Versatile holiday in Central Finland
Article image from: Metsähallitus
Would you like your holiday to include relaxation in a spa environment, as well as hiking in nature in stunning landscapes on quality trails? – Choose Peurunka Spa as your holiday destination and it will all come true. Thanks to its central location, you can easily make a day trip from Peurunka to the magnificent national parks of Central Finland. We are pleased to announce that this summer there will be a direct bus service which takes you near the South Konnevesi National Park from Peurunka on predetermined days. There are also other national parks within a reasonable distance, which can be easily reached by day trip with your own car!
Bus route Peurunka – Häyrylänranta (South Konnevesi National Park)
The bus leaves from Peurunka at 11.35 and arrives at Häyrylänranta at 12.15. The bus leaves from Häyrylänranta at 17.00 and arrives at Peurunka at 17.35.
Häyrylänranta has a water connection to the South Konnevesi National Park, which means you can book a guided kayaking trip, or you can use your own equipment such as a SUP board or a canoe to go out on the water. This means that you cannot take a bus directly to the start of the hiking trails, for example, but must first cross the water.
Buses run on Saturday 16.8 and Sunday 17.8 and Saturday 30.8 and Sunday 31.8.
So you can spend the day in the South Konnevesi National Park, and return to Peurunka in the evening, or spend the night in the National Park if you wish. All further information about the bus transport and ticketing information can be found on the VisitJyväskylä website:
Image: Metsähallitus
South Konnevesi National Park
South Konnevesi National Park, established in 2014, is one of the youngest national parks in Finland. Located on the border between Central Finland and North Savo, this magnificent nature reserve offers visitors impressive lake scenery, rugged rocky slopes and diverse nature trails. The park’s landscapes range from large, clear-water lakes to dense forests and rocky archipelagos. The area also contains sites of cultural and historical importance, such as ancient traces of wilderness walkers and old dwellings. The Kalajanvuori area and the views from its summit are particularly popular hiking destinations. The South Konnevesi National Park is ideal for hiking, canoeing and fishing. The range of trails includes routes suitable for short day hikes as well as longer hikes.
– Round Kalaja 4,6 km
– Three mountain hike 16 km
– Loukkuvuori hike 2,8 km
Image: Metsähallitus
Pyhä-Häkki National Park
Pyhä-Häkki National Park is located in Saarijärvi and is known for its old, untouched primeval forests. Established in 1956, it is one of the smallest national parks in Finland, but also one of the most valuable old-growth forest reserves. In Pyhä-Häkki National Park you can experience the quiet majesty of fir and pine trees that are over 400 years old. The area’s forest landscape is dominated by towering trees, beautiful wetlands and clear forest ponds. The national park is an important habitat for endangered species such as the white-tailed deer and the chalk squirrel. A wide variety of hiking trails can also be found in this national park:
– Tulijärvi Trail 17 km
– Mastomäki trail 3.2 km
– Kotajärvi trail 6.5 km
– Riihineva Trail 1,4 km
Image: Metsähallitus
Leivonmäki National Park
Leivonmäki National Park is located in the municipality of Joutsa and is known for its diverse habitats, ranging from spruce forests to sandy lakeshores and fir forests. Established in 2003, the national park offers a peaceful environment for hiking, berry picking and enjoying nature. Leivonmäki National Park is an excellent example of nature in Central Finland. You can admire the forests, ridges, bogs and water bodies in the area. The shores of lakes and ponds are attractive for birdwatching and picnics. The landscapes of Lake Harjujärvi and Lake Rutajärvi are particularly popular. The area is an important habitat for many birds and plants. The trails in Leivonmäki National Park offer excellent options for day trips!
– Harju trail 4,5 km
– Mäyrä trail 5,5 km
– Kirveslammi trail 1,7 km
– Koskikara trail 3,5 km
– Luupää trail 2,2 km
Distances and travel times between national parks and Peurunka:
– South Konnevesi National Park 74 km / by car approx. 1h.
- Häyrylänranta (water connection to South Konnevesi National Park) 38 km / by car approx. 35 min.
– Pyhä-Häkki National Park 75 km / by car approx. 1 h.
– Leivonmäki National Park 65 km / by car approx. 1 h.
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The perfect holiday combining the luxury of a spa and the enjoyment of Finnish nature
Nature lovers come in all shapes and sizes, and while some like to stay in a tent under the stars, others appreciate a good bed and soft hotel sheets at the end of an active day. Peurunka accommodation includes a delicious breakfast and free use of the spa and gyms, in addition to a night in the hotel. We also offer a variety of restaurant services and a wide range of activities! So if hiking in the national park is not enough, we offer possibilities such as:
– E-fatbike hire
– Frisbeegolf
– SUP boarding and kayaking
– Paddleboarding
… and other fun activities! Of course, if you come as a family, the spa itself is usually a firm favorite with the kids. In our spa you’ll find Finland’s longest free-fall waterslide, with a timing feature that will get even the most competitive adults excited! In addition, the spa’s versatile pools, saunas and showers cater for both the pampered and the sportier visitor, not to mention children.
If a summer holiday combining adventure in nature and relaxation in a spa sounds like an interesting concept, book your spa holiday in Peurunka at a time that suits you!