Pieksämäki: Railway Heritage, Culture and Nature

Pieksämäki can be explored through a range of interests: the history of the Savon railway, trails through varied landscapes and historic buildings. There are also changing exhibitions, concerts and theatre. If you’re looking for a hotel in Pieksämäki, you can use these highlights to tailor your stay to your own plans.

Explore the VedenjakajaReitistö

The VedenjakajaReitistö offers routes for cycling, running, paddling and hiking. The trails pass through hilly landscapes, sandy heathland and a varied mire landscape. As well as the activity you choose, you can enjoy a range of different landscapes. Whether you prefer hiking, running, cycling or paddling, you’ll find routes for all four activities on the Reitistö.

The VedenjakajaReitistö can be reached by car and public transport, and is two kilometres from Pieksämäki railway station. If you’re planning to travel by public transport, check which connections are available on your travel day. The distance from the railway station is also a useful point of reference when considering the Reitistö’s location as part of your plans.

Railway History and Performing Arts

The Savon radan museo focuses on the history of the Savon railway line and the Pieksämäki region. The museum is housed in a former station building, constructed in 1889. It also includes a play area for children. The site therefore combines railway history with a dedicated space for younger visitors.

Kulttuurikeskus Poleeni hosts changing exhibitions, concerts and theatre performances. If you’d like to include a specific cultural event in your travel plans, check the venue’s current schedule. The changing exhibitions and range of stage events offer different ways to engage with the cultural programme.

Old Church, Vicarage and Glacial Erratic

The Old Church of the Pieksämäki parish was built in 1753 under the direction of August Sorsa. It is one of the oldest surviving wooden churches in eastern Finland. Another historic building is Pieksämäen Iso-Pappila: the vicarage is over 210 years old and designed in the Gustavian style. It is surrounded by the restored garden, Sylvin puisto. The church, vicarage and garden showcase different aspects of the local cultural heritage.

In summer, the Iso-Pappila programme includes art exhibitions and open-air theatre performances. If you’d like to plan your stay around an exhibition or performance, check the specific dates. Linnakivi adds a geological point of interest: this glacial erratic is the second largest in Finland.

Venues and Surrounding Area

Veturitori is in the centre of Pieksämäki, right next to the railway station and market square. If you’re planning an event, Veturitori can host concerts, fairs, training sessions, and sports and festive events. If you’d like to combine your trip with an event, check the date of the event in question; the venue’s suitability does not indicate which event is currently taking place.

Nearby, on the border between Pieksämäki and Suonenjoki, is Haapakosken Ruukki, a nationally significant built cultural heritage site. Guided tours are available for groups by prior arrangement. If you’re travelling as a group and can arrange the tour in advance, you can include this visit in your plans.

Discover More Destinations

Härkälä, Juva, Hatsola, Jäppilä, Joroinen, Neuvola, Venetmäki, Rantasalmi

For the broader travel overview: South Savo.