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Raesärkät: A Natural Gem in Nurmes

Explore Raesärkät's unique ridge landscape, pristine lakes, and old-growth forests near Nurmes, a perfect destination for family day trips.

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Raesärkät, located near Nurmes, Finland, is a scenic area featuring rolling ridges, pristine lakes, and old-growth forests, offering a beautiful and easily accessible day trip destination for families and nature enthusiasts. Its unique landscape has captivated visitors for decades.

A brief summary to Raesärkät

  • Monday 12 am-12 am
  • Tuesday 12 am-12 am
  • Wednesday 12 am-12 am
  • Thursday 12 am-12 am
  • Friday 12 am-12 am
  • Saturday 12 am-12 am
  • Sunday 12 am-12 am

Local tips

  • Bring appropriate footwear for hiking, as the trails can be slippery when wet.
  • Pack food and drinks, especially if planning a longer hike, though there are resting stops along the trails.
  • Check for fire warnings before your visit, as making open fires may be prohibited during windy weather or forest fire alerts.
  • Consider visiting during different seasons to experience the unique beauty of Raesärkät throughout the year.
  • Bring your camera to capture the stunning views from the ridges and the diverse natural landscapes.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    Raesärkät is located approximately 25 km west of Nurmes. From Nurmes, drive towards Kuopio along Highway 75. Look for signs leading to Raesärkät on the right side of the highway. Turn left 500 meters after the sign and drive 1 km to the parking lot. Parking is free.

  • Public Transport

    While there isn't direct public transport to the site, you can take a bus from Nurmes towards Kuopio and get off at a stop near the Raesärkät sign on Highway 75. From there, it's approximately a 1.5km walk to the parking area and the trails. Bus fares vary depending on the distance, but a single ticket for a short trip is typically around €3-5. Check local bus schedules for accurate times and prices.

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Discover more about Raesärkät

Raesärkät is a nature reserve located 25 kilometers west of Nurmes in North Karelia, Finland. This unique area features a distinctive ridge formation, small bodies of water, and marshlands, as well as significant old-growth forests. The area covers 7 square kilometers, including 5.9 square kilometers of protected forest and 1.2 square kilometers of recreational forest. It is also part of the Natura 2000 network and is managed by Metsähallitus (Parks & Wildlife Finland). The landscape is dominated by a narrow ridge surrounded by small bodies of water, with the ridge extending like a long peninsula into Lake Iso-Raejärvi. In addition to the ridges, the landscape includes dry heaths, open bogs, clear lakes, ponds, streams, and old pine forests that are up to 170 years old. The natural chain of small bodies of water in the area is regionally significant. A hiking trail runs through the area, following an old cart road. The forests vary in age and consist of barren pine forests growing on dry heaths. The ridge rises 40-45 meters above its surroundings, offering extensive views from certain points. The slopes of the ridge feature kettle holes. The northern part of the area contains old-growth forests of conservation significance. Gulls and other marsh birds, such as the bean goose, crane, ruff, greenshank, and wood sandpiper, nest in the swamps surrounding Raesärkät. Raesärkät is a popular outdoor destination close to Nurmes, offering a beautiful hiking trail suitable for the whole family. The trail is easy and has multiple resting stops at short distances from each other. The magnificent ridges are the highlight, but visitors can also find swamps, clear lakes, old rivers, and ancient forests. Biking is allowed on the paths.

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