Kannaksen route, Paistjärvi recreation area, Heinola

Kannaksen route is a circular trail, with the recommended direction being counterclockwise starting from the Sonnanen parking area. When leaving the Sonnanen parking lot, follow the signs to Kannaksen route. The path is marked with yellow trail markers. The scenically impressive Kuijärvi isthmus is about 3 km from the parking area. From the narrow isthmus, you can admire the magnificent views of Saarijärvi to the east and the beauty of Kuijärvi to the west. The trail continues around Kalaton pond and returns from the Kuijärvi isthmus along the route towards the Harjulampi campfire site. It is about 5.5 km from the Sonnanen parking area to Harjulampi, and continuing from the rest spot back to Sonnanen is about 2.2 km.

A road (no. 46) branches north from Heinola town center towards Kouvola. Drive 5 km on this road and turn left onto the Mäntyharju - Heinola road (no. 4143) towards Voikoski. Drive about 20 km until there is a sign on the right for the Sonnanen parking area.

The Paistjärvi area is located east of highway 5. The distance from Heinola town center to Paistjärvi is 20 km, from Mäntyharju town center 25 km. It is about 55 km from Lahti, 63 km from Kouvola, and about 67 km from Mikkeli via Mäntyharju.

The Paistjärvi area is located east of highway 5 (E75) in the eastern part of Heinola. There is no public transport to the area.

Free parking at the Sonnanen parking area.

Paistjärvi offers excellent conditions for day trips or overnight hikes. The area has approximately 13 kilometers of marked trails. They are mostly easy to walk, but the Pirunkirkko trail has some demanding challenging sections. There are three campfire sites and one camping area. The lakes and ponds are suitable for small-scale rowing and paddling trips. The spring-water-based Sonnanen lake, known for its clear water, is popular with both swimmers and divers. Remember to follow good hiking etiquette. Read more about the Paistjärvi recreation area and trails at luontoon.fi.

If desired, you can also start the Kannaksen route from Ketturiuta, making the total length 9.8 km, or you can make a round trip detour to the Ketturiuta rest area from Kannaksen route. Along the trail, you can also detour to a short but interesting boulder loop, which goes around magnificent glacial erratics.