In Laukaa, striking cultural heritage sites meet landscapes that can be explored on foot. The rock paintings at Saraakallio, historic sites in the church village and trails to scenic viewpoints give your stay a range of different highlights. When planning your trip, it is worth keeping both the sights and the route lengths and seasonal conditions in mind.

Church, Museums and Rock Art

Laukaa Church stands at the centre of the church village. Carl Ludvig Engel designed the wooden church in the Empire style; it was completed in 1835. It can accommodate 800 people. The Laukaa Church Museum is located in the basement. Its collection tells the story of the parish from the 16th century to the present day, through objects, photographs, maps, drawings and texts. The museum opened in spring 1997. In summer, visits are possible by appointment.

Below the church is the Kalluntuvan kotiseutumuseo local history museum. An 18th-century dwelling, other buildings, interiors and objects illustrate the life of a modest farming family from Laukaa in the early 20th century. Bear the seasonal opening arrangements in mind when planning your visit.

At Saraakallio, you can see rock paintings that are part of the Prehistoric Rock Art Trails, a Council of Europe Cultural Route. The site is protected as an archaeological site under Finnish heritage protection law and is part of a Natura 2000 protected area. A viewing platform in front of the rock face allows visitors to view the paintings. It can be reached by boat, ship or canoe from Laukaa harbour; check water access and the platform’s availability again for the season. Päijänne Cruises Hildén also operates a boat service from Laukaa to the rock paintings. Check the current timetable before travelling.

Views and Trails Through the Landscape

Hyyppäänvuori rises 160 metres above the depression below, on the southwestern shore of Lake Lievestuoreenjärvi. This remote Natura 2000 area is considered valuable for its geology, landscape, vegetation and wildlife, and is an important excursion destination in Central Finland.

The Multamäki nature trail is 2.3 kilometres long and leads to the summit of Multamäki. From there, you can enjoy expansive views over Lake Peurunkajärvi. Multamäki has a hut, a viewpoint, outdoor tables, a shelter for eating, a woodshed, a rubbish bin and a toilet. There is another shelter by the shore of Lake Peurunkajärvi, with a wood store and a rubbish bin. Check the facilities before setting out.

A longer route option is the approximately six-kilometre trail from Metsoreitti to Multamäki; this distance is for a one-way trip. The trail has significant elevation changes. It can be travelled on foot, by bicycle or on horseback, and in winter on skis, but it is not maintained in winter. The shorter loop on the nature trail and this longer route therefore differ both in stated distance and elevation profile. Check seasonal conditions before your trip.

The approximately 40-kilometre Metsoreitti passes through several villages and localities in Laukaa and the surrounding area. There are 15 lean-to shelters or other shelters along the route. When there is no snow, the route is used for hiking and cycling; in winter, it is used for cross-country skiing. Kuusaankoski is connected to Metsoreitti, and a trail from there also leads to Multamäki.

Hietasyrjänkangas is in the northern part of the municipality, near the village school in Haapala. Meltwater from the Ice Age formed a labyrinth of terminal moraines and kettle holes there, and the terrain varies considerably. Kirkkoniemi combines a natural area with local history: it was Laukaa’s first nature reserve, established in 1955. Today, the entire area is part of the Saraaveden-Vatian Natura 2000 area.

Kirkkoniemi and Kuusaankoski

Kirkkoniemi has a lean-to shelter, two fire pits, an outdoor toilet and a woodshed. Sandy swimming beaches are located at the tip of the peninsula and on its western shore. As a precaution, bring your own firewood for the fire pits; facilities may change, so check them before setting out. In connection with the demolition of the bridge on 8 November 2023, it was noted that the peninsula would thereafter be accessible only from the lake. Check the access situation before planning a visit.

Several historic structures have been preserved at Kuusaankoski: an old, narrow wooden log-flume canal through Pollonsaari, a railway bridge dating from 1898, and a red-brick power plant building from the 1920s. The fast-flowing rapids are used for spinning and fly fishing as well as activities such as white-water rafting. A shelter with a fire pit, firewood store and rubbish bin is also available. The connection to Metsoreitti links the site to a route used for hiking and cycling in the summer and cross-country skiing in winter.

Food and Local Crafts

In Vuontee, Tertta’s Café & Shop is located in the former premises of the Tervetaimi station. It serves homemade sweet and savoury food, with a focus on local products and natural ingredients. Opening is seasonal; check the current hours before visiting. Laukaa harbour café also serves seasonal food and drinks, including soup, steaks and hamburgers. It is located at Laukaa harbour; check opening details in advance.

At Kädenjälki shop, you’ll find products from more than 60 craftspeople, artisans and craft business owners from Laukaa. The selection includes local design, jewellery, textiles and gifts. Check the opening hours before visiting. This lets you combine nature trails and cultural heritage with Laukaa’s food and local craft offerings when planning your stay.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Multia, Toivakka, Karstula, Kyyjärvi, Oulunsalo, Muhola, Kuhmoinen, Juokslahti.

For the wider travel overview: Central Finland.