Hiking Destinations
Kontionpolku Trails
Kontiopolut trails are Kontiolahti’s most popular route for mountain biking, trail running and walking. Kontiopolut consist of four ring routes of different lengths and different levels of difficulty. The routes join the Jaama Trail maintained by the city of Joensuu and Lykynlampi, and through it the connecting route to Liper’s Kinttupolku. There is also a connecting route from Kontionpolku, which leads all the way to national landscapes in Koli.
Good starting points for the routes are the port of Kontiolahti Satamatie 4 and the biathlon stadium Napakympintie 24.
Kolvananuuro Gorge
The rugged gorge of Kolvananuuro is also well suited as a day trip destination. There is a five-kilometer ring trail that runs along through the area, complete with a fireplace. The path at the bottom of the gorge is somewhat challenging and the height differences are considerable. However, the route to the lean-to shelter from the Kontiolahti parking lot is easy.
Lake Herajärvi Tour
A popular 35–60 km long tour of Lake Herajärvi takes you around the national landscapes of Koli and is a demanding ring route with a wide range of hiking opportunities and services. Overnight stays are possible along the route, for example in cottage accommodation at Herajärvi Nature center or in a shed near the route.
Lake Höytiäinen, old fishing saunas
The Speciality of Kontiolahti, are the old fishing saunas on the islands of Höytiäinen. They offer a unique rest spot for day hikers or a place to camp overnight for hikers interested in the history of these waters. Some also have a traditional sauna. Keys for overnight fish saunas can be picked up at the Kontiolahti ST1 gas station.
ST1, Huoltamontie 10. Puh. 013 731 184. Avoinna ma–pe 6–17, la 8–17.
Jouhteninen
Jouhteninen has an interesting history of the islands of Höytiäinen. In August 2004, the island’s landscape was struck by a tornado. The island remains untouched and traces of the tornado can still be seen. Protected ridges and beaches form an interesting place to visit. A unique velvet ant also lives in Jouhteninen. The island has two ring routes with fireplaces.
Kolinpolku Trail
Koli National Park extends to the Kontiolahti area. The Kolinpolku trail, which starts from Uuro, takes you to Koli through the beautiful landscapes of North Karelia. Along the way it is possible to stay in lean-to shelters and wilderness cabins. Lake Herajärvi Nature Center in Kiviniemi also offers cottage accommodation with breakfast. The peak of the Ryläys Hill rewards the hiker with stunning scenery and a beautiful camp site.
Activities
Downhill Biking
The Mustavaara Ski Center offers opportunities for mountain biking in summer. The ski slopes are converted for downhill biking.
Golf — Karelia Golf
Karelia Golf’s 18-hole course is known as the most beautiful course in Finland for its varied scenery. The course is suitably demanding for all golfers. The café-restaurant can accommodate everyone and can also be booked for meetings.
Running/Trail Running
The runner will find excellent trail routes in Kontiolahti. You can go to trails of Kontionpolut, Kolinpolut, Lykynlampi or Lehmonharju, for example.
Fishing
A guided fishing trip is an easy and comfortable way to spend a day on the lake. At the end of the trip, take your boats to the island and prepare your catch with an open fire. Pike, trout, pike beach and whitefish, among others, rise from the fishing waters of Kontiolahti.
Sisu Fishing Vieraile sivustolla
Eräpalvelu Kontiometso puh. 044 057 6445
HK Varma Oy Vieraile sivustolla
Herajärven retkeilykeskus Kiviniemi Vieraile sivustolla, Mustalahdentie 27
Sled Dog Safaris
Eager dogs already howl with joy when wearing a harness and there is a feeling of excitement in the air before they even begin to run. With a dog sled ride, the snow is dusting and the landscape opens up from a new perspective.
Finland Travel Company Visit webpage
Herajärven retkeilykeskus Kiviniemi Visit webpage, Mustalahdentie 27
Downhill Skiing
The Mustavaara ski center is perfect for families. It offers diverse family-friendly slopes for skiers and snowboarders of all levels. The Snowboard Park challenges stuntmen to test their skills, and small skiers get to practice on the Slope of the Little Teddy Bear. The café is open during the winter season and offers barbecue as well as locally baked donuts and cinnamon rolls.
Visit webpage, Selkientie 69
Snowshoeing and Forest Skiing
Winter forest is magically silent and the visitor is drawn into the quiet landscape. In deep snow, moving on skis or snowshoes is a rewarding challenge. You can find your own adventure or go on a trip with a guide.
Snowshoe and forest ski rental:
Herajärven retkeilykeskus Kiviniemi Visit webpage, Mustalahdentie 27
Karu Survival Visit webpage
Kontiolahti Outdoor Visit webpage, Napakympintie 24
Cross-Country Skiing
In Kontiolahti, the ski season starts in October on a cooled trail. On the slopes connected to the Kontiolahti biathlon stadium, you can test your condition on the famous ascent. The trail network maintained by the municipality is excellent and if the ice is thick enough, you can also go skiing on lake Höytiäinen.
Skiing equipment rental:
Kontiolahti Outdoor Visit webpage, Napakympintie 24
Up-to-date information about cross country ski trails: Visit webpage
Mountain Biking
Kontiolahti offers well-guided route packages for mountain biking on Kontionpolu. You can also go to trails ofKolinpolku, Lykynlampi or Lehmonharju, for example. The routes can be explored with a guide or independently.
Bicycle rental and guided tours
Herajärven retkeilykeskus Kiviniemi Visit webpage, Mustalahdentie 27
Kontiolahti Outdoor Visit webpage, Napakympintie 24
Karu Survival Visit webpage
Canoeing
Kontiolahti offers uniue experiences for paddlers. The river Pielisjoki and the Höytiäinen canals are easily accessible paddling destinations. In the forest ponds and wilderness rivers, you can see beaver dams, small waterfalls and other natural wonders. In the silence of the wilderness, you can manage to spot birds and other wildlife. Guided kayaking and canoeing trips are available from program service providers.
Canoe and kayak rental:
Herajärven retkeilykeskus Kiviniemi Visit webpage, Mustalahdentie 27
Karu Survival Visit webpage
Höytiäisen Helmi Visit webpage
Snowmobile Safaris
Guided snowmobile safaris.
Herajärven retkeilykeskus Kiviniemi Visit webpage, Mustalahdentie 27
ATV Safaris
Guided ATV safaris
Herajärven retkeilykeskus Kiviniemi Visit webpage, Mustalahdentie 27
Ice Fishing and Winter Fishing
Guided ice fishing trips and winter fishing.
Sisu Fishing Visit webpage
Karu Survival Visit webpage
Eräpalvelu Kontiometso puh. 044 057 6445
Herajärven retkeilykeskus Kiviniemi Visit webpage, Mustalahdentie 27
Cycling
An excursion to the lively small villages of Kontiolahti is also possible by bike. The rural landscape opens up vividly from the seat of a bike.
Bicycle rental and guided tours
Kontiolahti Outdoor Visit webpage, Napakympintie 24
Karu Survival Visit webpage
Herajärven retkeilykeskus Kiviniemi Visit webpage, Mustalahdentie 27
Horseback riding
Jokirannan Ratsastuskoulu Visit webpage
Joensuun Ratsastusopisto Visit webpage
Husulan hepat & kengitys
Hiking and Trekking
Local hiking can be done for example in Kolvananuuro, Lykynlampi and Kontionpolku. The Kolinpolku and Herajärvi tour offer more challenging and longer routes.
Equipment rental and guided hikes and other camping services:
Herajärven retkeilykeskus Kiviniemi Visit webpage, Mustalahdentie 27
Karu Survival Visit webpage
Finland Travel Company Visit webpage
Eräpalvelu Kontiometso puh. 044 057 6445
Cruises
Finland’s oldest water bus, the M/S Tuula, cruises in the beautiful scenery of Höytiäinen. In addition there is a route to Jouhteninen during the summer season. For children, your own pirate cruise and treasure hunt can be arranged. Other themed and charter cruises for groups are also available on request.
Roller Skiing
The biathlon stadium has a renovated roller skating rink in summer. A shooting range is also available all year round.
Courses and equipment rental
Kontiolahti Outdoor Visit webpage, Napakympintie 24
Sup-boarding
The water bodies of Kontiolahti are ideal destinations for SUP-boarding. You can test your skills on theriver Pielisjoki, lake Höytiäinen or the Höytiäinen canal.
Sup-board rental
Herajärven retkeilykeskus Kiviniemi Visit webpage, Mustalahdentie 27
Höytiäisen Helmi Visit webpage, Riihilahdentie 7
Orienteering
There are good opportunities for fitness orienteering in the terrain of Kontiolahti.
(Kalevan Rasti, Kontiolahden Urheilijat)
Boat Trips
A guided fishing trip is an easy and comfortable way to spend a day on the lake. At the end of the trip, take your boats to the island and prepare your catch over an open fire. Pike, trout, pike and whitefish, among others, rise from the fishing waters of Kontiolahti.
Sisu Fishing Visit webpage
Eräpalvelu Kontiometso puh. 044 057 6445
Herajärven retkeilykeskus Kiviniemi Visit webpage, Mustalahdentie 27
