Pertunmaa: Hiking, Nature and Cultural History

There are several themes to choose from for a trip to Pertunmaa: hiking and rest stops, winter activities, swimming spots, and cultural and local history. Pertunmaa is located on National Road 5, about 35 kilometres north of Heinola.

Hiking and taking a break along the way

The Pertunmaa–Kuortti hiking route is 12.5 kilometres long, marked with blue trail markers and intended primarily for hiking. Markings and trail conditions may change; check conditions before setting out. The Pertunmaa–Kuortti route has two rest areas: Heposalmi at Koukkujärvi, with a fire pit, toilet and woodshed, and the Nipuli lean-to shelter, where overnight stays are also possible. Before setting out, check which facilities and overnight options are currently available.

Another option is the 16.2-kilometre Kuortti–Nipuli cycling route. It leads to a rest stop at the Nipuli lean-to shelter; an additional detour provides access to a wartime shelter. As route conditions and facilities at shelters may change, it is advisable to check them before your trip.

Winter activities and swimming spots

In the church village of Pertunmaa, the municipality maintains three illuminated cross-country ski trails, measuring one, two and five kilometres. The longest is called Äiteen lenkki. The different trail lengths give you an idea of how far you can ski. Trail maintenance and snow conditions depend on the season.

For winter swimmers, an ice hole is kept open throughout the winter at Kisaranta on Lake Pienivesi. Check on site that it is open and confirm the safety conditions. There are also public swimming spots at Iso-Palojärvi, Pienivesi and Peruvesi. Beach facilities and water conditions there vary by season. If you are choosing between a winter swim and visiting the swimming spots in another season, take these different seasonal conditions into account.

Nature and history in Pertunmaa

Pertunmaa’s Natura conservation areas include Honkaniemi, Kuusisto, Isosuo, Kassinmäki and Sahinsuo, among others. Access rules may vary by area; check the conditions at each location before visiting.

Pertunmaa Church is a wooden cruciform church with a tower and short transepts. It was built in 1929 to plans by master builder Matti Vihonen and has seating for 400. There are 158 soldiers’ graves immediately next to the church. The church and memorial site are side by side, so you can visit both without confusing them with other places connected to local history.

The Vanha-Rantala House Museum displays buildings dating from the 18th century onwards at their original sites. The main house is furnished in a traditional rural style. Near the museum, a grave dating to around the year 1000, in the Viking Age, was identified as that of a wealthy woman based on jewellery, a small knife and glass beads. Fabian Kauppi discovered the burial mound in his fields in 1928; it was investigated in 1929 under the direction of archaeologist Nils Cleve.

The Knaappilan windmill stands on Mansikkamäki in Pertunmaa. Built in 1874, it was used to grind grain until 1940. The Jokipellon Tractor and Agricultural Museum in Kuortti displays dozens of restored tractors, hundreds of chainsaws, and old household and agricultural equipment. These places offer different points of interest if you are interested in architectural history, rural life or agricultural technology.

More activities and local offerings

Nearby is Pykäläsaari, about four kilometres from the market area in the church village of Pertunmaa. A nature trail less than one kilometre long runs around the island. Red dots on the trees mark the trail, and nature information boards offer details about the surroundings along the way.

In the centre of the church village, Pertuntori offers fresh local food, handicrafts, cosmetics, flea-market finds and products from businesses in Pertunmaa. The selection is seasonal and may change. At the Käsityöpuoti Talvikki handicraft shop, you can weave rugs with guidance or make your own handicrafts. Craft demonstrations are organised for small groups.

Events in Pertunmaa include Pertun Päivät, Midsummer celebrations, Pihaporinat, garden parties and markets. If a particular event is important to your travel plans, check the current dates and event schedule in the events calendar.

Discover more destinations: Kangasniemi, Hietanen, Haukivuori, Otava, Puumala, Majavesi, Hirvensalmi, Rahula

For the broader travel overview: Mikkeli.