Kesälahti: Nature, Trails and Cultural Heritage

Whether you want to explore nature trails, experience cultural history or spend time by the water, Kesälahti offers several options to help you plan your trip. When looking for a hotel, consider which of these interests you want to shape your days. The location details can help you choose suitable excursions without suggesting that the different trails, beaches and sights are all the same.

Trails and getting around in Kesälahti

In the Sortolampi area, the trails start at the sports field. A map of the nature and cultural trails in the surrounding area is also located there. The trails vary in length, are suitable for circular walks and pass through varied terrain. Cultural and nature trails in Kesälahti also start in the courtyard of Sovintola in the town centre. They are clearly signposted along their entire length and lead through the history and nature of the surrounding area. In a 2023 readers’ poll by the newspaper Karjalainen, Kesälahden luontopolku was chosen as the best nature trail in North Karelia for its versatility. This award relates to 2023.

For a different kind of activity, try the Horkkanotko disc golf course, which starts at the Horkkanotko sports field and has 18 holes. Because of its elevation changes and some narrow fairways, it is considered relatively challenging. Check the course layout before playing. This will help you fit the round into your day’s plans without equating the course’s demands with those of the hiking trails.

Swimming spots and excursions on the water

Taipale swimming beach is on Lake Pyhäjärvi, at Taipaleenrannantie. Sortolampi beach is on Sortolammentie, beyond the sports field. On Lake Puruvesi, Mäntyranta swimming beach is at Vääränmäentie 43. Swimming at these spots is seasonal. Mäntyranta is a paid swimming beach; fees may vary by season. If you plan to visit a beach, take the time of year into account and check any fees in advance.

For a chance to experience Kesälahti from the water, Kirkkovene Aurora offers excursions on Lake Puruvesi and Lake Karjalan Pyhäjärvi. Each lake provides its own setting for these excursions. Check the latest event and operator information when planning. This will help you distinguish clearly in your itinerary between a hike, a visit to a swimming beach and an excursion on the water.

Cultural history and events

Kesälahden kotiseutumuseo features historic buildings and objects and includes one of Finland’s largest smoke cabins. A smoke cabin is a traditional type of building that gives the museum a distinctive historical dimension. A boardwalk also runs along the pond shore at the museum. Together, the buildings, objects and path offer different ways to discover the local cultural heritage.

At Sovintola in Kesälahti, the Kesälahden Kulttuuriseura gallery presents changing exhibitions. As exhibition schedules change, check the latest dates before visiting. Events may also help you choose when to travel: the Puruveden Lohikuningas rowing and trolling competition takes place annually in the week after Midsummer. Muikkumarkkinat is also one of Kesälahti’s major annual events. Check the dates for your travel year before planning your trip around them.

One suggested cycling route leads to the nationally valuable village landscape of Totkunniemi and its observation tower. The tower is 6.5 kilometres from the centre of Kesälahti. This distance gives an indication of the distance between the town centre and the observation tower; it does not indicate how long the journey will take. You can include the viewpoint in your plans as a separate destination.

Local specialities and getting there

Puruveden Savukala Oy in Kesälahti offers fish specialities. Product availability may change, so contact them in advance if you are interested. Nearby, Juhanantupa in Hummovaara serves traditional food in summer and at other times by prior order. The seasonal and pre-order arrangements are part of the offering. Another nearby point of interest is Lönnrotin petäjä, near Juhanantupa in Villala.

Kesälahti railway station is on Asematie. If you are planning to travel by train, check the latest timetable. With the trails, museum, swimming spots and annual events, you can tailor the length and focus of your stay to your interests and then look for suitable hotels for your trip.

Discover more destinations: Liperi, Juuka, Valtimo, Tuupovaara, Säyneinen, Ilomantsi, Elomäki, Nurmes.

Return to the main travel overview: North Karelia.