Sumiainen between Lake Keitele and Lake Sumiaisjärvi

Sumiainen’s landscape is evident in its location: the village centre lies on an isthmus between Lake Keitele and Lake Sumiaisjärvi. Neo-Gothic church architecture, paths through forests and gorges, and a museum area created through volunteer work offer different ways to shape your stay. The contrast is especially interesting: you can explore the village and its culture as well as an easy trail or rocky, challenging terrain.

Sumiainen at a glance

• The village centre lies between Lake Keitele and Lake Sumiaisjärvi, in a nationally valuable landscape area and a valuable built cultural environment.
• The Neo-Gothic church was consecrated in 1890; its nave has an octagonal floor plan.
• At Sumiaisten Hitonhauta, the upper trail, about one kilometre long, is easy to walk; the lower trail is rocky and challenging.
• The Laulavan-Mörön Trail passes through several village and lakeside landscapes and is also suitable for mountain biking.
• Köyhyydenkylä is a museum area for events and celebrations; guided tours and, for example, musical performances are available on request.

Isthmus, village scenery and church

The location between two lakes shapes the village centre of Sumiainen. It is considered a nationally valuable landscape area and, at the same time, a valuable built cultural environment. Nature and the village setting are both part of the destination’s character: the surroundings are not just a backdrop for activities, but also part of what makes Sumiainen distinctive.

A prominent landmark is the Neo-Gothic church of Sumiainen. It was consecrated in 1890, and its nave has an octagonal floor plan. The church serves as a road church in summer. For architecture enthusiasts, it offers a cultural highlight that stands apart from the nature trails and lakeside scenery.

Two trails at Sumiaisten Hitonhauta

Sumiaisten Hitonhauta is a developed natural area with a rock face and a gorge-like depression. The trails differ considerably in character. The upper trail passes through woodland resembling a deciduous forest to Mount Hitonhauta; it is easy to walk, about one kilometre long, and offers magnificent views. The lower trail, by contrast, leads to the bottom of the gorge at the foot of steep rock faces; it is rocky and challenging.

If you are planning for different age groups, this gives you a specific distinction to consider when planning the day, without judging both trails by the same standard. Part of the trail network runs through a nature reserve. This applies to sections of the trails, not necessarily to every route at Hitonhauta.

To reach the natural area, travel from the centre of Sumiainen via Sumiaisraitti onto Savolantie, then continue about 2.5 kilometres to the turn-off for Sumiaisten Hitonhauta. Road conditions may vary. The approximate distance describes the drive to the turn-off, not the driving time.

Village landscapes and trails around Sumiainen

The Laulavan-Mörön Trail offers a different perspective on the landscape: it passes through the villages of Syvälahti, Lohilahti and Vihijärvi in Sumiainen, as well as through lakeside scenery, forested heaths and ridges. The trail is well suited to mountain biking; surface conditions may vary. This gives nature and cycling enthusiasts a specific route to follow without reducing the different landscape features to a single theme.

There are several possible starting points for planning your trip. Shorter, interconnected trails also run in the area. Väliharju Shelter, a rest stop for hikers of all ages and sizes, is located on the Laulavan-Mörön Trail.

Village culture, water and accommodation options

Köyhyydenkylä is an atmospheric museum area in Rautionmäki for events and celebrations. It was built through volunteer work to tell the story of a bygone era, using recycled materials. This gives it a different character from the church building or the trails through the landscape. Guided tours and, for example, musical performances are available at Köyhyydenkylä on request.

Water is also part of the picture: the Keitele boating routes pass near Sumiainen. The nature around Sumiainen also invites you to go fishing. These interests can be considered as separate focal points for a stay; the routes and activities mentioned do not indicate specific accommodation offerings.

When looking for accommodation, consider what you want your trip to focus on: the village scenery and church, the trails at Hitonhauta, the village and lakeside landscapes, or a visit connected with Köyhyydenkylä. This way, you can start choosing accommodation with a clear idea of the kind of stay you want, rather than with general expectations about amenities or location. If you would like to plan a trip beyond Sumiainen, also discover Jyväskylä, Haapamäki, Pihtipudas, Kannonkoski, Äänekoski, Muurame, Laukaa and Jämsä as other destinations.

Frequently asked questions about Sumiainen

What is the difference between the two trails at Sumiaisten Hitonhauta?

The upper trail is easy to walk and passes through woodland to Mount Hitonhauta. The lower trail leads to the bottom of the gorge and is rocky and challenging.

How long is the upper trail at Hitonhauta?

The trail is about one kilometre long. It passes through woodland resembling a deciduous forest and offers views.

What can I expect on the Laulavan-Mörön Trail?

The trail passes through the landscapes of Syvälahti, Lohilahti and Vihijärvi, as well as lakeside scenery, forested heaths and ridges. It is also suitable for mountain biking and has several possible starting points.

Are guided tours available at Köyhyydenkylä?

Yes. Guided tours are available on request; musical performances are also mentioned as an example.

When does the church of Sumiainen serve as a road church?

The church serves as a road church in summer. It was consecrated in 1890 and has a nave with an octagonal floor plan.

For the broader travel overview: Central Finland.