Discover Kinnula: Hiking Trails, Nature and Culture

Kinnula brings together distinctive natural sites with trails and leisure activities for different seasons. On the Nielujärvi Trail, you’ll come across blue trail markers, a birdwatching tower and a lean-to shelter by the river. There is also an extensive network of hiking trails, winter cross-country ski tracks and sledding opportunities, as well as the history of the local church. Which of these appeals to you most can help you plan your days and choose a place to stay as your base.

Kinnula at a glance

• The Nielujärvi Trail is about 9.9 kilometres long.
• The trail features the Nielujärven lintutorni birdwatching tower and the Nielujärven laavu lean-to shelter.
• Kinnula’s outdoor recreation area offers activities including disc golf, a fitness staircase and winter ski tracks.
• Kinnulan Pyhä puu is an ancient, protected deadwood pine on Tikkakangas.
• Kinnula Church was completed in 1867.

Hiking on marked trails

At around 9.9 kilometres, the Nielujärvi Trail offers a practical reference for planning a day out. It forms part of Peuran polku and the Hirvaan kierros circuit in Salamajärvi National Park. Blue markers show the route. Along the way is the Nielujärven lintutorni birdwatching tower—a dedicated stopping point for anyone who would like to combine their hike with a break for birdwatching.

The location of the Nielujärven laavu lean-to shelter also makes it a distinctive landmark: it stands on the shore of the Matkusjoki River, along the Nielujärvi Trail. The Suurijärven retkeilyreitistö hiking trail network is separate. It covers an extensive area across Kinnula, Reisjärvi and Pihtipudas, with one starting point in Kinnula on Jääkoluntie. There is a car park there. This means you can plan your hike around either a single marked route or a larger trail network.

Activities in Kinnula’s outdoor recreation area

If you’re looking for exercise away from the hiking trails, Kinnula’s outdoor recreation area has an 18-hole disc golf course. The individual holes range from 51 to 220 metres in length. A fitness staircase with 104 steps adds to the options. These figures help clarify the different activities without treating them as equivalent: the course is described by its holes and their lengths, while the staircase is described by its number of steps.

In winter, there is a lit three-kilometre ski track and another track that is five kilometres long. There is also a sledding hill beside the fitness staircase. A kota (traditional Finnish hut) stands by the hill and can be used, for example, to grill sausages and warm up. The winter activities therefore have distinct purposes: the tracks are for cross-country skiing, while the sledding hill and kota offer something different. A dog park on Palolaitoksentie is open for everyone to use free of charge.

A natural monument and Kinnula Church

Kinnulan Pyhä puu is an ancient, protected deadwood pine on Tikkakangas. The names Tikkakankaan Karhupetäjä and Uhripetäjä also refer to this tree. There is a lean-to shelter nearby. The appeal of this place lies in the combination of a single old tree, its protected status and its traditional names—a different way to experience nature from the longer hiking routes around Kinnula.

Kinnula Church, completed in 1867, offers a cultural counterpoint. It has a cruciform layout, with the bell tower adjoining the west arm. It was built by church builder Otto Korkiakoski from Sievi. A visit can be arranged by contacting the staff. Two wheelchair spaces are accessible via a wheelchair ramp; access to the church grounds is via Kirkkotie, where there are plenty of parking spaces. The local cultural offerings also include the Kinnulan kotiseutumuseo local history museum.

Choose accommodation to suit your travel interests

When planning a trip to Kinnula, you can start by considering which experiences matter most to you: hiking a marked route, exploring a longer trail network, enjoying activities in the outdoor recreation area, or visiting natural and cultural sites. Each of the activities described has its own focus; they can help you plan your trip around your group’s interests rather than structuring every day in the same way.

Discover more destinations: Jämsä, Suolahti, Laukaa, Kajaani, Karstula, Saarijärvi, Muurame and Kivijärvi.

Frequently asked questions about Kinnula

How long is the Nielujärvi Trail?

The trail is about 9.9 kilometres long. It forms part of Peuran polku and the Hirvaan kierros circuit in Salamajärvi National Park and is marked in blue.

Where does the Suurijärven retkeilyreitistö hiking trail network start in Kinnula?

One starting point is on Jääkoluntie, where there is a car park. The trail network extends across Kinnula, Reisjärvi and Pihtipudas.

What is there to do in winter?

Kinnula’s outdoor recreation area has a lit three-kilometre ski track and another that is five kilometres long. There is also a sledding hill and a kota that can be used, among other things, to warm up.

How can I visit Kinnula Church?

A visit can be arranged by contacting the staff. The church has two wheelchair spaces accessible via a ramp; access to the grounds is via Kirkkotie.

Is there a dog park in Kinnula?

Yes. There is a dog park in the outdoor recreation area on Palolaitoksentie, and it is open for everyone to use free of charge.

For the regional travel overview: Central Finland.