A nature trail about one kilometre long winds through rocky terrain and pine forest near the harbour of Padasjoki. Information boards line the circular route, and lookout towers stand at its end. The marked Tornipolku leads to the Tuomastornit lookout towers on Kullasvuori and is also accessible on foot during the ski season.
Nature Trails, Views and Activities
Kullasvuori is also home to the Padasjoki DiscGolfPark, a full 18-hole forest course. The Kullasvuori recreation area near the centre offers trails and elevation changes for mountain bikers. This spot brings together views and nature trails with other outdoor activities.
For a longer walk, try the Kirkkolammi nature trail, also known as the Kirkkolammen-Reitti: it follows a loop of about seven kilometres around Kirkkolammi. You can walk in either direction and start at any point. Together with the roughly one-kilometre loop on Kullasvuori, it offers two different route lengths; at Kirkkolammi, you can also choose where to start.
By Lake Päijänne and on the Water
Kaunismäki Beach lies on the shore of Lake Päijänne beside the harbour of Padasjoki, also called Laivaranta, and is open to all visitors. The harbour also has a winter swimming spot with a heated changing room. The same harbour is therefore home to both a beach and a place for winter swimming—two different reasons to visit the waterfront.
In summer, Päijänne National Park can be reached from the harbour of Padasjoki by the scheduled boat Jenni-Maria III, by canoe or by water taxi. If you plan to take the scheduled boat, check the timetable in advance. The options differ by mode of transport, so you can choose how to reach the national park to suit your plans.
Culture, History and Exhibitions
The present-day church of Padasjoki is a masonry, towered long church. Construction began in 1926; it was completed and consecrated in 1928. The Padasjoen Kotiseututalo has a different focus: its museum exhibitions feature objects, photographs and stories about the history of Padasjoki. The building is a former wooden school built in 1874. Several rooms host changing exhibitions; in summer, one or two additional changing exhibitions are held in the large hall.
The Padasjoki Local History Museum is located in the village centre of Padasjoki, in a former granary on Kuusikuja. In the centre, Galleria Pikantti is run by Padasjoen Taideyhdistys ry. Its exhibitions change monthly, and admission is free to the public. As the exhibition programme may change, it is a good idea to check the latest dates before visiting.
Mainiemen Sawmill also connects a specific place with local history: it was founded in 1880 at Mainiemi on the shore of Lake Päijänne. The traditional end-of-summer celebration Sahan valot takes place at the old Mainiemen Sawmill near Lake Päijänne on the last Saturday in August. If you have a particular year in mind, check that year’s programme.
Discover more destinations: Hartola, Nyystölä, Lahti, Asikkala, Auttoinen, Sysmä, Heinola, Hämeenkoski
For the main travel overview: Päijät-Häme.
