Discover the hidden gems of Lake Saimaa while hiking

Length: 18.1 km

The Haikkaanlahti Hiking Trail offers a fantastic opportunity to explore the forest nature of the Saimaa archipelago and the cultural landscapes of Taipalsaari. The route, which passes through Kirkkosaari, starts from the Haikkaanlahti sports field and loops through the area’s villages. Along the way, you’ll encounter a variety of landscapes, including pine forests, wetlands, open fields, and lake views.

The trail’s length can be adjusted to suit your preferences, and two lean-to shelters are located along the route: Riutanlaavu and Kurenlaavu, both providing excellent resting spots in the peaceful natural surroundings. This versatile trail is maintained by the municipality of Taipalsaari.

Length: 1-3 km

The Päihäniemi Nature Trail guides visitors from the sandy shores of Lake Saimaa into the pine-dominated forest and onto ancient shorelines shaped by the Ice Age. Along the trail, you can explore the local flora and fauna, the Salpaline fortifications, and the geology of the ridges.

You can choose between a 3 km or a 1 km loop, both marked with white trail markers. Päihäniemi’s stunning sandy beach, well-maintained hiking facilities, and diverse nature make it a perfect destination for both day trips and overnight hikes.

Päihäniemi is also part of the Taipalsaari Saimaa Geopark sites.

Length: 0.9 km

On the Haikola Nature Trail and boardwalks, you can explore the shoreline nature, hunting culture, and wildlife and environmental management work. The trail is partially accessible, and there is also a small boat dock along the path.

Length: 1.5 km (one way)

Ilkonsaari is a wonderful hiking destination on the beautiful Suur-Saimaa. The island is culturally enriched by several Orthodox chapels (tsasounas) built there. Ilkonsaari is a Saimaa Geopark site due to its geological history and is also a recreational area maintained by the South Karelian Recreation Area Foundation.

A nature trail, paved with gravel, runs through Ilkonsaari. The trail is easy to walk and takes you through the diverse island nature, including rocks and sandy beaches. The island has good hiking facilities, including a large concrete pontoon dock for boats.

Sarviniemi is an accessible recreational area and a key junction for trails in the middle of southern Saimaa. It is the home port for the Pyörälautta Rasti, from where cyclists and hikers can travel in the summer to Kyläniemi, the Puumala bird tower, and Ruuhonsaari.

The Sarviniemi recreational area is ideal for families and partly accessible for people with limited mobility. The hiking shelters are connected by accessible walkways, and the harbor area can be reached via gravel paths. From the restroom/maintenance building at the harbor, an easy-to-navigate accessible trail leads to the tip of Suuri Sarviniemi, where there is an accessible viewing platform. In addition to the unique and well-maintained hiking structures, the area features a gently sloping sandy beach for swimming.

Sarviniemi is also part of the Taipalsaari Saimaa Geopark sites.

One of Taipalsaari’s most breathtaking landscapes can be found at the tip of Kyläniemi, in Rastinniemi! In the summer, this natural spot is the perfect place to just be and relax. The place doesn’t need many words, as the view of Saimaa disappearing into the horizon is truly mesmerizing. A log raft passing by once or twice a day offers something to marvel at for people of all ages. You might even spot the endangered Saimaa ringed seal.

The history of the place also sparks the imagination, as two old shipwrecks can be found on the west and east sides of Rastinniemi.

Rastinniemi is most easily reached by boat from Taipalsaari, but in the summer, a ferry (Ms. Rasti) runs to the nearby Kyläniemi Old Fishing Harbor, where tickets can be purchased in advance via the Johku online store. You can also arrive at Rastinniemi by car, bike, or even on foot!

Owned by the South Karelia Recreation Area Foundation, Rastinniemi is a public recreational area. The area features two campfire shelters, restrooms, and waste management. Short-term camping is allowed in the area.

Rastinniemi is also part of the Taipalsaari Saimaa Geopark sites.