What Can One Do in Neitvuori-Luonteri Area?
Walk on Marked Trails
Neitvuori offers a wide range of trails. Short scenic paths vie for hikers in the beautiful setting, and avid backpackers can even extend their hikes into longer treks.
Go Wilderness Trekking
There is a connection from Neitvuori to the Hiidenmaa trails, thus making a total trail length of 55 km. It is possible to overnight in a lean-to shelter or tent along the trails. Hiidenmaa trails are the responsibility of the Hiidenmaan retket ry hiking association.
Go Canoe and Boat Trekking
Peaceful Lake Luonteri offers a wide range of possibilities for paddling or rowing. Equipment rental and maps are easily available. You can set out at Anttola, from which the nearest harbour (Kaijatsaari) is about 3 km away.
There are large, open lake expanses in the area, but the paddling routes for Veskansa have been planned to keep paddlers in areas that are as sheltered as possible. It is a good idea to reserve at least 2-3 days to get to know the area in more detail.
Go Sailing or Motor Boating
In Luonteri's clear waters, boaters can enjoy the wide open expanses and beautiful archipelago.
- There are several shipping lanes in the area, which are marked on charts as well as the Veskansa route map.
- There are several excursion harbours with services and boat landings in the area.
- Also read the instructions for visitors arriving by boat.
See the Sights and Scenery
Neitvuori has been known as an observation point for centuries. A splendid view of Saimaa’s Luonteri Archipelago and forest nature can be enjoyed from Neitvuori. From the parking area next to the Hiidenmaa farm, there is a relatively steep climb on the Neitvuori hiking trail (PDF file, 1.4 Mb, julkaisut.metsa.fi) that is approximately one kilometre long.
Ski Cross-country off Trails
Cross-country skiing is permitted under Everyman's Rights (ymparisto.fi), but there are no tracks in the area. Keep in mind that flowing water weakens the ice, and during the winter the locations of flowing water also change. There are also wide lake expanses in the area.
Go Fishing
- Everyone between the ages of 18 and 69 must pay a fisheries management fee (eräluvat.fi) except when angling and ice fishing. With the exception of angling and ice fishing, if you fish with more than one rod or trap, you will need a permit from the owner of the water area in addition to the fisheries management fee.
- In the northern part of Luonteri, there is a permit area for the Luonteri fishing association in the municipality of Juva. In addition to this, almost half of the Luonteri water area belongs to the Pitkälahti fisheries board.
- Before you go fishing, you need to check for any fishing restrictions at kalastusrajoitus.fi (in Finnish)!
- In order to protect the Saimaa ringed seal, fishing restrictions have been imposed on Luonteri:
- The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry decree (mmm.fi) prohibits the use of certain fishing traps and methods in key ringed seal areas.
Go Cycling
A marked bike trail runs from Mikkeli to Neitvuori, winding through the beautiful countryside once outside the urban area. It is a good idea to bring along a good map when heading out on a biking trip. Local operators also offer guided biking trips in the area. Please stay on clearly marked trails and take other trail users into consideration.
Go on Guided Group Tour in the Area
Local operators offer guided hikes in the field. For more information, visit the Mikkeli region website (visitmikkeli.fi).
Go Berry and Mushroom Picking
Picking berries and mushrooms is permitted. There are blueberry patches in the area. Korvensaari is recommended for berry and mushroom picking.
Go Swimming
Karihiekka excursion harbour has a sandy beach between the rocks that is suitable for swimming. However, there is no official swimming beach.