Kinnula: Hiking, Winter Activities and Church Architecture

Kinnula offers concrete starting points for planning a trip, with its natural surroundings, outdoor activities, and local history. For hiking, the main attractions are a network of trails with a starting point in Kinnula and the approximately 9.9-kilometer Nielujärvi Trail. In winter, the outdoor offerings include cross-country ski trails and a sledding hill; the church combines distinctive architecture with the option of arranging a visit by contacting the staff. If you are looking for a hotel in Kinnula, you can start by planning your stay around these themes: hiking routes, winter activities, or local history.

Hiking Trails in and Around Kinnula

The Suurijärven retkeilyreitistö is an extensive network of trails in the areas of Kinnula, Reisjärvi, and Pihtipudas. In Kinnula, one trailhead is on Jääkoluntie, where there is a parking lot for cars. This makes it easy to relate the network of trails to its specific starting point in the town.

The Nielujärvi Trail is about 9.9 kilometers long and forms part of Peuran polku and the Hirvaan kierros loop in Salamajärvi National Park. Its length provides a concrete guide when choosing a route. The trail is marked in blue, and the Nielujärven lintutorni birdwatching tower is along the route. The Nielujärven laavu lean-to shelter is on the shore of the Matkusjoki River, along the Nielujärvi Trail. This description therefore combines an approximate distance with two named route connections and notable points along the trail.

Outdoor Activities and Winter Sports

Kinnula’s outdoor facilities include an 18-hole disc golf course. The holes range from 51 to 220 meters in length. There is also a fitness staircase with 104 steps. The course and staircase can be distinguished by their different formats: multiple holes on the one hand, and a staircase with a specified number of steps on the other.

In winter, there is a 3-kilometer illuminated cross-country ski trail and a 5-kilometer trail. The lengths allow for a direct comparison; lighting is specified for the shorter trail. There is a sledding hill next to the fitness staircase. A kota hut stands by the sledding hill and can be used, for example, to grill sausages and warm up.

Pyhä puu and Its Surroundings

Kinnulan Pyhä puu, an ancient protected deadwood pine, stands at Tikkakangas. The tree is also known as Tikkakankaan Karhupetäjä or Uhripetäjä. There is a lean-to shelter nearby. As a natural and cultural attraction, the protected pine offers something different from the hiking trails and sports facilities; Tikkakangas is its specific location.

The Church and Planning Your Visit

Kinnula Church was completed in 1867. It is laid out in a cruciform shape, with a bell tower adjoining its western arm. It was built by church builder Otto Korkiakoski from Sievi. A visit to the church can be arranged by contacting the staff.

Information about access and seating in the church is also useful when planning a visit: the church grounds can be reached via Kirkkotie, where there are plenty of parking spaces. The church has two wheelchair spaces, accessible via a wheelchair ramp. Those interested in the architecture will find specific details about its form and bell tower, as well as its year of construction; visits can be arranged by contacting the staff.

More Outdoor Attractions

Kinnula is also home to the Kinnulan kotiseutumuseo local history museum. If you are planning a visit, check the latest visitor information in advance. There is also a dog park in the outdoor area on Palolaitoksentie, which is open for everyone to use free of charge. If you are traveling with a dog, you can add this park as a stop on your itinerary.

Discover more destinations: Haapamäki, Viitasaari, Vahanka, Petäjävesi, Pihtipudas, Jämsä, Karstula, Hankasalmi.

For an overview of the wider region: Central Finland.