Sights and Activities in Hytermä

Nature

The Hytermä islands, Suuri-Hytermä and Pieni-Hytermä and Laviasaari are regarded as the most beautiful islands in lake Puruvesi. The landscape is dominated by a handsome, fairly barren esker ridge with pine forests, fine sandy beaches, inlets, headlands and three ponds.

A sturdy pine forest grows on the slopes of an esker.

The forests were used for forestry purposes until the late 1920s when the Häyrynen's acquired the area. The sturdy pine forest that grew slowly on the slopes of the esker was maintained gently to cherish natural beauty. Completely untouched virgin forests and old-growth forests remain in the area.

Sights

Four hikers at a stone-built monument. There is a lake in the background.

The "Labour Memorial" still rises proud on the esker slope in the eastern part of the island. Hikers may explore Romu-Heikki's domain independently.

Between the yard and the pine forest there are three storehouses for utensils built from logs, i.e. the mistress's cabin, a balcony-access storehouse and a granary.

The three storehouses for utensils, the mistress's cabin, a balcony-access storehouse, a granary, windmill and staircases and resting spaces built of stone allow visitors to return in spirit to Romu-Heikki's era. Beautiful views of the esker forests and the lake open up from the unmarked path on the esker. You can walk along the path to enjoy a moment's silence in the graveyard of Romu-Heikki and Little Julia. The couple's faithful guard dogs still guard them in their own grave by the gate. Buildings in Hytermä are locked.

Trails

A marked trail, two kilometres in length, and some unmarked trails of  Suuri-Hytermä island allow visitors to explore the island's sights. Along Romu-Heikki's trail there are information boards of nature, history and the colourful person, Romu-Heikki, of Hytermä. Easy circle trail – steep in places - runs from the southern part of the island from the “Labour Memorial” below the esker, past the outbuildings to the “forest museum” and balcony-access storehouse and further along the shore to the graveyard in Laviasaari. On the way back, the trail runs on top of the esker where one can admire the lovely lake views, perhaps taking a break at one of the resting places built of stone.

Four hikers on a trail in a ridge landscape.
 

Outdoor Etiquette

A cartoon picture of a family walking on a summer path.

1. Respect nature.

2. Mainly use marked trails.

3. Camp only where it is allowed.

4. Light your campfire only where it is allowed.

5. Do not litter.

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