Haukivuori: Cycling Routes, Nature and Culture

Haukivuori brings together the expansive landscape around Lake Kyyvesi, unusual geological features, cycling and hiking trails, and a lively local history. The Iso-Naakkima meteorite crater adds a distinctive touch; at the museum, an old granary and a relocated windmill tell stories of the past. When planning your trip, you can choose between nature, outdoor activities and culture as different focal points.

Haukivuori at a glance

• Lake Kyyvesi covers one-fifth of Haukivuori’s area.
• Iso-Naakkima is one of eight meteorite craters discovered in Finland.
• The village centre is on a peninsula and offers panoramic views of Lake Kyyvesi.
• The Häkkilä hiking trails are 12 to 30 kilometres long; the cycling route around Häkkilä is about 42 kilometres long.
• The Haukivuori Museum opened to the public in 1962 and is housed in an old log-built granary.

Lake scenery, a drumlin and rare species

Lake Kyyvesi shapes Haukivuori not only through its size: the lake and its surroundings provide a habitat for numerous rare and endangered species. These include white-backed woodpeckers, hazel grouse, capercaillies, golden orioles and otters. For anyone interested in observing nature, this is a good reason to turn their attention to the wildlife around the lake.

East of the village centre, Saksalanharju rises above the landscape. This drumlin, left behind by the Ice Age, covers 478 hectares and rises 65 metres above the lake level; it offers views of Lake Kyyvesi. The landform combines a striking change in elevation with expansive scenery. Keronvuori hill and the grove on its western side also form part of a protected area.

Lake Kyyvesi is also important when planning a boat trip. There are no boat launch sites in its protected areas; access to the water is available via Haukivuori harbour or Kapustasalmi. This distinction helps you plan water activities separately from visits to nature reserves.

Cycling and hiking around Haukivuori

The trails vary in length and in how you can travel along them. Kirkonkierros is an eight-kilometre hiking trail that you can explore on foot or by mountain bike. The Häkkilä hiking trails loop around the village through varied forests and terrain. They split into a longer northern trail and a shorter southern trail; the northern trail is also suitable for mountain biking.

For a longer ride, there is the approximately 42-kilometre cycling route around Häkkilä. It starts at the intersection of Porsaskoskentie and National Road 72. Route conditions may change. Another option is the approximately 90-kilometre cycling route that starts in Kinnari in Mikkeli, passes through Haukivuori, and ends at the Lomatrio campsite and service point in Naarajärvi near Pieksämäki. These route lengths give you an idea of the different distances available for planning a trip, without implying a particular travel time.

When choosing a hotel, you can first consider what kind of pace you want for your stay: shorter trails and scenic views, or a longer cycling route as the main focus. If you have several interests, you can also include culture and nature in your travel plans. Haukivuori offers a range of themes, so your stay need not revolve around just one activity.

Local history at the Haukivuori Museum

The Haukivuori Museum is housed in an old log-built granary that once served as a municipal granary. It opened to the public in 1962 and is run by the Haukivuori Local Heritage Association (Haukivuoren kotiseutuyhdistys ry). The collection focuses on objects related to agriculture, fishing, blacksmithing and carpentry.

The museum grounds tell a story of their own: they are home to a windmill built in 1905. In 1966, it was relocated from the village of Häkkilä to its current site. The building and windmill thus offer two different glimpses into local history—from the former municipal granary to a structure whose location has changed over time.

The village centre offers another scenic view: it is considered Finland’s smallest village centre, is located on a peninsula and provides panoramic views of Lake Kyyvesi. Together with the Saksalanharju drumlin, it offers a contrast between views from the village centre and a striking landform shaped by the Ice Age.

Frequently asked questions about Haukivuori

What makes Iso-Naakkima special?

Iso-Naakkima is one of eight meteorite craters discovered in Finland. This rare geological feature is one of the defining characteristics of Haukivuori.

What cycling routes are there in Haukivuori?

Kirkonkierros is eight kilometres long and can be travelled on foot or by mountain bike. Other options include the approximately 42-kilometre cycling route around Häkkilä and a roughly 90-kilometre route from Kinnari in Mikkeli, through Haukivuori, to Naarajärvi near Pieksämäki.

What can you see at the Haukivuori Museum?

The museum displays objects related to agriculture, fishing, blacksmithing and carpentry. The grounds are also home to a windmill built in 1905 and relocated there from Häkkilä in 1966.

Where can you access the water at Lake Kyyvesi?

There are no boat launch sites in the protected areas of Lake Kyyvesi. Access to the water is available via Haukivuori harbour or Kapustasalmi.

Discover more destinations: Hietanen, Mäntyharju, Vanhamäki, Puumala, Pertunmaa, Kangasniemi, Ristiina and Otava.

Back to the main travel overview: Mikkeli.