Travel
There’s plenty to see and do in Heinola for visitors of all ages. There are hills and knolls, ponds and lakes, marshes and fields, bluffs and forests. Holidaymakers can explore many walking trails of varying lengths, swimming beaches, playgrounds, the bird sanctuary and museums. Leisure service providers offer many different types of accommodation as well as a range of different activities.
You can see and experience the beauty of the lakeland landscape right in the centre of Heinola. There is an area of unspoilt forest near the centre, which extends as far as the southern part of Heinola. Spacious parks with large poplar trees, flowerbeds and sculptures will offer you a moment of relaxation during your visit.
From the city’s harbour, you can depart on a 4 ½-hour cruise to Lahti. At the bird sanctuary, you can stop and visit Paco, the chatty parrot, who can imitate human speech as well as sounds from the animal world. See if Paco’s “echo” works with you!
There is a permanent photo exhibition at the water tower. The city centre boasts half a dozen museums, as well as a summer theatre, library and several swimming beaches. And don’t forget to check out the indoor ice rink, swimming centre and bowling alleys too.
In southern Heinola, you will find pine forests with wild blueberries and lingonberries to pick. The Sport Institute of Finland offers a wide range of sporting activities. The new 18-hole golf course, opened in summer 2006, offers fresh challenges to players, in addition to the other 18- and 9-hole courses. And people of all ages can enjoy the walking paths and cross-country skiing trails of different lengths.
The “Natura” area to the north of Heinola is home to fantastic walking and hiking terrain. Paths, guideposts and lean-to huts are easy to find. Crystal-clear lakes with sandy bottoms invite you to go swimming, canoeing and rowing. The impressive Pirunkirkko Cave, located under a large shelf of a rock, is also in this area.
The Saksala adventure centre offers visitors new, exciting experiences. And in the wilderness at Piimäkallio you can enjoy a cookout in a rustic hut.
Heinola is also one of Finland’s most popular summer holiday areas. When the springtime sun starts to melt the snow, the first 3,000 summer cottage residents are already here in Heinola.