Check for Warnings
When forest and grass fire warnings (en.ilmatieteenlaitos.fi) are in effect, fire is only allowed at covered campfire sites that have a flue. A fire can be also lit in fireplaces at wilderness and other huts. Always use extreme caution when handling fire. The one who lights a fire is always responsible for its safe use. Please note, that making fire at these campfire sites can be banned locally.
Autumn hiking tips
Nälmänjoki rope-pulley ferry available until 31.10.2022
Virtasalmi bridge located on the Suomunkierto circle trail is renewed
Passage and movement restrictions
Suomu Nature Hut is open
Campfire sites and firewood
Ongoing research in Patvinsuo National Park
Autumn hiking tips from our customer advisors
(Updated 3rd of October 2022)
- When hiking in autumn, take into account that rocks and roots on the trail are slippery. Choose good, sturdy hiking shoes with you. Trekking poles are also a good help for hiking in slippery weather.
- Prepare for the trip with enough drinking water and suitable snacks.
- There can be a lot of deer flies.
- At the autumn, day is already shorter and it gets dark early. Before the trip, check the length of the day and the weather (ilmatieteenlaitos.fi). It is good to prepare for the trip with a headlamp or flashlight.
- Also remember to wear warm and weather-appropriate clothing.
- Get hold of the Outdoor Etiquette and also read the instructions and rules of Patvinsuo National Park before going on a hike.
- In the southern parts of the national park there are areas where the mobile network coverage could be bad. Remember to ensure the safety of your hike. Always check the warnings in advance (ilmatieteenlaitos.fi).
The Nälmänjoki rope-pulley ferry available until 31.10.2022
(Updated 3rd of October 2022)
The Nälmänjoki rope-pulley ferry will be lifted up at 31.10.2022. The ferry is usable again after the winter, about at mid-May.
The ferry is located in the southern part of the Patvin kierto Circle Trail (25 km), between Pirskanlampi and Majaniemi camping areas. Until 31.10., Patvin kierto Circle Trail can be circled using the southern path.
Check out Patvinsuo National Park's maps and trails when planning your hiking trip.
Shooting training at the Finnish Frontier Guard's restricted military area
(Updated 3rd of October 2022)
The Patvinkierto trail leading from Lahnalampi parking area to Pirskanlampi camping area goes next to the Finnish Frontier Guard's restricted military area. This shooting range is marked in the terrain by red circles around tree trunks. Entering the restricted area during shooting practice is strictly forbidden, so stay at the marked trails.
During 2022 shooting practice will take place:
- 10.10.-13.10.2022
- 10.10.2022 1 pm - 6 pm
- 11.10.2022 8 am - 12 pm
- 12.10.2022 8 am - 12 pm
- 13.10.2022 8 am - 12 pm
- 24.10.-31.10.2022
There are signs in the areas vicinity and along trails leading to the area with information about shooting practice times.
Suomu Nature Information Hut
(Updated 24th of September 2022)
The Suomu Nature Hut in Patvinsuo is open 1.9.-30.9. Wed-Sun at 10 am - 5 pm. More information about the services and opening hours of the Suomu Nature Hut: Read more.
Virtasalmi bridge located on the Suomunkierto circle trail is renewed
(Updated 24th of September 2022)
Virtasalmi walking bridge along Suomunkierto Circle Trail is under renowal. The crossing of Virtasalmi is occasionally closed. You can also go around Virtasalmi by following the path on the east side of Alanne , which adds one kilometer to the route.
Insect Traps on the Shores of Lake Suomunjärvi
(Updated 20th of May 2022)
There are insect traps on the shores of Lake Suomunjärvi. They are not plastic rubbish. Insect traps are used to try to find out the species of beetles on sandy beaches. Please do not touch the traps if you happen to find it.
Patvinsuo visitor survey has begun
(Updated 16th of May 2022)
A visitor survey and related interviews will be conducted in Patvinsuo National Park from mid-May to mid-September. Interviews are mainly conducted near Suomu Nature Hut, Suomunranta and Kurkilahti. Interviews are also conducted on Patvinsuo National Park’s and smaller parking areas.
The study examines visitor satisfaction, visitor structure, regional distribution of use, duration and reasons of visit, use of money, and timely distribution of use.
Participating to the survey takes about 10-15 minutes. We hope positive attitude and participation from the visitors. The results of the study will be utilized in the development of the area.
All campfire sites have been maintained
(Updated 1st of March 2022)
The winter maintenance of Patvinsuo has been completed. Firewood has been delivered to the campfire sites.
