Trip to the National Park

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 Linnansaari islands. The cruise departs from Järvisydän to the home waters of the Saimaa ringed seal in the intricate archipelago of 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.

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.

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.

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.

Read more about the trip

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. 

Book a dinner cruise

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).

Book trip

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

The ship does not stop at Kaarnetsaari - Spend an adventurous day paddling your way to Kaarnetsaari!

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.

Mobile app Instructions

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!

Map of Linnansaari

Filter activities

Excursion to the National Park

Daily between 15th May and 31st October. The excursion to the national park takes you on a self-guided trip to the magnificent archipelago of Lake Saimaa every day. The journey starts with the traditional white-sided cruiser, M/S Puijo, departing from Järvisydän. The cruise heads from Järvisydän to the labyrinthine archipelago of Linnansaari, the home waters of the Saimaa ringed seal.

e-Fat Bike Tour

Mon, Wed, Fri

FAT BIKE TOUR IN THE FOREST OF POROSALMI Autumn season Mon, Wed, Fri | 16.00-18.00 We begin the trip from Järvisydän, by checking...

Equipment rental

In the autumn season you can find the FOLLOWING  rentaL EquipmentS: e-Fat Bikes SUP boards kayaks (dual, individual) canoes picnic lunches Price of...

Fisher’s Lunch

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Morning Yoga

The wellbeing classes are held in Kuru Resort’s Lazy Space. Relax and do yoga in the space, such as Tibetan sound bowl bath,...

Aerial Yoga

The wellbeing classes are held in Kuru Resort’s Lazy Space. Relax and do yoga in the space, such as Tibetan sound bowl bath,...

Kuru Self Care Yoga

The wellbeing classes are held in Kuru Resort’s Lazy Space. Relax and do yoga in the space, such as Tibetan sound bowl bath,...

Trip to the National Park

WINTER TRIP TO NATIONAL PARK 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.

Sound Bath

The wellbeing classes are held in Kuru Resort’s Lazy Space. Relax and do yoga in the space, such as Tibetan sound bowl bath,...

Yin Yoga & Ball massage

The wellbeing classes are held in Kuru Resort’s Lazy Space. Relax and do yoga in the space, such as Tibetan sound bowl bath,...

Grounding Yin – Pampering Yoga

Grounding Yin – Pampering yoga – in Kuru Resort   Schedule: (see open courses from our online shop)   This yoga class combines...

Guided Paddling tour

Paddling TRIP During Summer season 15th July to 31st Aug at 10.00 AM. Join us for a quiet kayaking/ canoeing trip to the...

Seal Watching Trip

Seal-watching trips to the National Park on a wooden boat, daily from May to August. Our trained Seal Guide knows the best seal-watching...

Seal Watching Trip

Seal Watching Trip with nostalgic wooden boat to Linnansaari National Park. Daily departure at 10.00am from May to September.

Yacht Cruise

Yacht Cruises Daily cruises on a yacht from June 21st to August 31st. Join us for a Yacht cruise on our gorgeous yacht...

Fishing safari 2,5h

Fishing Safari 2,5h Daily departures at 13.00-15.30 from May to October. Hop on a state of the art fishing boat and hit the...

Forest Yoga

Forest Yoga Forest Yoga is a performance-free yoga practice that enhances your connection with nature and body awareness. During the hour, you’ll have...

Dinner Cruise

Dinner Cruise on M/S PUIJO Available 6.6., 12.6., 15.6. and daily from June 21st until 31st August. Departures at 18.00! *** Other times,...

Siesta

The wellbeing classes are held in Kuru Resort’s Lazy Space. Relax and do yoga in the space, such as Tibetan sound bowl bath,...

Safari house

Rent equipments or book a trip from the Safari house! You can also find our Outdoor Shop from the Safari house with high quality camping gear and equipments. Open daily 10-16.

Bonfire cruise

Fri 21st June 2024

Bonfire cruise 2024 Friday 21.6.2024 At 22.00-23.00 Duration 1 h Price: 21 € Join us for a bonfire cruise to see the traditional...

Hiking Trip to the Campfire

Hiking Trip to the CampFire Christmas/Winter/Spring season Daily 16.00-18.00 Enjoy a short hiking trip through the forest of Järvisydän with our guide. During...

Springtime Yin Yoga

The wellbeing classes are held in Kuru Resort’s Lazy Space. Relax and do yoga in the space, such as Tibetan sound bowl bath,...

Sleigh ride

This activity is no longer available for spring 2024. Join for a nostalgic sleigh ride in the winter forest of Porosalmi! Sleigh rides...

Equipment rental in SUMMER

EQUIPMENT in AUTUMN SUMMER: -e-Fat Bikes -Canoes -Kayaks -SUP (stand up paddle boards) Price of rent: 32,90€/ 2h | 16,45€/ children. You might be...

Snowmobile safaris

Embark on a 1,5h or 3h snowmobile safari to the snowy forests of Porosalmi, where the best spots offer views across Lake Saimaa. The journey starts from the Safari House at Järvisydän, where a guide will pick you up to prepare for the adventure in Porokylä.
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