Repovesi National Park is a great destination whether you are into walking, camping, climbing, canoeing or just admiring breathtaking scenery. Adventure is just around the corner!
Please remember that entering the Pahkajärvi army shooting and practice area to the east of the park is forbidden.
Walking and Hiking
Repovesi National Park is a traditional and popular trekking destination. There are a total of around 45 kilometres of marked trails in the park, ranging from the leisurely Ketunlenkki Trail (5 km) to the ambitious Kaakkurin Kierros Trail (26 km). The park has everything from short, wheelchair-accessible routes to challenging climbs that require a high level of fitness. A great idea for a day out is to combine walking with canoeing, rowing or guided fishing trips.
The park also caters for longer hikes and overnight stays. Read more about trails maintained by Mäntyharju local authority (mantyharju.fi).
Sights and Scenery
Repovesi National Park offers fascinating sights and breathtaking scenery. The 50-metre vertical rock face of Olhavanvuori is an arresting sight and a popular destination among rock climbers. The shores of Olhavanlampi provide a great vantage point for watching climbers in action.
Almost the entire park can be seen from the Mustalamminvuori observation tower in clear weather. Climbing to the top of Katajavuori is like entering heaven: the route takes you up a staircase built against an almost vertical rock face. The views from the top of Tolosenvuori and the rocky shores of Lake Tervajärvi are also stunning. Kirnuhuoko Cavern is perfect for those who want to feel humbled by towering walls of rock all around them.
It is exciting experience to walk along the new bridge of Lapinsalmi. The bridge is 55 metres long and it crosses Lapinsalmi sound in 12 metres height.
Canoeing and Rowing
Canoeing and rowing offer one of the best vantage points for admiring the park's majestic cliffs. The park is great for long canoeing and rowing trips, and canoes, boats and other gear can be hired at the park. Canoes can be moored at jetties at the various campfire sites. One popular canoeing route is from Mäntyharju to Repovesi (50 km) (mantyharju.fi).
Please note! Do not go too close to private cottage beaches while moving in the waters! Leave a distance of at least 50 meters. In the map, the private beaches belonging to summer cottages have been marked in red. Map (pdf, 3,2 Mb, julkaisut.metsa.fi)
Other Activities
Skiing: There is no maintained ski tracks in Repovesi National Park. Nearest ski tracks are located in Orilampi Holiday Centre. The ski trails are not lit and the terrain is difficult in places. Skiing off the trails is permitted throughout the park with the exception of the restricted area. Please remember that there are a lot of currents in Lake Repovesi, which can make ice surprisingly thin in places. There may also be currents in unusual places in the winter.
Snowshoeing: Snowshoeing is a great way to explore the wintry landscape. With snowshoes you can climb even the steepest hills.
Fishing:
- Hook and line fishing and ice fishing are permitted under everyman's rights, except in the restricted access area.
- Lure fishing with a single rod is permitted, except in the restricted access area. Persons aged 18-69 years must pay the fisheries management fee (eraluvat.fi). Fishing permits are available from Metsähallitus' online shop (eraluvat.fi)
- Fishing permits for waters not owned by the state or UPM-Kymmene are available from Orilampi Holiday Centre.
- Fishers need to check the restrictions on fishing sites at kalastusrajoitus.fi (In Finnish).
Climbing: At 50 metres tall, Olhavanvuori is the best rock climbing site in Finland. Climbing is prohibited under the Antiquities Act in the vicinity of the Olhavanvuori rock painting. Climbers are also not permitted to drill new bolts or anchors to the cliff face. Climbing is not permitted on the park's other rocks in order to protect vegetation.
Pick Berries and Mushrooms: Among the park's treasures are bilberries (Vaccinium myrtillus), lingonberries (Vaccinium vitis-idaea), chanterelles (Cantharellus cibarius), pine boletes (Boletus pinophilus), russulas (Tall Russula) and milkcaps. Yellowfoot chanterelles (Cantharellus cibarius) can be found on the park's swampy north-facing slopes. Berry and mushroom picking is permitted throughout the park with the exception of the restricted area.
Cycling: Cyclists can travel from one end of the park to the other along Kuismantie and test their fitness in the hilly terrain. Biking is allowed on the roads of the area and on specifically marked routes, please see the map (pdf 3,2 Mb, julkaisut.metsa.fi).
Tour Skating: Tour skating on frozen lakes is a thrilling experience. Please remember that currents can make ice surprisingly thin in places and that there may also be currents in unusual places in the winter.
Guided Group Tours: There are various entrepreneurs who organise guided walks and canoeing tours and provide outdoor catering in the park. Read more.
Swimming: The best swimming opportunities are at Lake Tervajärvi near parking area, at the Määkijä and the Lapinsalmi campfire sites and in Kuutinkanava canal. There is no official swimming spot in the National Park.
Voluntary Work: Volunteering is a great way to enjoy the beautiful scenery of Repovesi National Park while contributing to the preservation of some of Finland's most breathtaking views. The park has its own volunteer organisation Pro Repovesi ry.