Trails in Repovesi
You can admire the stunning landscapes of Repovesi National Park on several different trails. Various routes are marked on the map of Repovesi National Park. You can download the national park map from the link below. Below, you can read more about the different route options in Repovesi.
Family-friendly trails
Here you can explore outdoor trails suitable for the whole family in Repovesi National Park.
Ketunlenkki – 3.5 km
The best-known trail in Repovesi National Park is the easy-to-walk Ketunlenkki, which is also suitable for younger family members. The best access to Ketunlenkki is from the Lapinsalmi arrival area. There is also a kiosk at the parking area during summer. The circular route is especially worth experiencing due to the Lapinsalmi bridge, from which you can admire the majestic water views and the Ketunlossi ferry, which crosses Kapiavesi and is operated manually with porridge and rye bread!
At the Lapinsalmi campfire site, you will find a grill shelter, two campfire sites, a dining shelter, restrooms, a camping area, and two docks. There is swimming opportunity at the campfire site, but no official swimming beach. The Kapiavesi campfire site is located halfway along the trail, where you can find a campfire site, a canoe dock, and restrooms.
If you want a more challenging and longer route, you can deviate from Lapinsalmi to Katajavuori. The long stairs are challenging, but the views from the top are definitely rewarding. From Katajavuori, the trail continues down towards the Kapiavesi campfire site. You can also combine a visit to the Määkijä campfire site with Ketunlenkki. It is about one kilometer from the Kapiavesi campfire site to the Määkijä campfire site, where you will also find a rental kota.
Korpinkierros – 4.3 km
The highlight of the Korpinkierros trail, which circles around Olhavanlammi, is the rugged scenery of Olhavanvuori, rewarding the hiker. You can deviate from the trail to visit the Olhava lean-to or campfire site, which is located near Finland’s best rock climbing spot. This is also where the ravens nest, giving Korpinkierros its name.
Karhulahti is the best starting point for the loop when accessed by water. At the Karhulahti campfire site, you will also find restrooms, a canoe dock, and the Karhulahti rental kota. You can also start the loop from the Olhava area. Along the way, you will encounter the Olhava well, and at the southern end of Olhavanlammi, there is a campfire site for climbers in addition to the lean-to.
The trail gradually changes from gravel and forest roads to rising towards Olhavanvuori. From the dips, boulders, and pines, you reach rocky outcrops, from which you can see mosaic-like distant landscapes of forests and small waters to the west. Breathtaking views are thus guaranteed!
Lapinsalmi-Kuutinkanava – 5 km
The route begins with crossing the Lapinsalmi bridge and continues north to Katajavuori, where you ascend long wooden stairs. After the viewpoints, you descend down and head towards the Kuutinkanava campfire site via Katajajärvi.
Sukeltajaniemi-Lojukoski – 5.5 km
From Sukeltajaniemi, the route heads towards Saarijärvi and Lojukoski. Next to the Saarijärvi parking area is the national park’s maintenance base, Tolonen’s house, which has a well in its yard. From the well, the route turns along the border of the warning area towards the south.
From the border trail, Kaakkurinkierros makes a detour west towards the Kirnukankaan lean-to and campfire site. Nearby is the Kirnuhuo canyon, and the trail continues up steps to the viewpoint at Hauklammenvuori. From there, the route continues further east/southeast towards the Lojukoski campfire site.
Lojukoski-Lapinsalmi – 7 km
From Lojukoski, the loop continues along the warning area border to the south and through Tervajärvi all the way to Lapinsalmi. After Lojukoski, the path crosses the Sulkusalmi pedestrian bridge and ends up following the shore of Tervajärvi to the southwest at the Tervajärvi parking area.
The distance from Lojukoski to the Tervajärvi parking area is 3.3 km. From Tervajärvi, the route heads northwest to the Talaksen campfire site and continues west towards Kapiavesi and Määkijänniemi. The trail ends with the crossing of Kapiavesi on the Ketunlossi ferry and returns to the Lapinsalmi parking area.
Longer routes
Here you can explore longer routes in Repovesi National Park that will surely inspire even experienced hikers.
Koppelonkierros – 8.3 km
A bit more challenging, the Koppelonkierros that circles Tervajärvi winds through the scenic spots of the lake, the shady cliffs, and old forests. The route’s namesake animal, the female capercaillie, thrives in the forests of Tukkiniemi.
The starting point for the loop can be either the entrance to Tervajärvi or by water at Kuutin canal. There are several rest spots along the route. Near the Tervajärvi parking area, there is an information board, restrooms, a canoe dock, and a boat launching site. Restrooms, a campfire site, and a picnic table can be found at Lojukoski, Kuutinkanava, and Talaksela. Lojukoski and Kuutinkanava also have a paddling dock and a well, and Lojukoski has its own rental kota.
The varied route includes light woodland paths until you dive deeper into the forest – towards Tukkiniemi, where the oldest trees in Repovesi National Park hum. Near the Lojukoski campfire site, a small bridge is crossed, and the route also passes by a magnificent long cliff.
Occasionally rocky and challenging, the highlights of the trail are the lookout rocks, from which you can see over Tervajärvi. The diverse forest and old vegetation create a wilderness appearance.
Kuutinkanava-Sukeltajaniemi – 8.5 km
After Kuutinkanava, the outdoor route heads northwest towards Olhava and Korpinkierros. The distance to Olhava is about 2.5 km. The route circles the Korpinkierros clockwise, first passing the Olhava well and deviating west to the Karhulahti campfire site, which is 300 m off the route.
The trail circles around the northern side of Olhavanlammi to the top of Olhavanvuori and the rugged cliff scenery. From Olhava, the route heads east, following the scenic shores of Valkjärvi towards the Sukeltajaniemi campfire site.
Kaakkurinkierros – 26 km
The more challenging Kaakkurinkierros can be started from the Lapinsalmi parking area – due to elevation changes, it’s advisable to allow plenty of time for walking. This route showcases the rugged cliff landscapes and attractions of Repovesi and offers several campfire and overnight spots, as well as restrooms. From the rocky slopes of the northern Salpausselkä mountains, you can see the beautiful scenery of small waters and forests.
You can start from Lapinsalmi, Tervajärvi, or Saarijärvi. Occasionally rocky and challenging, the trail’s highlights are the lookout rocks, from which you can see over Tervajärvi. The diverse old forest and vegetation create a wilderness appearance, and this route is suitable for experienced hikers who also enjoy spending the night in nature.
Water and canoeing routes
There are no marked canoeing routes in Repovesi, but you can also explore its idyllic scenery by canoeing or rowing. The impressive cliffs and sheltered waters make Repovesi a great destination for water excursions, even for beginners and those new to the activity. You can inquire about rental equipment from activity and program service companies in the Kouvola area here.
Within the national park area, there are several rest areas, each with a canoe dock. The canoe docks are located at Lapinsalmi, both on the parking area and the campfire site side, at Kapiavesi, Määkijä, Lojukoski, Mustavuori, Kuutinkanava, and Karhulahti. Additionally, there is a separate canoe dock at the entrance to the park on the Tervajärvi side.
Always keep in mind when moving around Repovesi:
- Check forest fire warnings, during which campfires in the wilderness are prohibited. You can find forest fire warnings and other current information about Repovesi National Park on the Metsähallitus website.
- Bring your own toilet paper.
- Firewood is available at campfire sites, but availability cannot always be guaranteed depending on usage.
- Take your trash with you.
- Keep dogs on a leash.
- Ketunlossi is not in use during winter.
- Respect nature and other hikers.