Discover Pertunmaa: Trails, Water and Culture

Pertunmaa brings together hiking and cycling routes, swimming spots and a remarkable selection of historic sites. In between are nature areas, a local history museum and insights into traditional crafts and farming. You can shape your stay around your own interests: perhaps spending time outdoors, exploring the area’s history or visiting the market.

Hiking Trails, Rest Stops and Ski Trails

The Pertunmaa–Kuortti hiking route is 12.5 kilometres long, marked with blue blazes and intended primarily for hiking. There are two rest stops along the route: Heposalmi at Lake Koukkujärvi, with a campfire site, toilet and woodshed, and the Nipuli shelter, where you can also spend the night. If you are planning your day around a particular route, its length and markings provide useful points of reference.

Another option for active pursuits is the 16.2-kilometre Kuortti–Nipuli cycling route. It leads to a rest stop at the Nipuli shelter; a wartime shelter can also be reached by taking an additional detour. In winter, the village centre has three illuminated cross-country ski trails maintained by the municipality. They are 1, 2 and 5 kilometres long; the longest is called Äiteen lenkki. The different trail lengths give you practical options when planning a cross-country skiing outing.

You can also discover a short nature trail near your destination: on Pykäläsaari, a path less than a kilometre long loops around the island. Red dots on the trees mark the trail, and information boards about nature complement the walk. Natura conservation areas in Pertunmaa include Honkaniemi, Kuusisto, Isosuo, Kassinmäki and Sahinsuo, among others.

Swimming Spots and Winter Swimming

There are public swimming spots at Lake Iso-Palojärvi, Lake Pienivesi and Lake Peruvesi. If you are interested in winter swimming, an ice hole at Kisaranta on Lake Pienivesi remains open throughout the winter. This gives you different ways to spend time by the water: visit a public swimming spot or take a winter dip in the ice hole.

Church, Museum and History

Pertunmaa Church is a wooden cruciform church with a tower and short transepts. It was built in 1929 to plans by master builder Matti Vihonen and has seating for 400. There are 158 soldiers’ graves immediately beside the church. The church and the graves give the area a distinct historical focus to bear in mind when exploring Pertunmaa’s history.

At the Vanha-Rantala House Museum, buildings dating from the 18th century onwards stand in their original locations. The main dwelling is furnished in the traditional farmhouse style. Near the museum, a grave dating from around the year 1000, during the Viking Age, was identified as that of a wealthy woman based on jewellery, a small knife and glass beads. Fabian Kauppi discovered the burial mound in his fields in 1928; it was investigated in 1929 under the direction of archaeologist Nils Cleve.

Another historic structure is the Knaappilan windmill on Mansikkamäki in Pertunmaa. Built in 1874, it was used to grind grain until 1940. At the Jokipello Tractor and Agricultural Museum in Kuortti, you can see dozens of restored tractors, hundreds of chainsaws, and old household and farming equipment. In different ways, both places offer a glimpse into rural working life and everyday history.

Crafts and Local Events

At the Käsityöpuoti Talvikki craft shop, you can weave rugs with guidance or make your own handicrafts. Craft demonstrations are arranged for small groups. Pertuntori market offers fresh local food, handicrafts, cosmetics, second-hand goods and products from businesses in Pertunmaa. Events held in Pertunmaa include Pertun Päivät, Midsummer celebrations, Pihaporinat, garden parties and markets.

Pertunmaa is on National Road 5, about 35 kilometres north of Heinola. When choosing a holiday rental, it may help to first consider what you want your stay to focus on: hiking and cycling, water, local history or crafts. This gives you a clear idea of what you would like to experience in Pertunmaa as you begin your search.

Other destinations: Hietanen, Mäntyharju, Vanhamäki, Majavesi, Puumala, Hirvensalmi, Haukivuori and Ristiina.

For the overview of the wider region: Mikkeli.