Trip to the National Park
Spring, Summer, and Autumn Seasons
During the spring, summer, and autumn seasons, the trip to the national park takes you on a daily self-guided excursion to the magnificent archipelago of Lake Saimaa and Kaarnetsaari and Linnansaari islands. The cruise departs from Järvisydän to the home waters of the Saimaa ringed seal in the intricate archipelago of Linnansaari. First The ship docks at Kaarnetsaari island and after that to Linnansaari.
The trip is suitable for the whole family, and you can also bring a dog on the excursion (remember that dogs must always be kept on a leash in the national park). The ship offers drinks and light snacks for purchase.
Embark on a day trip into the heart of beautiful Saimaa!
Schedule:
Schedule:
Spring season 15.5.-20.6.2024
Departure from Järvisydän at 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM.
Departure from Linnansaari at 12:00 PM and 4:00 PM.
Departure from Kaarnetsaari to Järvisydän around 12:30 PM and 4:30 PM.
*the ship does not stop at Kaarnetsaari in May
Summer season 21.6.-31.8.2024
Departure from Järvisydän at 10:00 AM, 2:00 PM, and 6:00 PM.
Departure from Linnansaari at 12:00 PM, 4:00 PM, and 7:30 PM.
Departure from Kaarnetsaari to Järvisydän at 12:30 PM, 4:30 PM and 8:00 PM
Autumn season 1.9.-31.10.2024
Departure from Järvisydän at 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM.
Departure from Linnansaari at 12:00 PM and 4:00 PM.
Departure from Kaarnetsaari to Järvisydän around 12:30 PM and 4:30 PM.
Make sure you take all the trash etc. with you when leaving Linnansaari as there is no waste management. Biodegradable products can be discarded in the outhouse.
**You can choose Trip to the National Park as your activity, included in some of our holiday packages.
Excursions: 3h
Reservations conveniently available online, by 4:00 PM the day before the excursion. Dress according to the weather!
Cruises may be canceled in case of strong winds.
Dinner Cruise
Dinner Cruise from June 21st to August 31st, 2024
Daily cruise during the summer season from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM.
Enjoy a cozy dinner while cruising through the labyrinthine archipelago of Linnansaari National Park. During the cruise, you'll witness some of the most beautiful parts of Lake Saimaa, untouched islands, and the home waters of the Saimaa ringed seal and the osprey. Sharp-eyed guests might also spot these original inhabitants during the cruise.
A delicious buffet dinner will be served in our ship's dining room.
Trips throughout the year
During Christmas and Winter season
The trip to the national park takes you on a self-guided daily excursion to the stunning archipelago of Lake Saimaa. The route passes through the frozen Lake Saimaa towards Kaarnetsaari. The excursion begins with a heated sled ride. At Kaarnetsaari, you will find a fireplace and a nature trail in diverse terrain with spectacular scenic spots. During snowy conditions, the guide will also provide snowshoes for everyone and prepare the fires.
You can bring a dog on the trip (remember that dogs must always be kept on a leash). Join us for a day trip in the midst of the beautiful Lake Saimaa!
The excursion departs from Järvisydän at 10:00 AM (approximate travel time 20 minutes). Excursion time on the island is 45 minutes (the guide will wait on the island). Return transportation departs from Kaarnetsaari at 11:15 AM (approximate travel time 20 minutes).
Linnansaari island
TO SEE
·Linnavuori lookout
·Nature trails 2,8km, 5,5km and 7,5km
·Historic Louhimaa croft, near Sammakkoniemi
SERVICES
·Nature trails
·Firepit
·Camping site with cafe, sauna and well
·Dry toilets
Linnansaari National Park
The National Park is a 40 km long and 5 – 10 km wide area in the middle of Lake Haukivesi, a part of Lake Saimaa which is the largest lake in Finland. The magnificent landscape alternates between a labyrinth of sheltered islands and broader open waters. The park includes more than 130 islands and hundreds of smaller islets and protruding rocks. The Preserving Finland’s original Lakeland nature for future generations and research was mentioned as the justification for the establishment of the national park.
Source: nationalparks.fi/linnansaarinp/nature
Nature Trails of Linnansaari
Circular trail, 7 km, is the most popular hiking trail in the park. The trail is in quite difficult terrain, and it is marked with orange circles. The trail goes through varying landscape, including herb-rich forests and grove-like moist forests. The duckboard bridge with handrails, which crosses Linnansaarenlampi Pond, can be slippery when it rains. Sturdy shoes are needed on the trails of Linnansaari. Walking this trail takes 3 – 4 hours. Services: Camping site at Perpulanluhta and Sammakkoniemi Camping.
Linnonpolku Nature Trail, 2 km, is in varying terrain. The trail is marked with orange circles. On this trail you can see how both the natural phenomena and the man shape the landscape. Through the trees you can see Lake Haukivesi, which is part of the Saimaa lake complex. On this trail, you can learn about the prehistorical phases of Lake Saimaa forming. You can also find out about the herb-rich forests, which are rare in Finland, and their importance in contributing to biodiversity. A vulnerable bird species, White-backed Woodpecker (Dendrocopos leucotos) lives on the former slash-and-burn fields on the shores. In addition to the slash-and-burn birch forests, the influence of the man can be seen in the planted spruce forests, and in the imported Pinus contorta pines which were planted over 60 years ago. Walking this circular nature trail takes about 1 hour.
From Sammakkoniemi you can also get to Linnansaari Croft, 0,7 km. The trail is partly joined with other trails. On this trail you can learn about the different stages of slash-and-burn agriculture, and what influence it has had on the landscape and the natural features. At the croft you can find out who were the inhabitants of this croft and how they lived in the old times.
Kaarnetsaari island
SERVICES
·Nature trail
·AR nature trail
·Firepit
·Dry toilet
ANIMALS OF FINLAND AR TRAIL
Welcome to a trip to Finnish nature! The Animals of Finland AR Nature Trail will guide you through augmented reality to learn about the wonderful animal species in our nature in an inspiring way and based on facts. You can experience nature on your own mobile device (phone or tablet) and to get the best experience, we recommend you use headphones during the tour. The nature trail uses augmented reality (AR) technology
The Animals of Finland AR Nature Trail has been built along the Kaarnetsaari Tour. It is a 1,5 kilometers long ring route that can be detoured in either direction. At both ends of the route is a starting point board and instructions for downloading the mobile app needed for the tour.
Good to know when exploring the nature
Check the outdoor etiquette.
Things to remember while hiking in the National Park
-Feel free to pick berries or mushrooms from the wild
-Never have open fire anywhere else other than at assigned fire pits. The Sammakkoniemi cooking hut should be used when there is a wildfire warning.
-Please keep dogs on leash when in the National Park.
-Take everything back to mainland from the islands, including litter. No waste management available in Linnansaari island!