Discover Konnevesi: Culture and Nature by the Water

Konnevesi brings together local culture and natural and waterside attractions in the municipality and its surrounding area. When planning your trip, it helps to keep the locations of the attractions in mind: Galleria Käpy is in the town centre, while Häyrylänranta Harbour is about three kilometres away. You’ll find more natural attractions in the municipality and in South Konnevesi National Park.

Culture and History in Konnevesi

Konnevesi Church is a grey granite church in the late Romantic style. Ilmari Launis designed the building; it was completed in 1922 and consecrated at Whitsun in 1923. The church is open only during services and other church events, so plan your visit around these times.

In the town centre, Galleria Käpy is a meeting place for art, culture and crafts. It hosts exhibitions, events, workshops and courses, including regularly changing art exhibitions. Especially during the summer season, the gallery also serves as Konnevesi’s tourist information centre. Visitors can find information there about attractions, events and services in the region.

Konnevesi Museum is an open-air museum dedicated to regional cultural heritage. Its collection includes twelve traditional log buildings from the 18th and 19th centuries, built in the Savo style. A windmill was built in 1867, moved to the museum grounds in 1958 and restored in 2020 as part of the “Myllyt Pyörimään” project. The smokehouse building, originally constructed in the 18th century, offers a glimpse into traditional Finnish living conditions. The blacksmith’s workshop focuses on traditional metalworking techniques from rural Finland.

The museum’s educational programme also connects history with practical topics: the Lehmipolku AR trail has five augmented-reality stops exploring the history of cattle farming and Finnish native breeds. The museum grounds are also the main venue for Women’s Week, held every July. This cultural and arts event includes music, art and talks.

Natural Attractions in the Municipality and Surrounding Area

Established in 2014, South Konnevesi National Park extends across the areas of Konnevesi and Rautalampi. From Häyrylänranta Harbour, you can reach the national park on cruise boats, by canoe or in your own boat; specific services and operators may vary. The harbour also has a sandy beach with a diving tower, a caravan and camping site, and services for boaters.

The Pieni-Selkiäinen birdwatching tower stands in the village of Särkisalo in the municipality of Konnevesi, within the Mertajärvi–Pieni-Selkiäinen Natura 2000 protected area. A nature trail leads from the Pieni-Selkiäinen information point through the protected area; boardwalks run along its edge to the observation tower. You can plan the trail through the protected area and the tower as stops on the same visit.

At Lake Pyhäjärvi, a blue-marked trail follows the shore for just under a kilometre to a birdwatching tower. Along the way, you can observe the lake scenery and birdlife. The lake is protected as part of the Natura 2000 network and is surrounded by a broad wet-meadow zone. It lies on the border between Äänekoski and Konnevesi, an important geographical reference for locating this attraction.

Trails, Water and Activities

The Partiomaja Trail is a circular route through the forest along the Konnevesi Rapids Route. It passes through Taikinainen and Karinkoski on the way to Partiomaja. Check trail conditions before setting out. The national park area offers both short and multi-day paddling options. Several routes in the national park and its surroundings are maintained by the municipalities of Rautalampi and Konnevesi; check route conditions and any restrictions before departure.

Fishing is also among the activities described at the rapids. Guided fishing from a drift boat is available at Siikakoski and Hannulankoski; check seasonal availability. Fishing platforms have been built at Kellankoski to make casting easier. The options therefore vary by location and format: guided boat fishing at two rapids, and fishing platforms at Kellankoski.

In the municipality of Konnevesi, canals connect Lake Keitele and Lake Päijänne; Konnevesi can be reached from Lahti by water. From the north, the Neiturin Canal connects Lake Keitele with northern Lake Konnevesi and continues the water route to Pielavesi. The waterways offer another way to explore the municipality; note that navigation conditions vary by season.

Discover more destinations: Pohjaslahti, Kemijärvi, Peurasuvanto, Inari, Ranua, Kittilä, Tankavaara, Kolari

For the broader travel overview: Lapland.