Joutsa Map

The Rutalahti trail is about 6.5 km of marked hiking between the Rutalahti village area and Soimalampi in Leivonmäki National Park in Joutsa, Central Finland. Metsähallitus publishes route information on Luontoon.fi(1). Visit Jyväskylä Region lists Koskikaran kierros together with parking, footwear, and structures on the river loop that most people walk before this connector(2). From a practical standpoint, most people combine this line with Koskikaran kierros: you walk the riverside loop past rapids and boardwalks, then branch off on the marked connector toward the national park. The Rutalahti village website explains that a marked path leaves from the Porraskoski bridge area toward Soimalampi lean-to; it quotes about nine kilometres along that branch by their map, while the line on our map is about 6.5 km to the Soimalampi lean-tos—use the figure that matches how you join the routes(3). akpojan retkiblogi describes the stretch along Rutajoki in detail: birch and spruce riverside forest, pine forest higher up, small rocky slopes and mires, and several rapids before the intersection toward Soimalampi(4). Boardwalks and wooden bridges can be slippery when wet; waterproof footwear is often the safer choice outside dry spells(2). At Soimalampi you reach Soimalampi laavu and Soimalammen laavu—lean-to shelter space by the pond where you can stop for a meal break or overnight in line with national-park rules. Soimalampi polku is a short marked foot loop around the pond that shares the same corner. Leivonmäki MTB runs along the wider bike network toward Selänpohja if you are pairing hikers and cyclists in one car. For closures after winter ice jams or high water on Rutajoki, check the latest notices on the city and Metsähallitus pages; Koskikaran kierros is sometimes closed seasonally when ice and flood risk make riverside structures unsafe(3).

Harjujärvi demanding accessible trail is a short barrier-free hiking connection of about 0.7 km one way in Leivonmäki National Park near Joutsa in Central Finland. Metsähallitus publishes it on Luontoon.fi as a demanding accessible route: the surfacing and gentle grades are designed for wheelchairs and strollers, but slopes and the forest track character mean many wheelchair users will want an assistant along(1). Visit Jyväskylä Region summarises the same segment as roughly 700 m per direction between lake and mire scenery, with an accessible cooking shelter, dry toilet and viewing deck at the Harjujärvi shore(2). From the trailhead the line follows sandy forest tread and esker edge with pine-needle surfaces, dips through wetter passages with short boardwalk near small ponds toward the Turasenlammi end of the Luupää Loop, then opens onto wide views at Harjujärvi(3)(4). About 0.4 km along the route you pass Harjujärvi telttailualue on the lake side; at the shore cluster you reach Harjujärvi keittokatos, Harjujärven puolikota, and Harjujärvi, tulipaikka — all laid out as accessible structures with a cooking fireplace and a lake-facing deck(3)(4). Return is along the same tread, so the round trip is about 1.4 km if you go all the way to the service area and back(4). Outdoor Family’s walk-through of Luupään lenkki explains how this segment fits the longer 2.2 km geological loop and how the barrier on Vartiamäentie toward the shore works for visitors who need to drive close to the shelters(3). Most day hikers reach the national park from Kirveslampi pysäköintialue and link this accessible spur with Luupään lenkki geologinen luontopolku, Kirveslammen kierros, Kirveslammen pitkospolku, or Harjunlahti Trail; long-distance cyclists on Tervasreitti (läntinen osa) also pass the same lakeshore services.

Kirveslampi Loop Trail is an easy 1.8 km hiking loop in the southern part of Leivonmäki National Park near Joutsa in Central Finland. The trail and park rules are kept up to date on Luontoon.fi(1). Visit Jyväskylä Region describes visitor services and how to reach the national park and the Kirveslampi parking area(2). From Kirveslampi pysäköintialue the path dips into open pine forest and climbs gently along Haapasuonharju before long stretches of duckboard cross the open raised bog of Haapasuo; the markers are blue paint blazes(3). About 0.8 km along you pass Kirveslampi luontotorni and Haapasuon luontotorni, two wooden nature observation towers with views over the small lakes and the wide bog. Retkipaikka’s walk-through by Luontopolkumies captures how the bog’s browns, reds, oranges and greens are hard to photograph but striking from the tower above the pond(3). Outdoor Family’s report highlights the middle section’s bog boardwalks and cloudberries ripening along the edges in season(4). Breeding birds of the Haapasuo–Syysniemi mosaic include nightjar and willow ptarmigan, as summarised by Keski-Suomen lintutieteellinen yhdistys(5). This loop has no campfire site or dry toilet on the marked circle. In practice most visitors pair it with facilities at Harjujärvi a few hundred metres from the car park: Harjujärven puolikota, Harjujärvi, tulipaikka, Harjujärvi keittokatos, and Harjujärvi telttailualue sit together west of the parking hub. From the same start you can walk Luupään lenkki geologinen luontopolku (reverse compass direction on the signs), Kirveslammen pitkospolku along overlapping boardwalk, Harjunlahti Trail toward Harjunlahden uimapaikka, the short accessible Harjujärvi esteetönreitti, or join the long western Tervasreitti for mountain biking.

Badger circuit is about 5.4 km as a loop hike in Leivonmäki National Park near the lakeshore of Rutajärvi, northwest of Joutsa in Central Finland. Metsähallitus publishes this trail and practical details on Luontoon.fi(1). The park packs ridges, esker hollows, small lakes, and bogs into a compact area; Visit Jyväskylä Region’s Leivonmäki introduction is a useful companion for arrival ideas and year-round access tips(2). The circuit is intended to be walked clockwise following blue circle-on-tree markings, with one duckboard crossing between small bog lakes and short connectors on forest roads such as Syysniementie where you should watch for traffic(3). Terrain is mostly wide pine-forest foot tread with a few steeper pulls on dry ridges; nothing like a full-day fell climb, but sturdy footwear helps on rooty and rocky spots(3). From Selänpohja you pass Selänpohja linja-auto paikoitus, Selänpohja P-alueen laajennus, and Selänpohja pysäköintialue almost at once, then Selänpohja taukokatos for a roofed break before the loop dives into the woods. Roughly a third of the way around you reach Lintuniemi tulipaikka 2 and the twin kota-style shelters Lintuniemen puolikota and Lintuniemi puolikota beside Lintuniemi telttailualue; this is a natural lunch stop with views opening toward open water to the west(3). The same cluster has Lintuniemi käymälä for dry-toilet comfort without naming it as a waypoint. Farther on, Joutsniemi nuotiopaikka, Joutsniemi liiteri-käymälä, and Joutsniemi laavu gather on the forested peninsula—another fire-and-swim option if you add the short Joutsniemi polku spur from the junctions described on Metsähallitus maps(1)(3). Optional marked spurs along the main loop lead toward Soimalampi laavut on Soimalampi polku and overlap places shared with Harjun kierros and the longer Leivonmäki MTB ring; Tervasreitti also uses the Selänpohja trailhead network if you combine bike and hike days(2). For pets, Finnish national park practice is leash-only; confirm any local restrictions before you start(2).

Harjunkierros Trail is a 4.5 km forest loop in Leivonmäki National Park in Joutsa, Central Finland, south of Jyväskylä. The trail is one of the shortest marked circuits starting from the Selänpohja trailhead. For closures, route descriptions, and maps, use the Harjunkierros Trail page on Luontoon.fi(1). Visit Joutsa presents Leivonmäki as a year-round outdoor destination with ridge scenery, duckboards, and pine forests(2). Retkipaikka describes the park as an easy-entry network of well-marked paths with many rest spots(3). Independent walk reports add practical colour: Päiväretkellä combined Harjunkierros with Joutsniemi for a roughly 8.4 km day and notes red as the trail colour at the Selänpohja junctions(4). Polkujen Lumo walked the loop in stormy spring weather and describes red dots on trees, ridge sections between small lakes, and duckboards across wet ground(5). The loop crosses open pine forest and narrow ridge spurs with long sightlines, passes Rutajärvi shores, and runs through Lintuniemi, where there is a large lean-to with views toward the lake. About halfway round you are near Joutsniemi: Joutsniemi laavu, Joutsniemi nuotiopaikka, and the Joutsniemi liiteri-käymälä sit just off the main ring for a longer side trip; Joutsniemi polku focuses on the same peninsula if you want a short link. At Lintuniemi telttailualue you can tent where permitted under national park rules; Lintuniemi puolikota, Lintuniemen puolikota, and Lintuniemi tulipaikka 2 offer shelter and a maintained campfire spot, with dry toilets nearby at Lintuniemi käymälä. Toward the end of the circuit, Selänpohja taukokatos gives a covered break before you return to parking. The same hub serves Mäyrän kierros, Leivonmäki MTB, and Tervasreitti, and Soimalampi polku lies a short distance away for a compact add-on. Expect company on fine weekends: Päiväretkellä found Selänpohja busy by late morning, with many visitors heading straight to the lean-tos; carrying a small stove as a backup for hot food is sensible when fire sites are full(4). In national parks, make fire only at official sites and follow Metsähallitus wildfire and access notices(1).

For Metsähallitus trail facts, structures, and seasonal access notes, start from the Koskikaran kierros page on Luontoon.fi(1). Visit Jyväskylä Region pulls together the start address, parking on Rautsillantie, footwear advice, and winter behaviour of the riverside bridges(2). Retkipaikka’s long-form piece (originally from Antti and Johanna’s Yhtä luontoa blog) is worth reading for how Rutajoki’s rapids feel on the ground and how often white-throated dippers show along the water(3). Rutalahti village pages add village-level reminders—carry out all litter because there are no bins on the trail, use the mapped parking instead of the private former schoolyard, and read notices if high water closes the first bridge(4). Koskikara Trail is about 2.8 km along Rutajoki in Rutalahti; a few official listings round the same riverside walk to roughly 3.5 km(2). The trail begins from the former Koskikara school edge at Koskelantie 128: almost immediately you reach Koskikaran luontopolun keittokatos, a covered cooking spot beside the path—handy for lunch out of the rain—then the path dives into forest and follows the river past foaming rapids and quieter pools(2)(3). Boardwalks and wooden bridges help over wet ground but stay slick after rain(2). Rutalahden pallokenttä sits close to the access lane if you need a landmark for the sports-field neighbourhood. From the Porraskoski bridge area, a marked connection continues toward Soimalammen laavu for hikers who want a longer day toward the lean-to network that Rutalahden reitti also serves(3)(4). Cyclists on Tervasreitti or Valtakunnallinen pyöräilyreitti meet the same riverside corridor where the geometries join, so share the path mindfully. Koskikara Trail is an easy half-day outing when you are touring Central Finland and want moving water close to a village road.

Luupää Loop geological nature trail is an easy loop of about 2.1 km in the southern part of Leivonmäki National Park near Joutsa in Central Finland. Metsähallitus describes it as a geological nature trail through esker, mire and lake scenery, with boards along the way that explain Ice Age traces visible in the terrain(2). For current park rules and other trails in the same area, Luontoon.fi is the place to check(1). Visit Jyväskylä Region summarises visitor services, parking and how the accessible Harjujärvi shore links to this loop(3). From Kirveslampi pysäköintialue the route crosses pine forest on sandy esker, then dips into a wetter section with duckboards past small forest ponds including the Turasenlammi shoreline, and continues along wider forest tracks and sandy roads before opening onto views over Harjujärvi(4). Along the way, interpretation boards introduce topics such as kettle holes and raised bogs, glacial erratics, esker soils and groundwater filtration(2)(4). The lakeshore end of the loop clusters practical facilities: Harjujärvi keittokatos and Harjujärven puolikota for shelter and cooking, Harjujärvi, tulipaikka for a campfire, and Harjujärvi telttailualue if you are camping under canvas — see our place pages for details. The last stretch back toward the car park again crosses the forest road, so watch for vehicles(4). The full Luupään lenkki geologinen luontopolku is not barrier-free end to end, but Visit Jyväskylä Region notes that the separate Harjujärvi esteetönreitti covers about 700 m one way along the lake with accessible structures, and Outdoor Family describes that segment as continuous accessible surfacing from the Turasenlammi side toward Harjujärvi(3)(4). On the same hub you can add Kirveslammen kierros or Kirveslammen pitkospolku for towers and more bog boardwalks, walk Harjunlahti Trail toward Harjunlahden uimapaikka, or join the long western Tervasreitti (läntinen osa) for mountain biking.

Valklampi Trail is about 1.7 km as one walking segment in the Valklampi mire and pond area just outside Joutsa centre in Central Finland. Joutsan kunta maintains the wider Valklampi outdoor destination; Visit Jyväskylä Region publishes the main visitor-facing description of the full boardwalk circuit around Iso Valklampi and Pieni Valklampi, including practical notes on winter maintenance and facilities(1). The City of Joutsa lists the area among its nature highlights for guests(3). About one kilometre from the start this segment meets Valklammin pitkospolku, so it works as a short outing on its own or as a link into the longer duckboard nature trail. If you continue onto that loop, the swimming place at Valklammen uimapaikka sits along the shore itinerary—read more on our Valklammen uimapaikka page. In the same recreation area you can also pick up Joutsan kuntorata, Joutsan kuntolatu, and the regional Tervasreitti cycling route where those paths share the outdoor network. About one kilometre along, the path runs close to the Rauhalantie margin near Itä-Päijänteen rhy:n ampumarata and Joutsan ampumahiihdon harjoittelualue; stay on the marked trail and follow any local safety instructions for adjacent range use. For on-the-ground character, Luontopolkumies’ illustrated walk on Retkipaikka describes yellow paint blazes, frequent signposts, and stretches of duckboards alternating with natural path beside the ponds, plus many older themed information boards about peatland when circling Pieni Valklampi(2). The same piece notes boardwalks can be slippery when wet, a campfire spur on the west side of Iso Valklampi roughly 700 metres into the full duckboard loop, and that local runners often combine the nature trail with the nearby exercise track for extra distance(2).

This national cycling connector is about 32.3 km point-to-point across Central Finland, linking Rutalahti in Joutsa with Toivakka and continuing toward the wider Jyväskylä lakelands. It sits on the Hitonhaudan sorakierros (Goblin’s Gorge Gravel Loop), one of three Lakeland by Cycle bikepacking corridors that Visit Jyväskylä Region promotes together with quiet gravel roads, digital GPX guidance, and thousands of kilometres of linked riding(2). Visit Jyväskylä Region’s gravel and bike touring page for Central Finland summarises seasons, the three main loops, and how link routes split or extend them(3). On the Joutsa leg the same network passes Rutalahti village landscapes and onward toward Leivonmäki National Park on longer tour days; City of Joutsa summarises how the loop uses local gravel roads and points riders to Bikeland for shelters, campfire sites, and services marked on the map(1). The same corridor is drawn on Bikeland’s Hitonhauta-themed map layer for quick filtering of lean-tos and resupply hints(8). From the Koskikara–Rutalahti outdoor cluster you can warm up beside Koskikaran luontopolun keittokatos and tie in to the short Koskikaran kierros walking loop or the longer Tervasreitti bike circuit before rolling north. About 8 km into the ride, Viisarimäen Parkkipaikka gives access to Viisarimäen luontopolku and Kuivavuoren laavu on Kuivavuori—a steep marked walking line with a lake view from the lean-to, better explored on foot than in the saddle(7). Further on, Toivakka spreads services along the corridor: Paikkalanvuoren laavu and the village sports shore cluster including Toivakan uimaranta, with Perinnepolku and winter ski corridors sharing the same hub if you return in snow. Toward the northwest the line approaches cross-municipality links such as Leppälahden hiihtolatu Jyväskylä, useful context for how trail networks overlap across Jyväskylä, Joutsa and Toivakka(2)(4). Expect mostly gravel and compacted forest roads with short paved links where the published loop crosses busier rural connectors—typical of the day stages Visit Jyväskylä Region describes between Nukula, Rutalahti, Joutsa town, Tampinmylly and Toivakka(2). Seasonally, regional guidance targets late May through late September for comfortable gravel touring, with the understanding that dry midsummer roads can be dusty and shoulder-season rain softens some shoulders(1)(3). Hitonhaudan rotkolaakso itself is temporarily out of official use for safety; long-loop riders should follow current Visit Jyväskylä Region notices rather than detouring into the gorge without checking status(2)(3).

The trail is about 21.4 km as the mapped mountain-bike line through Leivonmäki National Park in Joutsa, Central Finland. Metsähallitus markets the route in English as Leivonmäki MTB and publishes the detail page on Luontoon.fi, where you should check for the latest marking notes, restrictions, and seasonal guidance before you ride(1). The brochure PDF produced in the Keski-Suomen retkeilyreitit maailmankartalle project gives the same headline story: in one day's ride you can sample central-Finnish nature from pine-topped eskers and dry heaths through wetter mire hollows, kettle holes, and clear forest ponds(2). Independent cycling notes on Bikeland describe the ride as a varied circuit from the Selänpohja parking hub—forest paths, old cart tracks, and narrow sandy roads with short duckboard crossings, plus steeper pitches where rocks and roots keep intermediate riders honest; they quote on the order of 200 metres of climbing and a highest point near 156 m(3). Visit Jyväskylä Region sums up the wider park: Harjun kierros, Mäyrän kierros, and the mountain-bike trail all fan out from Selänpohja on the shore of Rutajärvi, and Rutajärvi itself is a swimming and quiet paddling lake when conditions allow(4). A day-trip writer on Lähtöportti highlights how clearly signed the junctions feel from Selänpohja outward, how Joutsniemi's narrow esker spine opens water views on both sides above Rutajärvi, and how Lintuniemi's kota draws picnickers beside the return leg toward parking—useful colour even though that essay followed the walking loops rather than the MTB circuit(5). Along the mapped bike line you pass the Selänpohja parking cluster first, then swing past the Lintuniemi services area with kota, tent pads, a campfire spot, and dry toilets. Near kilometre five the route reaches the Joutsniemi shoreline: lean-to, shared campfire, woodshed, and dry toilet sit close together for a long break before you climb away through the forest toward the northern part of the park. The ride finishes near Soimalampi, where twin lean-tos sit almost on the track—an obvious last snack stop before you roll out. Shorter walking links such as Joutsniemi polku, Rutalahden reitti, and Soimalampi polku touch the same landmarks if friends want to mix modes. Where the bike route rejoins the wider trail hub it also meets placements for Harjun kierros, Mäyrän kierros, and the long Tervasreitti cycling link toward the Rutalahti shore—handy if you are planning a multi-day loop through the park network.

Ikäihmisille sopivia ulkokuntolaitteita.

Tasainen maasto.

Tasainen maasto.

Tasainen maasto.

80 porrasta, korkeusero 11,5 m. Ei talvikunnossapitoa.

Pienoiskiväärirata 50 m, hirvi- ja karhurata 75 m. Lisäksi skeet-rata.

Korkeus 15 m.

Lintujen lisäksi tornista voi kesäisin seurata turvetuotantoa.

Korkeus 18 m.

Kirveslammen pitkospolun varrella.