Leivonmäki National Park Travel Guide

Discover the natural and cultural attractions of Leivonmäki National Park. Plan your itinerary, learn about local customs and cuisine, and find the best places to stay and shop.


Introduction to Leivonmäki National Park

Located in Central Finland, in the beautiful Finnish Lakeland, Leivonmäki National Park boasts over 50 square kilometers of pristine forest, lakes, and wetlands. The park is well-known for its diverse wildlife, geological formations, and cultural heritage sites.

Visitors can enjoy hiking, biking, canoeing, fishing, and skiing in the winter, with marked trails and campsites available throughout the park. The park has something for everyone, from families with young children to experienced outdoor enthusiasts.

List of Places to Visit in Leivonmäki National Park

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Leivonmäki Church, one of the oldest wooden churches in Finland
  • Oskari Jauhiainen’s Homestead, a typical Finnish farmhouse from the 19th century
  • Ruuhilampi Farm Museum, showcasing the traditional life and work of Finnish farmers

Natural Attractions of Leivonmäki National Park: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Lake Rutajärvi, excellent for boating, fishing, and swimming
  • Rutalahti Bird Watching Tower, a great spot to observe local bird species
  • Oravivuori Hill, offering panoramic views of the surrounding forests, lakes, and hills

Hiking/Biking Routes of Leivonmäki National Park

  • Kuutinkanava Trail, a 6 km route passing through beautiful natural landscapes and a canal system
  • Kivisuo Trail, a 8 km trail through the wetlands and forests, with a bird observation tower
  • Leivonmäki Nature Trail, a 3 km nature trail around Leivonmäki Lake, suitable for families with young children

Best Things to Do in Leivonmäki National Park: Activities and Tours

  • Canoeing or kayaking along the park’s many waterways
  • Fishing for perch, pike, and other local fish species
  • Snowshoeing or cross-country skiing in the wintertime

Week-Long Itinerary for Leivonmäki National Park

  • Day 1: Visit the Oskari Jauhiainen’s Homestead and Ruuhilampi Farm Museum
  • Day 2: Hike the Kuutinkanava Trail and have a picnic by the lake
  • Day 3: Canoe or kayak one of the park’s waterways
  • Day 4: Visit Oravivuori Hill for scenic views of the area and picnic lunch
  • Day 5: Relax on a guided fishing tour on Lake Rutajärvi
  • Day 6: Snowshoe or cross-country ski in the park’s winter wonderland
  • Day 7: Depart Leivonmäki National Park

Food and Drink Scene of Leivonmäki National Park

Must-Try Dishes

  • Karelian stew, a hearty meat and vegetable stew served with potatoes and lingonberry jam
  • Leivonmäki smoked salmon, a local specialty smoked with alder wood
  • Blueberry pie, a traditional Finnish dessert made with freshly picked blueberries

Local Beverages

  • Finnish beer, such as Koff, Karhu, and Lapin Kulta
  • Lakka liqueur, made from wild berries found in Finnish forests

Where to Stay in Leivonmäki National Park: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  • Leivonmäki National Park Camping Area, offering cabins, tents, caravan sites, and a restaurant
  • Hotel Hirvihaaran Kartano, a historic mansion near the park

What to Buy in Leivonmäki National Park: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Suomussalmi knives, a iconic Finnish knife with a rounded handle and a sharp blade
  • Finnish handicrafts, such as reindeer leather products, woolen socks, and birch bark baskets

Local Culture and Customs of Leivonmäki National Park

  • Finnish sauna culture, a social and relaxing activity enjoyed by locals
  • Respect for nature and wildlife, including the freedom to roam
  • Politeness and modesty in interpersonal interactions

Best Time to Visit Leivonmäki National Park

The best time to visit Leivonmäki National Park is from June to August, when the weather is mild and the days are long. The park is also beautiful in the autumn, with colorful leaves and crisp air. Winter is great for skiing and other winter sports activities.

Do’s and Don’ts of Leivonmäki National Park

Do:

  • Follow the marked trails and instructions
  • Take your litter with you and recycle it properly
  • Respect the nature and wildlife

Don’t:

  • Pick flowers or plants
  • Light fires outside marked fireplaces and grills
  • Disturb wildlife

Safety and Health

Safety in Leivonmäki National Park

  • Wear appropriate clothing and footwear for the weather and activity
  • Pay attention to your surroundings and use caution in the wilderness
  • Bring a map and a first-aid kit in case of emergency

Health in Leivonmäki National Park

  • Drink clean water from designated sources or boil/sterilize it if necessary
  • Protect against tick bites by wearing suitable clothing and using insect repellent
  • Seek medical attention if you experience any health issues

Getting to Leivonmäki National Park: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Leivonmäki National Park

  • Jyväskylä Airport, about 38 km away, with domestic and international connections

Bus Stations Near Leivonmäki National Park

  • Leivonmäki Bus Station, with several daily bus connections to nearby towns
  • Jyväskylä Bus Station, with connections to other cities in Finland and abroad

Other Options

  • Renting a car or a bike is a great way to explore the park and the surrounding area on your schedule.

How to Get Around in Leivonmäki National Park

  • The park has several hiking and biking trails, as well as waterways that visitors can use for canoeing and kayaking.

Where to Go Next from Leivonmäki National Park: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Petäjävesi Old Church, a UNESCO World Heritage Site about 50 km away
  • Jyväskylä City, a vibrant university town with many cultural attractions, restaurants and shops

Conclusion

Leivonmäki National Park is a hidden gem in Finland, offering visitors a chance to experience the diverse natural and cultural heritage of the country. Whether you come for the outdoor adventures, scenic views, or cultural experiences, Leivonmäki National Park is sure to leave a lasting impression on you.

Hilly pine forest. Hilly pine forest. Pond surrounded by mire and pine forest Pond surrounded by mire and pine forest Duckboards over a mire on the Kirveslampi trail. Duckboards over a mire on the Kirveslampi trail. The narrow Joutsniemi peninsula The narrow Joutsniemi peninsula Firewood is provided for your campfire – but use sparingly. Firewood is provided for your campfire – but use sparingly.