Hiking Trails
Starting Points for the Trails
All the hiking trails are on the main island of the park, Linnansaari Island. The trails start at the information board at Sammakkoniemi Camping.
Nature Trail
- 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.
- Services: Sammakkoniemi Camping.
Circle Trails
- 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.
- Sights: The trail goes to Linnavuori Rock scenic lookout place, where the view over the lake landscape of Haukivesi is worth seeing.
- Circular trail, 5,5 km, is a shorter version of the 7 km circular trail. It goes around Linnansaarenlampi Pond, and does not go up to Linnavuori Rock scenic lookout place.
- Services: Sammakkoniemi Camping.
- Circular trail, 2 km, is a short trail near Linnavuori Rock. It is a combination of parts of the two longer circular trails (7 km and 5,5 km).
- Services: Camping site at Perpulanluhta.
Other Trails
- 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.
- Services: Sammakkoniemi Camping.
- The trail from Sammakkoniemi Camping to Linnansaari Croft (0,7 km) is accessible by baby pram and wheelchair, but assistance is needed. Note! There is also a dry toilet suitable for the disabled at Sammakkoniemi.
- Linnavuori Rock scenic lookout place is 0,2 km from the landing place of Linnavuori. The ascent to Linnavuori Rock has been at some places made easier by building steps. The ground has a lot of roots sticking out and the terrain is quite difficult. The trail is marked with orange circles.
- From Linnavuori landing place you can also get to Perpulanluhta, 0,8 km, to the pier, 2,9 km, and to Sammakkoniemi Camping, 3,2 km.
