Register in advance for the event’s guided tours (especially water activities) and meals. Registration does not require participation, but to ensure your outdoor experience, we recommend registering for the event.

Register here

Note: Equipment rentals are made directly with the providers. Details are below.

The large (A1 size) foldable Pihlaisten outdoor trail map consolidates all the maintained trails in the area onto a single map page.

If you want to ensure a successful hiking day and support the maintenance of the Pihlajavesi trail network, order the map through the webstore. During the Wilderness Days, the map will also be available at well-stocked local shops, including Pihlajavesi Kauppala and the Karansalmi village hall.

Price: 15 €

On Saturday

• Island Tour on Pihlaisselkä:
• Departure from Sahanranta at 10:00 AM. The tour includes guided paddling through the landscapes of Kaunissaaret and Pöllösensaari, along with stories about the life and history of Pihlaisselkä. Enjoy coffee brewed over a campfire on an island. Duration: 4 hours. Price 25 €.
• Equipment rental: Wilderness Guide Markku Jokela, phone: 040-5442976.
• Canoeing to the Wilderness Church Evening Service:
• Departure from Sahanranta at 8:30 PM, with the evening service at 9:15 PM.
• Price: 10 € / person. Register here
• Route length: approx. 3 km round trip. On the return, there is an option for extended moonlight paddling.
• Equipment rental: Wilderness Guide Markku Jokela, phone: 040-5442976.

On Sunday

• Children’s Canoeing to Koipijoki:
• Children’s canoeing to Koipijoki at 12:00 PM (adults can join). Price: 5 €/ child, 10 €/ adult. Departure from Sahanranta.
• Equipment rental: Wilderness Guide Markku Jokela, phone: 040-5442976.

Hiking:

• Trail Of The Old Church: The 8.5 km loop can be shortened for younger family members by walking from Sahanranta to the Wilderness Church and back, totaling approximately 4.5 km. Parking is available at the event parking area in Koipikangas.
• Moonlight Walk: Depart from Sahanranta to the Wilderness Church for the evening service on Saturday at 8:30 PM. Bring your own lights. The round trip is about 4.5 km.
• Purola Nature Trail: 400 m long nature trail and visit to Common Juniper Of Koivuranta (700 m).
• Korpikirjasto Tour: Includes the nature trail ”with nearby libraries” (4 km).

Individual Attractions and Other Sights:

• Wilderness Church aka The Old Church Of Pihlajavesi: Visit the old church and the nearby church canal, which is about 250 m from the church. Parking is available at the church parking area.
• Kuuskoski: Drive to the end of Kuuskoskentie and take a short walk to the lean-to and riverbank, 1-2 km.
• Kankikota: Drive to Kankikota and walk 100 m to Kankimylly.
• From Karansalmi Village Hall to Kokinkota and back: A 2 km walk.
• Korpikirjasto Library Café: Storytime for children at 1:30 PM on Saturday and Sunday (20 minutes). Stories of animals in the surrounding forests. (No charge)
• Korpikirjasto Animal Yard: Petting sheep available on Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 AM–4:00 PM.

Canoeing:

• Equipment Rental on Saturday from Sahanranta: Contact Wilderness Guide Markku Jokela, phone: 040-5442976.
• Children’s Canoeing to Koipijoki: At 12:00 PM (adults can join). Price: 5 €/ child, 10 € / adult. Departure from Sahanranta. Equipment rental by Wilderness Guide Markku Jokela, phone: 040-5442976.
• Moonlight Canoeing to the Wilderness Church: Saturday at 8:30 PM (guided). Register here

Swimming and Sauna:

• Child-Friendly Beach: Available at Sahanranta.
• Leirisaari Sauna: Heated on Saturday from 2:00 PM–4:00 PM.
• Other Swimming Spots: See the ”Swimming” section.

Other Activities:

• Karaoke at Sahanranta: Starting at 2:00 PM on Saturday. Karaoke host Tapani Lintula. The kiosk is open until 10:00 PM. You can also grill your own food at the grill shelter.
• Football Croquet at Karhulankylä Worker’s Hall Field: Saturday and Sunday from 12:00 PM–3:00 PM.

Soup Kitchen at Karansalmi:

• Saturday: Serving of minced meat soup from 12:00 PM–3:00 PM.
• Price: 10 € per person. Register here

Sahanranta Café:

• Opening Hours: Saturday from 10:00 AM–10:00 PM.
• Available: Coffee, refreshments, doughnuts, ham and cheese sandwiches, rye bread with egg and anchovies, skillet pancakes with jam and whipped cream, grilled sausages, chocolate bars, licorice, and candy. Gluten-free options available.
• Grill Shelter: Located at the beach for grilling your own food.
• After 6:00 PM: Snacks and refreshments for the evening event.
• Address: Sahantie 68, 42910 Pihlajavesi

Korpikirjasto Café:

• Opening Hours: 10:00 AM–4:00 PM.
• Available: Coffee, tea, soft drinks, juice, ice cream, and light snacks. Sauna available by prior arrangement. Animals such as chickens and sheep on site.
• Address: Kala-aitankallio 30, 42910 Pihlajavesi

Vicarage Waffle Café:

• Opening Hours: Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 AM–4:00 PM.
• Features: Open house, flea market, and pop-up waffle café at the Pihlajavesi parsonage.
• Address: Koipikankaantie 1025, 42910 Pihlajavesi

Picnic Supplies and Refreshments:

• Pihlajaveden Kauppala: Open Saturday and Sunday from 11:00 AM–3:00 PM.
• Karansalmi Village Hall: Open Saturday and Sunday from 9:00 AM–4:00 PM.

Rest Stops Along the Trails:

• Kankikota: Along the Kontioreitti trail (bring your own food).
• Kuuskoski Shelter: On the Kuuskoski trail, with fire-cooked food available for sale on Saturday from 10:00 AM–2:00 PM.
• Pihlaiskoski Shelter: (Bring your own food).
• Kaunissaari Fire Pit: (Bring your own food).
• Leirisaari Grill Site: (Bring your own food).
• Sahanranta Grill Site: Fire-cooked food available for sale at the café on Saturday from 10:00 AM–10:00 PM.
• Valkeinen Swimming Beach Fire Pit

B&B Accommodation at Pihlajaveden Vicarage:

• Location: Princess’s and/or Servant’s Room In Väentupa.
• Includes: Two bedrooms with double beds, a fully equipped kitchen, and a bathroom. Lakeside sauna available upon request.
• Contact: 040 555 0419.

Spend the Night in a Tree!

• Location: Pihlajaveden Asema.
• Option: Two Tentsile tree tents available for rent during Erämaapäivät.
• Booking: Reserve online.

Rental Cabin Huili:

• Location: Near Pihlajaveden Railway Station.
• Description: A small rental cabin perfect for overnight stays, regardless of weather conditions.
• Booking: Reserve Huili for Erämaapäivät.

Camping at Sahanranta:

• ”Hammock Hotel”: Hammock setup at your own risk. Location will be designated nearby. Self-camping is also allowed.
• RV Parking: Available without services.

Pöllösensaari and Kaunissaari:

• Ownership: Community-owned islands managed by the local fishing community.
• Pöllösensaari: Best for sleeping in a hammock. Includes a sauna building freely available.
• Kaunissaari: Popular hiking destination with a shelter equipped with bunk beds for 4 people. Also has a freely accessible sauna building.

Tiedetila:

• 24/7 Accommodation: Available at Tiedetila.
• Contact: 041 460 3491.

Korpikirjasto:

• Accommodation: Stay among books in a cultural environment.
• Contact: 040 872 7414.

Other Accommodation Options in the Keurusseutu Area:

• Visit Keuruu
• Kuusijärven Lomamökit
• Erkki Tiensuu Oy: Offers detached house accommodation in Karansalmi. Read more here.

Swimming Beaches in the Event Area:

• Valkeinen Beach (pdf):
  • Address: Koipikankaantie 586, 42800 Haapamäki (Google Maps)
• Karansalmi Beach (pdf):
  • Address: Ähtärintie 999, 42930 Katajamäki (Google Maps)
    
• Sahanranta Beach (pdf):
  • Address: Sahantie 68, 42910 Pihlajavesi (Google Maps)
• Valkeajärvi Beach (pdf)::
  • Address:  Valkeajärventie 736, 42910 Pihlajavesi (Google Maps)
    

Other Washing Facilities:

• Karansalmi: Swimming and shower facilities available on Saturday and Sunday from 9 AM to 3 PM.
• Leirisaari: Sauna available on Saturday from 2 PM to 4 PM. Swimming is also possible on the island.
• Korpikirjasto: Sauna and shower available on Saturday and Sunday from 1 PM to 4 PM. Sauna access by prior arrangement.
• Kuusijärvi Holiday Cabins: Non-stop sauna on Saturday from 2 PM to 6 PM. Address: Kuusijärventie 365 A, 42930 Katajamäki

Download the 112 app to your phone and keep your GPS turned on while hiking. Through the app, emergency services can see your location.

Instructions in Case of Emergency:

1. Call 112: No need for a dialing code.
2. Describe the Situation: Report whether it is an accident or a medical emergency.
3. Provide Location Details: Give the exact location, address, and directions to the site. The rescue services have information on the routes, so try to specify which route you are on and the last identifiable landmark you passed.
4. Number of Patients: Inform how many people are injured or need help.
5. Danger to Life: Indicate if anyone is in life-threatening danger.
6. Follow Instructions: Listen carefully to instructions, answer questions, and hang up only after receiving permission to do so.
7. Stay Calm and Clear: A calm and clear emergency report ensures faster assistance.

Important Phone Numbers:

Event Coordinator:
Heli Peltola Phone: 040-8272753

Emergency Services – Sahanranta Area:
Phone: 050-5282437

Emergency Services – Karansalmi Village Hall:
Phone: 045-3102058

Transport for the Exhausted:
For minor injuries, fatigue, or broken bikes, use the organizer’s support vehicle.
Phone: 050-4680126

For serious cases, contact 112 directly (see first aid instructions).

The Pihlajavesi area offers a variety of attractions. Explore Pihlajavesi’s services and sights through our website.

Here are some highlights you shouldn’t miss:

• The Old Church Of Pihlajavesi (address: Erämaakirkontie 221, 42910 Pihlajavesi ). This charming and intriguing church has captivated visitors for nearly four centuries. During the event, the church will be open from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM, with an evening service at 9:15 PM. Remember to bring your own lamp for outdoor lighting, as the evenings are getting darker in August.
• Pönttöpuisto. This park is a remnant of the former Pihlajavesi railway park, which was once a well-maintained and beautifully landscaped park. Today, it’s a bird hotel, with numerous personalized birdhouses placed by locals. Purchase your own birdhouse at Kauppala!
• Pihlajavesi Local Museum Learn about the local history of Pihlajavesi. The museum is open during the event on Saturday from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM and on Sunday from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM.
• Korpikirjasto and Library Café Open Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM. The animal yard here is a popular attraction for visitors. Korpikirjasto features a 4 km nature trail, complete with boardwalks through stunning swamp landscapes. Along the way, you can stop to read books at ”side libraries” located at rest benches.
• Disc Golf Course Located near Koipikanka, close to Sahanranta.
• Swimming Areas: Sahanranta beach and the swimming dock at Karansalmi Village Hall.
• Tiedetila Open from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Tiedetila offers various experiences and activities during the event, including its computer museum.
• The Best Fishing Spots can be found in the Pihlaiskoski fishing area, a great destination for a self-guided excursion in the river landscape.
• Snack and Refreshments available at Kauppala and Karansalmi Village Hall.

The side events are organized by Pihlajavesi and Karimo village associations, Korpikirjasto, Tiedetila, Eräopas Jokela, Keuruun Latu, Keurusseudun Luonnonystävät, Polku.Guru, Keuruun Museo, Keuruun Seurakunta, and the Department of Leisure Activities.

If you wish to join the event as a partner, please contact Leisure Manager Heli Peltola at 040-8272753.