Discover Kuhmoinen: Lakes, Cycling Routes and History

Lakes, distinctive landscapes and traces of different eras give Kuhmoinen its own character. When planning a trip here, you can combine active days on the mountain biking trail network with water activities, scenery and cultural history. There are also plenty of ways to explore together with children, from the children’s art trail to historical sites that are easy to put into context.

Kuhmoinen at a glance

• Part of Tehinselkä, the Päijänne’s widest open-water area, lies within the waters of Kuhmoinen.
• The mountain biking trail network covers 65 kilometres and includes easy, challenging and very challenging sections.
• Boating, kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding are possible on many of the area’s numerous lakes; kayaks and SUP boards can be rented from several businesses.
• The rock paintings at Pyhänpää, near Lästilä, consist of two still-recognisable red ochre images dating from the Stone Age.
• The Kuhmoisten Saha industrial complex on the shore of Lake Päijänne was developed between 1912 and 1985 and has been preserved in a relatively unified and intact condition.
• Päijälä Hillfort was designated a nationally valuable landscape area in 2021.

Between cycling routes and water

The 65-kilometre mountain biking trail network lets you plan a ride of different lengths: choose shorter sections or take on the entire network. The routes range from easy to challenging and very challenging.

Water also opens up possibilities for active days. The many lakes in Kuhmoinen invite you to go boating, kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding in numerous locations. Kayaks and SUP boards can be rented from several businesses; availability may vary by season. If water activities are a priority, this seasonal variation is worth keeping in mind when planning your trip. Part of Tehinselkä, the Päijänne’s widest open-water area, lies within the waters of Kuhmoinen—a striking landscape feature in a destination where cycling and water activities complement one another.

Discover the landscape and history

Different periods of history meet in Kuhmoinen. The two still-recognisable red ochre images at Pyhänpää, near Lästilä, date back to the Stone Age. The local history museum, meanwhile, displays an extensive collection of agricultural objects in a three-storey building. Together, these places offer glimpses into very different aspects of the past: Stone Age images in one place, objects from rural life in another.

The shore of Lake Päijänne also bears traces of industrial history. The Kuhmoisten Saha complex developed over a long period, between 1912 and 1985. Despite changes in use and renovations, it has been preserved in a relatively unified and intact condition. Those interested in how a place has evolved will find a different perspective on history here than at the prehistoric rock paintings or the collection in the local history museum.

Päijälä Hillfort is also a place of particular landscape significance: in 2021, it was designated a nationally valuable landscape area, making it one of 186 such areas in Finland. At the foot of the hillfort, there is a paved car park with an information board, which is also in English; a more recent information board is located at the summit. Separate from this is Linnavuori in Kuhmoinen, an ancient defensive stronghold. Its rocky summit rises 40 metres above the surrounding area.

Activities to enjoy together and winter ideas

For families, the children’s art trail in the central park is a specific place to visit. It was designed especially for children, and artist Eino Viikilä contributed to its concept. If you’re looking for another activity to enjoy together, the versatile disc golf course near the school centre offers a different way to spend time outdoors. The 18-hole course can be played alone or in a group, regardless of age or skill level.

Winter brings its own options, too. The municipality maintains around ten cross-country ski trails, ranging from 0.5 to 10 kilometres in length. There are routes for everything from a short outing to a considerably longer ski. When planning, consider the time available and the distance you want to cover rather than treating all the trails as the same kind of outing.

What kind of experiences do you want to shape your stay?

There are many ways to explore Kuhmoinen, from a ride on the mountain biking trail network and activities on the water to scenic outings and cultural and historical discoveries.

If you’d like to explore more destinations for your trip to Finland, discover Keuruu, Jämsänkoski, Juokslahti, Häkkilä, Laukaa, Lievestuore, Vaajakoski and Rutalahti.

Frequently asked questions about Kuhmoinen

What options are there for cycling?

The mountain biking trail network is 65 kilometres long. You can choose shorter sections or ride the entire network; the sections are described as easy, challenging or very challenging.

Can you rent kayaks or SUP boards in Kuhmoinen?

Yes. Several businesses rent kayaks and SUP boards. Rental availability may vary by season.

What does Kuhmoinen offer families with children?

The children’s art trail in the central park was designed especially for children. Another activity to enjoy together is the 18-hole disc golf course, which can be played alone or in a group, regardless of age or skill level.

Which places offer insight into the area’s history?

The different places to visit include the Stone Age rock paintings at Pyhänpää, the local history museum with its agricultural collection, and the Kuhmoisten Saha industrial complex on Lake Päijänne.

Where can I find the tourist information office?

Kuhmoinen Public Library also serves as the tourist information office. It is located at Toritie 42; the listed phone number is +358 40 359 4543.

For the regional travel overview: Central Finland.