Kannonkoski on Lake Kivijärvi

Kannonkoski brings together the shores of Lake Kivijärvi, natural attractions and a distinctive cultural history. Sandy beaches, a harbour with opportunities for fishing and boating, trails through the landscape and historic sites each offer something different. When choosing your holiday rental, consider whether you would like to focus your trip mainly on the lake, nature experiences or the history of the area.

Sandy beaches and shores of Lake Kivijärvi

Kannonkoski is home to the sandy beaches of Lake Kivijärvi, some of which are designated as nature reserves. Isohiekka lies in the north of Kannonkoski, on the edge of a nature reserve. It has a wide sandy beach, making it a specific destination for anyone interested in the lakeshore landscape. Another beach is in Nuottala: it is at the harbour of Kannonkoski, on the shore of Lake Kivijärvi in Hangaslahti. The harbour area offers opportunities for fishing and boating. When planning your trip, you can therefore consider the beach landscape and activities at the harbour as distinct aspects of the lake.

Experience nature: Piispala, Lintusaari and Kiihkovuori

Piispala is located in the municipality, a nature, sports and youth tourism centre on the shore of Lake Kivijärvi in Piispalankylä. Its nature and adventure programme includes a 12-metre-high climbing tower. An easy-to-walk nature trail also runs through the Piispala and Öijänniemi landscape, introducing visitors to the nature of Kannonkoski. If you are interested in outdoor activities and landscapes, you can take these different options into account when choosing your destinations.

Lintusaari offers another way to experience nature. On the island, you can fish, hike along trails or sit by the shore and listen to the sounds of nature. Deep water and steep shore cliffs surround Lintusaari; pine trees of different ages and rare plant species grow in the island’s green interior, creating a distinctive habitat. The Peikonpesä cave is located at Kiihkovuori. It can be reached from the recommended starting point, Vartiolinna, via trails of varying difficulty. From the summit area of Kiihkovuori, you can enjoy a view of Lake Kivijärvi.

Church architecture and local history

Kannonkoski Church is an important example of early Finnish functionalist church architecture, and its surroundings are of national significance. For those interested in architecture as well as nature, it offers a distinct cultural highlight. The Kannonkoski local history collection complements it with insights into farming and household management: the collection consists mainly of objects related to these fields. It is housed in an old log barn in Nuottala, near the harbour. The local history collection is open by appointment.

The Kannonsaha sawmill is also part of the area’s history. Founded in 1835, it was the largest commercial sawmill in northern Central Finland. A thriving village community grew up around it. You can reach the Kannonsaha monument by following the sign from Saarijärventie and taking a short walk. This brings local history together with a specific place to visit, without conflating the different historical sites.

Getting here and choosing a holiday rental

From Helsinki and Oulu, travel via Road 4, also known as E75, to Viitasaari. Then take the Blue Road 77 and Road 648 to the centre of Kannonkoski. When looking for a holiday rental, you can first decide what interests you most: the harbour and beach in Nuottala, the landscapes and natural attractions, or the architecture and local history. These interests can help shape your trip without limiting you to just one side of Kannonkoski.

You can also explore the local pages for Hankasalmi, Joutsa, Muhola, Pihtipudas, Luhanka, Toivakka, Häkkilä and Sumiainen.

For the regional travel overview: Central Finland.