Suonenjoki: Nature Trails, Museums and Strawberry Traditions

Those considering Suonenjoki as a travel destination will find a range of options for planning their trip: nature trails, local collections and historic sites. The ones that interest you most can shape your choice of excursions, from a walk through the forest landscape to a tour of the town’s history.

Nature Trails and Outdoor Activities

In Lintharju, a 13-kilometre nature trail passes information boards about the area’s natural environment. Five shelters are named along the trail: Alaparkin, Palolammen and Kukkuran, as well as the lower and upper Onkilampi shelters. Mountain bike routes include the eight-kilometre Palolampi route; other options run 15 kilometres to Onkilampi and 18 kilometres to Tolmuslampi. The distances make it easy to compare the lengths of the three routes. The mountain bike trails mostly follow easy paths through sandy landscapes dominated by pine trees; in places, the slopes of the ridge have greater changes in elevation.

At Kyöpelinvuori, the two-kilometre Sienipolku trail introduces eleven mushroom species found in the area and follows an easy-to-walk path. Another outdoor activity is the disc golf course in the forest in Suonenjoki: it has 23 baskets and is suitable for beginners and experienced players alike. Lintharju also has cross-country ski trails, including one where dogs are allowed; some trails are named after prominent local skiers. As these facilities are seasonal, check the trails before visiting in winter.

Iso Kaatro is a popular place to swim: its beach is considered the most popular in town, and the lake covers two square kilometres. The beach has changing rooms, two piers, a diving tower, a water slide and a designated shallow swimming area. Alppiruusupuisto Suonenjoki rhododendron park is located in a pine-dominated park at the intersection of Iisvedentie and Koulukatu.

Art, Museums and Local History

In central Suonenjoki, Kellarikalleria has two exhibition halls showcasing rotating art, handicraft and other exhibitions throughout the year. As the programme changes, the specific selection depends on when you visit. The Kotiseutumuseo local history museum displays tools and household items in a former granary. The building was constructed in 1891 as a granary for the parish; it ceased to be used for grain storage in the 1950s and was later converted into a museum.

The central Kotiseutukierros tour connects 17 information boards about significant local attractions and historic events. The church in Suonenjoki was designed by Provincial Architect Ferdinant Öhman and consecrated during Advent in 1865. The Kuivataipale Museum Canal also tells the story of the local waterways: it has a manually operated lock on the isthmus between Paasvesi and Kuvansi. The two bodies of water belong to different water systems: Kuvansi is part of the Vuoksi water system and Paasvesi of the Kymen water system.

The ITE-Aulis local history museum in Herralanmäki displays a varied collection spanning the 1950s to the present day. It includes paintings, sculptures, prints, drawings, poems, cartoons, stonework and various collections. The Kolikkoinmäen työläiskotimuseo workers’ museum is also located in Suonenjoki municipality. It is situated in a historically significant residential area once home to sawmill workers in Kolikkoinmäki and is furnished in the style of the 1950s.

Strawberry Traditions and Events

The Suonenjoen Mansikkakarnevaalit strawberry festival has a tradition dating back to 1970. Traditionally, the festival begins with a carnival parade through the streets of Suonenjoki. The event was not held in 1984, 2003 or 2020; specific future dates vary from year to year. Strawberries are sold every year at the Mansikkakarnevaalit on the market square: fresh, and as milkshakes, strawberry milk, jam, purée, juice, cakes and pastries. The vendors may vary from year to year.

Getting There by Train

Suonenjoki railway station is in the town centre. As train services may change, check the timetable before travelling.

Discover more destinations: Juankoski, Tuusjärvi, Siilinjärvi, Varpaisjärvi, Pörsänmäki, Kaavi, Hiltulanlahti, Kuopio.

See the broader travel overview: Northern Savo.