Linnansaari National Park Trails
You can also explore the nature and attractions of the main island of Linnansaari National Park by backpacking. Climb the trail to the scenic lookout on Linnavuori Rock or take a trip back in time at the Linnansaari Croft.
Trail starting points
All trails are located on the main island of Linnansaari - a boat ride is required to reach them. The trails start from the information board at Sammakkoniemi Camping. The short Linnavuori circle trail can only be hiked from the Perpulanluhta camping area.
The trails vary from easy to demanding. Read more about gear and safety. The Torpanpolku trail is also suitable for accessible hiking.
There is no winter maintenance on the trails, but during skating season a trail to the Sammakkoniemi campfire site forms on the ice.
Sammakkoniemi Camping has a kiosk during the summer (check opening hours at oravivillage.com), a cooking shelter, an accessible campfire site with chimney (may be used during forest fire warnings), an accessible toilet, rentable huts and a sauna.
Torpanpolku Trail - 700 m each way
When there is no snow on the ground, travel time approx. 20 min. each way
The trail to the croft has been hardened and widened, thus making it accessible to visitors with prams and in wheelchairs (with assistance). The trail is suitable for accessible hiking, and there are no real differences in elevation along the trail. The grass on the croft grounds may be wet.
A visit to Linnansaari Croft will take you back in time. The croft and its surrounding slash-and-burn areas offer a glimpse into the rural landscape of years gone by, which was once shaped by toil, fire and livestock. Slash-and-burn agriculture, mowing hay and the grazing of livestock are part of the landscape management on Linnansaari to this day. In the summer, a flock of sheep maintain the croft grounds.
Sammakkoniemi Camping has an accessible toilet and campfire site. There are different buildings on the croft grounds, including a dry toilet behind the croft. Remember to bring along your own toilet paper.
In the summer, visitors can go inside the croft buildings. You will need to climb stairs to go inside.
The trail runs between Sammakkoniemi Camping and Linnansaari Croft. You will take the same trail back to the starting point, so there is no risk of getting lost.
Nature trail Linnonpolku 2 km, circle trail
When there is no snow on the ground, travel time approx. 1 hour.
The trail is of medium difficulty. There is some variation in elevation and the trail can be narrow and uneven in some places.
Explore the southern part of Linnansaari Island on the circle trail. A couple kilometres long, the Linnonpolku trail introduces the visitor to the history and natural beauty of Linnansaari Island. The landscape varies from barren rock to lush groves, and hikers might even catch a glimpse of osprey or white-backed woodpecker.
Sammakkoniemi Camping has an accessible toilet and campfire site. Remember to bring along your own toilet paper.
The trail is marked with orange circles on trees. The direction of travel is clockwise toward Linnansaari Croft starting from the information board at Sammakkoniemi Camping.
Linnavuori Trail 7 km, circle trail
When there is no snow on the ground, travel time approx. 3-4 hours.
The roots and rockiness of the trail make it challenging. Linnansaarenlampi Pond is crossed on a duckboard bridge with railings. The duckboards can be very slippery when wet. The scenic lookout on Linnavuori Rock is reached by climbing metal stairs.
Hike through the varied forests of Linnansaari Island, from the sun-baked rocks to the cool shade of deciduous woods. You will be rewarded with a magnificent view of the Saimaa archipelago from the top of Linnavuori Rock.
Sammakkoniemi Camping has a dry toilet and campfire site. There is also a dry toilet and campfire site at the Perpulanluhta excursion harbour.
You can admire the lake idyll of Haukivesi from the Linnavuori Rock lookout.
The trail starts at Sammakkoniemi Camping. The trail is marked with orange circles on trees. The direction of travel is clockwise toward Linnansaari Croft starting from the information board at Sammakkoniemi Camping. There are guide signs at trail crossroads that read "Perpulanluhta" and/or "Linnanvuori". At around the halfway point of the trail, at the Perpulanluhta excursion harbour, you can stop to rest and have a bite to eat.
For variable terrain, you should wear sturdy waterproof shoes, such as all-terrain runners or walking boots.
The trail runs clockwise, starting from Sammakkoniemi Camping, to which it also returns after circling the pond. The trail is marked with orange circles on trees.
The Linnavuori circle trail (2 km) passes near Linnavuori Rock. The trail is a short combination of other trails and starts from the Perpulanluhta camping area. The trail does not stop at Sammakkoniemi Camping.
Check for Warnings
When forest and grass fire warnings (en.ilmatieteenlaitos.fi) are in effect, fire is only allowed at covered campfire sites that have a flue. A fire can be also lit in fireplaces at wilderness and other huts. Always use extreme caution when handling fire. The one who lights a fire is always responsible for its safe use. Please note, that making fire at these campfire sites can be banned locally.