Kannonkoski: Lakes, Sand Beaches and Special Discoveries

Kannonkoski brings together the lakeside landscape of Lake Kivijärvi and special places of cultural and natural history. In Nuottala, the harbour, beach and local heritage collection are close to one another; further afield, sand beaches, rock formations and trails offer different experiences. You can shape your stay around the water, landscape, history or outdoor activities, and choose a base according to which of these aspects you most want to explore.

Kannonkoski at a glance

• The church is considered a significant example of early Finnish Functionalist church architecture; its surroundings are of national importance.
• Nuottala Beach lies by the harbour of Kannonkoski, on Lake Kivijärvi in Hangaslahti Bay.
• The local heritage collection is housed in an old log barn near the harbour and is open by appointment.
• Isohiekka is in the north of Kannonkoski, on the edge of a nature reserve, and has a wide sandy beach.
• At Kiihkovuori, a trail with varied sections leads to Peikonpesä Cave; Vartiolinna is recommended as a starting point.

Church, village history and local heritage collection

Kannonkoski Church stands out for its architecture: it is a significant example of early Functionalism in Finnish church architecture. Its surroundings are also of national importance. Those interested in architectural heritage will find a tangible point of interest here, distinct from the nature experiences by the lake and giving the area its own historical dimension.

Another glimpse into local history can be found at the local heritage collection in Nuottala. It is housed in an old log barn and consists mainly of objects related to farming and household life. The collection focuses on the everyday life and work that shaped the area. As visits are by appointment, it is especially suited to a planned cultural stop rather than a spontaneous detour.

Kannonkoski’s history also includes Kannonsaha, established in 1835. It was the largest commercial sawmill in Northern Central Finland, and a thriving village community grew up around it. The Kannonsaha Monument is a landmark in its own right: a short footpath leads to it from the signpost on Saarijärventie. The history of Kannonsaha and the Kannonsaha Monument offer two different ways to get to know Kannonkoski.

Shorelines, beaches and nature areas

The harbour offers a particularly clear sense of Kannonkoski’s connection to the water. Nuottala Beach lies on the shore of Lake Kivijärvi in Hangaslahti, and the harbour area offers opportunities for fishing and boating. Here, a swimming and lakeside landscape meets activities on the water. If you prefer a quieter stay, you can make the beach your destination; if you are looking for more activity, the harbour offers another way to enjoy the lake.

Kannonkoski is also home to the sandy beaches of Lake Kivijärvi. Some of these beaches are designated as nature reserves. This is an important distinction when finding your way around: the shores are interesting not only for swimming and recreation but also include protected areas. In the north of the area, Isohiekka lies on the edge of a nature reserve. Its wide sandy beach makes it a destination in its own right within Kannonkoski.

At Kiihkovuori, the focus shifts to rocks and caves. Peikonpesä is a cave reached by a trail with varied sections; Vartiolinna is recommended as a starting point. From the summit area of Kiihkovuori, you can see Lake Kivijärvi. The cave and the view offer two different reasons to make the trip: the route to a striking natural formation and the panorama over the lake landscape.

Tapulikivet in Lakosyvänmaa are also worth a closer look. This striking natural rock formation is linked to local folklore. Landscape and storytelling come together here: the rock’s shape and the stories passed down through generations are both part of the place’s appeal. Travellers who enjoy exploring natural features alongside local culture will find a different kind of discovery here than by the lakeshore.

Trails, an island and activities in the municipality

An easy-to-walk nature trail runs through the landscape of Piispala and Öijänniemi, introducing visitors to the nature of Kannonkoski. Check whether it is maintained before setting out. When planning, it is also important not to confuse Piispala with the settlement centre of Kannonkoski: the nature, sports and youth tourism centre is on the shore of Lake Kivijärvi in Piispalankylä, within the municipality. Its nature and adventure programme includes a 12-metre-high climbing tower.

Piispala’s offerings appeal to different interests than a walk on the beach or a visit to the local heritage collection. The nature trail combines outdoor activity with nature education, while the climbing tower is part of the centre’s adventure programme. When choosing a base, it is therefore worth considering the experiences you want: Kannonkoski itself offers culture, a harbour and a beach, while Piispala is a separate destination in the municipality for nature and sports activities.

On Lintusaari, you can fish, walk along the trails, or sit by the shore and listen to the natural sounds of the island. The landscape is surrounded by deep water and steep rocky shores. In the island’s green interior, pine trees of different ages and rare plant species form a distinctive habitat. An island stay is therefore quite different from the open sandy beaches: the rocks, woodland and quiet time by the shore shape the experience.

Getting there and choosing a base

From Helsinki and Oulu, the route follows Road 4 or E75 to Viitasaari. From there, continue along the Blue Road 77 and Road 648 to the centre of Kannonkoski. This route provides clear directions for reaching the area. If your trip focuses mainly on the church, local heritage collection, harbour and Nuottala, Kannonkoski is the natural base for planning. For Piispala, the nature trail or island activities, take their respective locations within the municipality into account.

If your focus is more on nature and sports activities, consider Piispala as a separate destination within the municipality.

If you’d like to discover more destinations for your trip to Finland, the pages for Petäjävesi, Pylkönmäki, Karstula, Haapamäki, Kivijärvi, Oulunsalo, Äänekoski and Luhanka will take you to more places to visit.

Frequently asked questions about Kannonkoski

Where is Nuottala Beach?

Nuottala Beach is by the harbour of Kannonkoski, on the shore of Lake Kivijärvi in Hangaslahti Bay. The harbour area also offers opportunities for fishing and boating.

Can I visit the local heritage collection without booking?

The local heritage collection is open by appointment. It is housed in an old log barn in Nuottala, near the harbour, and displays mainly objects related to farming and household life.

What can I expect at Kiihkovuori?

Peikonpesä Cave is at Kiihkovuori. It is reached by a trail with varied sections; Vartiolinna is recommended as a starting point. From the summit area, you can see Lake Kivijärvi.

What nature activities are available in the municipality?

Piispala’s nature and adventure programme includes a 12-metre-high climbing tower. On Lintusaari, you can fish, walk or sit by the shore. The easy-to-walk nature trail in the landscape of Piispala and Öijänniemi also introduces visitors to the nature of Kannonkoski.

How do I get to the Kannonsaha Monument?

A short footpath leads to the monument from the signpost on Saarijärventie.

For the wider travel overview: Central Finland.