Hiking in North Savo – 7 nature experiences among ridges, lakes and old-growth forest

North Savolax, or Pohjois-Savo in Finnish, is located in eastern Finland between South Savolax, North Karelia, Kajanaland and Päijänne-Tavastland. The landscape is more hilly than the more southern parts of Finland. Here, long lakes alternate with ridges, marshlands, steep forest slopes and protected old-growth forests.

This makes Northern Savo interesting for hikers who want variety without always having to embark on long wilderness trips. You will find both nature trails close to the city, well-organized outdoor areas and trails where weather, altitude differences and limited service require better planning.

Always check the current trail status, maps, parking, service and any restrictions before setting off. For official information , Luontoon.fi , the City of Kuopio outdoor recreation pages and the City of Iisalmi outdoor trail information are the most important starting points.

1. Tiilikkajärvi National Park – ridges, marshes and sandy beaches

Tiilikkajärvi National Park is located in Rautavaara, close to the border with Kainuu. The national park is known for its long ridges, open aapa mires, forest lakes and light sandy beaches. The official Tiilikan kierto circular trail is 17.9 kilometers long according to Luontoon.fi and can be planned as a long day trip or a more leisurely overnight trip.

The terrain alternates between forest paths, sandier ridge sections, ridges and wetter sections. The terrain is not technically difficult, but the length and changing ground make the trail moderately demanding. Ridges can become slippery and water can reach the path during spring and very rainy periods.

A special part of the trail is the crossing at Selkäsalmi. Rowing boats are used there and the strait must be crossed several times to ensure that boats are on both sides. Sea weather and wind can therefore affect the implementation. You need to be able to row and should check that the boats are in use before setting off.

Camping is only permitted in the designated areas of Venäjänhiekka and Koseva. Burning is permitted in designated fire pits and never when there is a fire ban due to a forest fire warning. Dogs must be kept on a lead. There is no reason to expect service along the trail without first checking the current information.

Read the up-to-date description of Tiilikan tälä and Tiilikkajärvi National Park .

2. Pisa Nature Reserve – steep ridge with history

Pisa in Nilsiä, Kuopio, is a clear example of how North Savo differs from the flatter lake landscapes further south. Here the trail runs through old forest and up a steep ridge with views of lakes and forested heights.

Luontoon.fi lists about 8.5 kilometers of marked trails in the area. The central circular trail, Pisan kierto , is about 7.1 kilometers long. The surface is rocky and several of the climbs are steep. Stairs, railings and rest areas make the uphill climbs safer, but they do not eliminate the difference in altitude. Slippery roots and wet rocks can make the trail significantly slower after rain.

At the top there is a lookout tower, a boundary stone from the Peace of Täyssinä and traces of the geological and cultural history of the area. Pirunkellari is another attraction along the trail. However, the nature reserve is not a place for free camping or spontaneous fires. Luontoon.fi states that camping is not allowed and that there is no water point along the trail.

Starting points and current routes to the area should be checked before the trip. Bring enough water and a packed lunch from the start. Pisa trails on Luontoon.fi is the safest source for up-to-date information.

3. Puijo in Kuopio – old-growth forest near the city

Puijo is a natural destination close to the city, but it should not be dismissed as an ordinary park. Approximately 200 hectares of Puijo's forests are protected and the area is largely included in the Natura 2000 network. The official Puijon polku runs entirely within the older nature reserve.

The trail is about two kilometers long, but has more than a hundred meters of elevation gain. This makes it short but at times demanding. Roots, steep sections and uneven ground require sturdy shoes, especially in autumn when leaves and moisture cover the ground. There are three nature trails in the area, and Puijon polku has starting points at the end of Puijonrinteentie and at the top of Puijo.

Don't confuse the trail with Puijo Tower. The tower is a separate attraction and the viewpoint can be combined with the hike, but the nature experience here is the protected forest and the difference in altitude on the trail.

Puijo is suitable for a half-day trip and is easy to reach by car, public transport or on foot from Kuopio depending on the starting point. Check the current map and any events in the area with the City of Kuopio .

4. Tahko – steep trails in an exploited outdoor area

Tahko is a well-developed tourist and outdoor recreation area, not a wilderness. That is why the area is suitable when you want to train on elevation changes, stairs and longer climbs with access to services nearby.

The Huutavanholman kierros is approximately 4.6 kilometers and passes the Huutavanholma Nature Reserve, Tahko Peak, viewpoints and the Tahko Stairs. The rocky path and stairs make the trail more demanding than its length suggests. The Tahkomäen kierros is approximately 14.1 kilometers and provides a longer day with more varied terrain.

Good shoes are essential. Hiking poles can relieve the strain on your knees and provide better balance on downhill slopes. The Tahko Stairs may be closed during the winter season, and the trail network is also used for other activities. Therefore, check the current status, color markings and recommended direction on Tahko's official trail information .

5. Koljonvirta–Piilampi – longer route through the Iisalmi area

Iisalmi municipality has several outdoor trails around Koljonvirta and Soidinvuori. Koljonvirta–Piilampi is a longer route through forest and lakeside environments and is best suited for those who want to plan a longer trip rather than a short walk.

Here it is especially important to distinguish official information from information in private apps and route services. Iisalmi refers to Metsähallitus's Hiking Map for up-to-date maps of trails, rest areas and services. Check the current route, direction of the trail, surface, possible breaks and places to stay before planning a multi-day trip.

Expect that forest paths and lakeside areas may be wet during spring and autumn. Bring an offline map as mobile phone coverage may vary. For longer trips, you will also need to plan your own water and packed lunch. The outdoor area of Iisalmi is a good starting point.

6. Korkeakoski and Kanjonin kierros – gorge, rapids and height differences

Korkeakoski is located in Maaninka, which now belongs to Kuopio. The area is known for an approximately 36 meter high free-flowing rapids and a sheltered ravine valley with steep slopes.

According to the City of Kuopio, the Kanjonin kierros is a 5.5-kilometer circular trail. Approximately 3.5 kilometers are on a nature trail and two kilometers are on asphalt. The trail has large elevation changes and can be difficult to walk. At the end, you have to cross Highway 77, which requires special attention.

The terrain is varied with forest paths, steeper ravines and a stretch of road. The path is marked with red markings and there is a rest area by the river. Spring can bring higher water flows and lush vegetation can make the path less clear later in the season.

This is a good goal for a day trip, but not a trail where you should underestimate the descents. Read Kuopio's official description of Korkeakoski and Kanjonin kierros before departure.

7. Soidinvuoren ulkoilureitti – municipal forest tour in Iisalmi

The 7-kilometer Soidinvuoren outdoor trail in Viitaan village is an alternative for those who want to hike in North Savo without choosing a national park or tourist center. The municipality of Iisalmi lists the trail as part of the local outdoor recreation network.

It is suitable for a shorter day trip and for those who want to use a municipal trail as a training run. Since the current information does not describe all the details about the surface and services, you should check the map before starting instead of assuming that the trail has shelters, a campfire site or water.

Choose shoes according to the weather and bring a packed lunch, even if the trail is closer to settlements than Tiilikkajärvi. The current overview of outdoor trails of the city of Iisalmi indicates the location of the trail and refers to map services.

Equipment for ridges, sea weather and changing surfaces

Northern Savo does not always require advanced equipment, but the right basic equipment is quickly noticeable when your legs get tired or the weather changes.

• Shoes: choose grip over light weight when the trail contains roots, wet rocks, and steep stairs.
• Poles: useful in Tahko, Pisa and Korkeakoski, especially on downhills.
• Clothing: build layers. Sea weather can bring wind and rapid cooling even on a sunny day.
• Map: download offline map and save starting point, turning points and alternative routes.
• Water and food: bring your own reserve. Not all trails have water points, and service may be closed.
• Insects and ticks: wear long pants in tall grass and check your body after the hike. Mosquitoes are often most troublesome near wetlands and still water.
• Dogs: always follow local regulations. In Tiilikkajärvi National Park, dogs must be kept on a leash.
• Fires and camping: the right of public access does not automatically give you the right to fire or camp in national parks and nature reserves. Follow the area's own rules.

For overnight stays, the sleeping system needs to be suitable for both temperature, wind and ground. A sleeping pad that is too thin can cause ground chill and poor recovery even when the sleeping bag is warm enough. See HikingStore's range of tents , backpacks , sleeping pads and sleeping bags . For technical information about CUIN, down types and how fill weight affects warmth, read our guide to bird down in sleeping bags .

Northern Savo rewards those who plan according to the actual trail, not a general idea of Finland. The ridges can be steep, the bogs wet, and the lakes affect the weather. The best equipment is therefore one that works reliably when the terrain and weather change.