Päijänne National Park

A treasure for nature travelers
The very heart of the national park is Kelvenne, one of the largest and most handsome esker islands in Finland. You can explore the entire length of the esker island of Kelvenne and its varied nature shaped by the Ice Age along a 9-km hiking trail. Other esker islands in the park are Papinsaari, Huhtsaari and Hietasaari. These esker islands have several sandy beaches and lagoons that are popular among hikers and boaters. The park’s scenic attractions include Pulkkilanharju esker ridge, which can be best explored along a 4-km long trail of which about 2-km forms part of a nature trail. In addition to Pulkkilanharju, another part of the park that can be reached by car is the island of Päijätsalo in Sysmä. Marked trails lead up to a watchtower built on the highest part of this scenic island in 1899, offering beautiful views over the open waters of the lake.You can reach the national park either by cruise boat from Padasjoki, Vääksy and Sysmä, by water taxi from Padasjoki and Lehmonkärki, by canoeing or with your own boat. Parts of the national park (Pulkkilanharju esker ridge in Asikkala and the island of Päijätsalo in Sysmä) can also be reached by cycling and by car. In wintertime

Juuri sitä parasta

Kohokohtia

Harhu Island

Landscapes & Sceneries

On Harhu island, also known as Koreakoivu, you can peek into a hermit's hut. In Kelvenne, an esker trail leads you to the shore of a suppa lake and several campfire and camping sites. The Pulkkilanharju nature trail includes information on the origins of eskers and the traces left on the terrain by the Ice Age. In Päijätsalo, you can admire the magnificent lake landscape from an observation tower and hike along numerous trails.

Boating

Wildlife & Nature

The Päijänne National Park is a dream come true for water fans. The park includes around 50 unbuilt islands and rocky islets, and undeveloped parts of inhabited islands, which visitors can explore by sailboat or motor boat. The park features several natural harbours with campfire sites. The surrounding areas have several guest stages and excursion and guest harbours.

Birdwatching

Wildlife & Nature

On Lake Päijänne, you may spot a black-throated diver (Gavia arctica), a merlin (Falco columbarius), a Eurasian hobby (Falco subbuteo) or a lesser black-backed gull (Larus fuscus). Pulkkilanharju, a highly popular location for following bird migrations, attracts hundreds of birdwatchers every year.

Hiking

Outdoor & Sports

The Päijänne - Ilves connection trail starts at the Padasjoki guest harbour and leads to the Evo Hiking Area, where it joins the Ilvesvaellus Trail. The distance from the Padasjoki guest harbour to Lake Tarusjärvi in the Evo Hiking Area is 12,6 km. Visitors can stay overnight in tents or in a lean-to shelter.