Paakkila

Paakkila combines a distinctive mining history with special experiences on the water. At Paakkilan uimaranta beach, clear water and a sandy bottom invite you to swim, while the Paakkila open-pit mine is defined by its depth and underwater visibility. Rikkavesi and Juojärvi are also nearby.

Mining history and local character

Anthophyllite asbestos was mined in Paakkila. The village was a lively mining community until the asbestos mined there began to affect people’s lives. The local history thus encompasses both mining and its effects on the people. The Paakkila asbestos quarry is closed and has been landscaped. Anyone interested in industrial history will find a tangible connection in Paakkila to the former mining industry and its importance to the community.

Swimming and diving

The Paakkila open-pit mine offers an unusual underwater landscape: it is up to about 30 metres deep, with visibility of up to 20 metres. At a depth of 28 metres is the entrance to a tunnel. It leads to a smaller open-pit mine about 160 metres away; the entrance to its cave is at a depth of 15 metres. The depths and tunnel connection make this diving experience quite different from swimming at the beach. Diving in the open-pit mine requires permission from the private landowner. Visitors from outside the area must notify the owner of their arrival. There is a lean-to shelter and a fire pit at the edge of the larger open-pit mine.

Paakkilan uimaranta is a destination in its own right for a day of swimming: the water is clear, the bottom is sandy, and the beach is inviting for swimming. The address is Ohtaansalmentie 85, 71240 Paakkila. This makes it easy to include the swimming spot in your travel plans. If swimming is your main focus, you’ll find a different activity here from the open-pit mine, whose special features are primarily of interest to divers.

Location and getting there

Paakkila is on National Road 9, approximately halfway between Kuopio and Joensuu. Its location provides a point of reference between the two cities. Paakkila can be reached by boat, car, seaplane or snowmobile, as well as on foot or by bicycle. If you’re travelling by car, you can use National Road 9 as a reference point; the other options offer different ways of getting there. You can take into account which option suits your trip when choosing where to stay.

Rikkavesi and Juojärvi are also close to Paakkila. These two lakes add to the geographical setting, while the beach and open-pit mine offer different experiences on the water. Paakkila therefore brings together several highlights: mining history, swimming at the sandy beach and diving in the open-pit mine subject to the applicable conditions.

If you’d like to explore more destination pages, you’ll also find Syvärinpää, Maaninka, Rautavaara, Vuorela, Pörsänmäki, Siilinjärvi, Kuopio and Kiuruvesi here.

For the wider travel overview: North Savo.