Vehmersalmi: Shoreline Scenery, Water Sports and Culture

Vehmersalmi offers several ways to shape your trip: shoreline scenery and a nature trail, activities on two lakes, and church and art history. If you are looking for a hotel in Vehmersalmi, you can plan your stay around whether nature, water, travel or culture should be your main focus.

Shoreline Scenery and the Luukaarre Shelter

A section of the Vehmerin luontotaival, more than a kilometre long, leads from the church village of Vehmersalmi to the Luukaarre shelter. It runs through beautiful shoreline scenery and has nature trail signs. The starting point in the church village and the destination at the shelter provide clear bearings; those who want to combine natural scenery with information along the way will find both on this route. In winter, the Luukaarre shelter serves as a rest stop for cross-country skiers and snowmobilers.

Disc Golf and Water Activities

The disc golf course is located within the Vehmersalmi fitness trail. It has nine holes and three practice baskets; thanks to the renovated fitness trail, it is also suitable for people with reduced mobility. This provides another specific activity for your stay, alongside the shoreline trail.

The lake landscapes of Suvasvesi and Kallavesi offer opportunities for fishing and boating. For trolling anglers, the Suvasvesi permit area extends to Vehmersalmi and covers about 9,000 hectares. This gives a specific geographical reference for trolling, while the general fishing and boating opportunities apply to both lakes.

The Millibaari summer restaurant rents out six SUP boards. Several piers on the restaurant grounds provide access to the water. As Millibaari is seasonal, check whether the boards are currently available before your trip.

Getting There by Bus and Boat

Summer bus route 82 connects Kuopio with Vehmersalmi and continues along Vehmersalmie to Mustinlahti. If you are planning to travel by bus, check the timetable for your travel dates. Vehmersalmi also has a harbour stop on the Kuopio–Savonlinna boat route. If you are planning a boat trip, it is a good idea to check the sailings for your chosen period in advance.

Bus and boat offer two different travel connections to consider when planning: the bus route continues via Vehmersalmi to Mustinlahti, while the harbour stop is on the Kuopio–Savonlinna route. For your specific journey, check which option suits your plans.

Church and Art History

Vehmersalmi Church was completed in 1919 and designed by Josef Stenbäck as a plastered brick church. Inside is Ripatti’s altarpiece, “Jesus in Gethsemane”. In summer, the church also serves as a church for visitors travelling by road and water. As seasonal opening arrangements may change, check access before visiting.

Another connection to art is Akseli Gallen-Kallela: he painted the work “Sammon taonta” in Vehmersalmi in the summer of 1893. The altarpiece is a detail of the church; Gallen-Kallela’s work represents a separate historical connection between the place and art.

The time of year is another practical factor when choosing: in winter, the shelter serves as a rest stop for cross-country skiers and snowmobilers, while bus route 82 and Millibaari are explicitly associated with summer. If you are looking for a hotel in Vehmersalmi, first decide when you want to travel, then match your dates with the activities and travel options that matter to you.

Discover more destinations: Sonkajärvi, Suonenjoki, Kuopio, Maaninka, Vesanto, Tuusjärvi, Tuusniemi, Varpaisjärvi

For the broader travel overview: North Savo.