Laukaa: Nature, Culture and Trails

When looking for a hotel in Laukaa, specific local and landscape themes can help you decide where to stay: they range from Laukaa Church and the Saraakallio rock paintings to nature trails and rapids. This can help you decide which themes matter most for your stay.

Cultural history and rock art

Laukaa Church is a wooden church designed by Carl Ludvig Engel in the Empire style. Completed in 1835, it is located in the centre of the church village and can accommodate 800 people. Below the church is the Kalluntuvan kotiseutumuseo local heritage museum. Through a farmhouse dating from the 18th century, other buildings, interior furnishings and various objects, it presents the life of a relatively poor farming family from Laukaa in the early 20th century. Visiting arrangements vary by season, so check in advance.

The Laukaa Church Museum documents the history of the parish from the 16th century to the present day. Exhibits include objects, photographs, maps, drawings and texts. The museum opened in spring 1997 and is located in the church basement. During the summer, visits are possible by appointment.

The Saraakallio rock paintings are part of the Prehistoric Rock Art Trails, a Council of Europe Cultural Route. Saraakallio is also an archaeological site protected under Finnish heritage legislation and part of a Natura 2000 site. The paintings can be viewed from a lookout platform in front of the rock face. The platform can be reached by boat, ship or canoe from Laukaa harbour; check whether this seasonal option is available before planning your visit.

At Kuusaankoski, historic structures meet fast-flowing rapids. Features still standing include a former narrow log-floating channel through Pollonsaari, a railway bridge dating from 1898 and a red-brick power station building from the 1920s. The rapids are suitable for spinning and fly fishing; white-water rafting is also available as an activity there. Check current fishing regulations and activity operators before making specific plans.

Landscapes and trails

Hyyppäänvuori rises 160 metres above the depression below, on the southwestern shore of Lake Lievestuoreenjärvi. This remote Natura 2000 site is considered valuable for its geology, landscape, vegetation and wildlife; Hyyppäänvuori is also an important excursion destination in Central Finland. Hietasyrjänkangas offers a different landscape in the northern part of the municipality, near Haapala village school: glacial meltwater shaped a maze of terminal moraine formations and kettle holes, creating highly varied terrain.

The 2.3-kilometre Multamäki nature trail leads to the summit and offers panoramic views over Lake Peurunkajärvi. At Multamäki, there is a hut, a lookout point, outdoor tables, a covered dining shelter, a woodshed, a rubbish bin and a toilet. There is also a shelter with a wood store and rubbish bin on the shore of Lake Peurunkajärvi. Trail conditions can vary by season; check the condition of the facilities before setting out as well.

The Metsoreitti is about 40 kilometres long and runs through several villages and districts in Laukaa and the surrounding area. There are 15 lean-tos or shelters along the route. In winter, the trail is used for cross-country skiing; when there is no snow, it is used for hiking and cycling. Laukaa also has numerous regularly maintained outdoor trails and sites with huts and shelters; individual facilities may change, so check before setting off.

For route planning, note the difference between the two Multamäki options: the nature trail is 2.3 kilometres long, while the one-way route from the Metsoreitti to Multamäki is about 6 kilometres and includes significant elevation changes. This route can be used on foot, by bicycle or on horseback; in winter, it is passable on skis. As the trail is not maintained in winter, check conditions before setting off.

Kirkkoniemi was Laukaa’s first nature reserve, established in 1955. Today, the entire area is part of the Saraaveden-Vatian Natura 2000 site. The peninsula has a shelter, two campfire sites, an outdoor toilet and a woodshed. Sandy swimming beaches are located at the tip of the peninsula and on the western shore; it is advisable to bring your own firewood. After the bridge to Kirkkoniemi was demolished on 8 November 2023, the peninsula could only be reached from the lake. Check access before visiting.

Places to eat and local crafts

Tertta’s Café & Shop is located in Vuontee, in the former premises of the Tervetaimi station. It serves homemade sweet and savoury food, with an emphasis on local produce and natural ingredients. Opening arrangements vary by season and may change, so check visiting options in advance.

In summer, the harbour café at Laukaa harbour serves sweet and savoury food and drinks, including soup, steaks and hamburgers. Check current opening details before your trip. The Kädenjälki shop stocks products by more than 60 craftspeople and craft businesses from Laukaa, including local design, jewellery, textiles and gifts. It is also advisable to check opening details before visiting.

Discover more destinations: Kuhmoinen, Petäjävesi, Pylkönmäki, Vahanka, Pihtipudas, Keuruu, Luhanka, Saarijärvi.

For the regional travel overview: Central Finland.