Haukivuori: Kyyvesi, Cycling Routes and Local History

Haukivuori combines a waterside landscape, trails and local history. Lake Kyyvesi, the cycling and hiking routes, and the Haukivuori Museum each offer a distinct focus. When planning your trip, the differences in length, use and landscape are particularly interesting: you can tailor your stay to the activities you have in mind.

The Landscape Around Lake Kyyvesi

Lake Kyyvesi accounts for one fifth of Haukivuori’s area. The village centre, the smallest village centre in Finland, is on a peninsula and offers panoramic views of the lake. Saksalanharju, east of the village centre, also offers views of the lake. It is a unique, 478-hectare drumlin left behind by the Ice Age, rising 65 metres above the lake’s surface. Both places offer views of Lake Kyyvesi, but their landscapes differ: the centre is on a peninsula, while Saksalanharju is a drumlin.

Iso-Naakkima is another geological feature: it is one of eight meteorite craters discovered in Finland. Lake Kyyvesi and its surroundings also provide habitats for numerous rare and endangered species, including white-backed woodpeckers, grouse, capercaillies, orioles and otters. Keronvuori hill and the grove on its western side form a protected area.

Cycling and Hiking Routes

The approximately 90-kilometre cycling route starts in Kinnari in Mikkeli, passes through Haukivuori and ends at the Lomatrio campsite and service point in Naarajärvi near Pieksämäki. Haukivuori is therefore on the route between the start and finish. Another cycling route around Häkkilä is about 42 kilometres long; its starting point is at the intersection of Porsaskoskentie and National Road 72. In terms of length, this route is considerably shorter than the approximately 90-kilometre route. Route conditions may change; check them before setting out.

The Häkkilä hiking trails are 12 to 30 kilometres long and pass through varied forests and terrain around the village. They comprise a longer northern trail and a shorter southern one. The northern Häkkilä hiking trail is also suitable for mountain biking. Kirkonkierros is an eight-kilometre trail that can be walked or ridden by mountain bike. The hiking trails offer a choice of distances; mountain biking is also possible on Kirkonkierros and the northern Häkkilä trail.

Local History at the Museum

The Haukivuori Museum is housed in an old log granary that once served as a communal grain store. It opened to the public in 1962 and is run by Haukivuoren kotiseutuyhdistys ry. Exhibits include objects related to agriculture, fishing, blacksmithing and carpentry. The museum grounds are home to a windmill built in 1905, which was moved to its current location from the village of Häkkilä in 1966. The granary, collection and mill bring together different aspects of local history.

Planning Water Access

There are no boat launch sites in the protected areas of Lake Kyyvesi. You can access the water via Haukivuori Harbour or Kapustasalmi. If you plan to go boating, take these two access points into account.

Discover more destinations: Hietanen, Ristiina, Kangasniemi, Puumala, Pertunmaa, Majavesi, Otava, Hirvensalmi

For the main travel overview: Mikkeli.