a popular outdoor spot, whether you want to spin pirouettes or slap a puck into the goal in the rink. 

Picturesque and rugged landscapes

For those who prefer more rugged scenery, nearby you’ll find Tärttämäki and Suolahti’s Riihivuori. Jylhänvuori in Sumiainen and Pirun pesä offer winter experiences for the traveler. On historic Suolahti’s Kirppuvuori, Akseli Gallen-Kallela himself once skied. From Kirppuvuori you can try to find the famous Ilveksen luola, the origin of Gallen-Kallela’s popular work.

Community and encounters

When out in winter nature, you often bump into like-minded fellow travelers. Many encounters and chats, for instance by the glow of a campfire, are a pleasant addition to any outing. Getting outdoors brings people together, and hiking can also lead to new acquaintances. 

For us, winter outings are full of wonderful experiences and little adventures. If you haven’t yet visited Äänekoski, head here and find your own hideaway.

Cheers, Sini and Pete