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Leivonmäki National Park: Lakeland's Diverse Wilderness

Discover Finland's Lakeland: Hiking, scenery, and nature trails for all ages in Leivonmäki National Park, Joutsa.

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Established in 2003, Leivonmäki National Park offers a captivating microcosm of Central Finland's natural beauty. Explore its diverse landscapes of ridges, lakes, mires, and forests through a network of well-maintained trails suitable for all skill levels. This park is a haven for hikers, nature enthusiasts, and families seeking an accessible wilderness experience.

A brief summary to Leivonmäki National Park

  • 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

  • Pack appropriate clothing and footwear for hiking, as the terrain can be uneven and the weather can change quickly.
  • Bring your own drinking water and snacks, as there are no shops or cafes within the park.
  • Check the Metsähallitus website for current alerts, such as wildfire warnings and trail closures.
  • Be aware of the restricted area in Haapasuo Mire during bird nesting season (April 15 - July 15).
  • Consider visiting during the week to avoid crowds, especially during peak season.
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Getting There

  • Car

    From the town of Leivonmäki, drive west for 3.5 km. Then turn south towards the Kirveslampi parking area. Alternatively, continue 6.5 km north on E75 and turn towards Rutalahti. Parking is free. Be aware that parking areas may not be plowed immediately in winter.

  • Public Transport

    During the summer, the Outdoor Express bus provides service from Jyväskylä to Leivonmäki National Park. The bus departs from Jyväskylä Travel Center and stops at Koskikara (Rutalahti), Selänpohja, and Harjujärvi. A one-way ticket costs approximately €12 for adults. Check the current schedule and purchase tickets in advance through Matkahuolto.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are available in Leivonmäki. Consider Jyytaksi for fixed price journeys from Jyväskylä city center. Expect to pay approximately €80-120 for a one-way trip from Jyväskylä to the park, depending on the exact destination and time of day.

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Discover more about Leivonmäki National Park

Leivonmäki National Park, located in the municipality of Joutsa, is a treasure trove of Finnish Lakeland scenery. Established in 2003, the park's 31 square kilometers encompass a diverse landscape of eskers, forests, mires, and lakes, offering visitors a chance to experience the quintessential Central Finland environment. The park is known for its varied terrain and accessible trails. Hiking is a popular activity, with approximately 28 kilometers of marked trails catering to different fitness levels. The Harjunkierros (Ridge Circuit) and Mäyränkierros (Badger Circuit) trails, starting from Selänpohja parking area, showcase the park's ridges, swamps, ponds and sinkholes. The Koskikara Nature Trail offers views of the Rutajoki rapids. A section of the Luupään Lenkki trail is accessible, making it suitable for wheelchairs, and leads to the Harjujärvi campfire shelter. Leivonmäki offers a variety of activities throughout the year. Hiking, paddling and rowing are popular in the warmer months, while skiing is possible in the winter. Berry and mushroom picking are permitted. The park also features campfire sites and lean-to shelters for overnight stays. Birdwatching is popular at the Haapasuo mire, though access to the mire is restricted during nesting season. Visitors can reach the park by car or by using the Outdoor Express bus service from Jyväskylä during the summer. The bus stops at several key locations within the park, including Rutalahti, Selänpohja and Harjujärvi.

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